Carthago TV 12v socket query

[MarkHoughton]

Hi,
Not your usual TV question about getting channels, but about the 12v cigar socket. I want to "tap" into the 12v supply to connect a 2nd outlet to use as a usb charger for my phone whilst driving. What I don't understand is why if the TV works using the "media" button on the main control panel will it not provide any power to any other 12v device I plug into the socket in place of the TV ?

I have done this as a test first 'before' I chop/tap into the feed wires, so no harm done as yet, but more a query if anyone can explain how it is providing power to the TV but cannot 'power' a 12v usb charger ( the device I used for the test ). The test device only has a 3a power requirement so not overloading it and no blown fuses as the TV still works 'post' test.

Alternative is to find an alternative supply in the cab area and tap into that.

 

[MichaelT]

Be careful the power may be taken from the cab battery, ours isn't plugged into a cigar socket as far as I can see but to a separate hedgehog power outlet in a cupboard.

 

[rb62]

The media button as it says controls the media i.e.the TV and radio (it lights up when you turn the radio on) and the power is drawn from the vehicle battery so make sure it is turned off at night when your not using the TV or radio or you could wake up to a flat battery.Some people fit an isolator switch on the radio feed.

 

[AdrianChen]

Hi,
Not your usual TV question about getting channels, but about the 12v cigar socket. I want to "tap" into the 12v supply to connect a 2nd outlet to use as a usb charger for my phone whilst driving. What I don't understand is why if the TV works using the "media" button on the main control panel will it not provide any power to any other 12v device I plug into the socket in place of the TV ?

I have done this as a test first 'before' I chop/tap into the feed wires, so no harm done as yet, but more a query if anyone can explain how it is providing power to the TV but cannot 'power' a 12v usb charger ( the device I used for the test ). The test device only has a 3a power requirement so not overloading it and no blown fuses as the TV still works 'post' test.

Alternative is to find an alternative supply in the cab area and tap into that.

Is the plug you're using to test it making good contact in the socket? Some of mine (all quite old) are a bit dodgy.

I used to use a single to double for that kind of thing, but as long as you know what you've done there's no real danger of going over the 10amp max for that type of socket.

Does your van not have a spare din type They should be rated a little higher....

 

[Jwats]

Carthago don’t normally fit sockets to power their tvs they are usually hardwired. But if yours is a socket and was original factory fit then they do fit a switch on the tv up/down mechanism so the tv only has power when the tv is lifted. This could explain why you’re not getting power when testing.

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[MarkHoughton]

Carthago don’t normally fit sockets to power their tvs they are usually hardwired. But if yours is a socket and was original factory fit then they do fit a switch on the tv up/down mechanism so the tv only has power when the tv is lifted. This could explain why you’re not getting power when testing.

I did wonder about that, it was a factory fit TV ( 2016 model ) according to the original spec sheet I have from the previous ( owned from new ) owner. Next question is how to determine where the switch is to tap into the cables before that ( if possible ).

 

[MarkHoughton]

Is the plug you're using to test it making good contact in the socket? Some of mine (all quite old) are a bit dodgy.

I used to use a single to double for that kind of thing, but as long as you know what you've done there's no real danger of going over the 10amp max for that type of socket.

Does your van not have a spare din type They should be rated a little higher....

Hi Adrian, I did ensure it was pushed in firmly as I know some do like to 'pop out' easily. I did consider the single to double adapter but wonder if I will have the same issue that the power will only be fed when the TV is in the UP position which is no good for me as I only want a supply whilst driving. I have the USB's on the passenger side, but currently have a cable to the driver's side draped across the dashboard which is a bit messy. I may just rewire the existing single USB for this new USB C version and hide the wiring underneath the dashboard with an extra long cable from it to the phone mount.

 

[MichaelT]

Hi Adrian, I did ensure it was pushed in firmly as I know some do like to 'pop out' easily. I did consider the single to double adapter but wonder if I will have the same issue that the power will only be fed when the TV is in the UP position which is no good for me as I only want a supply whilst driving. I have the USB's on the passenger side, but currently have a cable to the driver's side draped across the dashboard which is a bit messy. I may just rewire the existing single USB for this new USB C version and hide the wiring underneath the dashboard with an extra long cable from it to the phone mount.

I fitted a usb wired direct from the fuse box using a piggy back fuse to power my sat nav.

 

[Cush]

I have one of those usb adaptors that doesn’t actually make a contact at the base of the ciggy socket. It appears not all are created equal. The switch on the tv sounds like an interesting shout.

 

[Russell's Dad]

If it's only for when you are driving, how about one of these for the cigarette lighter socket. I run my Garmin and charge my phone/surface pro/tablet through one of these.
Sorry if I have misunderstood your query.

EDIT: Sorry, I now gather that your TV runs from your cigarette lighter socket. Mine is hard wired. Please ignore the above advice.

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[AdrianChen]

I did wonder about that, it was a factory fit TV ( 2016 model ) according to the original spec sheet I have from the previous ( owned from new ) owner. Next question is how to determine where the switch is to tap into the cables before that ( if possible ).

Ours was wired to a sort of busbar affair in the top locker next to the hab door. The bedroom one though was pre-wired by the factory, but installed by the dealer, and uses a cig socket, and half a role of tape!

 

[AdrianChen]

I fitted a usb wired direct from the fuse box using a piggy back fuse to power my sat nav.
View attachment 1005788

Sounds a simpler solution!

 

[Lenny HB]

With Carthago's wonderful (sh*t) method of wiring best leave the TV socket alone.
I fitted a socket in the lounge and tapped into the wires that feed the socket at the side of the dash.
I found the wires in trunking that was fixed to the under side of the floor.

 

[MarkHoughton]

If it's only for when you are driving, how about one of these for the cigarette lighter socket. I run my Garmin and charge my phone/surface pro/tablet through one of these.
Sorry if I have misunderstood your query.

EDIT: Sorry, I now gather that your TV runs from your cigarette lighter socket. Mine is hard wired. Please ignore the above advice.



View attachment 1005789

Hi Russell's Dad , the TV has a dedicated cigar type socket underneath the tv pull up cabinet. I want to place a new usb outlet on my side of the steering wheel as the wife tends to use the usb outlet on her side !

 

[MarkHoughton]

With Carthago's wonderful (sh*t) method of wiring best leave the TV socket alone.
I fitted a socket in the lounge and tapped into the wires that feed the socket at the side of the dash.
I found the wires in trunking that was fixed to the under side of the floor.

View attachment 1005832

Hi Lenny, Ideally I wanted to use the TV power feed as in my layout it is directly behind my seat and so was intending to run the short length of cable inside the armrest cabinet to my next to the reversing camera. I have extra usb sockets installed in the bedroom area so with the existing passenger side we have plenty other than dangling, trailing wires across the dashboard for my side.
Cheers

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