January 15, 2006 16:04
I was shopping a few weeks ago for a cheap LCD screen to install as a remote screen for an ibook nav computer, and I noticed that one of the monitors I was examining had a 12vdc input on the back of the screen. Despite the presence of AC power, it is better to have all of the nav electronics running from a securely located deep cycle battery. Separate emergency/comm batteries located well above water line are standard practice on fishing boats. This 12vdc monitor looked like a great discovery.
When I decided to buy the cheap monitor and throw away the adapter brick, I was handed a boxed monitor. Being cautious, I opened the box in the store and discovered that the apparently identical monitor had AC input to it. Another box contained the same model of monitor with 12vdc power input.
Since my discovery I've been looking at the backs of all the LCD monitors I come across, and it is common to find 12vdc operation. All LCD monitors have a common screw pattern for mounting too. There appears to be a wide world of monitors preconfigured for marine use. I'm sure some are better than others regarding daylight viewing, but if you don't like one it looks like replacements are cheap and plentiful.
When I decided to buy the cheap monitor and throw away the adapter brick, I was handed a boxed monitor. Being cautious, I opened the box in the store and discovered that the apparently identical monitor had AC input to it. Another box contained the same model of monitor with 12vdc power input.
Since my discovery I've been looking at the backs of all the LCD monitors I come across, and it is common to find 12vdc operation. All LCD monitors have a common screw pattern for mounting too. There appears to be a wide world of monitors preconfigured for marine use. I'm sure some are better than others regarding daylight viewing, but if you don't like one it looks like replacements are cheap and plentiful.