Opinion - AC or DC to new cockpit TV?

gerryb

gerryb

Well-Known Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
Oct 12, 2006
1,974
Somers Point, NJ
Boat Info
"On Vacation"
2006 40 Sundancer
Raymarine E125 & HD Radar + Garmin 5208
Engines
QSB5.9 380 Cummins
After initial investigation, turns out that I'll be running power to a new Cockpit TV that is capable of 12vdc or AC power. I was going to run a 12v line but wonder if there's and advantage to one vs the other? Any thoughts on which is preferable? We spend 95% of our time at the dock. Very rarely would anyone be interested in watching TV when we were anchored out (plus we would likely be running the Genny). Nonetheless, seems like 12v would be preferred (easier to install).
 
I think you hit it on the "easier to install" part using 12V. Also, not having to install and outlet in the arch would probably be preferrable. If you are running back to a Satellite TV receiver in the cabin, you may want to consider using rapid run cable (link will follow). This allows you to run a single cable from Point A to B and you can install a lead or jack on each end to suit your needs. I think this is a great solution for running Component or HDMI from the cabin to cockpit. http://www.rapidrun.com/categories.asp?cat_id=8841001
 
Gerry,

When I was doing the same project on my 320DA I decided to run dedicated 12VDC line hooked up to a 400W-800W peak inverter. This worked out very well for several reasons:
1. I didn't need to run monster cables. If My memory serves me right I ran either #12 or #10 from ER DC panel breaker to the inverter under the sink cabinet.
2. The inverter allowed me to choose nice TV with built in DVD, which was 110AC.
3. Even though being on the small side, the inverter was able to give enough power to run the TV and any other small electronics like laptops, cell phone chargers, etc.

All in all I was happy with the solution as mine worked for about 3yrs without a glitch providing the convenience of various usage.
 
DC - Always available. All LCD screens run on 12V DC. Anything else is transitioning back and forth.
 
12V DC. Easier, safer, more efficient than inverting.
 
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