Thread: Doing Car Computer, based in laptop

i'm looking also to power a laptop. From all the searching i've done i think the "Wake on LAN" setting is good if your computer recognizes it (not sure how old it is), or you can purchase a Carnetix CNX-P1900. I think you can use this to power the laptop, just need to solder two wires to the motherboard of the laptop, and thats it...good to go. At least thats what i think. Please someone feel free to correct me if i'm wrong....

Originally Posted by mnwcsult

Current Issues:
How to power on Laptop when car starts, I'm thinking internal modem "on ring", or something
"on USB", or "on LAN" which ever is easiest.

I found all kinds of complicated solutions to an easy problem as far as auto-power on for a laptop. I didn't like any of them, so I opened up my laptop, connected two leads to the power button and connected them up to a series of SPDT automotive relays to simulate a power button press when the car is turned to "START". W3bmast3r makes a auto power on module, (it still requires you to open up your laptop) but after looking at the schematics, they're pretty complicated, and he seems very intelligent when it comes to circuitry, but the same thing can be achieved with a couple of $5 relays from autozone or radio shack. I have some schematics if you need them.

I installed a Toshiba laptop under the rear bench seat of my Chevy Trailblazer. I ran the 12v adapter cord, the VGA cable, a USB cable, and a piece of standard (4 pair) Category 5 cable under the carpet from the laptop to the area behind the front of the center console. I used a common "reset" button out of an old computer case (momentary type switch) to connect to a pair of wires in the front. On the laptop, I carefully pulled up the little panel where the power button is at and soldered the end of a common computer CD audio jumper cable to the solder points for the switch. I simply slide the other end of the same colored wires into the connector at the laptop. The laptop has it's own Lithium battery, and when I press the button it powers on as expected. If I turn the vehicle switch on and start the engine, it only flashes the touch monitor off for a second, but the laptop remains on. When I am ready to park and leave the vehicle, I press the power button mounted up front and in standard Windows fashion, the laptop gracefully shuts down completely. If I stop at a store for a minute or so and want to put it in standby mode, I do that from the RR front end program. When I get back in, I hit the power button up front and in a flash, it is back on. I have found using a laptop as my carputer has several major advantages. First of all it is self contained and flat and fits perfectly out of site and the way under my back seat. I simply relocated my tire iron and jack handle to the rear of the vehicle. Secondly, The laptop is designed with quiet cooling in mind from the manufacturer.You don't even know it is back there. Another really nice benefit is the CPU and memory capability that laptops provide. Did I mention the way I got the laptop is by common availability? The LCD screen got broken and it was more expensive to replace the screen than the laptop is worth. So I removed the screen at the hinges and made it into my carputer! As I get closer to completing my system, I'll share my pictures of the start to finish fabrication and customization of my built in touch screen that many people have told me looks as good as General Motors would have done.