Looking to install a better-then-decent audio system in an upper-end RV. The owners prefer to run off solar and batteries while out in the boonies, a generator, even one of the nice quiet Honda 4 strokes, is not acceptible.

(and before you ask, yes, that is at odds with installing a sound system but who am I to pass up a check for the work.....)

We're trying to find 12v equipment to avoid using lossy 12v/120v inverters.

Anyway, who makes a line of 12 volt amps, tuners, and cd/dvd players?? The TV and sat dish have already been identified.

We did consider using automotive-grade stuff. The client does not like the 'look' of car gear. They really want a 'rack mount' look.

thanks

Kenwood, Panasonic, Alpine, Pioneer are some products to check out. Accelle electronics has a huge assortment of 12v LCD screens, as well as these guys. Middle Atlanic will make you a rack face with any size holes cut into it. 2 car DIN sized decks will sit side by side. tuner----cd/DVD and below you could have the screen. All are have an IR remote .

West, the modern inverters are actually rather efficient, over 90% when loaded near capacity. However, they may be electrically noisy depending on quality and intended use.

Some inverters output a genuine sinewave, and have been used extensively for mobile audio/video equipment. The more popular (cheaper) inverters output what's called a modified sinewave (although modified squarewave would be a little more accurate).

What might be a compromise is a mix: for the visible (and low-current) components, use typical 120-v equipment, powered by a genuine-sinewave inverter, and for (the high-current) amplification, use hidden automotive amps, run directly from a battery.

Of course, it's no secret that high-power automotive amps use built-in inverters, so don't assume that an all-12v audio or AV system is inverter-free. The main difference is that amps use ultrasonic frequencies, which allow smaller (and lighter) transformers.

Even planes use 400 Hz for the same reason. Anyway, you should make sure the RV has separate engine-starting and use-while-parked batteries, so they won't find the RV's battery too dead to start.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com