tv aerial

[xs1100515]

I would recommend a Solar panel to supplement the leisure battery. We've had discussions on here before about discharging batteries. The 175mm high battery will not survive discharge below 1/2 power more than a couple of times. Even a genuine leisure battery (195mm high) will only discharge for a limited number of times. My Avtex TV cuts out at 10.5V but this is way below 1/2 battery power (1/2 power does not equate to 6v. It's nearer 12.2v Battery output is much more complicated than that). So except for short periods I avoid using the TV without the solar panel. The coolbox will drain the battery well below 10.5 so may kn**cker the battery even quicker.

[audi0704]

I would recommend a Solar panel to supplement the leisure battery. We've had discussions on here before about discharging batteries. The 175mm high battery will not survive discharge below 1/2 power more than a couple of times. Even a genuine leisure battery (195mm high) will only discharge for a limited number of times. My Avtex TV cuts out at 10.5V but this is way below 1/2 battery power (1/2 power does not equate to 6v. It's nearer 12.2v Battery output is much more complicated than that). So except for short periods I avoid using the TV without the solar panel. The coolbox will drain the battery well below 10.5 so may kn**cker the battery even quicker.

Thanks for the tip what size solar panel would you recommend to avoid damaging the battery and what sort of short periods are we talking about without the backup of the solar panel. I envisage using the tv probably for 2 to 3 hours after which the battery would be topped up via the vans charging system,am I being realistic here or not ? Thanks again bob

[ghost123uk]

I have a 40 watt panel but I think the general consensus recently on here is that a 100 watt is a better option. Mine is fine when "looking" at a hot sun on a clear day, but on a dull day produces very little power at all. Many others however have panels that perform much better on dull days. It seems that panels vary in this respect. Have a "search" around on here, there are lots of posts about different fitments etc. Someone (I forget who) has a very neat semi flexible one mounted on his / her roof.

Re Battery life on TV. An 85 AH leisure battery should be able to power your TV for many hours (I would "guesstimate" at least 15) before reaching a too low level, which is around 11.8 volts, below which is certainly not good for it. Anything below around 10.5 volts is very bad for it (as was said above ^^^).

The simple answer to this issue, and an expenditure that will pay for itself the very first time it does it's thing, is to buy an "LVD" (= Low Voltage Disconnect) like this one HERE This unit cuts off the power to your equipment at a voltage you set and prevents the battery wrecking itself by discharging too much. Or perhaps even better is one of these (thanks to Oldiebut goodie for finding it) HERE which is a charging controller with a built in LVD. I have no experience of that unit and do not know if the LVD voltage is adjustable or not (some aren't) and I am a bit suspicious of the quality in view of the very low price.

[audi0704]

Thanks for your reply john I remember one of your previous posts mentioning the LVD and I will fit one of these and try the tv off the battery,thinking about it I suppose my weak link now lies with my alternator as I am relying on it to charge both batteries,at least with the voltage sensing relay I recently fit and using an LVD I must be afforded some protection, only time will tell I suppose.
Thanks again will up-date when I test run the system fully.
Regards bob

[xs1100515]

I have a 40 watt panel but I think the general consensus recently on here is that a 100 watt is a better option. Mine is fine when "looking" at a hot sun on a clear day, but on a dull day produces very little power at all. Many others however have panels that perform much better on dull days. It seems that panels vary in this respect. Have a "search" around on here, there are lots of posts about different fitments etc. Someone (I forget who) has a very neat semi flexible one mounted on his / her roof.

Re Battery life on TV. An 85 AH leisure battery should be able to power your TV for many hours (I would "guesstimate" at least 15) before reaching a too low level, which is around 11.8 volts, below which is certainly not good for it. Anything below around 10.5 volts is very bad for it (as was said above ^^^).

The simple answer to this issue, and an expenditure that will pay for itself the very first time it does it's thing, is to buy an "LVD" (= Low Voltage Disconnect) like this one HERE This unit cuts off the power to your equipment at a voltage you set and prevents the battery wrecking itself by discharging too much. Or perhaps even better is one of these (thanks to Oldiebut goodie for finding it) HERE which is a charging controller with a built in LVD. I have no experience of that unit and do not know if the LVD voltage is adjustable or not (some aren't) and I am a bit suspicious of the quality in view of the very low price.

I agree with all of that. If you can avoid deep discharge of any battery it will preserve its life. The higher the disconnect the better. I am considering a 'permanent' solar panel on the roof but currently use a 'suitcase' 45w one which has been great so far.

As to how long a battery will power a TV is complicated by too many variables. A 'good' high capacity battery should drive a small LED digital TV for a couple of hours before the screen goes black. The cool box you mentioned some way back is another matter. A large box without much in it with a high temperature differential would drain the battery very quickly.However using an LVD takes the guesswork out of it. I am definitely going to invest in one. It's just a case of finding the best value for money.

The biggest drain on mine is my audio amp which sucks it dry and makes my ears bleed.

[audi0704]

Hi quick up-date ran the tv from the leisure battery for 4 hrs and then checked battery and was reading 12.2volts so next run out in van will no doubt charge it back up to full power,have also bought a mains hook up cable as another alternative depending where i'm camping.
Thanks for all the advice given it's really appreciated.Regards bob