Guest starspirit Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 I bought a 'Technika STB 9005' freeview box from Tesco for just under £29 plus 500 points (worth a fiver off). It works off mains via a 12v transformer so I cut the transformer off and put a 12v plug on the end of the TV lead (and a 12v socket on the transformer output for added versatility), making sure to get the polarity right, and hey presto - freeview in the van sans site hookup! Just been away for a few days and it worked very well in Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, although I can't test it at home because digital has not reached Pembroke yet. Cheap effective and simple - just like me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrytraveller Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 That was a bargain Starspirit, I don't suppose it gave the voltage specs.? I know mains operated LCD TV's with a 12 volt adaptor, have little tolerance regarding the 12 volt supply, and require it to be spot on, usually plus or mins 10% is acceptable. As you seem to like a bargain, a DIY stabiliser, probably good enough for your box can be made for an eighteen pence diode. See bottom of page on this link http://www.satcure.com/accs/page9.htm and click the link at page bottom for more info, gives precise instructions and illustration. Regards Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest starspirit Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Hi Terry, Bargains I like - fair vfm I like - paying a fair price I can live with - being conned into paying far more than I need to for anything I don't like and, if all else fails I can always use it indoors when we eventually enter the 21st Century in West Wales! There is nothing in the box's blurb about voltage tolerance but it did work one evening for about 6 hours during which time the leisure battery would have probably fallen well below 12.5v. The proof will come after a couple of days standing still but as that rarely happens unless at a show and as we can easily live without TV anyway (we have to usually when out in the wilds) I don't expect it to be too much of an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 Richard, the potential problem is not the box switching off because of low voltage but it might curl its toes up if it gets a significantly higher voltage (13.8V if on hookup with the charger on for example). My guess is it will be ok but a £10 regulator might be money well spent to safeguard it. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted February 25, 2007 Share Posted February 25, 2007 and, if all else fails I can always use it indoors when we eventually enter the 21st Century in West Wales! Starspirit, I don't know where you are in Pembrokeshire, I'm in Fishguard, we get Digital Freeview very clearly from the Preseli Transmitter in Crymch. According to my postcode we shouln't be getting it ? but we do. Get a bigger Aerial ?? just a thought, I lke the idea of 12v freeview in the Van. good luck. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest starspirit Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 Thanks Ray we are in Pembroke overlooking the Pembroke river but below line of sight for the Preseli transmitter so I use a Sky box without subscription for Digital as the analogue picture is crap too. And this is progress? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest starspirit Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 Thanks Ray we are in Pembroke overlooking the Pembroke river but below line of sight for the Preseli transmitter so I use a Sky box without subscription for Digital as the analogue picture is crap too. And this is progress? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 Thanks, I heard you the first time,I say,I heard you the the first time. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.