The TV has not worked reliably for about a year. Maybe more. I thought it was heat related. But this winter when it still kept powering on and off in a loop I knew it wasn't heat. It was a failed DC to AC power inverter, which itself may have failed due to heat.

I removed the old 200 watt unit and installed the only unit in stock near by, a 500 watt Cobra unit which just so happens to be the same one I installed in my RV recently. The new unit still has two AC ports but also provides one USB A and one USB C port. I could theoretically power the PI off this thing which might further reduce static feedback on the audio line to the amp.I ran the USB cables just in case but left the PI alone for now.

Once bad thing about the new power inverter, it does have a on/off switch which is good but if you leave it on, as we must do in the van, then cut power, it beeps as it dies. Then it beeps as it comes back on. Hopefully this doesn't get too annoying. The only solution would be to open up the power inverter and cut the speaker cables. 

While I was working on the van I also repaired a window blind that had fallen. The problem is the blind spools. The hold the loose blind strnig to the van. They are under a lot of tension as it is this tension that keeps the blinds from falling open while driving. The spools break under the tension.

I designed then 3D printed my own replacement spools. They are substantially chunkier than the originals. And they have a post design that allows me to wind the line up on the spool like a yoyo to achieve whatever tension I want. I didn't have to use that feature this time, but it is nice to know I could. I hope these spools last longer. They are certainly cheaper to produce at only 5 cents per. The design file and 3D printer file are attached to this page.

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