Author Topic: Using a portable DVD player for a second display? (Read 23368 times)

Phillip Nicodemus · « **on:** January 29, 2013, 11:46:24 AM »

Has anybody hooked up a portable DVD player to the video output of their 898 c is (or similar unit) ?
I bought a new boat last year and have an 898 c si mounted next to my console/dash. It is amazing what you can see with it! I can't afford to buy another unit and have it mounted up on the bow. I often spin my unit around so I can see it when I am on the trolling motor. It is just to small and to far away to really see details when it is sideimaging mode.
I thought it would pretty easy and relatively inexpensive to buy a portable DVD player with video in and hook it up to the my 898 c si and have another display up by me at the trolling motor.
I can run the cable so it is not exposed or a hazard. The DVD player has its own rechargeable battery power. I night fish a lot so not to concerned about sun glare. I realize that weather and lake conditions could keep me from using it or damage the DVD player. I would probably pick up a used one on eBay that way if something happens (like kicking it in the lake) I am not out a whole lot.
Has anybody tried this?
What are your opinions/suggestions?
What cables would be needed?

ITGEEK · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2013, 02:38:57 PM »

This is the video cable you would need to hook to your 898c SI.
http://store.humminbird.com/products/322955/VC_1

It's only 6 feet long, so you may need to get an RCA extension
cable (female to male). You can get that from Radio Shack, Best-Buy, Wal-Mart, etc.
I don't see where you would have a problem for your application.
As long as you don't trip over the cable or drop your DVD player
into the water.
I would check that the DVD player has an RCA video in connection,
or you may need some sort of adapter.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2013, 12:07:58 AM »

OK,, thanks for your input. I have found a used dvd player with a video in input. I can run the cable thru a storage compartment so it won't be a hazard. Will for sure need an extension for the video cable. I will let you know how it works. Humminbird may not like this cheap work around but I can't justify another unit, I am just a weekend angler and that is only for about 7 months out of the year!

Rüdiger · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2013, 03:11:13 AM »

Hi TB

The problem is, that standart displays are bad to read in sunlight.

mvh
Rüdiger

ITGEEK · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2013, 09:53:31 AM »

Triton:
I don't think Humminbird cares that you are not using a second unit.
They build units with the video out, so that users can have second
display options.
I'm sure they are very happy with the fact that you bought an 898c SI.

Once you test it out, I'd be really interested to hear how you
like the quality of the image on the DVD player.

I hope it works out well.
Good Luck.

Jdw2u · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2013, 03:31:50 PM »

I went a different route entirely. I found another transducer, GPS antenna, power cord, cable management kit, and a 2nd ram mount base. I simply put the entire 2nd setup on the bow of my boat. Now I can easily move my graph to the console or trolling motor depending on whether I'm fishing, or riding around scanning. It also has the added benefit of having a more accurate GPS location on waypoints that I create from whichever location I'm using the graph from. I also don't have to try and discern how far back I have to fish from what I have just seen on my graph. It seems like I have about $400 in the entire setup. I got part of it off the classifieds from bbcboards.net and the Cable management kit from ebay. You just have to pay attention to what transducer you are getting, and cable collector. The rest of it is all pretty well universal.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2013, 04:28:25 PM »

Here is an update. It does not work. I bought a cheap cable, not the one that is an accessory for my portable DVD player, it has the correct rca jacks to go from my humminbird VC 1 cable to the video input of the DVD player. I put my 898 c SI in video out mode and displayed it on a tv but couldn't get the DVD player to work. It could be I needed the proprietary video in cable for the DVD player. I don't want to spend anymore time or money. I also realized the video resolution of most portable DVD players is not very good, so unless you buy a newer one with the best resolution that is closer the resolution output of your humminbird unit it may not be worth looking at.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2013, 04:42:12 PM »

Yes, that is a good setup possibility. Like the idea of the 2nd GPS antenna upfront! A little pricey for me though. I will just have to save up and buy a unit for bow someday or buy a bigger one for the console and put my 898 on the bow.
Thanks to all for your input.

Jdw2u · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2013, 04:47:07 PM »

I was the same way, and I started to just get a 700 series for the console and liked the idea of just moving mine since I don't leave it on the boat when I'm not fishing anyway. Good luck, btw there are several places that have the 998's for $1315 or less right now since the last years models are a closeout model now.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2013, 06:04:07 PM »

yes, I don't leave it on the boat either that's why it sounds like it might work pretty well for me too. already using a ram mount at console, can you buy just part of the ram mount needed? I am going to look to see what I can get everything for and decide if I want to spend it then. Any advice on where to get best prices?

Jdw2u · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:31:01 AM »

You can find most all of it on ebay, and if you will watch the classifieds on this site, and bassboatcentral.com you can usually get some pretty good deals on the transducer and gps antenna. Humminbird.com also sells all of it, and is a good basis to know if you are finding good prices or not. If you have any questions about what you are actually getting the folks on here are very helpful with any questions. You can get just the base for a ram mount generally from wherever you bough yours from, but just make sure it's the correct size, you can find most of them on ebay for sure. The transducer for the 700 series side imaging will work on our graphs, but aren't as good as the actual 800 series transducers, however they are cheaper to buy.

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:14:52 PM »

You can also save some money by getting the GR16 GPS Receiver versus the GR50 or GRP GPS Receiver. It can be a little less accurate than the other two but a good deal at $79.99 MSRP.

Jdw2u · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:17:09 PM »

Greg, what is the difference between the GRP and the GR50?

ITGEEK · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:28:59 PM »

Triton Basser:
I don't see where you would need a special rca video
cable to connect to your DVD player.

Maybe try hooking the video out of a television set to
the video in of your DVD player.
Have you played with the DVD player input selection
options/menu?

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2013, 02:38:12 PM »

Quote from: Jdw2u on February 12, 2013, 02:17:09 PM

Greg, what is the difference between the GRP and the GR50?

The GRP has replaced the GR50. Basically they should operate the same just with different internal components.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2013, 04:53:33 PM »

Thanks for the GPS info!

As far as the "portable DVD player" goes most do not have video input and least of all, rca jacks for video input. I do not have any tv's with rca video output, most tv's have many video input options but not output options. I did try it on the output of a Blu-ray player but video did not show.
Yes, I have the DVD player in the video output mode per the manuals instructions.
As in the show "Myth Busters", this myth is busted, at least with the equipment I have.

Bob B · « **Reply #16 on:** February 12, 2013, 05:56:19 PM »

You are not looking for video output from the DVD player.....You are looking for video input.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #17 on:** February 12, 2013, 07:30:30 PM »

I bought a portable DVD player to use as a second display, it has video in capability. Since I could not get it to work. I wanted to test it with the only other component I have which has a video out, which happens to be a different Dvd/bluray player.

Bob B · « **Reply #18 on:** February 12, 2013, 09:33:35 PM »

OK...Sorry about that......I misunderstood. Thought you were saying you were trying to use a "video out" on the display.

I have tested the video out from my 1197 and it works fine....just never have found a satisfactory monitor to use in the boat. With the flat panel TVs getting cheaper and cheaper, I think a small one might do the trick. I saw on another forum that Wayne is testing one and am hoping he has a good result.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2013, 11:12:53 PM »

I probably gave to much info and not easily ubderstandable. I have gotten my 898 to display on TV without a problem. I am interested in the results too. Displays are getting cheap but what about powering them and durability?

ITGEEK · « **Reply #20 on:** February 13, 2013, 07:42:59 AM »

Triton Basser:
So you first tested your DVD player by setting video OUT on it, and
hooking it to the video IN on a TV, and it worked (you saw the picture
on the TV).

Now, to test whether the DVD player can display images from another source:
Bob's right. You must set the DVD player to video IN when hooking it
to your Blu-ray player.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #21 on:** February 13, 2013, 09:17:02 AM »

Yes I did that. I am very familiar with the settings and connections I need to make this work. I assure you I know what I am doing but for some reason I can not post it in a way that viewers aren't confused. The "video in" for portable DVD players is a 3mm plug. You need an adapter to take it from the VC 1 cable to the video in of the portable DVD player, which is a male 3mm plug on one end and 3 female rca jacks on the other. I know which ones are for video and audio and I tried all combinations anyway just to be sure. I know I have the 898 unit in the correct mode and the VC 1 cable works. I think it is the display resolution of my portable dvd player cant display the different resolution from the Humminbird unit. Or, the video in mode of the DVD player or the adapter doesn't work.

I appreciate everybody's help but I am pursuing others options.
Thanks

Bob B · « **Reply #22 on:** February 13, 2013, 05:39:13 PM »

I think Wayne has a 12VDC powered small flat panel TV that his is going to test with. Otherwise you would have to have an inverter onboard, and that isn't really desirable.

newkid4si · « **Reply #23 on:** February 13, 2013, 11:10:25 PM »

Bob B
"Otherwise you would have to have an inverter onboard, and that isn't really desirable."-- I was at the auto parts store today and he suggested an inverter and a small
flat panel TV. What kind of problems would I run into going this way?
My electronics repairman suggested the same thing that Wayne is trying. I'm having a hard time finding a 12v TV, without going on the internet. Internet concern is shipping.

Mike

RGecy · « **Reply #24 on:** February 13, 2013, 11:25:41 PM »

Sams used to carry a 12v TV, but havent been in in while. Also check any nearby truck stops or RV dealers. They will most likely have some as well.

Robert

newkid4si · « **Reply #25 on:** February 13, 2013, 11:30:18 PM »

Robert
Good call. Have a RV dealer 6 miles away.
Local RV show was last week. Figures.

Mike

Bob B · « **Reply #26 on:** February 14, 2013, 03:15:26 PM »

They have some on here with free shipping http://www.vivaladeals.com/c-40-ac-dc-tvs.aspx?pagesize=9999&gclid=CKyzuv_LtrUCFa1AMgodIXEAEA

They don't have the LED backlit ones til you get to 13.3"........I would definitely be looking for LED backlit.

Let us know if you find one that works good in the boat.

It would be kind of sweet to have a dedicated screen at the bow, even if you already have a unit up there. You could put the console on full screen map before going to the bow and wouldn't have to split the screen to have mapping.

Bob B · « **Reply #27 on:** February 14, 2013, 03:33:39 PM »

Quote from: RGecy on February 13, 2013, 11:25:41 PM

Sams used to carry a 12v TV, but havent been in in while. Also check any nearby truck stops or RV dealers. They will most likely have some as well.

Robert

Welcome back Robert !!!

Bob B · « **Reply #28 on:** February 14, 2013, 04:43:26 PM »

I sent a message to Wayne. He says the unit he has is a 9" Pegasus that only cost about $70 and is available on Walmart's website.
He says it has a non reflective screen and he has watched it outdoors as a TV and has used it indoors on his HB, but hasn't had a chance to test it on the boat yet.

Phillip Nicodemus · « **Reply #29 on:** February 14, 2013, 07:39:05 PM »

That sounds perfect and a good find! I guess you would need a power inverter to power it on a boat? This looks like a pretty good option. Thanks for finding this, Bob B.

Bob B · « **Reply #30 on:** February 14, 2013, 08:10:27 PM »

I think it is a 12v device...you shouldn't need an inverter.

newkid4si · « **Reply #31 on:** February 14, 2013, 10:58:45 PM »

The recommendations I got today was to keep away from the inverter as it has a heavy amp draw on the battery.
Stick with a 12 volt device direct to the battery.
Places to look included truck stops and OTR dealerships. Also many 12 Volt TV internet sites. Google is your friend. 50,400,000 results.

RGecy · « **Reply #32 on:** February 14, 2013, 11:06:09 PM »

I would agree. Plus, I just dont like having 110 volts around water! A 12v solution would be better in my opinion!

Robert

newkid4si · « **Reply #33 on:** February 15, 2013, 12:21:26 AM »

Bob B
Clicked on your link above in search of the LED back lite 13" TV.
Was doing pretty good until I got to Amazon and saw 2/5stars.
Granted it was only 4 customers, but wasn't a good start.
The search continues.

Bob B · « **Reply #34 on:** February 15, 2013, 04:56:52 PM »

I think most of the complaints were about a flimsy antenna and poor tv reception......We don't care about that.

I think this is the one Wayne is testing http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=pegasus+9%22&ic=16_0&Find=Find&indexId=13cdc277598c&cdnHost=search-cdn.walmart.com&searchdropdowndiv=com.wm.module.305715.constraint&search_constraint=0

newkid4si · « **Reply #35 on:** February 16, 2013, 12:04:02 AM »

Bob B
If it's good enough for Wayne, it's good enough for me. Ordered one today. Be here on the 22nd.
In researching the 13" LED backlit TV's, more seem to just be coming to market.
I'll start with the 9" and see how well it works

Mike

Bob B · « **Reply #36 on:** February 16, 2013, 12:10:56 AM »

Keep us updated how it works out. I think some of these new little TV's may start to make the video out a very useful option.....and they are cheap.

newkid4si · « **Reply #37 on:** February 16, 2013, 01:01:12 AM »

Bob B
RCA has a 13" LED backlit the has potential.
Complaints so far are narrow viewing angle.
Another consideration is competition will drive the prices down.

Mike

Bob B · « **Reply #38 on:** February 16, 2013, 07:29:59 PM »

NEWKIDFORSI

Wayne says that Pegasus TV has a built in battery that recharges with a supplied Ac to 9V DC adaptor.....The TV can operate from a 9V DC source. He says he got an adapter from Radio Shack that will plug into an 12V accessory plug and will output the necessary 9VDC.......Guess it isn't 12V, it requires 9V.

newkid4si · « **Reply #39 on:** February 16, 2013, 10:42:25 PM »

Bob B
Thanks for the info on 9v power. Missed that.
To busy looking at reliability. Searched internet for 12v to 9v converter.
Need to find out power needs first. Watts + amps.

Mike

Gattlin · « **Reply #40 on:** February 17, 2013, 01:07:02 PM »

This is something I will do it's just a matter of time. Say if the 898 has a seven inch screen and say I install a nine inch TV, will the image on the nine inch tv be seven inches? Because if it stays seven inches theres no reason to get a bigger unit. Thats why I,m asking thanks for any input

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Boat-12Volt-Pyle-10-4-TFT-LCD-Splash-Proof-TV-Monitor-/360574653386?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D5666817064091908117%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D5%26sd%3D110845822834%26

Here's something of interest not as cheap as some of those little TV's but it is waterproof. Er resistant.

Bob B · « **Reply #41 on:** February 17, 2013, 04:51:49 PM »

You can connect it to a 65" TV if you want and it will fill the screen.

GPa · « **Reply #42 on:** February 18, 2013, 09:05:58 PM »

I have an 898c SI on my console and I have fished with a Sony portable DVD player DVP-FX811 hooked up as a second screen on the bow. Only problems were hard to see in bright sunlight and battery pack doesn't last all day. Battery problem can be overcome by use of the cigarette lighter plug & cable that came with DVD. DVD has 12 volt input. First try it wasn't working but went back through all the 898 settings and it came right on. Thought about a black box shade of some sort to help in sunlight but haven't tried it yet.

It definitely will work. Make sure all 898 and DVD settings are correct (DVD for input not DVD disk) and that you plug into correct ports on 898 and DVD player.

Triton Anlger · « **Reply #43 on:** March 07, 2013, 04:51:39 PM »

I purchased the Pegasus STO9-B 9" Portable Digital TV with ATSC Tuner from Walmart for $60 plus tax. I tested it out and the display isn't to bad. I used one of my recorded SI images and i could see pretty much the same structure I see on my 898c SI's display. It is not nearly quite as crisp and clear but it will work fairly well. You can adjust the screen to give clearer picture. I did not check it out in sun light though. I test it out in my garage (about 50 degrees in there), on a full charge it lasted about 3 hours. Maybe it will last longer when it is warmer out. I will have to look into getting that 9v to 12v adapter that Bob b mentioned. Although, 3 hours is nice, I will want to just use the boats batteries to run it.

I can see my problem now will be having a long enough adapter cord to enable me to run it all the way to the bow. The video cable is easy to extend. I will need to find an extension for the 9volt to 12 volt adapter. I guess maybe a 12 volt extension? I assume the adapter cord is probably 6 ft long so I would need probably another 10 ft extension.

Thanks for everybody's input!

Bob B · « **Reply #44 on:** March 07, 2013, 07:27:25 PM »

Thanks for the input. Let us know how it works out for you on the water.

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Author Topic: Using a portable DVD player for a second display? (Read 23368 times)

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