Power cutout

**damo642** · 09-30-2005, 03:50 PM

when the car is turned off ie running on the battery my carputer dies if the vloume goes up very loud . this also happens when the car is idling in traffic lights and the volume is loud.now i am aware that the system is drawing too much current.
So how do i stop this from happening?

Damo642

**Bugbyte** · 09-30-2005, 05:34 PM

Check the voltage while idling. Turn up the volume, measure the voltage. It sounds like your amplifier is drawing a lot of juice and your alternator can't keep up.

**damo642** · 09-30-2005, 05:40 PM

yes you are right -
but my question is how do i avoid this problem
my laptop is running witout a battery so when the power cuts out the laptop reboots from scratch.

Damo642

**Strgazr** · 09-30-2005, 05:54 PM

1st, turn it down. Especially while idling at traffic lights. The people around you don't want to listen to your music anyway.

2nd, get a high output alternator.

**DJiK** · 09-30-2005, 07:07 PM

3rd, put a battery in... I mean, you already have a laptop, might as well use a battery with it. That'll also keep your computer on when you're starting the car.

**damo642** · 10-01-2005, 07:45 AM

i cant put in the laptop battery because that is the principle i use in order for the laptop to start automatically when the ignition is turned on...

can i get a current limiter or...............

damo642

**Scouse Monkey** · 10-01-2005, 08:18 AM

find another way to get the laptop to start - eg wire up a relay to the power button

**damo642** · 10-01-2005, 10:08 AM

i dont want to wire up a relay because that will mean that i need to open the laptop and mod the hardware - this is a no-no for me because its just too risky and not worth it..... although i know i could do it

there must be other options.......

Damo642

**Scouse Monkey** · 10-01-2005, 10:27 AM

well there is a solution to you there but if you are afraid to open your laptop then you are gonna have to go with something more messy.

How are you currently controlling the power settings on your laptop?

the normal way is to set to standy and then hibernate after so long on battery. I dont see how you can do it without a battery unless you just kill the power. I would look for a port replicator/docking port with a power button or maybe one of those keyboards with a soft power button can be hacked.

**turbocad6** · 10-01-2005, 11:01 AM

can't you just use a tank battery in the lead to the laptop..... sounds like its just the intermitant voltage drop that's your problem..... a stiffining cap at the amp may also do the trick....