I made a cheap nasty car PC - what you think

**will1384** · 02-14-2005, 03:26 PM

Its not done yet - and I had to use what I had on hand - no $$$

I got a used Socket 370 Motherboard with P3 700mhz CPU
20GB used hard disk and a old used ATX power suply
and 128mb mem and stuffed it into a old black and white
Security monitor CRT case - I got a old datalux Lmv10r 10
inch LCD for $50 - it was dim so I replaced the miniature
florescent light - mounted the datalux on a old cell phone
mount arm - I have a power button in my cup holder
the computer is in the back seat on the floor bord
and its powerd by a inverter in the trunk - the inverter is
turned off and on by a relay that also turns my amps of
and on - lazzy - the bios is set to stay off if loss of power,
and the computer only comes on when I push the on/off
button - I disabled "Write Caching" in windows to keep
from losing data if power loss and hard disk is mounted
on its side - to help protect it -

I use a mouse and joystick - and keyboard software
so no need for a keyboard - and I hide the mouse and joy
stick in my arm rest

I even have GPS

You can see my page at
http://www.geocities.com/astro_van_1985/94olds.html
Its a free web page so the bandwidth is low -

I dont have lots of $$$$
and I have lots of computer scrap

All I had to spend money on was
the inverter $35, LCD $50, Mouse $10,
JoyStick $10 - every thing else I had

I works well - but I need better software
and the touch screen does not work - Yes I have
read the fourns - and tried all the drivres - but
I dont need it any way

I want a good cheep or free GPS software - but
just for speed, distance, heading, stuff like that
I will pull over and use MS Streets and trips
to find were I am at on a map - I have ADD
real bad -

I want to access OBD 1 data using my computer
and see gauges or something - I have a Auto Xray
but I want some thing easer and simple, on screen
and needs to be cheep - real cheap

My head unit Plays MP3s so thats not needed ,
and the computer is more for when I have to sit and wait
in my car - something to help not be bored - I could
watch a movie or play a game - and I am a computer
tech - so a extra computer computer might be good
to have - load it up with windows drivers and and
have a cd burner - ect ect

I also want to set up a car alarm, and tint my windows

- what car alarms are good and low cost ???

I Attached some pics

**TruckinMP3** · 02-14-2005, 03:35 PM

You are way ahead of the curve for new memebers. Welcome.

**nsmoller** · 02-14-2005, 10:50 PM

that true what he says about inverters? being more heat than electricity?

**will1384** · 02-15-2005, 12:26 AM

that true what he says about inverters? being more heat than electricity?

I not shure how mutch it loses as heat - but
that why there is heat - a inverter is just like a amp - And running a
amp or amps,computer, head lights, radio, inverter, AC, ect ect loads
your alternator down a lot, any little bit to lessen that load helps

I think I may need a new LCD mount - any cheap ones -

I hit a bump and the lcd moved down and stayed there -
and the wing nuts are way more than hand tight , I need
to be able to move the LCD but it should stay were I put it
- its a heavy LCD - I think 5 pounds - its like all metal
I guess I can live with the thought that if I get in a
car crach and the car is totaled the LCD will live on - LOL
OR If I get car jacked I can rip it off its mount and beat
them to death with it

- what were they used in
- Tanks ??? - HumVs - I herd Cop cars, but how could
they see such a dim screen in the day

I want to get a DC to DC ATX Power Supply - I am using a 300w inverter
to power a 100w ATX Power Supply - I know its wastes a lot of power
that way - How much is it wasting ???

I need to rewire so that the computer can be turned on without
the radio - for longer run times - with the car turned off
- I know how to do - I am just lazy - I will wait till I get
the DC to DC ATX Power Supply and just not use the relay

I guess I need to limit the volts going to the Power Supply
and keep them at 12v - so thats another $30 or more
on top of the cost of the Power Supply unless I get the
all in one unit for like $80 or more - I thought about
that when using the Datalux LCD, So my ATX Power Supply
powers the LCD

Some day I will replace the Datalux with a Liliput
and use the touch screen - replace my radio
and use the computer for sound - but thats not for a
long time

And someday I will put linux on it -

Every 2 or 3 months I will spend a $100 or so

Any thoughts, Ideas stuff like that

**stevieg** · 02-15-2005, 04:12 AM

Originally Posted by nsmoller

that true what he says about inverters? being more heat than electricity?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed.. and invertors aren't that efficient hence the heat is where the extra energy used goes. hence why the invertor cases are usually just big heatsinks.

**SwapMeet** · 02-15-2005, 07:39 AM

My Car PC has been in the works for over a year. I still haven't put the damn thing in. Running into issues with my TV out on my vid card not working with my monitor. Congrats on putting yours up.

**csnowman00** · 02-15-2005, 07:53 AM

energy can be created or destroyed, but thats getting technical....im a big physics geek :-P

**hannibal** · 02-15-2005, 08:45 AM

Looks good, man.
For the money you spent, that has to be the nicest system Ive seen.

"Dont jack and drive"
LOL!

**jcdillin** · 02-15-2005, 08:55 AM

Welcome, and great job!

**Scouse Monkey** · 02-15-2005, 09:05 AM

Nice one! Just watch the Pc doesnt get pinched.

As for the inverter, i think it might not use a full 300w if the load is only 100W. I suspect the load on the slave end of the transformer (i assume thats how they work - never looked in one) has an effect on the driving current - like alternators etc so it might not be complete overkill and by the time you aco**** for a saftey margin and inefficencies it aint too bad for now. the next step down (no pun intended) would be 150W which in my opinion is cutting it close with a 100W running off it.