How to connect a Mains TV direct to 12v DC - Off Grid Living

[@GregVirgoe]

You can buy a 12v to 19v DC Converter using this link www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=12+v+to+19+vdc+converter&_sacat=0&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1 The TV aerial we use is an AUGUST DTA240 high gain Freeview aerial with a magnetic base like the ones on this link www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=august+dta240&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_dmd=2&rt=nc&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1 Our mobile internet we get using an EE sim fitted into a NETGEAR NIGHTHAWK mobile router. www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=netgear+nighthawk+m2&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=netgear+nighthawk+m1&_osacat=0&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5338027957&toolid=11800&mkevt=1 If you like our videos please do subscribe to the channel, it's free and a great way of saying thanks

[@dandeeteeyem2170]

Nice one bruvvah 👍😁

[@simelanem]

👌🏾 so glad I bumped into this, I’m from South Africa and our Electricity supplier is useless, I was thinking of running all the smaller electronics on Solar, now I know exactly what to do

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m glad it has helped you 😃

[@techman8095]

Very efficient way to power the TV. More people should do this. Nice job!

[@paulmills1605]

Great video, there's one thing about your presentations, they don't faff and explain the whole process from start to finish, unlike some who click bait and don't. We'll done

[@GregVirgoe]

Straight forward and to the point glad you liked it. 👍🏼😃

[@captkev55]

Greetings from Australia. What a great video, really well explained. I live in my caravan and tour around the country.Using my laptop through the inverter is a pain. The laptop is also 19v DC. So I have followed your instructions and the laptop is now working off the caravans 12v system. I'm really chuffed. Thank you very much.👍

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

Good to know. You must have a lot of courage or trust in your motoring skills to use the super sharp knife on such a beautiful table. 😳

[@ian_morg]

I winced at that one too having watched all the build videos 😂😂😬😬

[@flyonthewall7026]

Seriously Greg.... you're like a version of The A-Team for Vanlife....💪👍

[@clearprop]

This was really useful, Greg. I had no idea some mains TVs actually ran on DC and 12v TVs can be expensive. Thanks as always - you are the 'go to' source of info for me. 😁👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes most things for camper-vans are very overpriced. I guess they think if you can afford an expensive motorhome you can afford to pay more for normal items. 🤔🥴

[@Dickie2702]

​@GregVirgoe add the word mar8ne and you multiply the price by 10😢😢😢

[@johnjennings6352]

Greg you have just saved me from buying a 12v tv as I have Samsung, will now get a transformer great.

[@GregVirgoe]

You are welcome good luck mate 👍🏼

[@papasova674]

Everything off grid should be run like this, excellent video!

[@glynatmore1817]

Hi Greg Yet another ripping blog. As time moves on you always seem to look younger. Thank you for all your time & efforts. Kind regards Glyn

[@paulluggar5964]

Have a look at 'car charger for laptop' and for £10 you get a multi voltage 80W adaptor with loads of plugs for your kit. Very easy and cheap way to do this! Good to see you doing vidsxagain Greg. 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes you can do that also 👍🏼😊

[@jimb7406]

I tried one of those laptop adapters and it conked out within 1 hour. Didn't bother sending it back. Greg's transformer looks much more robust. Greg - you did screw it to the bulkhead I hope.

[@paulluggar5964]

@@jimb7406 I would think you had a faulty one? It's only a DC-DC circuit, as simple as it gets! Mines 2005 vintage and still going strong. 💪

[@jimb7406]

@@paulluggar5964 They don't make them like they used to it seems! The one I had was one of the multi voltage outputs depending on the jack that you use. Also had the retracting coiled up cable so plenty of scope for broken wire or bad connections. Ive got a 12v TV in my van now.

[@Biondo30Hz]

Hi Greg, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am about to finish my Sprinter Van conversion (it is exactly like yours, but in red) and...well... I ended up copying 95% of your layout, I was quite clueless and your series helped me so much! If you ever come to Barcelona in the next months, I would love to offer you and your lady a dinner :) thank you again!

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m really pleased to hear this and so happy that the videos have helped you. Thank you for your generous offer too 👍🏼😃

[@chriscrook7511]

Yet another really useful video, thanks for sharing. Take a look at the Wago lever connectors for joining your cables, they really are game changers. The slight cost increase over the terminal blocks is minimal when compared with the quality of the connection. Keep the vids coming pal. Their great.

[@GregVirgoe]

It was the only thing I had in the van at the time. Did say it was temporary 🥴👍🏼

[@F1McLarenFan]

I only stumbled across your channel yesterday Greg, and very thankful I did. Working my way through your how toos and knowledge. Absolutely brilliant! Thank you again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@GregVirgoe]

Where have you been all these years 😆😃 welcome aboard I’m sure you’ll find loads of useful stuff here 🤩

[@praisebewibble]

Thank you for this demo I was thinking of running my mini computer straight from the 12v . Really clear demo. Nice one.

[@GregVirgoe]

Just check the input voltage to the pc. I have the same mini pc and ran it with a voltage regulator 👍🏼😃

[@andrewal410]

Thanks Greg, we are building a new house with a lot of solar power and I have been pondering on how to pull a dc circuit from the batteries for all the tech. This answers my questions, Fab!

[@GregVirgoe]

Going off grid at home with the rise in fuel prices is the way to go and will save you a fortune 👍🏼😃

[@alanfoix9911]

I been living in auto's for over 20 years. Ya the first one I have came across, that has any common sense when it comes to conserve power. I run every thing on 12 volts DC. I see converter's as a big waste of power. Great video. Peace ✌️

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s taken me a few years of living off grid to realise this is the way forward.

[@alanfoix9911]

@@GregVirgoe I agree. Peace ✌️

[@Stoopheadfred]

Hey Greg, great setup and video! I actually bought all the pieces to do this, but then realized there is another (much easier) way. There are adapters that will convert USB-C to the correct size for the TV. You can then use a 65w PD compatible charger to provide the correct voltage. The adapters were less than $3, and I already had the USB-C cable and power source.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes, I also found that you can buy 12v cigarette plug - 19v DC adapters pre made online for under £8 sold as car adapters. 👍🏼😊

[@adrianlusty5409]

@Greg Virgoe Hi Greg, would you have a link u could send me for this adapter so I make sure I get tge correct one

[@johnlivingston9217]

Link please?

[@31Daca]

Link would be helpful. Thankyou!

[@Z1212Z-X]

Any old laptops charger converts ac to 19v dc output. I wonder if that would work for you if you choose to use your invertor??

[@owenparker6651]

Very useful video Greg! Anytime you can cut an invertor out of the loop, you're way ahead of the game... Thanks very much for sharing!

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it.

[@owenparker6651]

@@GregVirgoe Greg, I was wondering... if you had two 19v devices (monitor & laptop) would you need two of the convertors or could you use one for both. It's not so much a cost issue as trying to keep the 'closet' as clean as possible. I would guess one would do it but I'm skittish af when it comes to electrical stuff. I'd hate to blow up my laptop in an experiment! :)

[@GregVirgoe]

@@owenparker6651 I think my laptop is 19.5v and double the power in watts. Not sure what difference the 0.5v would make but I guess it’s pretty critical to it working right.

[@owenparker6651]

@@GregVirgoe Mine all say 19.5v as well, Greg. I totally missed that or wanted to miss it, maybe! :)

[@GregVirgoe]

@@owenparker6651 search for 12v laptop charger on eBay there will be a lot that come up quite cheap just check the power rating in watts

[@chrisneville7310]

Computer monitors are great as well, paired with an android box you have so many options. The 12v TV's I looked poor and the energy efficiency was rated at grade C using about 40 watts.

[@byfunkyoid2917]

That’s the way I’ve gone. Way better efficiency and I just use a raspberry pi.

[@goranekman8042]

I am an old farmer in Sweden . We got an RV built on a -83 Ford Transit diesel . In my world is one of the point with our RV no TV. Like your channel. Göran i Björnarbo

[@GregVirgoe]

But for me being a social media creator I need it for KZbin and as we live full time it’s our home. So to keep up on news etc. I guess you have a tv in your house?

[@bacilluscereus1299]

Thanks for this. 👍 Trying to get a low-voltage DC system off the ground and 'Mains TV direct to 12v DC' is a big consideration.

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s a great solution to be off grid

[@eddvanlife7396]

Good job Greg. Early in my build I bought the Cello 12v. But if it needs replacing I will get a small smart tv that gives me plenty of option to change to same size. Incidentally I ran a trial on what the Jackery 500 would give me running telly and it was 20 hours. I can run direct from leisure batteries but prefer to use as much solar energy as possible. Thanx 4 Sharing.

[@GregVirgoe]

Those power banks are a good all in one solution apart from being a bit expensive 🤔😊

[@sleepingwarrior4618]

If more people realised they could do this (and how) we wouldn't really even need 230v in our homes. Most appliances don't need so much power. Great video.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes with the increase in fuel prices going off grid at home is the way forward 😃

[@sleepingwarrior4618]

@@GregVirgoe I totally agree

[@pacmania1982]

I was tempted to do this, but Lidl had an offer on for a 24" Sharp TV so I bought that and saved myself the hassle. Still - another great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for watching 👍🏼😊

[@philtucker1224]

Thanks Greg, I have a fair bit of electrical knowledge but never knew about the low voltage running on some smart tvs. Many thanks for sharing 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

You’re welcome 😃

[@adamgrace5973]

Another great video from Greg. Keep the posts coming mate, love to watch them👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Adam. I’ve got a few of these in the pipeline.

[@CORRIGEEN71]

Brilliant I was just about to buy a 12 v tv now I’ll just get an inverter Tks again

[@GregVirgoe]

what i'm trying to do is not use the inverter and replace it with this boost converter as the TV that I have only needs 19v DC and not mains electric. Hope that makes sense.

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

Good information. You can also get a buck converter for 24v from 12v to run CPAPs. Some companies charge $500 for a small lithium battery when you can build your own off grid camping CPAP supply with a 12v battery for $100

[@GregVirgoe]

We should all be looking at this with the rise in energy bills

[@malcolmhead2852]

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while Thank you for showing us how !

[@GregVirgoe]

You’re welcome

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Cheers to you and Lou, Greg. Looking forward to upcoming videos. Always great stuff.

[@GregVirgoe]

We really appreciate your continued support John 🙏🏼😊

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

@@GregVirgoe Always Greg! One of these days, I'll buy you and Lou a beverage, either on your side of the Pond or mine.

[@SamandCatsAdventures]

Planning on doing a Van conversation very soon and this is a too tip. Thanks Greg 👍🏼

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s a great solution to get a better quality tv without inverter.

[@SamandCatsAdventures]

@@GregVirgoe might be calling on your vids for some more tips in the near future, when the van prices come down a bit that is.

[@Improveng1]

Greg, that was superb, showing us exactly what you did and the rationale behind it. It's a huge thumbs-up and a sub from me...and loads of respect from Derbyshire. Look forward to seeing more of your channel.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Stan and there are loads more videos like this here

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Well explained of a great idea to have a smart TV in your campervan Greg......stay safe......thanks for sharing

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Ian, much appreciated 👍🏼😃

[@RoaminRob]

Might do this with my van, can't believe you was cutting on top of your work surface!! Lol

[@GregVirgoe]

The knife never touched the table and after 4 yrs of use it’s covered in scratches 😂😃

[@AB-C1]

Great video Gregg. Cheers from London 👍😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 😊

[@tonyworkswood]

Hi Greg, that's brilliant. You don't know of these easy fixes when mains 240V AC is involved. Thanks for sharing. Tony

[@tonyworkswood]

Just forwarded this tip and your channel on to my sister as she's doing a self build Citroën van, camper conversion right now. Cheers again.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@tonyworkswood thank you very much for the recommendation 😃

[@northeastcarpfishing]

I bought one last week works great cheers Greg im not really bothered about power drain when not in use as van gets used daily and battery dont drop much anyways even with 12v fridge on 24/7

[@GregVirgoe]

I would imagine it is close to nothing at all 😃

[@northeastcarpfishing]

@@GregVirgoe I have fridge router and TV on standby and all my victron running 24/7 it only drops a few % overnight nothing to worry about

[@GregVirgoe]

@@northeastcarpfishing I agree if your system can handle it no problem

[@jasonbroom7147]

Very cool stuff! It's surprising how many electronic devices work this way, making them very inefficient when used in either off-grid or mobile situations, where an inverter is used to convert AC to DC power. It would be interesting to see a future where more DC power is generated from local solar or wind sources and then used directly with DC appliances. This results in a single, more efficient conversion, from the source current to that required by the device.

[@GregVirgoe]

Absolutely agree with you and local off grid setup at home can save you fortunes with these rising energy costs. 👍🏼😃

[@jasonbroom7147]

@drswan - Depends entirely on your definition of "local", doesn't it? Rooftop solar is the most obvious example, but smaller wind turbines and microhydro make a lot of sense, in the right situations. Stepping down from 11kv transmissions lines, to 240/120, then stepping down again to whatever DC voltage an appliance actually runs on is very inefficient. By comparison, what I'm proposing is LESS inefficient, if that's how you want to look at it. Also, it's not just theory, because some people are already doing it...quite successfully. If people keep thinking the way you do, we'll never realize these benefits?

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@GregVirgoe - I believe grid-scale power is going to price themselves right out of a market, in some places. If people saw what other countries are doing to reduce the demands put on electrical grids, they'd be more open-minded about the possibilities.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@drswan - Once the solar input is run to your battery, distribution inside of your structure or vehicle is not 30m. In many cases, that run is more like 10 meters, especially if the system is designed and installed properly. How much do you pay, over the course of time, for the electric company to run that line to your meter? The established way of doing things is designed to be safe, but also to be profitable for large industries. There are DC alternatives available for many of the common electrical devices we use and given that the grid is failing in many places, due to poor maintenance and design, wouldn't it be wise for consumers to understand and implement solutions that are entirely within their control?

[@chrisbroom8418]

A great video as usual like all of yours. Would never have known TV ran on DC.

[@GregVirgoe]

Some are like mine with external transformers and some larger ones have it built inside so not possible

[@rallycorsa1600]

Nice one Greg, I knew that plenty of TVs are low voltage so we bought a 24" LG last week but I had assumed it was 12v. Probably would had me scratching my head when it didn't work, I have ordered a voltage converter today.

[@GregVirgoe]

Just check the input voltage on the back and make sure it’s dc 👍🏼😃

[@truegamer2819]

wow this is smart thinking about the 12v to the 19v, something i would do if i had to take a step further, love your video, this is very inspiring to watch 😁

[@northeastcarpfishing]

That's me checking what voltage my TV is in van cheers greg

[@GregVirgoe]

It’s the way forward mate 👍🏼😃

[@arthurkettle3010]

Perfectly explained as always...nice one Greg...very handy walkthrough

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Arthur, glad you liked it 👍🏼😃

[@herethereandelsewhere1941]

A lot of devices can be charged directly through that 12/19v converter. I've been charging my laptop like this for years. Bought a converter on AliExpress and it does the job! Didn't know some TVs could be the same though. 👍👍👍

[@douglasdickson6986]

Isn't that aliexpress in USA? Do you have to pay taxes?

[@GregVirgoe]

A lot of modern electrical devices run on lower DC voltages 👍🏼😃

[@LeisureBit]

Fantastic - massively more efficient - great job and great use of off the shelf TV - those DC to DC converters are great aren’t they - all the best, David 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for great feedback 👍🏼😃

[@alanmay1945]

Is it ''massively'' more efficient? Greg does not show this with a power draw reading on each method, so how can we know?

[@inquisitive1911]

Super awesome stuff Greg - I wish I had your skills and experience for sure!!! Thanks!! Love from Scotland, xxx

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for a lovely comment 😃

[@indianajones9928]

and it works! Awesome 👍 greetings from the USA!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for watching from across the pond 🙌🤩👍🏼

[@kalebmartinson]

Thank you for the detailed explanation

[@aaronag7876]

Such a great video and so helpful. Food for thought when purchasing a new TV. Thanks

[@GregVirgoe]

Pleased it was helpful. 👍🏼😃

[@aaronag7876]

@@GregVirgoe yes it was a great help because I'd have gone the route you suggest in the video, 12v to inverter to 240v then downscaling to 19v. Already ordered the converter. Will look to do the same for all devices that would need a inverter/down converter to supply 19v to 30v. Thanks again

[@ian_morg]

Top job! I did something similar but with an older budget curry’s tv that had a 240-12v brick to use at home which I removed and ran a cable from my 12v fuse board and earth and used a dc plug which had 2 screw terminals on the back. It’s not a smart tv but we use a chromecast for all the usual stuff and a fire stick if we’re away and it’s a F1 weekend 😍😎👍🏻

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes a chrome cast or fire stick is another great solution 👍🏼😃

[@stephenboyd4934]

Well that's strange as all my TV's don't come with a brick / well not on the outside ? & Have a two pin push on connector ?

[@ian_morg]

@@stephenboyd4934 not all do

[@GregVirgoe]

@@stephenboyd4934 yes it will only work with smaller TVs like this not all sadly. Your tv probably has that built into it. 🥴

[@JensGraikowski]

Just wanted to be first. I'll watch the video tonight. All the best, mate! 👍🏽😉

[@GregVirgoe]

Thanks for the speedy comment, hope you are keeping well.

[@JensGraikowski]

We aim to please, @@GregVirgoe! 😉

[@paulsalisbury2678]

Another vote here for a switch between the fuse and regulator. I used a regulator on my wifi router in a similar set-up and it had a surprising impact on my battery depletion even when router was off. Tried a digital timer on the 12v end, but gonna replace for a simple manual switch. Seeing as my screen, laptop and I think maybe even camera chargers are at 19v I might add a makeshift plug and socket system. A couple of outlets from the transformer, and sockets on all the device adapter cables so they can be plugged and unplugged depending on what's needed.

[@GregVirgoe]

As so many are concerned about it I’ll add some findings in my forthcoming control upgrade video

[@FionaJayneA]

Fantastic! This is the next mod for us. What a brilliant tutorial. This is something I could get on with myself, following this tutorial. Every single step covered. Brilliant as always!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Fiona. I’m sure you could manage this yourself

[@rikb6930]

Nice one👍 Did the same for my laptop back in 2017

[@GregVirgoe]

My editing laptop is 190w so I haven’t found one big enough to power that yet but I’m looking

[@librab103]

Great video Greg. I have been thinking of doing this for my TV and laptop so I do not have to turn on my inverter as often. I hate those types of wires in which the ground "Wire" is a sheath that goes around the positive wire. Such a pain to work with in my experience. I cannot wait for your updated video.

[@GregVirgoe]

I have a new smart controller to replace that blade fuse holder. Should be interesting 🤔

[@MultiPJoys]

You don't need an inverter to charge your laptop. Just buy a 12v charging cable (it has the cigarette socket plug) specifically for your laptop. Easy and cheap.

[@librab103]

@@MultiPJoys Correct, I was doing that with my old laptop and cost about the same as the inverter that Greg is using. My new laptop is a gaming laptop and uses about the same voltage as my old laptop (~20V) but uses 10A at peak. If I can find a 12V adapter for it that would be great but no luck so far hence why I am thinking of buying one of these inverters.

[@GregVirgoe]

@@MultiPJoys yes just check that the laptop power requirements are below the output of the 12v charger. Most only go up to 90W

[@trundlebustravels]

Thank you, so much useful and easy to understand information

[@GregVirgoe]

Really pleased that you liked it 👍🏼😃

[@PCongeries]

Very good idea. Better than a noisy and expensive converter.👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for watching 👍🏼😃

[@ntvtexan5015]

Awesome video sir ! I've been thinking about this for my home TV's, to run off of a solar panel or two !

[@GregVirgoe]

There are lots of ways to make your home off grid very easily.

[@keithlillis7962]

Very good. Although without a switch in the circuit the TV will be on standby all the time, which will draw some power.

[@GregVirgoe]

We always unplug the tv when not in use. I never leave anything on standby for that reason 👍🏼😃

[@sivelo5021]

A connector block?. Never thought I’d see the day! 😉

[@GregVirgoe]

Haha 😂 I know it’s all I had in the van 🚐😃

[@robertsmith2956]

rv's are full of them.

[@krystynahaywood1968]

Thank you, this really is so helpful for my van... and... I have the exact same TV so I know it'll work... bonus!

[@GregVirgoe]

Perfect! Thats great news, all links are in the video description.

[@SamJackson-j9s]

Another very helpful film. Once again Thank you.

[@theborednerds]

Most laptops run on~19v, too. Since you have extra wattage left after the TV, you could charge your laptop, too!

[@steviehunt]

Great info Greg. Will have to incorporate that into my van....what a power saver.

[@F12-i2g]

This will be great for nights when I get drunk at the cabin and turn the generator off

[@paulrixon1644]

Very useful. Well done Greg!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@neomatrix2722]

This is fantastic and thank you for sharing with us now what is this TV as I want to look to buy a DC TV I like to have a bigger TV to find out what's possible again thank you for sharing this video I've learned a lot and I really appreciate you

[@peterwilson5528]

Thank you a very useful video. Well presented. Best of luck to you :)

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you! You too!

[@vernpasfield3892]

well done again Greg, looking at my CPAP to do the same , thanks Mate.

[@GregVirgoe]

You’re welcome 😉

[@douglasdickson6986]

Good little video bud.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@brenxster4543]

Thanks for the good idea, in the future I will use my 4k monitor (19V) directly without inverter. I follow the channel, I see good ideas here.

[@facebookinger]

Thank you! 😀😀 greetings from philippines. ☺☺

[@mikebourke1185]

Nice one Greg... Thanks for sharing..😍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for watching 😃

[@andym1908]

Brilliant idea Greg 💡 👏 👌

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you like it 👍🏼😃

[@SocksWithSandals]

Gamechanger top tip, Greg. Thank you.

[@dannymbr7165]

Hi Greg great hack have just done our tv in our caravan for when we are on rallys and off grid . Big thanks from the kids lol

[@denisecafferky2248]

What a brilliant idea. Thanks for that 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it 👍🏼😃

[@stuipooey1]

a good solution Greg, given that like invertors, DC to DC converters are not 100% efficient (despite the claims 80 to 85% is a good rule of thumb particulary at lower power) it could be interesting to do a comparison between both methods of powering the TV.

[@GregVirgoe]

But with the mains inverter you are converting the voltage twice and much bigger differences. With this it’s only once and 6.5v difference. 👍🏼😊

[@andypidsley2688]

@@GregVirgoe the bigger issue is using an inverter doesnt create pure sinewave ac even when claimed so it gives the TV internal power supply a bit of a headache and is inefficient.

[@javierri0]

Always good stuff from your channel. Keep it up! One question/suggestion: Have you considered/tried running the telly out of the 12v directly? I've seen some other youtubers mentioning that this works and it would take the "middle man" out of the equation. Just my two pence.

[@GregVirgoe]

12v - 19v does seem a big difference. I’m not sure I want to risk my tv for the sake of £20 🤔

[@sunnymas2656]

Thank you for this video, too. I´m stil searching for an used flat screen with a low voltage input. Because the most has 220 Volt AC input.

[@GregVirgoe]

I saw a couple like mine on eBay refurbished. 👍🏼😃 LT24

[@sunnymas2656]

@@GregVirgoe Ok, thank you. I should check out, which modells have low voltage input. And then search these models to buy it.

[@flashback9966]

Great video Greg, as so many of those 'Caravan '12v TV's are overpriced and quite frankly rubbish! Actually had a similar Samsung TV in our van, working from an Ebay 12v to 18v Boost inverter. I remember going around Curry's looking at the back of all the TV's to find those working off DC! Hope to catch up at Quirky:)

[@GregVirgoe]

Hey Rob, great to see your comment on here. I hope you are keeping well. I will look forward to seeing you again at quirky 👍🏼😃

[@denisscott3073]

Hi Greg 👋 just us 2saying hi 👋 great video update as always thanks for this tip and information 👍den and sue 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚌🚌🚌

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you both very much 👍🏼😃

[@itsallfabrication]

Cracking idea, great vid. Thank you.

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it 👍🏼

[@alextheape90]

Interesting 🤔 i didn't know there were TVs with jack connectors and outside transformers. Makes it easier then 👍 BTW I bought same transformer (but the 300w) for my laptop and works within the specifications 👍. I still recommend to check what voltage it gives before feeding anything valuable with it, you never know, and it only takes a few seconds to do so...

[@GregVirgoe]

That is a good point, it's worked very well for me so far on the TV :D

[@james10739]

Ya I was going to say when you said 230v that I have a similar looking TV that uses like 19v and use a boost converter but I guess you have it all figured out

[@GregVirgoe]

I do now thank you 🙏🏼😃

[@fishandreptileinfo]

Hi Greg, great video.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@mickwhitney922]

Yet another nice little vid 👌 😊

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@sycko80]

Another great vid Greg 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Kenny-ny7vo]

Very informative, brilliant thank you 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m glad you liked it Kenny 👍🏼😊

[@Scud_and_thesTig]

Good job Greg 👍💙❤️

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you mate 👍🏼😃

[@ad-venturer305]

awesome! will look into this for the laptop! 18v 120w though

[@i8BBQ4Lunch]

You might consider adding a switch on the red lead, otherwise although small, the boost converter will draw your battery down when the tv is off.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Yes indeed and while you are at it Greg, fuse the output of the boost converter.

[@dusanradojevic6255]

So, even if he doesnt use Tv, converter would spend some ammount of battery?

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@dusanradojevic6255 No, the converter uses a little power when its connected to a battery. When the tv is on it will draw much more.

[@dusanradojevic6255]

@@MiniLuv-1984 thats what i've told.. It drains battery all the time. Used or not,it drains battery. So, it needs a switch between battery and converter?

[@GregVirgoe]

That is a good point. We do unplug the tv when not in use. But I have a smart relay board to replace that fuse board which will give me switch control. Video out soon 👍🏼

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Hi Greg hope your well, do you know the model number of the Samsung TV your using? Thanks :-)

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes, we are both great, thank you :D I'll send you a link by PM just now.

[@lostsoulparty]

Is this for all Samsung TVs and if not can you share the model? I'd like to do the same, thanks for the great idea

[@ceythehun83]

Thanks Greg, been thinking about doing this. Only problem is for me, I have so many electronics in my van that i would need a bunch of transformers to run everything and so would end up with dozens of them all over the place :). I've been looking into making a multi DC output circuit board, certainly not beyond the wit of man, and looks as though is indeed possible but again for me just too much gear that needs powering to justify i recon. One other issue for me powering things directly off of the 12V battery bank, is not being able to see your total load draw. Again, not a massive issue (and wouldn't be a show stopper on it's own), but is handy to know what my draw is to know when to dial back the consumption. i'm lucky in that i installed 1200W solar on the roof and currently have a total of 285Ah battery storage, so i can get a full charge before mid-day on a cloudy day?! Thanks for sharing the video, it answers one question i was wondering, and that is the Amp rating of the output side of said transformer. I was worried about over powering items, but as i thought - circuits will only take what they need in terms of Amps right, so even though your transformer is rated well above your TV's Amp requirement, the TV will only pull the Amps it needs - the important part to match is the DC voltage of course - just thought that might help some of your viewers as is not immediately obvious. I suspect a benefit of over sizing your transformer (over and beyond Amps required) is that it will run cool, be more efficient and have a longer whole lifetime as is well over spec'd. Thanks again, keep up the great work as ever, cheers from Bristol UK

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes the rating is a maximum value so it’s perfectly ok to use less and it will operate cooler too 😃

[@douglaswindsor120]

If you check out your various electronics it'll surprise you how many run on 12volts DC and how many run on 18 volts DC or within a volt or 2 some laptops run on 19 volts DC I'm going to check mine some have internal tranformers like computers

[@ceythehun83]

@@douglaswindsor120 you're absolutely right! everything in my van is between 9V - 19V DC, except my monitor speakers, soundcard annnnd....that's about it! I've got 1200W solar on the roof which means i can afford to lose a few watts here and there, main downside being the batteries getting hit a bit harder, but i've not seen the battery bank drop below 12.22V (more normally seeing a daily low of about 12.4V which is fantastic). I'm using synthesisers and drum machines (which cost me a few quid!) so another concern of mine is having clean reliable power. I'm sure they're absolutely fine (DC-DC converters) but it does make me a bit twitchy imagining a chinese DC-DC converter with my beloved music gear, as i say, i'm sure they're reliable enough and not such a big deal for TVs and other less sensitive electronics. I installed a Victron Multiplus 800 which has an inverter built-in. Extremely clean power, built like a tank with exceptional reviews everywhere i check. i'm super happy with it and while they do not (frustratingly!) publish the 'efficiency Vs load' data for the unit (inverter efficiency varies with load), i'm super happy with it. The solar charger (also Victron) is also boss. i'd highly recommend the Victron gear, while it is not cheap, the build quality is impressive, i'm sure my setup will last for years to come, we'll see. all the best.

[@ceythehun83]

that all said - for the vast majority, DC-DC convertors are the way forward 👍

[@kevinofford6758]

All parts ordered, cheers Greg, hope I get it to work lol, cheers pal

[@GregVirgoe]

Have you checked the input voltage to your tv so it’s ok 👍🏼

[@kevinofford6758]

@@GregVirgoe schoolboy error no, the gamble is on lol. Illl get in the van tomorrow afternoon and watch the vlog again. All being delivered Monday when I'm home from the overlander but got another meet at Vanlife fest the week after, hopefully sorted for then if they are the right ones. Cheers Greg

[@GregVirgoe]

@@kevinofford6758 we are at Stratford.

[@kevinofford6758]

@@GregVirgoe hope to meet you there. I get there Thursday, maybe have a beer or 2 lol

[@silvercamper649]

great video I wouldn't of thought of that thanks Bill

[@GregVirgoe]

It makes good sense. 😃

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. All the best. Cheers. 👍😎

[@GregVirgoe]

You are welcome 🙏🏼