Advice on a "Plug & Play" Digital Antenna and Remote Spot Light

[TJM0901]

These questions apply to a 2005 300 DA.

Can anyone offer advice on a "plug & play" (ie little to no tech work required) on a digital antenna and remote spot light?

For the antenna, is there a model that simply just replaces the analog one that is on now which is mounted on top of the arch? I know there is some type of adjustment knob in a small storage cabinet under where the TV is in the forward berth. Not sure if this impacts my decision?

I also want to add a remote spot light this season. I don't want to go crazy because i only expect to have the boat one for season before moving up. Is there any models easier to intall than other (sorry not very handy)? Is there a pre wire harness of some sort in the windless compartment up front or do i need to run the wires all the way back to the panel?

ANY advice is greatly appericated.

T.J.
tj.martucci@yahoo.com

2005 300 DA

 

[hack4alivin]

The antenna you currently have on that boat should already be capable of receiving digital broadcast. I know mine was, and there was no need to change it. It is the TV tuner that needs to be digital.

As far as the remote spotlight is concerned you may be better of buying a handheld unit. They are a lot easier of getting the light where you want it versus using the remote on the dash. A whole lot cheaper too.

 

[Tacoma290]

Hack is right on the ant/tuner. I added one of the digital to analog set top boxes, and it works great.

 

[TJM0901]

Where does the TV Tuner or digital to analog set top boxes go? On the back of the TV? Who makes it? Is it expense?

Thanks SO much.

PS Bill - LOVE the red hull

 

[hack4alivin]

You can buy those things anywhere now, and they range from 40 to 60 dollars. Radio Shack, or do a Google search on “Digital Converters”. You should be able to mount it on or very close to your existing TV, keeping in mind that the converter is now the TV tuner and you will have a new remote for it so line of sight to the tuner is important. I know there are multiple postings here on the application of the digital converter, try doing a search here for some ideas on mounting. Some CSR members here have opted to change the entire TV to the newer flat screen models that are already digital compatible.

You need to consider that most are 110 VAC powered, which would mean you need AC to watch TV and unless you have a generator that would be a problem when not at the dock.

I am sure some others will jump in here with recommendations on the best digital converter.
So stay tuned to this channel for further developments.:thumbsup:

 

[TJM0901]

thanks for the great feedback. I'm all new to this as you can tell. You guys are always so helpful.

 

[dpmulvey]

You can buy those things anywhere now, and they range from 40 to 60 dollars. Radio Shack, or do a Google search on “Digital Converters”. You should be able to mount it on or very close to your existing TV, keeping in mind that the converter is now the TV tuner and you will have a new remote for it so line of sight to the tuner is important. I know there are multiple postings here on the application of the digital converter, try doing a search here for some ideas on mounting. Some CSR members here have opted to change the entire TV to the newer flat screen models that are already digital compatible.

You need to consider that most are 110 VAC powered, which would mean you need AC to watch TV and unless you have a generator that would be a problem when not at the dock.

I am sure some others will jump in here with recommendations on the best digital converter.
So stay tuned to this channel for further developments.:thumbsup:

My converter uses a transformer. I don't know what the output from the transformer. I would imagine there is a way to step down 12 VDC to X VDC. My TV OTOH is original so I have to run the gennie regardless! I am waiting to find the proper flat panel to mount in the cabin. A requirement is AC/DC capable.

 

[hack4alivin]

My converter uses a transformer. I don't know what the output from the transformer. I would imagine there is a way to step down 12 VDC to X VDC. My TV OTOH is original so I have to run the gennie regardless! I am waiting to find the proper flat panel to mount in the cabin. A requirement is AC/DC capable.

Most of the converters do have the transformer / power supply on the plug. I personally do not know what the output is, could be A/C or it could very well be DC. Either way it should be stamped on the power plug somewhere.

 

[Alegria]

I am waiting to find the proper flat panel to mount in the cabin. A requirement is AC/DC capable.

Dave,

Got one mounted on ours. It is a 15" digital/ DVD combo that is DC. Got it at overstock.com for $259 and free shipping. Looks like it dropped in price. Mounts right on the sliding wood pull out and fits flush when stowed in the cut out. It is of course a bit lower then the old unit but they all are.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronic...creen-LCD-HDTV-DVD-Combo/3848727/product.html

Ours was bounced around all season and the kids watched a DVD's the whole way back from Cambridge when we went down there with Bill for Labor day. I did not run a dedicated 12V line to it. I got a 12V extention male to female from radio shack and run that over the galley to it when we want to watch TV on DC.

Only down side to any LCD is viewing angle. The kids can't see it from the aft berth. Also viewing from the forward berth is OK once you adjust the brightness up...

 

[Tacoma290]

My converter is 110v. On shore power, use an outlet. On the hook, we have an inexpensive inverter, with a plug type fitting that is permanently pig-tailed off the 12v line that serves the TV.

 

[hack4alivin]

My converter is 110v. On shore power, use an outlet. On the hook, we have an inexpensive inverter, with a plug type fitting that is permanently pig-tailed off the 12v line that serves the TV.

Agreed, this is a good way to go. Even the small A/C inverters will provide 100 watts, which is generally enough for the TV as well as the converter. Plus you have the added benefit of having the A/C power for other small appliances that would take less than the rated power of the inverter. I have a small one, 100 watts, got it at West Marine for about 20 dollars or so. I use it to power up a rope light when I feel like, as Brett would say, “Pimping out” the boat!:thumbsup:

 

[Alegria]

Agreed, this is a good way to go. Even the small A/C inverters will provide 100 watts, which is generally enough for the TV as well as the converter. Plus you have the added benefit of having the A/C power for other small appliances that would take less than the rated power of the inverter. I have a small one, 100 watts, got it at West Marine for about 20 dollars or so. I use it to power up a rope light when I feel like, as Brett would say, “Pimping out” the boat!:thumbsup:

I like those rope lights... NOW that inverter will it be able to power the new 26" flat screen? When are you putting in the Bose 321 system to go along with it????

 

[SydneySeaRaySteve]

For the light - have a look at

www.golight.com

They have a few cordless remote spotlights so you only need to get power to it.

They seem to have a great range of products with many options remotes & mounts.

never used one - but they look ok !

 

[hack4alivin]

I like those rope lights... NOW that inverter will it be able to power the new 26" flat screen? When are you putting in the Bose 321 system to go along with it????

Tom,
I already have the audio output from that TV plugged into the auxiliary inputs of the Clarion. It will crank pretty good, especially when I am watching a concert DVD. :thumbsup:

Actually I can use that inverter for the TV, which is why I mounted the AC supply socket for it where I did under the helm. It is easy to just unplug the TV from that socket and plug it into the inverter.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your familly.

 

[arcticspud]

Can you post some pics of how you mounted it please?

Dave,

Got one mounted on ours. It is a 15" digital/ DVD combo that is DC. Got it at overstock.com for $259 and free shipping. Looks like it dropped in price. Mounts right on the sliding wood pull out and fits flush when stowed in the cut out. It is of course a bit lower then the old unit but they all are.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronic...creen-LCD-HDTV-DVD-Combo/3848727/product.html

Ours was bounced around all season and the kids watched a DVD's the whole way back from Cambridge when we went down there with Bill for Labor day. I did not run a dedicated 12V line to it. I got a 12V extention male to female from radio shack and run that over the galley to it when we want to watch TV on DC.

Only down side to any LCD is viewing angle. The kids can't see it from the aft berth. Also viewing from the forward berth is OK once you adjust the brightness up...

 

[Creekwood]

I installed a remote spot (Jabsco 6in) last summer. Running the wires back from the pulpit to the helm wasn't too bad. I was able to use an electrician metal wire fish tape from the anchor locker back along the starboard side with some fiddling to get it past the closet up front and then thru the cabinets. Then up inside to the helm. I had to extend the stock wire by a splice in the middle. Its a nice unit. The remote has a pan/scan feature that is good for finding reflective buoys when you are not sure exactly where they are.