TV and more in my 8.1

[vmcmn]

After seeing the pic for the TV mount in the Yahoo group I decided to build one and other things for mine. I found a 19" flat screen with built in DVD that I mounted to a fully adjustable arm so that it can be watched from either bed. The great thing is that the power needed to run the TV is 12v 3a ,so that I could either run it on a 120v with the adapter or run it straight off my battery if I didn't have 120v. Since I had moved the outlet behind the door in my cubby, I ran a new 120v outlet and 12v outlets to below the TV. I tied the 120v into the outlet on the galley and the 12v to the circuit that wasn't being used on the convertor. I built a plate to hold two 12v mini jacks ( one for the TV and the other to power a digital antenna)and a coax connector to connect up to the antenna when I figure out which one works best for the application. I also built a 12v power cord to hook up the TV to the 12v jacks. While I was at it,I got rid of the 12v outlet on the galley and opted to run the circuit to a dual outlet that mounted behind the top so that it was out of the way. I had to extend the wires so that the galley would fold down,and enclosed them in wire loom to prevent chaffing. Now I can sit my Igloo iceless cooler on top and plug it in without the cord running down the front of the galley and also have an extra outlet for that circuit.

[admin]

Great idea! What TV are you using that is running directly on 12V? Also how are you attaching the mount to the supports? Basic U bolts, and how easy is it to setup/take down?

-Sean

[vmcmn]

I'm using an Insigna model NS-19ED200NA14 from Best Buy with an arm I bought off of E-Bay. In the middle of the 1x8 that I used as a mount I doubled the thickness so I could use lag bolts to attach the arm and not have them poking out the back. For attaching the 1x8 to the bimini poles I used u-bolts with wing nuts,that way its easier to remove without using a wrench to remove nuts.I also marked the poles with a sharpie for letting me know when the mount is level.Once you've set it up and taken it down its not that hard,you can do it pretty quickly. I just leave the arm and the mount attached to the TV and fold it flat so I can put it in a plastic storage box to transport it in.
BTW, There are so TVs out there that are made just for big rigs,boats and motor homes and are made to withstand the power spikes you get while the battery is being charged thru the altenator and the vibrations you get going down the road. They are also not very cheap, going for around 250 for a 16" w/o a DVD compared to 129 for my 19" w/built in DVD.But I would not use mine in a vehicle on the road for the reasons stated.

[vmcmn]

Just got a digital antenna for my TV I put in my 8.1. Thinking about putting it on a heavy duty paint pole and then mounting a piece of PVC to the side of my 8.1 to hold it. That way if I need to turn it I can.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/antennas-direct-clearstream-2v-long-range-hdtv-antenna-black-silver/6847298.p?id=1218809260470&skuId=6847298&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=6847298&extensionType=pla_multichannel:g&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!83256140351!g!!51846880271&kpid=6847298&k_clickid=0c539092-b22d-a109-6378-00003b335a56&kpid=6847298&lsft=ref:212,loc:1&ksid=0c539092-b22d-a109-6378-00003b335a56&ksprof_id=16&ksaffcode=pg2574&ksdevice=c&gclid=COXXgY-S-sQCFWZo7AodCh8A9w

 Could not refuse the deal,only paid $20 for it and it just barely used.