I Want a Cheap and Simple Setup...

**phatrabbitzz** · 07-11-2004, 06:39 PM

As title says, I want something that's easy to install, simple, and cheap (relatively speaking).

Is the following a good setup:
1) Desktop Computer
2) DigitalWW DWW-7VGT
3) Power inverter
4) Some type of little USB powered GPS

At the end this thing should be a complete computer setup, and able to play mp3's, .mpg/avi files, DVD's, and GPS...right?

What else is necessary to make this complete? Am I missing anything else?

TIA

**TruckinMP3** · 07-11-2004, 07:12 PM

Good vs cheap. As far as Power Supplies go I do not think you will find that.
I would recomend DC to DC power supply (search on Opus) over an inverter.

**phatrabbitzz** · 07-11-2004, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by TruckinMP3

Good vs cheap. As far as Power Supplies go I do not think you will find that.
I would recomend DC to DC power supply (search on Opus) over an inverter.

Okay, say I have a desktop computer sitting in the trunk, and the screen installed in-dash, what exactly do I need to power up the computer, and how do I hook it up?

TIA

**TruckinMP3** · 07-11-2004, 10:01 PM

Have you done ANY reading on this?

Search for:
Power Supply wiring to battery
DigitalWW install or indash monitor install

Then read thru the Project threads for some examples, pick what you like and use it in your install.

There are no cookie cutter solutions, you will need to figure some stuff out.

Good Luck

**phatrabbitzz** · 07-12-2004, 06:09 PM

Couldn't I just get a simple power inverter from Staples or Best-Buy to match the amount of power supply the computer needs, instead of getting an Opus power supply?

**Shayughul** · 07-12-2004, 06:15 PM

I completely understand what you are saying phatrabbitzz...but think of this.

Say you are gonna mount this in your trunk. Seems to be the most common place ecspecially if you decide to use a standard desktop computer.

Well unless you are gonna get all fancy with a relay and alot of extra wiring then this is what will happen everytime you wanna boot up your computer.

Stop if not already.
Pop the trunk.
Get out and power on the inverter.
Power on the PC.

Then when you are done using it.
Start the Windows shut down.
Stop.
Pop the trunk.
turn off the inverter.

Now I am not saying you can't use a inverter cause that is what I use.

Do a search for power inverter and relay and you will see the work required to by pass all that but it requires extra work...so you are forewarned.

**antimatter** · 07-12-2004, 06:34 PM

don't be a cheap *** and get an opus. You wont be sorry

**TruckinMP3** · 07-12-2004, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by phatrabbitzz

Couldn't I just get a simple power inverter from Staples or Best-Buy to match the amount of power supply the computer needs, instead of getting an Opus power supply?

Sure you could. and maybe you will get lucky. maybe your inverter will buzz over the speakers and convince you inverters are not the best.

Keep inmind the value of the inverter and the value on the standard PS being equal will not be so good.

Inverters are normaly rated at peak consumption. and search this forum for inverter questions others have had along with good/bad stories about them.

**phatrabbitzz** · 07-12-2004, 09:58 PM

Okay, so say I get the Opus 150W (and replace that with #3 in my original post). Is that all I need to have my carputer complete, or am I still missing something?

**Redmachine** · 07-13-2004, 09:36 PM

I am a total nOOb when it comes to carpc's but there is a saying for eclipses(I own one so this is why it applies)
"you can have it cheap and good but it won't be fast"
"you can have it fast and cheap but it won't be good"
"you can have it good and fast but it won't be cheap"
Pretty much you get what you pay for