New CarPC Project

**netgroover** · 12-20-2003, 01:31 PM

I'm researching the feasbility of a CarPC project (see my signature for details), is there anything I should be aware of before starting?

**tom2112** · 12-20-2003, 10:18 PM

That depends on what you want it to do.

I don't see an optical drive. Are you doing DVD?

Also you didn't mention a visual output device. Are you going LCD?

You didn't mention how you're going to power it either. That's a big one. There's a lot of options. Be careful and read up on power supplies in that area of the forum. A lot depends on your wallet, but don't forget to figure out how many watts and amps you'll be pulling and make sure your solution is powerful enough. The Athlon processor and a 3.5" HDD pull a lot of power. Add a 5.25" optical drive (CD/RW or DVD) and you're looking at a lot of power and heat. There's a webpage that can help you calculate all those power requirements by just clicking on what devices, but I can't find the link. Anyone wanna throw that out here?

**netgroover** · 12-21-2003, 04:37 PM

Thanks for the advice, the LCD and DVD drive were missed off in error.

I haven't quite got to grips with the power issue, and if I'm honest it's my weakest area of knowledge! I was kind of hoping that I could acquire/build some sort of re-chargable battery type device that hooks into the car's power, do these exist? I'm aware that there may be issues with voltage, so I guess I've got a lot to learn! Any advice/links that anyone can will be most useful.

**netgroover** · 12-21-2003, 04:48 PM

NOTE: I got the name wrong for the LCD, the one I want is Lilliput!

**R3l0ad** · 12-21-2003, 05:57 PM

The battery is probably not a good idea, unless your using a laptop... but I would suggest either of the following options

1. Purchase an OPUS or equivilent power supply I have the PW120 from ebay
Pros - Small and powerful unit with minimal wires
Cons - expense
2. Purchase a power inverter and use a standard desktop power supply, I have done that with little problems.
Pros - Easy to acquire and install and inexpensive
Cons - Line noise always possible when listening to Mp3's or anything... I had that problem... and you have a bulky amount of equipment rather than a small sleak case.

I am currently running w/ the PW120 and an ITPS, I just received it and haven't installed it so I have no reviews... but search the forums for answers on the power supply issue.

**netgroover** · 12-21-2003, 06:38 PM

The idea behind the battery is from the laptop concept, in that the PC will stay on during a power outage, i.e. when the ignition is switched off. This battery will be used instead of the main car battery, saving it's battery life for the car.

It's just an idea that I was hoping was possible! I've seen a lot of info (on forums) on power issues but I'm not technical enough (in electrics) to understand or implement them!

**swzine** · 12-21-2003, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by netgroover

The idea behind the battery is from the laptop concept, in that the PC will stay on during a power outage, i.e. when the ignition is switched off. This battery will be used instead of the main car battery, saving it's battery life for the car.

It's just an idea that I was hoping was possible! I've seen a lot of info (on forums) on power issues but I'm not technical enough (in electrics) to understand or implement them!

I just don't use it when the car is off. Your idea would be nice, but then you need to waste more space for battery power and deal with the hassle of wiring it. If you really want to do it and nobody gives info on here you should talk to someone in a car audio store like Tweeter or Car Toys, or check on a car audio forum. I have seen second battery set ups for high-powered audio equipment. Those people running 10 amplifiers and Neon lights really need that extra power!