Thread: DC-DC power supply and CarPC pro shutdown controller issues, could use some help

If you wired everything according to the manual, then it's doing exactly as it's supposed to. The Car EZ starts the PC, which it is supposed to do. I don't understand why you think that's a BAD thing (as indicated by your frownie face).

The problem is the PW200M.
When you're starting the car the voltage drops as it feeds the starter. The PW200M doesn't regulate the 12v line to provide constant power, especially during engine crank.

Frankly, the PW200M is a piece of ****. It doesn't provide the 200w that it says it does. If you get a regulator for the 12v line, you're going to have about 60w regulated, if I remember correctly.
I suggest looking into either a Keypower 250w unit (which has no shutdown controller) or the DSATX 220w which has all the goodies built-in.
The Opus makes a 150w PSU that includes a startup/shutdown controller.

Hi well i think it is bad cos lets say i DOnt want to use my PC..Now when i turn on the IGN the SDC kicks in and BOOTS up the Car PC ( with out any input from my side ie.. by pressing the On button )
SO does this means i HAVE to get the PC running each time i turn on the ignition or start the car ?

I used switches to control this. I have one that cuts power to my Lilli, one that cuts the accessory line going to the Opus 150 (so I can start my truck briefly without the PC booting) and another that cuts the 12V line on the Opus through a relay, just as if I disconnected it from the battery.

Simple solution:
Put a switch on the 12v hot line. If the switch is on, the PC gets power and boots up. If the switch is off, there's no power, so it won't boot.

Either way, your PW200M is the source of your problem. It won't survive engine crank. Hell, it surprises me that you haven't fried a motherboard with it yet.

You should consider why a 150W PSU selling for almost 200 bucks (price already drop) and a 200W PSU selling for less than 100 bucks?

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Hell, it surprises me that you haven't fried a motherboard with it yet.

ive been using a 120w m10k designed cheap *** $40 power supply for 3 years with no power supply related problems

I am always surprised by the nocks on the PW-70 thru PW-200 PSU's.... I will admit that for full size mother boards and 3-1/2" drive systems that are not the best choice, but I have had the PW-70 and PW-200 powering my M10000 and 2-1/2" HD system for over 2 years now with no problems....

Size-wise they are the best choice for Via boards for indash install.... I ain't running large power draining hardware or graphic intensive software... so for me and I am sure many others the PW-XXX PSU are perfect... And they are well made... I have never had a bit of problem with either.

Now since nobody else answered the question asked, I will attempt to answer it.

I too have the CarPC Pro SDC, and from your post it is acting as it should. The hook up from the CarPC Pro to the Power Swtich (the 2 pin header between the black connectors) is only to allow you to also use the PC power switch, instead of the ACC line going hot, to turn on the PC. It is not designed the way I think you are expecting it to work.

So DP's suggestion above is your best choice and it is simple to do....

If I mis-understood your question, correct me and I will try again.

Oh, yeah... I admit the PW-200 will not survive a crank.... So either use a tank circuit and small SLA battery (thecarpcstore.com) has a nice simple one.... or make your own.... or don't crank the car with the PC on....

Originally Posted by vicky_obee

Now when i turn on the IGN the SDC kicks in and BOOTS up the Car PC ( with out any input from my side ie.. by pressing the On button )

This is exactly what it is supposed to do. Its the whole point of the thing. One thing you can do is, set the delay from the time the SDC is triggered by the IGN to give you enough time to start the engine. I use the Car PC Ez with a keypower 250w PSU. It survives crank just fine with a my stock battery.

Originally Posted by dug1967

I am always surprised by the nocks on the PW-70 thru PW-200 PSU's.... I will admit that for full size mother boards and 3-1/2" drive systems that are not the best choice, but I have had the PW-70 and PW-200 powering my M10000 and 2-1/2" HD system for over 2 years now with no problems....

Because they advertise it as 200w power supply, but don't tell you that the 12v rail is unregulated.
For stability (not to mention preserving your hardware!), you should regulate the 12v line, which will lower the output of the PW200M. It's a misrepresentation of the true capabilities of the unit.