Before I blow up my Carputer

**volxstu** · 05-07-2008, 08:35 AM

Hi i have been reading about powering up my Carputer using a AC-DC converter. As most of these only have + and - connections and my Comp has a third wire for ignition feeding would this make any difference or is it just for cranking purposes.
I know these q's probably seem a bit daft but im a noob and just want to check before i go and ruin it all, anyway when installing in the car the PSU will only survive cranking if it is wired to the ignition?
Thanks in advance

Stuart.

**RedGTiVR6** · 05-07-2008, 10:16 AM

That wire only has power when it's turned to the 'on' position. Wiring your computer to ignition means it's going to turn on and off with ignition.

If you already have an ignition wire coming out of your computer, you already have a DC DC PSU in the case...so are you trying to power your computer in the house? If so, then just connect the ignition to the +12v wire too....it won't harm anything.

**volxstu** · 05-08-2008, 08:37 AM

Thanks for that i was just checking that it didnt have anything to do with the Cranking protection and yes it is for the house will find some more details of my plan so maybe it could be a solution to other people (if you have model trains, scalectric)

Right just found out that the transformer i plan to use is 17 amps but i do not know the rating of my PSU

M2-ATX Smart Power Supply:

Power Output 160 Watts
Voltage input range 6-24 Volts
Voltage Regulator Yes
Dead Battery protection Yes
Automatic Start-up Yes
Adjustible Shutdown Delay Yes
Survives Engine Cranks Yes
Amplifier Delay 30 Seconds
MTBF 196,000 Hours @70°C
Warranty 1 Year

Can anybody help

if not then i have access to a variable transformer but that is not in an ideal place for me to work.