Laptop and PSU

**Viperian86** · 09-16-2008, 05:12 PM

Hi all, I have been around reading and learning for about a year now. First post. I am installing my own setup currently and have an issue with my PSU.
I recently bought a Pico 120W PSU, because, of the less than optimal results of installing a http://cgi.ebay.com/Automatic-Startu...QQcmdZViewItem
to my ac adapter(was my first option). Does my Pico still need this ssc?
This is for laptop with minimal draw. I know the M2 atx is the choice for most but is it optimal for a laptop with this little draw?
Install will be into my BMW 528i w/DSP, Widescreen Nav, Bluetooth, Mk3, Tv module and cd changer. BMw guru's which will be the best setup for audio in, through Tv module? Cd changer port w soundgate aux in adapter and dsp adapter?
Acer Aspire One
Atom 1.6Ghz
1gb Ram (worth upgarding to 2gb?)
120gb HDD (will replace with a SSD)
Slot loading dvd drive
Mem card readers (I have a 16gb sdhc which I will use to update music, vids, progs etc..) in the armrest with 2 usb and a audio in.
PSU (still undecided)
Bluetooth Dongle (USB)
USB TPM
Infrared Rear View camera
Will run RoadRunner
Rolf Resler Ibus comm adapter
Bluetooth OBDII Scanner
BMW Z4 Motorized screen (touch(ebay touch retro))
Will be controlled with either a Powermate or a Spacenavigator (have both but yet to decide)

What do you guys think? All suggerstions more than welcome. Thanks.

**Viperian86** · 09-17-2008, 10:33 AM

Any ideas? any one?
I've done searches, but, is the best out there for laptops still the docking station button or lid rig?
My ideal plan is set it to battery draw would automatically lead to within 10-15mins battery draw standby/hibernate.

But again my real question from the above post is

What psu/ssc combination or standalone is optimal both in efficiency and price for a laptop setup of this minimal power draw? Thanks.

**DarquePervert** · 09-17-2008, 02:46 PM

1) PicoPSU is a POS. I don't think anyone would recommend one for a vehicle install. I don't know if you could get a PIcoPSU to work with a laptop, and if you could, it would be a hack job at best.

2) M2ATX is for an ATX-compatible setup, i.e. a desktop motherboard. You say you have a laptop, though. That makes the M2ATX a poor choice.

3) For a laptop, I would suggest a Carnetix unit if it will work with your laptop. Your laptop would need DC voltage that the Carnetix is capable of. Check the output voltage from your notebook's power brick.
The Carnetix P1900 & P2140 units have a built-inSSDC, so a seperate one would not be necessary.

4) You really should check out the FAQ. These questions have all been answered in the FAQs. http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advfaq.php
There are a few write-ups that should get you pointed in the right direction.

**Viperian86** · 09-21-2008, 11:49 AM

Ok, so my laptops current power brick draws out a max of 30w. Plus all the usb stuff, sounds like the pico would do the job. I recieved it yesterday in the mail (jumped onit before I asked here (ebay for $30)). Now I need a ssc controller since this doesnt have one. Maybe i'll sell it and get what you guys recommend.

**DarquePervert** · 09-21-2008, 02:25 PM

So....
Have you worked out how you're going to power the laptop with an ATX-compliant PSU designed for a low-power desktop system yet?

And regarding the power brick, you ned the output in vDC (voltage). You listed current in watts, which does nothing to help determine your needs.

Based on everything else you listed, there are other holes in your plan, but let's focus on the power situation, as that's probably your biggest hurdle at this point.

**Tidder** · 09-21-2008, 03:55 PM

I'm also interested to see what you come up with here...

**Viperian86** · 09-22-2008, 11:24 AM

Ok, so the max volts is 19.5v draw and 1.35 amps on the output rail. I figured i would have to hard wire it to my mobo (the pico).

**2k1Toaster** · 09-22-2008, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Viperian86

Ok, so the max volts is 19.5v draw and 1.35 amps on the output rail. I figured i would have to hard wire it to my mobo (the pico).

You are going to wire an ATX supply to a non-ATX compliant system board?

I hope you have some money to burn... maybe literally.

**DarquePervert** · 09-22-2008, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Viperian86

Ok, so the max volts is 19.5v draw and 1.35 amps on the output rail. I figured i would have to hard wire it to my mobo (the pico).

I'm going to be very blunt, and it may offend you or bruise your ego, but I'm willing to take that risk.

You really have no idea what you're doing, am I right?

I am once again going to direct you to the FAQs, since it is painfully obvious you haven't bothered to look at them in any detail: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advfaq.php

What you are proposing is akin to putting a square peg into a round hole... Better yet, a USB mouse into a PS/2 keyboard port.
You will have problems with what you are proposing, guaranteed. I'll even be so bold as to tell you that you will not be able to get this working.

If you will take a look at...
No...
If you READ the FAQs, you will see that there is an off-the-shelf product that you can purchase that will work with your laptop and provide the startup/shutdown control you seek. No muss and only a little fuss.

This was suggested previously, but you choose to ignore the suggestions.

I wish you well on your venture, but I ask that you have a video camera running while you tinker and post the highlight reels on Youtube for the rest of us to enjoy.