Power sources for carpc M2-ATX

**paris** · 04-30-2006, 06:18 AM

Car: BMW E46 coupe.

All relevant parts have been collected:

1. Xenarc 7"TSV
2. VIA mini-ITX w 512RAM & 80GB 2.5"HDD
3. M2 ATX PSU
4. Case
5. Extension cables
6. Radio (used as an Amp and RCA Input from soundcard)
7. BMW Climate control relocation part
8. Steering wheel adaptor
9. ISO to BMW plug converters
10. Double din adaptor for the TFT (under construction)
11. Lots of time

One question only:

Where do you get the power from for the M2 ATX? the TFT will be powered from the radio line, 7watt is not too much anyway - but what about the mobo?

I'm planning to stick the mobo under driver's seat - to avoid running long extensions from the trunk.

Will the power supply for the radio be enough to power the M2/mobo?

Thanks

**muldrick** · 04-30-2006, 07:17 AM

Should be, but I'd run a seperate (fused) lead straight from the battery. For ground, just use the car...any metal part

**paris** · 04-30-2006, 07:58 AM

Any ideas from where to get a good power line from a BMW E46?

**muldrick** · 05-02-2006, 08:42 AM

Not familiar with Beamers, but either come directly from the battery, or it should have a location for easy access (like if needing a jump start)

**dasha877** · 05-02-2006, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by paris

Any ideas from where to get a good power line from a BMW E46?

You might want to PM Hark. He's a master E46er. Post back to let us know what you come up with. I'm in the same boat...exact same boat.

I just have clearance for the MB under the passenger seat of my e46. I selected this location because I think the trunk will get too hot here in AZ and I ddidn't want to make the long cable runs...

Problem is, I might have to anyway to place the GPS and Sat Radio Equipment. I'm thinking the cable run should be down the passenger and rear door jam..but I'm not sure.

Share your thoughts on all this in more detail and maybe we can sort it for both of us.

**paris** · 05-02-2006, 10:32 AM

I believe the cigarette lighter line will be a good source for the motherboard.

What I'm thinking is to take the cables from the Radio/Climate control part of the dash, pass them under gear knob cover, under handbrake cover and finally end up below the driver or passenger seat.

For GPS:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USA-MADE-AyAy-...QQcmdZViewItem

**dasha877** · 05-02-2006, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by paris

I believe the cigarette lighter line will be a good source for the motherboard.

What I'm thinking is to take the cables from the Radio/Climate control part of the dash, pass them under gear knob cover, under handbrake cover and finally end up below the driver or passenger seat.

For GPS:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USA-MADE-AyAy-...QQcmdZViewItem

Interesting GPS choice. Where do you plan on mounting it?

**paris** · 05-02-2006, 01:29 PM

the manual says it can be placed anywhere. i've been thinking to mount it behind the TFT or on the roof, in the middle, where that plastic cover is.

**blk02si** · 05-02-2006, 09:53 PM

Check the fuse rating on the radio circuit. If its 20 amps or above you wil be fine. Mines been running strong this way for awhile now, in theory 15 amps will work to (this is what the M2 is rated at) but I run it on my 20 amp and have 0 issues

**dasha877** · 05-03-2006, 01:56 AM

Originally Posted by blk02si

Check the fuse rating on the radio circuit. If its 20 amps or above you wil be fine. Mines been running strong this way for awhile now, in theory 15 amps will work to (this is what the M2 is rated at) but I run it on my 20 amp and have 0 issues

See http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...t=fuse+diagram

It'll take some review, but it looks to me like it's rated at 50 amps.. However there's another fuse involved that's only 5 amps. The Cig Lighter is 30 amps for sure though. Personally, I prefer the radio power to grab it from the harness...

What do you think?