Carputer in trunk.... slot IDE DVD drive in dash?

**3Tripnip** · 11-22-2005, 09:19 PM

Hello all!

Well, I've been lurking on these forums long enough and I figure it's time to start posting.

Here's my plan for my carputer for my '04 Lancer Ralliart:

-Custom aluminum case anodized black
-DFI G5M150-N ITX mobo
-Pentium-M 730
-Slot load slim black Panasonic DVD-R
-1gb PC2700 RAM
-~80gb 2.5" HD

That's all I've got so far.

My first (of many) question is: How long can the IDE cable be from the DVD-R to the computer? Ideally, I'd like to have the case in the trunk and the drive up in the dash. I've read on other forums that about 24" is the longest I can go. Anyone tried longer? Anyway to make this work? Just curious. Thanks!

-Ben

BTW, awesome forums! Wish I could access these at work.

**Eternalodyssey** · 11-22-2005, 09:30 PM

Thats a decent setup so far. When you go to use the slot DVD-R, you're going to need a module that snaps onto the back of the slim drive that converts the signal over to IDE. Then search for an IDE to USB 2.0 converter and then the USB wire can be as long as you like. And with this setup you shouldn't need to run an audio cable either. At least I didn't. You can find an IDE to USB 2.0 converter for less then $20 on pricewatch.

**kmcniece** · 11-22-2005, 09:45 PM

OREGON!!!!!

Its about time there was an oregon person here.........

I thought I was alone.....

**roadhog** · 11-22-2005, 09:57 PM

I've read somewhere here that trunk to dash has been done with IDE; it was achieved by a custom IDE cable made up with several CAT 6 cables and appropiate connectors.

**3Tripnip** · 11-22-2005, 09:59 PM

Originally Posted by kmcniece

OREGON!!!!!

Its about time there was an oregon person here.........

I thought I was alone.....

Haha, yeah buddy! Another Oregonian. Sweetness.

So I could go USB huh? Would I lose any of the sharpness or anything on the LCD or would it still look decent? Thanks for the help thus far!

-Ben

**arebelspy** · 11-22-2005, 11:14 PM

I use a USB adapter to make it from my trunk to dash, but you're gonna need to power the drive as well (USB won't power it sufficiently, natch)

-arebelspy

**3g Jester** · 11-22-2005, 11:23 PM

would a powered usb hub do it?

**thanatos106** · 11-22-2005, 11:48 PM

Yes... you can either buy the enclosure that comes with te PS2/USB cable to power it up and connect both to a USB hub or my best choice, use a 5V POL or mean well PSU to power that and the hub.

Also remember that you can use the 5v line from you main PSU to power stuff up.

Thanatos.

**arebelspy** · 11-23-2005, 12:29 AM

No. Do a search, but basically the slimdrives require 2A, USB outputs 0.5A, so even running off a powered USB hub AND using a second USB slot with the power to usb adapter they give you it will only be 1A and flakey at best. For good results you'll want to wire 5v to it directly.

-arebelspy

**arebelspy** · 11-23-2005, 12:34 AM

Here's some links for you:
Cool new toy I got (USB enclosure for slim DVD/CD drive)
SERIOUS Problems! w/ Panasonic Slot DVD in external enclosure

Bottom line: USB enclosure + usb extension cable (M to F) or long usb cable (a to b) works, but you'll need to power the USB enclosure, and not with the dinky "2nd usb slot" cord they give you, but 5v from a regulated source like your PSU or an adapter

-arebelspy