Keep me posted on how that goes. I'm debating on whether to get a Carnetix now. I've read that the internal PSU on this PC includes a startup/shutdown controller as well as voltage regulation which eliminate the need for external units. But I plan to have several USB peripherals attached, so I don't think I'll have enough power. Let me know how your mod goes on that note.
Thanks again for all your insight!
On my old install, I used a Carnetix P1290 and bought two powered hubs. I then spliced into the 5V from the carnetix to power the hubs. The 12V was for the monitor and computer. This worked pretty well. You really only need the 5V though. I wonder if you could get away with a point-of-load supply? It requires 12V regulated for the input, though (ie... can't connect it to the battery directly.)
Yeah I looked at OPUS's POL as well. I'll see what I can live w/o on the USB peripherals end and go from there.
The carnetix had a separate wire running to the battery and was fused. 10ga if I remember correctly (I just picked up an amp install kit.) The carnetix was installed under the center console behind the shifter. In fact, I believe it is still there (my old system was stolen.)
The carnetix should never exceed 10A draw (7.5 actually,) so depending on what your system draws and what it is already fused for, you may be able to attach it to headunit power. It was easy enough for me to just push a wire through my firewall along my center console and mount the carnetix inside. The computer was under the passenger seat, so the wires running to it just came out under the plastic and under the seat so it wasn't visible. I didn't run the wires under the carpet, but could have just as easily, I suppose.
Oh, one of the hubs was mounted under the seat with the computer and one was mounted in the dash below the radio.
Gotcha. Sorry to hear about your old system getting lifted. That sucks. People are amazing.
Anyway, thanks again for the info. It is possible that the Blaxtream would run ok off the harness power, but I'm thinking I may just go the Carnetix route for future purposes of possibly upgrading. I'll do some test runs first with the power that's run already.
Retro, since you've done a full dissection of the unit, do you think it would be able to take the HQCT unit that they sell at the store here?
Does anyone know what motherboard is being used? I know its been mentioned as BlaXtream, but I haven't been able to locate the mobo outside of the system or located where it might be sold separately. Basically I am thinking about going the barebones way if possible. Any comments?
It looks alot like a slightly modified VIA TC10000. The PCI slot is not present, and the memory slot is under the board (can't remember if my TC10000 mobo did it that way, too.)
The best way is to grab the bios string that shows up on the bottom of the screen at boot. Pressing PAUSE/BREAK on the keyboard will hold it on the screen. I will do that next time I have a chance. Maybe Nola could do it quicker than I?
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