is it going to blow up?

**Data Android** · 12-07-2004, 11:49 PM

just installed my carputer.
the 7" screen is connected to the wire that goes to one of the lighter sockets.
now, what is better for the computer?
I have a power inverter which I can use and just plug in the power adapter to the computer.
or
this power adapter says: output 12V 4.5amp.
so I went to RS and bought a lighter adapter that is rated to 12V and 5amp.
when connecting it to the computer everything runs the same as it does with the inverter.
I know about the opus and that might be something for some later time, but now the question is: can the lighter adapter harm my computer (since there might be 14.5V going through that lighter socket) and I should therefore use the inverter and the 110V adapter that came with the computer?
or
is it OK to use the lighter adapter and it won't harm my computer.

**MikeH** · 12-08-2004, 06:43 AM

Data...can you post a link to the RS adapter that you bought? What kind of CarPC/case do you have?

**Scouse Monkey** · 12-08-2004, 07:03 AM

Ditto - post some details of the supply - is it regulated etc. I would advise you to hard wire it to the battery as the cig lighter not the best thing to use with a lot of current going through it for a long period - the contacts are not very good and it will get hot and also cause some power loss. Also add an inline fuse as close to the battery connection as possible.

**Data Android** · 12-08-2004, 07:14 AM

This is the exact same

**Data Android** · 12-08-2004, 07:18 AM

hmm, it changes the url.
here is a picture of it

**Scouse Monkey** · 12-08-2004, 07:24 AM

that is a mains power supply surely - where is the cig lighter adapter you mentioned?

**Data Android** · 12-08-2004, 07:36 AM

this one

**Scouse Monkey** · 12-08-2004, 07:44 AM

Thats just a power chord! That will definitely be crap. You may as well just run two wires from your battery to the powersupply but thta would be feeding it with whatever your car chucks out. You need to check the specs on the regulator/power supply part that you posted before (not the AC-DC brick) and see if it can take 14-15V. I would say to protect it get a good notebook adapter e.g. http://www.targus.com/us/product_det...?sku=PAPWR200U
and set the voltage output to whatever your power supply needs and run the adapter fromt he battery with fuse etc. You can get 120W ones off ebay. Just get a decent one - it is worth paying a little extra when it comes to power stuff. A 120W will be more than adequate, you can get 90W but why mess around?

Correction: is that an ITX power supply or summit? other poeple would be best to advise you on whether you can attach this direct to the car battery. Please try and post the specs for it.

**MikeH** · 12-08-2004, 08:36 AM

Data,

The picure you posted is a Morex 60 Watt DC-DC PSU with AC/DC brick. The Radio Shack adapter, as Scouse Monkey stated, is simply a wire running from your cig lighter outlet. It is NOT a regulator. It's "rated" at 5 amps because that how much current it can carry without melting

. You will run into problems trying to power the Morex PSU directly from your battery. It may work (some people are currently doing it), but there is an overvoltage detector on-board which will eventually, and intermittently, shut it down due to overvoltage or undervoltage.

May I (humbly

) suggest you take a look at the CarNetix P1260 regulator. It is designed specifically to go in front of the Morex 60W DC-DC and includes a shutdown controller. It will also survive engine cranking.

The MP3Car.com store will have them in stock very soon.

Hope this is helpful!

**Scouse Monkey** · 12-08-2004, 08:42 AM

"is it going to blow up?" YEAH- KABOOOOOOM hehe
back on a serious note:

What Pc do you have? if it is an Epia what about a ITPS and the PW-70a combo formthe mp3car store or for a normal pc what about an OPUS 90W or summit?