Help putting together a system

**ABC123** · 08-28-2005, 04:39 AM

Hi!

I´m a total newbie when it comes to car PC and electronics, so realy need some help.

To start with, I got a Golf V. I´m gonna keep the original audiounit, and put the tft screen on top of the panel instead.

I´m thinking of getting the following stuff:
* 7-12" 16:9 touchscreen TFT with a power consumption on max 10W. Would realy appreciate some tippps here, max 400 euro.
* Ampie Car Computer Case - Link.
* VIA EPIA MS10000E, EDEN/1000Mhz, Fanless Mini-ITX, DDR266, VGA, CF-Reader, SCART. - Link. It´s fanless which I think would be nice, less noise and no dust can get stuck in the fan
* TwinMOS DDR SO-DIMM PC2700 512 MB CL2,5 WLCSP chip, 200pins for notebooks - Link. The motherboard has 200pin -
* M1-ATX 90 Watt - Smart Automotive Power Supply - Link. This should be enough, right? or should I go for the Opus 120W instead, and if so, why? -
* Pioneer Slot Load DVD±R/+R DL/±RW Dual Drive 8X - Link.
* Need a good GPS to, any tipps? max 100 euro.
* 2.5" Hard Drive 40GB Samsung 5400rpm - Link I´m gonna have a bigger disc, external, also 2.5" via USB.
* bluetooth USB adapter
* WLAN USB adapter

I don´t need a monster computer, I´m just gonna use it for DVD, GPS, MP3, Bluetooth. I want the power consumption to be as low as possible.

Realy need some help. What would you change, and why?

Edit: Forgot the harddrive and USB adapters.

**ABC123** · 08-28-2005, 02:04 PM

If I choose to go with a smal 7" touchscreen (max 8W). Is it possible for me to use the stuff above, and just connect it to the 12V connection in the car? Use a cig split, and put both computer and screen in the same 12V cig. connecter?

**rustyboxx** · 08-28-2005, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by ABC123

If I choose to go with a smal 7" touchscreen (max 8W). Is it possible for me to use the stuff above, and just connect it to the 12V connection in the car? Use a cig split, and put both computer and screen in the same 12V cig. connecter?

Yeah, that's possible, not always the most practical or permanent solution but certainly possible.

**ABC123** · 08-28-2005, 02:33 PM

Thank you for the answare

If it´s a OK solution I´m thinking of starting with it. And when I have the knowledge/time, I can wire it "directly" to the battery.

What do I need to do this?
I guess I connect the psu to the chassi, does the chassi come with a 12V cig cabel ? or which adapter/cabel do I need between the psu/chassi and 12V cig connection? Do I need any other cabel/adapter?

**Scouse Monkey** · 08-28-2005, 02:47 PM

you want to connect your carPC permanantly to the ciggy lighter. where is a head banging on wall smilie when i want one?

I would never install a carPC permanantly off the ciggy lighter. For one i would not trust the dash wiring connections, the wire gauge and I especially would not trust one of those ciggy lighter connectors as they are crap.

And also, your PSU will jsut come with wires or terminals - you would obviously have to connect a ciggy lighter plug up to the PSU. I would jsut get a cheap amp wiring kit and hook it up to your battery from the off.

**rustyboxx** · 08-28-2005, 03:15 PM

Allow me

**ABC123** · 08-28-2005, 03:34 PM

Is it really such a problem, even with new cars? The connector even says "12V power connection", and are not made for cig lighter, even though you can use one.

Guess I can check with my VW dealer what they say about the orgininal cabels.

How mutch does my config actually require? amp, wire gauge etc?

(I was hoping on being able to use the 12V cig connector, since I know nothing about wirering and stuff. But if it´s not possible, I guess I got no other choice then to wire it up to the bat.)

**HHdesign** · 08-28-2005, 04:29 PM

Dont use the cig lighter. I wouldnt even do it on a 2005 or 2006 model, run a wire to the battery, you'll thank yourself later.

**Scouse Monkey** · 08-28-2005, 05:14 PM

those connectors really suck. trust me.

**DarquePervert** · 08-28-2005, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by ABC123

Is it really such a problem, even with new cars? The connector even says "12V power connection", and are not made for cig lighter, even though you can use one.

Guess I can check with my VW dealer what they say about the orgininal cabels.

How mutch does my config actually require? amp, wire gauge etc?

(I was hoping on being able to use the 12V cig connector, since I know nothing about wirering and stuff. But if it´s not possible, I guess I got no other choice then to wire it up to the bat.)

Look, man.
Is it possible to use your cigarette lighter (or auxilliary power port) to power this? Yes.
It's also possible that the increased power draw will, at worst, cause a fire in your car. If you want to take that risk, than be my guest. I'll be sure to give every flaming VW I see on the road a hearty nelson in hopes that it's you.
Consider yourself warned of the potential pitaflls.