Thread: Still confused on DC/DC, Shutdown controllers, and STR... couple Qs please.

For the OPUS:

Pay attention to Q 3 & 5

DC-DC ATX Vehicle Power Supplies Frequently Asked Questions.

In this section we try to address the commonly asked questions associated with our range of
DC-DC Vehicle Power Supplies. If you do not find the answer to your question in this list then please contact us here so we can address your enquiries in person.

Q. What are the dimensions of the SFX-12-15 power supply without the enclosure?
A. The barebone board is 37mm (1.45") high, 123mm (4.85") long and 96mm (3.75") wide.

Q. Why is a Opus Solutions, Inc. DC-DC supply better than an inverter and AC-DC power supply?
A. Opus Solutions, Inc. DC-DC supplies are over 90% efficient. Using an AC inverter paired with a regular PSU to power your vehicle based computer system can be as low as 50% efficient - placing extra load on your car's electrical system. Inverters can also create a lot of electrical 'noise' which can seriously effect the performance of your equipment.

Q. How does the shut-down controller work?
A. The shut-down controller is controlled by monitoring the switched 12V line. When power is cut from the switched line (turning off your ignition) the shutdown controller sends an ATX pulse to the operating system to initiate your chosen shutdown mode(shutdown, hibernate, standby).

Q. Can I alter the amount of time the supply waits before initiating a shutdown command?
A. Yes. The delay between cutting the switched power and the ATX pulse being sent can be set to 10 seconds, 20 minutes, 40 minutes or 60 minutes using jumpers on the powerboard (factory default is set to 10 seconds).

Q. I want to use the hibernate option which requires a small amount of power, can I do this?
A. Yes. Because the DC-DC unit draws it's main power directly from the car battery, it still maintains the standby power requireb bya computer in hibernation mode.

Q. Will the supply protect my battery from being drained when the computer is running?
A. Yes. The Opus Solutions Inc. DC-DC power supplies have a built in low voltage sensor that will shutdown the computer to protect the life of your battery, should it get too low (depending on battery condition).

Q. Car batteries can have power spikes, is my Opus Solutions, Inc. DC-DC supply protected from this?
A. Yes. All Opus Solutions, Inc. DC-DC power supplies have built-in over-voltage protection and carry an onboard ATO (automotive blade fuse) to protect both the power supply and the computer connected to it.

Q. Will my computer reboot when I start the car (because of the drop in voltage)?
A. No. Because of the advanced circuit design built into every Opus Solutions, Inc. DC-DC supply your computer will continue to work for up to 10 seconds of continuous engine 'cranking'.

Q. Do Opus Solutions, Inc. Supplies come with a warranty?
A. Yes. All Opus Solutions, Inc. DC-DC power supplies come with a 3 year limited warranty. For more warranty information click here.