DC-DC Converter for C134 EPIA M1000 Nehmiah

**entr0py** · 10-03-2003, 01:03 AM

Hi, I am new to the forum. I was wondering if I could get some input/advice.
I have recently purchased a Casetronics C134 with the EPIA M1000 Nehemiah and I am looking for a easy way to plug it in to my cigarette adapter to power it and regulate the voltage. Has anyone used Switched Mode DC-DC Converter 65W SM4662 Laptop Power Adapter (12V input, 12V at 5.4A output.) with the C134? They are based in the UK and they are ~ $120.00 (shipping is ~$50.00). My questions are:
Will this application work?
Will it provide adequate voltage regulation?
I will put a simple switch in front of the converter to turn it on and off.
Your advice and comments would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.switchedmode.com/4660LT.htm
http://www.switchedmode.com/993pdfs/4660-993.pdf
Thanks

**shadowlessman** · 10-03-2003, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by entr0py

My questions are:
Will this application work?
Will it provide adequate voltage regulation?
I will put a simple switch in front of the converter to turn it on and off.
Your advice and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

1) Yes and no... it will likely work for you fine when the car is on or off, but will likely drop out while cranking the engine. If this is a problem, do a search on "tank circuit" and read.

2) Yes, the voltage regulation is within the limits of the 60W DC-DC board that comes with the C134. If it turns out to be too low/high, the page did say that it has an internal potentiometer for a bit of adjustment. It should also provide enough current.

However, as much as this thing costs ($120 +$50) you might as well buy an Opus. The Opus will likely not fit in the C134, but it has a builtin shutdown controller and is quite proven by the users here. (I do not own one, so I cannot vouch for this myself, but having many satisfied users and no dissatisfied users cannot be too bad)

**entr0py** · 10-03-2003, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the reply shadowlessman. I talked to the guys at Opus a while back, there is no way to fit it in the C134. I do not think they could have gotten the C134 any smaller! I guess I need to think about this a little more.
Thanks

**shadowlessman** · 10-03-2003, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by entr0py

Thanks for the reply shadowlessman. I talked to the guys at Opus a while back, there is no way to fit it in the C134. I do not think they could have gotten the C134 any smaller! I guess I need to think about this a little more.
Thanks

Yeah I know. I have a C134 also and will likely lose that for the C137. Similar case design, can fit 2 PCI cards, fit bigger PSU and shutdown controller all in one case... not bad if I say so myself. I happen to like the handle on the C134 though.

**VinnyP** · 10-03-2003, 03:09 PM

Hi, just ordered one of these, would the Opus 90W fit if I didn't have an optical drive in the case, or could it be mounted just attached to the case?

Thanks

Vince

**shadowlessman** · 10-03-2003, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by VinnyP

Hi, just ordered one of these, would the Opus 90W fit if I didn't have an optical drive in the case, or could it be mounted just attached to the case?

Thanks

Vince

I'm not sure, but I know that Casetronic releases mechanical drawings of all of their cases, so you could take the measurements from that and the measurements of the 90W Opus to find out.

**entr0py** · 10-03-2003, 08:23 PM

I pretty sure it would not fit. I have taken mine apart and there is simply not much room at all. the cables have to be run in the voids just to close the case. I am thinking about mounting the opus on the outside but there may not be enough room to run the cables out the right side of the case