Newbie from Houston.

**22tahoe** · 01-30-2008, 05:47 PM

Hello Everyone,

New person here trying to research on how to install lcd monitors into a vehicle. Just from the looks of it, I will be spending alot of time looking through all these helpful threads before I post a thread, haha.

**brucedog** · 01-30-2008, 09:29 PM

Welcome!

Yesiree, just jump right in.

LCD monitors? What for?

I put mu carputer monitor on a gooseneck mount right next to hump on passenger side. Did'nt want to slash the dash just yet...

**22tahoe** · 01-31-2008, 03:00 PM

All I am wanting to do is install a drop down screen for my Tahoe. What looking to do is a 24' dell lcd monitor but wondering what all is needed to power it up. The purpose of it is to just watch dvds and playstation. I already have a in dash screen, which is the Alpine IVA-C801.

**epod86** · 01-31-2008, 10:37 PM

For something THAT big, your talking A LOT of power and a SERIOUS mount. A quick check of the specs says 200 watts and 12 pounds. for 200w your alternator might be able to handle it, depending on your amp and other setup. Finding a power supply that can go 12v to whatever the screen needs could be tricky. As for mounts, I'm a bit stumped since I've never looked at how roof screens are mounted. VESA mounts might be a good place to start, most monitors have that as a standard mount on the back.

**22tahoe** · 02-01-2008, 09:49 AM

The mounting part is not a big deal for me since I can make something to hold that heavy monitor. I just need to find out how to provide power to it. Right now, I have an Irragi alternator, which is 240 amps with an additionl kinetik battery for my system. I am sure this is enought to hold power to the monitor. I just need to find out what exactly I need to do that?

**epod86** · 02-01-2008, 11:34 AM

The most favorable option is to use a DC-to-DC power supply to power anything in the car. In may case, I have a DSATX which takes 12v (well, really 13.8v) from the battery and turns it to 12v/5v/3.3v etc for the motherboard. I'm going to assume that the power supply for the screen is external (like a laptop power supply) which means the screen will take in XXv DC. It would just be a case of finding a power supply designed for car use that outputs your needed voltage.

The ugly (and easier) way to do the same thing is to use a DC-to-AC inverter and the original power brick the monitor comes with. You will also have to use one of these things if your power brick is internal to the screen. Most of the people here would say that inverters are best avoided if possible. They generally are not very power efficient, so for your 200w screen you may need an inverter that would pull 400w from your alternator. Sounds like fun, eh?

I'm curios to see how the behemoth fits in your setup, and how you will mount it. For some reason my worst imaginings involve bolts through your roof panel. Go figure.

**22tahoe** · 02-01-2008, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by epod86

The most favorable option is to use a DC-to-DC power supply to power anything in the car. In may case, I have a DSATX which takes 12v (well, really 13.8v) from the battery and turns it to 12v/5v/3.3v etc for the motherboard. I'm going to assume that the power supply for the screen is external (like a laptop power supply) which means the screen will take in XXv DC. It would just be a case of finding a power supply designed for car use that outputs your needed voltage.

The ugly (and easier) way to do the same thing is to use a DC-to-AC inverter and the original power brick the monitor comes with. You will also have to use one of these things if your power brick is internal to the screen. Most of the people here would say that inverters are best avoided if possible. They generally are not very power efficient, so for your 200w screen you may need an inverter that would pull 400w from your alternator. Sounds like fun, eh?

I'm curios to see how the behemoth fits in your setup, and how you will mount it. For some reason my worst imaginings involve bolts through your roof panel. Go figure.

I will be bracing it pretty good and some welding will be involved to hold that heavy monitor up there. So you are saying that a power inverter will be my best bet to power it up? Something with 400 watts? Do you have a link to what I may exactly need?

**epod86** · 02-01-2008, 06:42 PM

Something like that. Find out what the screen has in terms of power plugs, and the voltage required. If you can find one, go with a DC-to-DC power supply. If not, you'll have to use an inverter. As for the wattage, make sure to double check the output voltage and amperage so that they will match up. You won't be able to use a simple cigarette light inverter, it will have to be hooked up to your battery with it's own wiring. Have a look arond the forums about wire gauges and other wiring guidelines.