Hello From A Boat

[tom on a boat]

Hello all!

I have joined to get some advice and help if possible!

[SIZE=10.5pt]I have recently converted a widebeam canal boat shell and moved onboard. I am now getting used to using 12v and have a question about how to use standard household - 240v appliances on 12v. I should state that I am a novice and do not understand electrics, hence why I am here so your help would be  very much appreciated![/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]For example, how would I use a Korg Keyboard - on 12v? Is it possible to get a different cable and wire this into the 12v cigarette sockets that I have? Or a direct 12v feed?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]The picture would not load so I have stated the power supply box details:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Input 100-240v – 50/60HZ 1.2 A[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Output -+12V – 3.5A[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Input 100 AC100V 1.2A[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]50/60Hz 90VA[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Output: DC +12V 3.5 A[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Level 3 Efficiency[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Marantz – 230V – 50 Hz[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]8-16 OHMS[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Is this possible? Any advice/tips or links would be great![/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Thanks[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Tom[/SIZE]

 

[Andy™]

depends if that adapter output is AC or DC. if its DC, then you can fit a 12v plug on it. just make sure you get the polarity correct

 

[Marvo]

You can use a pure-sine inverter to give you a clean 230v output from a 12VDC battery. Problem is every time you change from 12v to 230v or vice versa you lose power in the process (inefficiencies).

What is the layout of you 12v power system. Do you recharge batteries from shore power or PV panels/wind turbine maybe? Do you run a generator?

 

[NozSpark]

TBH it looks like your transformer has a 12V dc 3.5A output.... If so then so long as your supply can handle that much current then you should be able to connect it directly.

The keyboard it's self should have a data plate that shows the required supply and possibly the polarity of the socket

 

[tom on a boat]

Thank you for your responses and for being as quick! I only posted about an hour ago!

The keybpoard is DC so I will look into wiring this into a cigarette socket. Thankyou!

My Marantz amplifier however does not state whether it is DC or AC and I do not know how to find out? It merely states:

 Marantz – 230V – 50 Hz

8-16 OHMS

Is there any way of knowing or testing what it is?

 

[Andy™]

multimeter on output will tell you

or the keyboard may be marked DC, or have DC symbol. in which case, just connect it to your 12v system

 

[ProDave]

Just a word of warning.

12V stuff may be just that, designed for exactly 12V from a stabilised power supply.

A boat battery, while on charge (engine running) may be anything up to 14V

Years ago there was one particular sky box that worked from a 12V adaptor, and that became sought after and used by caravaners using it directly on 12V. but some people used them in motorcaravans, and found if left connected while driving, the sky box would die. It could not handle the 14V.

You might be better off just using whatever mains power supply is supplied with it, and using a 12V to 230V inverter.

your amplifier will be 230V ac.  the 8-16 hms  is the impedance of the speakers that it is designed for.

 

[tom on a boat]

Again thanks for your feedback.

My engine powers an alternator which is the power supply and this charges a bank of 4 batteries so I think you are right in that it may go over 12V. Would this damage the keyboard or only effect it when being played, if the engine is running?

Also, are there any particular 12V to 230V inverters that you recommend? I did buy a cheap one off ebay - Maya Tech and it is rubbish. It makes more noise than the boat engine!

 

[Sidewinder]

If you are getting serious then you should consider a pure sin wave inverter, an example is here:

http://www.ringautomotive.co.uk/uk/products/Cars/In-car+Power/Pure+Sine+Wave+Inverters/RINV2200P

Which will provide a full 2.2kW from your batteries, but, run them down pretty quick if not being charged!

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Warning, Inverters really drain the battery  very quickly.

 

[Sidewinder]

Maybe even a relay, like a split charge relay and that required to isolate a 2nd battery?...

See now some apparently less superior vans have a separate auxiliary electrical system fitted from the factory, so, are they less superior?...

 

[NozSpark]

Well my previous van would only apply power to the heater fan and auxiliary power socket (*** lighter) when the engine was running

This one,,,,,, dunno?

 

[Marvo]

My Marantz amplifier however does not state whether it is DC or AC and I do not know how to find out? It merely states:

 Marantz – 230V – 50 Hz

8-16 OHMS

If it's 230v 50Hz then it requires an AC supply. The 8-16ohms probably refers to the speaker impedance range rather than being an indication of the load.