Trying to develop a setup. Opinions?

**will_95gt** · 08-18-2008, 05:27 PM

Ok, I am just now building a home computer for my school and home sound recording studio. This means I'll have my laptop to spare and put towards a car PCproject. (A compaq nx6125)

Sooo... I've found a docking station here:
http://www.getpartsonline.com/pa287a.html

So, if I buy this station, I would then need to wire the "AC 110/230 V ( 50/60 Hz ) Adapter" that is included with the docking station to some sort of power regulating device? Something like this:
http://store.mp3car.com/OPUS_320W_In..._p/pwr-024.htm

And that will provide power to the docking station once the car is started right? So I would then need to wire a switch from the laptop to somewhere near the dashboard to actually boot up the computer.

THEN I would need to connect the touchscreen (which will be embedded in the dash) to the docking station's DVI or VGA port.

To power the touchscreen, would I connect it also to the opus 320 for power.

Now for the audio could I attach the laptop's sound card to whatever connections are plugged into the back of my head unit or would I have to buy an amp?

Anyways, thanks for reading, any advice is appreciated!

-Will

**skuller** · 08-18-2008, 06:20 PM

check the faq
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/faq-emporium/
it would answer most (if not all) your question.

If you use the h/u aux in, then you don't need to use separate amp.
Also, you don't need to get an opus. Buy a cheap $30 auto laptop adapter for your laptop.
Then use webmaster auto turn on module to turn on your pc automatically.

**will_95gt** · 08-18-2008, 09:41 PM

Oh *****, lol. I have been searching through the forums but never read that faq. Its awesome.

Thanks

**will_95gt** · 08-19-2008, 02:58 AM

Ok the FAQ doesn't really have an option for if you don't have an amp and don't want to keep your head unit. Is there an option for such a situation or does one either have to get an amp or keep their head unit?

Thanks alot,

-Will

**2k1Toaster** · 08-19-2008, 03:56 AM

There is no option because it isnt an option. A PC's output and any audio device's output is way too small to hook up to car speakers. You need an amp for every installation.

If you look in a HU you will see the audio part and the amp. So basically it has an amp built in, but still uses one. If you want to use sound from your PC, then you need an amp in there somewhere. Whether it be an external standalone amp, or routing it through your HU's amp.

**carbonvolvo** · 08-19-2008, 04:44 AM

what about using an eq? like the clarion EQS746
[url]http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2008/audio/accessories/EQS746/us-en-product-pf_1172385113691.html[\url]
that outputs around 7 volts, and accepts input of 50mV - 3V?
just wire the front and rear outs to speakers maybe?? correct me if im wrong though.
just interested in using one in my setup and thought might be an idea for you Will.

**will_95gt** · 08-19-2008, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

There is no option because it isnt an option. A PC's output and any audio device's output is way too small to hook up to car speakers. You need an amp for every installation.

If you look in a HU you will see the audio part and the amp. So basically it has an amp built in, but still uses one. If you want to use sound from your PC, then you need an amp in there somewhere. Whether it be an external standalone amp, or routing it through your HU's amp.

Ahhh, I see. Thanks! Thats been something that I've had trouble understanding.

Originally Posted by carbonvolvo

what about using an eq? like the clarion EQS746
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...385113691.html
that outputs around 7 volts, and accepts input of 50mV - 3V?
just wire the front and rear outs to speakers maybe?? correct me if im wrong though.
just interested in using one in my setup and thought might be an idea for you Will.

Thanks for the suggestion! If I understand 2k1's post, the eq would only work as an intermediary device if it has an amplifier built into it. EQ's are for modifying the frequencies of sound rather than amplifying them so I don't think it would work but I'll wait for a more experienced poster for the final answer.

-Will

**Woofnstuff** · 08-19-2008, 07:43 PM

most EQ's will have an very minor amp stage as such, if they have a volume knob / boost.

BUT that is only for line (RCA) level audio this would not work to amplify speakers.

personally i like having a HU in the car, this gives me a real physical thing between the pc and the amp (i have a separate amp too, as im not using the amp stage in the HU because its too gutless) so if the pc goes bat s**t on me i still can turn the volume down or off.

but back to your question... you do need something to boost your audio from line level out of the laptop to speaker level.

**will_95gt** · 08-20-2008, 01:31 PM

Hmm i see. Yeah the only problem is that my dash is limited on space and the HU pretty much needs to be removed in order to make room for a screen - its a must.

So I suppose a standalone Amp would be my only option.

WoofnStuff, how about a griffin powermate (i think thats what they're called) for volume control?

Thanks for all your help guys!

-Will

**rEegLer** · 08-20-2008, 02:41 PM

I moved my HU to under my dash where there was plenty of room, i can't see it but my remote reaches it so if i ever need to change something, its pretty easy.