Powering CarPC/LCD from Cig Lighter

**anonim** · 07-10-2007, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by binary.h4x

You could connect it to the switched cig. Worst case scenario, the fuse blows.

I'm trying to avoid this setup based on the research I've done.

Is the relay really necessary? Can I just run a wire from the ACC in the fusebox to the DC adapter's positive wire? It's surely easier than trying to run a wire from the battery with an inline fuse and a relay that gets switched by the ACC line. I don't even know how exactly to wire the relay.

**billmee** · 07-10-2007, 07:48 PM

I'm in favor of the switched cigarette lighter.

Benefits;
Already fused
Wire gauge is appropriate
Professionally wired
You already own it!

Also look for a factory wired cd changer sometimes you can grab those wires for your evil purposes. My VW has more than a few (unused) wires running from the dash to the trunk.

To control the relay I've been using the power lead to the taillight. It gives me an audible alarm if I leave it on when exiting the car and allows me to turn on the pc for short periods with out starting the car.

**anonim** · 07-11-2007, 09:28 AM

Thanks for all the help guys. I've decided to use a SPDT relay to power the laptop. I'll be running a dedicated wire from the battery to the relay, and I'll use the wires from the cig. lighter socket to activate/deactivate the relay since they're switched automatically with ignition.

**draxzer** · 07-12-2007, 02:56 PM

I have the setup as anonim mentioned in his first post. My laptop (with a in-car adapter) and the lilliput LCD are connected to the cig. lighter socket which is splitted.

It's working like a charm, the LCD is powered on with igintion and I start my laptop manually. Although I must confess that the fuse of the lilliput screen is blown twice in about a year...

Is my setup really as unsafe as the drawing is illustrating???? Hope not...

**binary.h4x** · 07-12-2007, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by draxzer

I have the setup as anonim mentioned in his first post. My laptop (with a in-car adapter) and the lilliput LCD are connected to the cig. lighter socket which is splitted.

It's working like a charm, the LCD is powered on with igintion and I start my laptop manually. Although I must confess that the fuse of the lilliput screen is blown twice in about a year...

Is my setup really as unsafe as the drawing is illustrating???? Hope not...

No, you are fine.