Anyone seen a 12VDC DTV Converter yet?

[Slyclops]

Has anyone ran into a 12VDC analog to digital DTV Converter Box? I need one for my motorhome. If you have, please email with the facts.
Thanks
SLYCLOPS
SLYCLOPS@GMAIL.COM

 

[dodge]

those convertor boxes draw almost nothing like 29 wattss??
You can pick up a 12 volt to 120 vac 75 watt inverter now for under 10 bucks.

 

[Slyclops]

Power loss

I prefer to use 12VDC direct instead of the 12VDC to 120VAC inverter to power the DTV Converter as my system is 100% battery & solar powered so can not afford to waste power on an inverter when I don't have to. Thanks for the input though.
Slyclops

 

[Tower Guy]

Has anyone ran into a 12VDC analog to digital DTV Converter Box?

Try this one: http://www.artec.com.tw/ehtm/products/t3a.htm
12 volts 4.5 watts.

 

[Slyclops]

Poor performance

Any other suggestions folks?

There is a merchant group testing converter boxes and so far the Artec T3A (which operates off 12VDC) has had three failures. It appears it doesn't like heat. After 36-48 of always-on, the incoming signal starts to get degreated.

Thanks for the suggestion.
Slyclops

 

[ciwsguy]

those convertor boxes draw almost nothing like 29 wattss??
You can pick up a 12 volt to 120 vac 75 watt inverter now for under 10 bucks.

Both of my converter boxes are rated at about 7 watts. Nobody likes extra electronic stuff and wires everywhere, but if reliability is a concern, you may be forced into going with 115 VAC and the power inverter.

 

[Nevyn]

Any other suggestions folks?

There is a merchant group testing converter boxes and so far the Artec T3A (which operates off 12VDC) has had three failures. It appears it doesn't like heat. After 36-48 of always-on, the incoming signal starts to get degreated.

Thanks for the suggestion.
Slyclops

If you aren't afraid to open it up, do so, and to a computer mod-shop or parts store (or order online) a Northbridge/Southbridge heatsink. They're about 1.25" square, and attach using thermally conductive adhesive. That should cool the decoder chip plenty.

If it's the tuner getting hot, that's a different problem......


Similar to this (without the fan)

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/35-103-155-01.jpg

You can probably even find one on an old PC you have around (if you have old PCs lying around)

 

[Splicer]

Why would you want to keep the unit powered up for 36-48 hours straight anyway when you said you can't afford to waste power???

 

[jetskier]

I don't know if Slyclops ever found a solution, but here's my plan for the RV.

I'm going to work on getting my two 5V DTVpals hardwired to my RV. Sirius has 12V to 5V converters in their hardwire kits. I'll have to butcher the OE power cable to get the connector.

I fried my 1750W inverter this past weekend and may just convert over to 12V exclusively (with the exception of the microwave and AC). I need to find a AC/DC 27" class LCD TV and I'll be set. I have a mini inverter and a generator that can power a dish receiver.

 

[rustamust]

I picked up a Venturer STB 7766G at Target for 39.00 and it uses a 9 volt power supply. I had a 12volt to 9volt adapter from Radio Shack and it works fine with my RV bedroom TV.

Mike