Thread: Planning a Carputer

After reading this Inverter: continuous power consumption?

I am thinking an inverter is not such a good idea. Now I am leaning towards a CNX-P1900. Which means I am now thinking I should redo how my amps are powered. I would probably want a thicker wire since now I would be pushing the lilli plus a computer, in addition to my 2 amps. Thats okay though, it gives me an opportunity to mount my amps in a different place. The guys at best buy mounted them on the back of the rear seat behind the sub enclosure. Looks professional, but doesnt show off my amps at all!

I was kicking the idea around of building a desktop, but I dont think Ill do that because that laptop I picked out is so cheap.

I see you haven't bought the computer yet. Any reason it has to be a laptop? It's not the ideal choice for a car PC.

How about the new dual-core Intel Atom board, the D945GCLF2? $80 for the board, including integrated CPU, from Newegg. Add 2GB memory ($20!), 2.5" SATA 160GB HDD ($50), and a mo-co-so.com case and m2-atx power supply, $135 from his ebay store. link

That gives you a complete computer (no display) for $285 (plus shipping). You're looking at close to $500 with that laptop, after you add in the power supply.

Hope this helps!
-- Kevin

Its funny you say this when you did, because I literally just convinced myself that this laptop is a bad idea. Mainly because the power button is nowhere to be found on the pictures, and I cant find a dock for it.

I just looked at the pic for the power supply you mentioned, and theres a few things Im not sure of (even after reading most of the FAQ!). Does it plug into the motherboard? Would I still need the carnetix part if I go the route your suggesting? Where does the cable carrying all the current plug in at, and the same for the REM cable?

The only other thing Im not sure of is which os to use. It seems most use XP. Im not really sure how available that is now. Any reason not to use Vista Home Premium? Im saying Premium only because I like Media Center. I havent found it for download anywhere, but I havent checked the torrents yet. I dont really expect to find it there.

Yes, it plugs into the motherboard. No, you won't need the Carnetix power supply with this.

For the power connections, there are wires for hooking up power from your battery, accessory power, and remote turn-on for the amps. You can see in this picture, but it actually comes with a plug-in wiring harness, instead of the wires just hanging out of the case like this:



Windows XP will be fine. I can't speak for Vista, haven't used it for a car PC.

-- Kevin

Great. Thanks for the clarification. The unit comes with the female connector for the power. Does it come with the male as well? Or do I need to find it?

I like this setup very much. Thanks.

I just realized, that since this doesn't have a battery, every start up will be a cold start wont it? If I'm right, I guess I should look into wiring the rem to the key less entry. I just saw this in another thread. Thats the only way I can think of to avoid a lengthy delay when the car is started.

Exactly, but pcs dont have batteries. If the psu turns off w/ car, as I believe it does, I dont see how a warm start can be possible. If I am wrong then great! Then I dont have much more to worry about.

edit: btw, I like your avatar.