Thread: Project Idea

i will be getting a brand new laptop in about 3 weeks, and i have an alpine cda-7893 headunit which has an AUX output.

You need to double check that, as you'll need an AUX input to run sound from your laptop into it.

im thinking about getting a small monochrome lcd display to scroll just the song titles, and get an RF remote to switch between songs

Should work fine, I've been enjoying my X10 mouse remote (RF) now that I found software to have it run under XP.

i assume that because it is a laptop, i can just use a carcharger to power it, correct?

Yes, but depending on the laptop model, you may need an adapter from the manufacturer (as some don't take 12Volts directly)

also, will there be any way to set it up so that when i turn the ignition off, the laptop will go into hibernate mode? and when i turn the ignition on it will come back up?

Not sure on this one, definately look through your manual when you get it to see if there's any options regarding going into hibernation when it's not getting power, and coming back on when power is restored.

also, will there be any way to set it up so that when i turn the ignition off, the laptop will go into hibernate mode? and when i turn the ignition on it will come back up?

This is the hardest question you asked. It's doubtful that your laptop will have any external means to switch power. Without opening it up and wiring to some internal contacts I really can't think of anything that will work for you short of hoping that your bios has some kind of 'wake up on serial/modem ring/wake on lan/usb keyboard'. If that is the case you could build a small device that emulates something appropriate to turn on the pc (pulls DCD high for serial port power, emulates keystroke for usb keyboard power-on, etc.) .. or you could use one of the ATX shutdown controllers and wire it internally across your power button's contacts.. that would probalby be the best option...