So many people have been asking about what to do with their portable battery operated television after the big switch. Up until now, there has not been a battery operated converter box on the market. The other day while digging around the internet, I found the Winegard RCDT09A. 
From what I've read, this box is eligible for use with the converter box coupons. It works on either standard AC or 4-D cell batteries. According to the manufacturer specs, the batteries will last for about 18 hours. We have not tested this box ourselves to back up any of the information I found online, but there is a review on the C-Net website.
As always... there is a catch. Converter boxes only work with external antennas. Many portable or handheld TV's work off of internally mounted antennas. This box will only work with an external set of rabbit ears and a TV with an external antenna jack. It may take some experimentation with adapters to make it all work. If anyone tries this out before we do, please leave a comment on your experiences.
I have tried this converter box and it works quite well. One correction.. the battery pack takes six D cells. I used it with an RCA ANT585 amplied rabbit ears antenna. The 9volt battery pack also fits this antenna, so you can order an extra battery pack for the antenna, or with a little work, you can wire both the box and antenna into the same pack. One neat feature is the signal strength meter that shows a bar graph and audible beep to let you know when you have maximum signal.. with a button right on the remote so you don't have to search through menus.
Posted by: John Armstrong | November 24, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Time warner cable is offering digital TV for $9.95. How can they do this when digital is not available until June 12? Sounds like a RIP OFF to me.
Posted by: Billy | March 12, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Re: Battery Powered Digital TV Converter at www.batterysavers.com . I looked all over for a digital tv antenna. I found a battery operated digital TV converter kit that is available at http://www.batterysavers.com/Battery_Operated_Digital_TV_Converter.htm . It seems easy to set up and easy to use. Has anyone ever had any experience with this before? I'm buying one tonight to try it out. Please post if anyone ever used this kit before.
Posted by: david | March 30, 2009 at 01:06 AM
It's small and VERY conservative on Power Consumption.
Runs cool as a cucumber !
I really like the Battery Box (6 D-Cells) which also has an alternate connection for a single 9 volt Battery.
A Battery Backup for the Battery Backup ! ;)
Winegard also sells a Automotive Power Adaptor for this unit, which implies that it will operate on 12 volts as well. (Cigarette Lighter Socket to 2.1mm Barrel Male Connector)
On the other features, I agree with John A, simple to use and the features are quite adequate.
Posted by: SWHouston | March 05, 2010 at 01:19 PM
ATTENTION Permalink (et all)
Your information as stated...
"It works on either standard AC or 4-D cell batteries."
Is incorrect !
The RC-DT901/A does NOT run on 110 Volts.
Nor does the Battery Pack take 4 D-Cells.
It takes SIX (6) D-Cell Batterys or ONE 9 Volt Battery.
It will opeate with a 110v/9v Power ADAPTOR ! or,
With a Battery Pack or 12v Automotive Power Cord Adaptor
Heaven forbid if someone were to attempt to plug this little guy into a 110v wall outlet directly !!!
DON'T DO THAT !
Posted by: SWHouston | March 05, 2010 at 01:31 PM