First Car Computer Advise

**leo_bergamo** · 04-16-2010, 07:51 AM

I am using an older Delorme Earthmate LT-120. I run Streets and Trips 2K9 on my setup. From what I have seen amongst various navigation and or mapping software is as long as your GPS device software can emulate a serial port you should be able to use any navigation and or mapping software. The main thing is your GPS device outputs NMEA data wich is pretty standard.

**NightJumper** · 04-21-2010, 02:49 AM

Need opinion on this barebone system, looks pretty good and looks like it is already DC-DC so should be able to plug directly to battery correct?

**lugi** · 04-21-2010, 03:02 AM

Not.

You need regulated 12V and the battery is not.. you need a different power supply (m2,m3,m4-atx,opus etc..)

**DarquePervert** · 04-21-2010, 05:35 AM

Originally Posted by lugi

Not.

You need regulated 12V and the battery is not.. you need a different power supply (m2,m3,m4-atx,opus etc..)

You are only partly correct. Yes, that system requires regulated 12v.
However, an ATX-compatible PSU (like the M-series or Opus units) is not necessary. A Carnetix unit will fill the bill and provide regulated 12v specifically for that purpose.

In this specific situation, either type of PSU would work, as it appears the motherboard is ATX-compliant.

**NightJumper** · 04-23-2010, 07:16 AM

Ok so what power supply would you recommend for this not sure what i need

**DarquePervert** · 04-23-2010, 10:11 AM

A Carnetix regulator.
Read the PSU related FAQs to understand why that is the best choice. There's a link in my signature.

However, those Acer SFF units have a unique problem. If you want to use the shutdown controller, you'll have to do some fine solder work on the motherboard, as the power switch headers on the board aren't made for a jumper, and look like an edge connector, if I remember correctly.
Someone documented it on these forums, complete with photos.

**NightJumper** · 04-23-2010, 07:08 PM

Is it possible to open up the case and use one of M#-ATX to power the unit

**soundman98** · 04-23-2010, 09:01 PM

probably not.

**DarquePervert** · 04-24-2010, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by NightJumper

Is it possible to open up the case and use one of M#-ATX to power the unit

Did you bother to go read the FAQs to understand why an M-series won't work and a Carnetix is the proper PSU?
Don't answer. I already know you didn't, or you wouldn't have asked that.

One reason you can't use an M-series is there's no room in the case whatsoever to add anything.

Do some research to find out the technical reasons why.

**soundman98** · 04-24-2010, 11:10 AM

Just wanted to add to what darque said-- yes it is a little harsh, but if you are seriously interested in car computing, you need to learn these things-- because once it is built, you are the one that will need to fix it-- not all posts are answered as quick as you can break something