24v from leisure battery
Hello
I'm new to using a camper van. We've recently had a Renault Master converted and are about to set off on our first sleep-over! Also, I don't know a great deal about electrical issues....
I have a specific question about voltage that I wonder of anyone may be able to answer. I have a pair of good quality monitor speakers (for audio production work) that use an external power supply rated at 24v. I would very much like to find a way of being able to use these speakers in the van situations where we're not plugged in to an electric kook-up. I had thought that I could purchase an inverter but it would seem that, apart from the cost, it would be a rather inefficient way of powering the speakers (i.e converting the 12v supply from the leisure battery to 240v and then converting this back down to 24v with the speakers' own power supply unit). Can anyone advise on a better solution?
Many thanks
Simon
Comments
-
I think you need different speakers. Sorry if you think that’s unhelpful but many things we take for granted at home aren’t suitable for 12v use.
As an aside, remember to keep the volume low if you're pitched near others. Sound carries outdoors especially if you have doors and windows open.
Enjoy your new van.
0 -
Why do you need to use such powerful speakers in your campervan? If you are sitting outside, or even inside, will the other people on the site be able to hear your music?
It seems like you have a “professional set up”, which presumably is loud. Please think about your neighbours, who may not share your taste.
We have been on sites where the music/film from other pitches carries a long way where the people on the source of the sound are blissfully unaware of that.
Most other campers are too polite/reluctant to ask you to turn it down.
0 -
I think the easiest solution would be to have two 12volt batteries and connect them in series. For your 12volt equipement you just take the feed off one battery and for the 24volt equipment you take a feed from both. You will have to think about how you keep them charged though. You can also buy 12volt to 24 volt converters but you will need to make sure they are capable of delivering sufficient power to your speakers. Google 12volt to 24volt. This all said, I agree with TW buy yourself some new 12v speakers for use in the van. Your choice.
peedee
0 -
Thank you for your replies, Tinwheeler, K Brown and peedee.
The speakers in question are monitoring speakers for recording, mixing and mastering etc. I wouldn't normally be using them on a campsite as I would be planning to relax rather than work when I'm on such a facility. And, please don't worry, I'm always very careful not to impose any sounds I'm making on others. To be honest, I tend to monitor what I'm doing at low volumes anyway but good quality flat frequency response speakers are needed for such work and so my options are limited.
Cheers
Simon
0 -
You need a DC-DC converter 12-24v. be careful - if the speakers draw 10A at 24v the draw on the battery will be a little over 20A due to the converter efficiency.
something like this maybe there's a few around to choose from.
some maybe optimised for audio supply
0 -
Thank you, viatorem. That's most kind of you to forward that information and link. The mains adapter that comes with the speakers is rated as this:
Input: 100 ~ 240V AC, 50/60Hz, 1.5A
Output: 24V DC 2.5A (60W)
So, presumably, 2.5A is the currrent the speakers would draw? Would it be better to buy a converter that more closely matches that value, rather than 10A?
Apologies for my ignorance on such matters!
0 -
A 3-5 Amp converter would probably be sufficient, it is always better to over rate . Keep in mind at full power the current draw from your battery will be a little over 5A at 12V. I would get a fused 12v accessory plug connected to the input wires and the relevant connector to your speakers on the 24vdc output end. Mounting the device on a small box within which the connections could be safely made with appropriate output fuse. It could then be used anywhere there is a 12vdc accessory socket.
0 -
Thank you, Viatorem. I will do precisely as you suggest.
0
