Need help with Power up methods for XBox configuration

**PapaPrem** · 11-15-2004, 01:56 PM

I want to hook up an XBox in my car. It is already modded and I also had a remote wired power switch put in with a 15 foot wire. That way I would be able to turn the XBox on and off from the front of my car (th Xbox would be placed in the trunk). I already decided on a composite video LCD/HU. Where I am confused now is how to set up the power. I don't know if I should go with an inverter or some other method?

Basically, I want the Xbox to be able to recieve power when I switch the car on. Then I could always decide whether I want to turn the Xbox on or not, with my remote power switch. Also, I would like there to be some type of controller so that if I go to get gas or something, it won't shut the XBox off for like 10 minutes or something.

Furthermore, is it possible to be able to play the Xbox when the car is shut off, without there being any negative implications on the car battery?

TIA for your help!

**hijinks21** · 11-15-2004, 01:59 PM

you can always hook it up to the battery via an inverter with a tank circuit to help it survive a crank. What i did with my inverter was install a switch up front. So when i flipped that switch on it would power everything up. It was connected to the main 12v line from the battery via a relay so it would only send power if the switch was on.. if not it would cut power to the inverter.

**PapaPrem** · 11-16-2004, 09:27 PM

So what was the use of the tank circuit? Since you had a switch to turn the inverter on, wouldn't you just switch the inverter on manually after the crank?

Also, how could I get the inverter power to stay on so that if I go to get gas or something, it won't shut the XBox off for like 10 minutes or something?

**DarquePervert** · 11-16-2004, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by PapaPrem

So what was the use of the tank circuit? Since you had a switch to turn the inverter on, wouldn't you just switch the inverter on manually after the crank?

Also, how could I get the inverter power to stay on so that if I go to get gas or something, it won't shut the XBox off for like 10 minutes or something?

The tank circuit will keep the inverter powered during the cranking of the engine.

a bit and you'll find your answers....

**hijinks21** · 11-17-2004, 07:16 AM

if you hook the inverter up right to the battery it will stay on when the car is off

**PapaPrem** · 11-17-2004, 02:16 PM

Hijinks, from what I understand, the switch and tank circuit lets you to continuously receive power without any interruptions, even when you turn your car off? So if you are playing a game or something on the Xbox and then turn the car off to get gas, it wouldnt interrupt the game and you could still play it while the car is off and also when you turn the car back on?

Also, the only time you turn the switch off is when you are not in your car correct? Also, if by mistake, you were to leave the switch on, even if your car and carputer or xbox is off, would this still drain the battery? Is there any difference on the negative effect on the battery, if you are using power from the battery while the car is off, as opposed to using power from the battery while the car is on?

Thank you for your explanation. Sorry if I'm kind of slow.

**hijinks21** · 11-17-2004, 02:29 PM

ok say you have a xbox hooked up to your inverter that hooks right up to your battery. That is ALWAYS on.. even if the car is off. The only time it will turn off is when you start the car. what we call the "crank". Most inverters have a low voltage sensor which will turn off the inverter. When you crank the car to turn it on.. your starter and such pulls most of the power the battery can supply so thats why your headlights dim and for a split second your inverter will shutoff.. then come right back on.

Now a tank circuit is like a capacitor that will continue to send power to the inverter while you crank so it won't go into low voltage mode and shut off. that is what a tank circuit is for.

Now i have a switch before the inverter so i can turn everything on/off from up front.. i didn't have to use the switch on the inverter.

**PapaPrem** · 11-17-2004, 04:43 PM

The only time you turn the switch off is when you are not in your car correct? Also, if by mistake, you were to leave the switch on, even if your car and carputer or xbox is off, would this still drain the battery?

Is there any difference on the negative effect on the battery, if you are using power from the battery while the car is off, as opposed to using power from the battery while the car is on?