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Contributor I
Jun 15, 2025 12:18 PM UTC
Answered

Beam Gen 2 on Narrowboat 12V

Does anyone know if I can modify a Gen 2 Beam to run on a regulated 12v Supply? 

I totally understand warranty and safety issues. 

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Stanley_4
Stanley_4Answer
Grand Maestro
Jun 15, 2025 1:09 PM UTC

That is a very bad idea, far better to add a high quality inverter to make the AC power.

12 replies

Stanley_4
Stanley_4Answer
Grand Maestro
Jun 15, 2025 1:09 PM UTC

That is a very bad idea, far better to add a high quality inverter to make the AC power.

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106rallye
Jun 15, 2025 1:10 PM UTC

Search for a 12v to 230v inverter?

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TharAuthor
Contributor I
Jun 15, 2025 1:27 PM UTC

Thank you for the reply. I already have a really good quality inverter, but would prefer to run at 12v 

The Sonos will run at voltages near to 12v, so it seems daft to take 12v upto 230v and then back down again. 

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buzz
Grand Maestro
Jun 15, 2025 2:44 PM UTC

A DIY self repair discussion suggests that primary step down is to 24V. This implies that you would need a step up inverter for your 12V source.

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Stanley_4
Grand Maestro
Jun 15, 2025 5:59 PM UTC

Look at some teardown videos and decide if you really want to try and work inside your Sonos.

A good inverter is going to be a out 90% efficient and safe,plus it won't kill your Sonos if it glitches.

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TharAuthor
Contributor I
Jun 19, 2025 8:33 AM UTC

Its as much convenience as anything else, everything else on the day to day running of the boat is 12V, so turning on the inverter every time we play music or put the TV on, will be a slight pain. 

If I can find the voltage the Beam runs at and find a suitable regulated power supply, it makes every thing easier. 

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buzz
Grand Maestro
Jun 19, 2025 10:15 AM UTC

I think the bottom line will be which device is easier for you to modify for remote power-up — an inverter or the SONOS. 

What is your overall concern? Space? Wiring clutter? Power consumption? Operator convenience?

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TharAuthor
Contributor I
Jun 19, 2025 10:21 AM UTC

There are a few considerations. 

Convenience is the biggest one. 

I would need to cabe 230v to the area as well as 12v using the inverter. Using 12v would only require one feed, so cost is probably neutral. 

It just depends on how easy it is to modify and power the Beam from 12v, that's why I've asked on here, before I go stripping my Beam, to see how it's done. 

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Prodigy III
Jun 19, 2025 10:36 AM UTC

What about a decent rechargeable Bluetooth soundbar? I hear they exist.

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106rallye
Jun 19, 2025 10:49 AM UTC

Why the need for cabling 230v as well as 12v?

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