lcd or pc monitor vibrations in a van

[lightspeed]

I don't know if anyone has ever asked this before but is their ever a problem with an lcd tv or pc monitor from any jaring going down the road ? on highways their is the occasional potholes in the city their is places where it's sort of rough sometimes on the pavement , etc. is their a certain way that a pc monitor should be attached to something , same with an lcd tv to keep any vibrations from the road from messing something up or shaking something loose ?

[VernM]

Most are not designed for mobile operation, but in practice seem to be surviving for the most part. They will not stand a drop, however, so make sure they are as secure as you can make 'em.

For active use of a computer under way, do a search for the mounts that are used in police and similar installations. You'll see they are a lot more rugged than you'd think. A lot more expensive, too.

Best for your laptop (if that is the model you are using) is close and secure it when underway. For a PC or TV, bolt them down good. And I know of no PCs "ruggedized" for mobile use. The TVs that the manufacturers install usually are special order for that use by quality RV manufacturers.

[Mike]

I think Vern speaks the truth here. Just try to secure your gear as best you can.
Whether in your van or living room, dropping them isn't good.
I have our LCD on an articulating double elbowed mount behind the entertainment unit
over the driver's side bed. It seems to work fairly well, although a violent steering
maneuver or hard acceleration might cause it to swing out. The TV only weighs 8 lbs.
which is pretty light, but it seems to weather the road knocks pretty well.
Our laptop is closed and sits flat in our entertainment unit on a rubberized non-slip
mat while we're moving.
The mounting arm for the TV probably absorbs some of the vibration, as does the
rubber mat for the laptop.

[obiewan kanobe]

if you snoop around the net, you may be able to find a vibration damper pad. they are composed of layers of soft to hard plastic. the military and commercial operations use them. they are "tuned" to protect electronics and delicate instruments from vibration and shock. they should not be expensive. they are well woth it if you can find them. also, you can also make one by putting layers of the urethane plastic sheets together. old typewriters used a similar pad.

[Mike]

"old typewriters used a similar pad."

What's a "typewriter"?

[obiewan kanobe]

a typewriter is a mechanical contraption designed to fill your waste basket with crumpled sheets of paper. :P

[Mike]

ah, touche!

[visionquest]

We have never had a problem with any LCD's in our B while driving. They seem to get a pretty gentle ride even when the road is a little rough. Heidi is often on her netbook while we are cruising down the highway, the LCD for the backup cam looks just fine, the TV which is mounted on an arm over the bed also rides very well.

I had a toyota class C a few years back with air shocks that made the ride very rough. I had a PC stored on the floor under the table and it died pretty quickly from the shock of heavier bumps in the road. Laptops are a bit better at handling mobile situations.

-Mike & Heidi
97 Roadtrek 170P "Taj Ma Trek"
http://WWW.VanTramps.Com