Thread: Is the M4-ATX under powered for my setup?

Originally Posted by mos33y

I will start with powering LCD via separate +12v and check result. If I get the same flicker effect, I guess its time for a new psu. Changing the LCD signal line is not really an option as my Lilly does not have hdmi or dvi out and really don't want lay another cable yet as I just put the car together. My wife will rip out the kitchen knifses.

I will try all suggestions.made in the next few days - thank you both for your suggestions.

I just remembered - when bench testing, I was actually powering LCD from supplied wall power supply and not the m4. I guess this means my m4 is faulty?

Yeah, I only thought that input-switching halfway through. Sorry about that (I had my 669 on HDMI but I have adapters on the PC side so I was converting DVI to HDMI at first before I got the long HDMI/USB cable). Besides, if it's flickering with the B.U. Cam input too (which I also managed to pass over) then it wouldn't be a MOBO video out issue.
If it was fine with the Wall Supply and not fine with the M4, that would imply that "the M4 is bad" but if it runs your pc, it may just be that the Lilly doesn't like the output ripple from the M4 (presuming that there is some ripple).

Originally Posted by Mickz

If the M4- powers the PC then IMHO it's unlikely to be faulty. Lot of people complain about this with various systems and supplies.

I hope so. Let's see if the weekend testing will yield some results.
Mos

Originally Posted by shizzlehappens

Yeah, I only thought that input-switching halfway through. Sorry about that (I had my 669 on HDMI but I have adapters on the PC side so I was converting DVI to HDMI at first before I got the long HDMI/USB cable). Besides, if it's flickering with the B.U. Cam input too (which I also managed to pass over) then it wouldn't be a MOBO video out issue.
If it was fine with the Wall Supply and not fine with the M4, that would imply that "the M4 is bad" but if it runs your pc, it may just be that the Lilly doesn't like the output ripple from the M4 (presuming that there is some ripple).

Originally Posted by shizzlehappens

Yeah, I only thought that input-switching halfway through. Sorry about that (I had my 669 on HDMI but I have adapters on the PC side so I was converting DVI to HDMI at first before I got the long HDMI/USB cable). Besides, if it's flickering with the B.U. Cam input too (which I also managed to pass over) then it wouldn't be a MOBO video out issue.
If it was fine with the Wall Supply and not fine with the M4, that would imply that "the M4 is bad" but if it runs your pc, it may just be that the Lilly doesn't like the output ripple from the M4 (presuming that there is some ripple).

No dont appologize, I appreciate any input.

What is baffling me though is: on bench test I was powering LCD with wall charger and I was getting flicker (using m4 to power the pc). I then used my home pc's 24pin mobo power supply and plugged into the zotec and I had no flicker on the LCD.

I guess this is why I keep on thinking that it is the m4 that is causing issues. Mine you the bench testing I had done was months ago and hence why my recollection is scetchy. This weekend will be moment of reconning. will definatly post results.

thanks guys

Ok I did some tasting this weekend with following results:
Powering LCD directly from car batt (with filter that came with the lilly) still had same flicker.

One thing I noticed though is when I unscrewed the psu's earth lead (with power connected), the m4's led light was still blinking (standby). I then turned on ignition to see whether the m4 was being earthed else where. The m4 and pc both turned on for about 1 second, then both shut down. I can't figure out where else the m4 is earthing. The only devices plugged in were USB touchscreen, gps mouse and a zip drive. I don't know if this matters but I also had my amp connected with via remote lead to m4.

This really is baffling me.

Also noticed that the flicker goes away.after having car on for more than about 5 mins. And flicker is at its worst after the car starts first time in the day.

I am completely baffled and have no idea where to go from here.

If the M4 is connected to the MB then it is earthed to the MB and therefore anything connected to the MB.

The lead from the M4 to the AMP has an earth and therefore an earth via the AMP and chassis.

The touch screen USB lead is most likely earthed to the LCD PCB. If the LCD is connected to the battery Neg then there will be an earth via the LCD power AND via the USB lead to the MB to the M4.

Any audio out and In connections from/to the MB are an earth if connected to the AMP (if the amp is connected to the chassis or batt neg) or a device that is earthed in any way.

Originally Posted by Mickz

If the M4 is connected to the MB then it is earthed to the MB and therefore anything connected to the MB.

The lead from the M4 to the AMP has an earth and therefore an earth via the AMP and chassis.

The touch screen USB lead is most likely earthed to the LCD PCB. If the LCD is connected to the battery Neg then there will be an earth via the LCD power AND via the USB lead to the MB to the M4.

Any audio out and In connections from/to the MB are an earth if connected to the AMP (if the amp is connected to the chassis or batt neg) or a device that is earthed in any way.

Sure ok, so the behaviour is natural. The quest continues to find the source of the screen flicker. I think I need to look closely at the power the screen is receiving. My next step is to attach my home pc power supply to carpc mb and observe the behavour of LCD being powered this psu, then by car's +12v.

If anyone else has another methods of testing, do drop a line.

Originally Posted by xinghoncho

cat pc is best for car

Sorry not sure what you mean

^still doesn't make sense for the context of the thread..