Thanks for the link Old biscuit - so far everything is pointing towards major surgery and they sell an upgraded unit which is likely worth it in my case. They say 3 hours to change it out, so for me a weekend .... :)
rockhillmanor - you say it was your 12 volt converter, so I assume no 12 volts at all in your case? My flame lights (on battery) and the fridge light comes on so 12 volts is definitely getting as far as the distribution block. I have not looked into the circuit board as the symptom is it is on continuously, which as I understand it is all the board controls, but the cold just never happens.