current drawn by dvd players at 12 volts

Rob,

I have looked into this.

The inverter will draw about 0.8 amps on its own just running and then will draw the required power to run your appliances.

1. Yes that is right.
2. Get an inverter of at least 300 watts, the 150 watt jobs struggle with anything other than one appliance.
3. The cost of dedicated 12V appliances generally outweighs the cost of using conventional 240V appliances from an inverter.

Just my experience.

Cheers,

Jim

Hi Robbg

You can buy a DVD player that runs on 12V and is DIN size. Prices start from $150 and go to a small fortune. This typically is connected to a small LCD screen for in vehicle use. You can also buy 12V TV's with built in VCR's or DVD's.

I have an Orion 10" TV with builtin VCR player that runs on either 12V or 240V that I use in my van (I try to avoid using it, but great to occupy kids in adverse weather). I also have a 12V DVD player and roof mount LCD screen in my Patrol that enables long distance to be covered without to many "are we there yet" chorus's.

While many scoff at the thought of such electronic amusements for the kids, the reality is that it enables some big distances to be covered when one has a long way to go and unfortunatley hasn't the time to take their time. We still do all the "eye spy", colouring books, games etc... but also have the DVD as another tool to keep the kids amused. Hopefully one day it can be removed!

Cheers

Captain

Hi,

I'd agree with Captain and others re the 12v DVD's with small screens. I bought one with two screens, the DVD player and a game console for around $650. Plugs into ciggy lighter, low current draw, no need for an inverter and it's designed for in car use - protected from the vibration.

Three years ago when I was chasing this equipment, no one had even heard of it, now it's readily available.

I strap the screens onto the back of the front seats, and although they are small, the kids are not too far away and have never complained about the small size. The system allows them to play the DVD through either one or both screens, or play the DVD on one screen and the game console -(about 10 games inbuilt into the controller) on the other screen. All removable and can move between vehicles, or be set up outside for a movie show before bedtime if you're desperate.

With some sunscreens across the side windows and a towel between the buckets at the front, their headphones in, I didn't get a peep for hours when it was 43 outside and heading from Newman to Perth - not the most scenic country. My unit needed to be placed on an upturned stable table to stop it jumping tracks, but otherwise performed well.

Tim

Be cautious with modified square wave inverters. They will run a lot of things - but far from all. Xantrex (who make both those and sine-wave inverters) has a long list of appliances that will not run on other than sine-wave. Includes many electric razors, almost all laser printers, plus about 100 other things.

If you really know what you are doing then a modified square wave can save money - but unless you do it's better to spend more and be assured.

For what it's worth I designed and built my own big (2500 watt) modified square wave unit about 20 years ago - but I would not even think of using one nowadays.
Collyn Rivers