Power connections behind TV

[jmaellis]

1998 Coachmen Santara Class C.

I have the TV entertainment center above the driver/passenger.

I have the 120v plugs that work when the RV is plugged in and when on generator. The 12v plug is not live and nothing is connected to the back of the plug and it doesn't appear that anything ever was.

I'm curious what the black box is attached to the back panel. Attached to the black box is a 120v plug in a plug.

TIA for any help.

[D_E_Bishop]

Chris Bryant wrote:

D.E.Bishop wrote:
Normally I would say Chris is correct and let it go at that, however, in this case I wonder how a 12 vdc input would power a TV through that black box and how it would shut it off when the ignition switch is turned on..

The plug on the end of the black cord is both male and female- plug the male in to the outlet, plug the TV in to the female- it's like an extender plug.

Chris, as usual you are right. I sometimes look to see if you are right and this time I thought I had caught you. I just didn't see the double plug thingy. I've never seen one but I've always worked behind the wall plate and don't really care what folks plug into an outlet.

As far as the OP's last observation, evidently some folks turn on the genny or use an inverter, or like me have 12VDC powered electronics and the Feds don't want you to look at Baywatch reruns while you're driving. Of course with 12VDC equipment, I have to disconnect the batteries to shut down the TV. I'm sure some newer rigs are that way.

Seems silly now that we have one or more "Driving Aid" screens going for easy viewing by the driver. Just think of the multiple shot screens for the rear and side cameras and a GPS all distracting you at once.

[jmaellis]

Thanks to all for the info.

I have to say that shutting down the 120v to the television while driving doesn't make a lot of sense to me considering the generator would have to be running in order for the TV to be on. I suppose it is just a compliance thing.

[Chris_Bryant]

D.E.Bishop wrote:
Normally I would say Chris is correct and let it go at that, however, in this case I wonder how a 12 vdc input would power a TV through that black box and how it would shut it off when the ignition switch is turned on..

The plug on the end of the black cord is both male and female- plug the male in to the outlet, plug the TV in to the female- it's like an extender plug.

[D_E_Bishop]

Normally I would say Chris is correct and let it go at that, however, in this case I wonder how a 12 vdc input would power a TV through that black box and how it would shut it off when the ignition switch is turned on.

I see a fused 12vdc input and a 120vac outlet and think, wow an inverter.

Switches don't normally need ventilation and they need input and output. The black box is ventilated, there is no 120vac in to be switched just the output.

I am not arguing the laws regarding turning off the TV so the driver can't see it, and there may be an interlock some where else but that black box doesn't look like that is what is used to turn the TV off.

In looking at the picture again, I'll bet it is just the opposite of a devise to turn the TV off. I'll bet the outlet is the original power source and is connected to the interlock and the inverter is not connected and will stay on all the time. couple of checks with a DMM/VOM will answer the question.

I have a similar situation in my bounder, the TV could be run from the landline/generator or through an inverter, the TV was plugged in to the inverter, when 120VAC was available the 120 was run through the inverter and when on batteries were used, the 120 was switched off by a relay in the inverter and 12vdc was inverted to 120vac.

More details are available if you want them including the schematic of the power for the TV. I don't have a scanner here in the campground but I will be home next week and can send then.

[glennestes]

Our 2000 Coachmen Santara 311SB has the same setup. The 12V outlet is not hooked up, it's just there for the coax outlet.
The other doohicky is to shut off the 120V outlet when the ignition is on.

[DrewE]

A lighter socket for a TV or other general purpose use would work just fine for a phone charger or other small device powered by an inverter (provided, of course, it has power supplied to it, as apparently the original poster's does not). I would suggest a limit of about a hundred watts, less if you find 12V fuses for the circuit are blowing.

Chris is correct about the black box doohicky on the right. This is legally required in practically every state if the television is in view of the driver, and at least theoretically in several states whenever the TV screen is in front of the driver's seat headrest, regardless of whether it's in view of the driver.

[morley]

Will the same 12VDC connection power up a small plug in type inverter for charging cell phones, IPads, etc.? We have one of these connections in our bedroom of the 5ver.
Thanks, not meaning to hijack someone's post but I have always wondered about this.

[RoyB]

The receptacle with the 12VDC connector reminds me of my OTA CRANKUP BAT WING UHF antenna connections for my TV. When a small LED light is ON this tells me I can connect to this panel and be attached to the OTA BATWING roof mounted antenna to receive NATL BROADCAST Digital HDTV channels from the local towns. The small LED light has to be off if I want to use the CABLE TV connections from the local campgrounds.

My 12VDC Connection will provide around 8AMPs DC Current that would power up a 12VDC LED HDTV if you was using one.



Of course all RV's have different setups... My RV is a typical setup used for TT Trailers.


NOTE When you have your PHOTO size 'very' large your FORUM page gets extended off screen for the rest of the users that are posting. Needs to be below the 600 setting.

Roy Ken

[Chris_Bryant]

It is to shut the tv off while the ignition is on.

[jerseyjim]

Show this to the COACHMEN factory? A Coachman dealer? Things were different back then......g'luck! That box in the right hand corner....what is it?