Noob here: What an Awesome Site!!

**Loudog212** · 09-15-2004, 12:03 AM

Just wanted to say hi, i've been into cars and computer for as long as i can remeber but i'm just getting into the two of them together. I own a 96 VW GTI. and i plan on setting up a carputer. i just bought a laptop this week(i know, i cheated) but i want a laptop b/c i will get alot of use out of it when it's not in the car, and i got a killer deal on it. i can't wait till the end of this month when i order the screen I'm going with the Lilliput 7inch touchscreen, seems to be a popular choice. I'm really looking forward to working with the fiberglass and custom mounting the screen. Last month i made a fiberglass sub enclosure so i think this will be a fun project. specs on the laptop are as follows. let me know if you guys see any problems i might run into. the only thing i can think of so far is the hassle to turn the laptop on and off.

Toshiba A35
P4. 2.3ghz
512mb ram
60GB harddrive
dvd/cd-rw
built in WiFi
Running XP pro.
has VGA and S-vid output.

thats all the important stuff....

**lgbr** · 09-15-2004, 02:06 AM

That's a lot of laptop to throw in a car!

Welcome to the site, and good luck!

**kingtut** · 09-15-2004, 02:24 AM

the only thing i can think of so far is the hassle to turn the laptop on and off.

it took me over 10 hours of R&D/test/work to get it done, it is real PITA.
Make sure that yours will work when the cover is closed, there was a setting in XP that allowed that on mine. As for the external power, you will have to open the case, take your time, don't even think about soldering any thing, the pins are 1/32 inch apart, I used 2 strands of wire, hair like, to wrap them around the pins and then used a 4lb test line (fishing line - yes, that did it) to "tie" the strands around the pins, twisting the wires would not works since it will create a loop that around the pin which would not give you good contact. If you have any Q just let us know.
Now I can turn it on/off from the driver seat, it is setting in the trunk, too bad I can't use OPUS for auto on/off.

**xBrady** · 09-15-2004, 02:59 AM

Originally Posted by kingtut

it took me over 10 hours of R&D/test/work to get it done, it is real PITA.
Make sure that yours will work when the cover is closed, there was a setting in XP that allowed that on mine. As for the external power, you will have to open the case, take your time, don't even think about soldering any thing, the pins are 1/32 inch apart, I used 2 strands of wire, hair like, to wrap them around the pins and then used a 4lb test line (fishing line - yes, that did it) to "tie" the strands around the pins, twisting the wires would not works since it will create a loop that around the pin which would not give you good contact. If you have any Q just let us know.
Now I can turn it on/off from the driver seat, it is setting in the trunk, too bad I can't use OPUS for auto on/off.

I would assume he wanted to place it up front if he will be using it inside/outside his car. Would suck to have to walk back to his trunk every time to get his laptop.
Nice laptop. How much did you get it for?

**Loudog212** · 09-15-2004, 08:21 AM

hell of a laptop is right but i paid $700 for it...

**Jailer** · 09-15-2004, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by kingtut

As for the external power, you will have to open the case, take your time, don't even think about soldering any thing, the pins are 1/32 inch apart, I used 2 strands of wire, hair like, to wrap them around the pins and then used a 4lb test line (fishing line - yes, that did it) to "tie" the strands around the pins, twisting the wires would not works since it will create a loop that around the pin which would not give you good contact. If you have any Q just let us know.Now I can turn it on/off from the driver seat, it is setting in the trunk, too bad I can't use OPUS for auto on/off.

Any chance of using the connector for a motherboard power switch header for this instead? Seems like it might be a better connection to me if it'll work. You'll probably want a quick disconnect of some sort for the switch anyway if you plan on taking it out of the car at all.

**Needstorage** · 09-15-2004, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Loudog212

the only thing i can think of so far is the hassle to turn the laptop on and off.

Well, this guy did a very cheap but practical job for this: Bycicle break switch thing

**kingtut** · 09-15-2004, 08:41 PM

Any chance of using the connector for a motherboard power switch header for this instead?

I can't, it too small and would require that the guts of the laptop be removed. Dealing with a laptop is not like dealing with a PC. Now I have a connector on the back of the laptop for quick disconect for when I want to take it home.

**Loudog212** · 09-15-2004, 09:18 PM

WOW that is creative. only problem i have is no docking station. the way i see it the only option for turning the laptop on is to open the case. at this point i have no intention of taking it apart to wire a switch. the laptop will be under the seat most likely so i'll just have to reach

ALSO. what length cord comes with the lilliput 7inch screen. will i need an extension for the vga and usb cord?