HP eVectra Power Questions

**chumpion** · 09-01-2006, 12:51 AM

Hi all,

I am using a HP eVectra PC for my install, and have a couple of questions about the power supply. I have decided to go down the route of using a cigarette lighter adapter to provide the 19 volts required. I'll also be running the whole system off a secondary battery from under the bonnet.

To get the required 5v for my 4 port ethernet hub, am I able to use the 5v rail from inside the PC? Or is it better to find it somewhere else (I have a 300w inverter, or mabey I could look at a small cigarette lighter type adapter)? Also, would I be able to power either or both of my USB hubs in a similar manner, or is it best to just use the USB power from the system?

Thanks in advance folks - this is a great site, and I have been a long time lurker..

Cheers,

Chump

**DarquePervert** · 09-01-2006, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by chumpion

I am using a HP eVectra PC for my install, and have a couple of questions about the power supply. I have decided to go down the route of using a cigarette lighter adapter to provide the 19 volts required. I'll also be running the whole system off a secondary battery from under the bonnet.

They make a cigarette lighter adapter for those things? I did not know that...
Even so, there are more elegant solutions for your proposed setup, namely the Carnetix P1900. The Carnetix has the added bonus of a startup/shutdown controller, which will alleviate the need for you to press the power button on the PC to boot it up, as it will start up with a turn of the key.
I suggest reading this FAQ: FAQ: Will <insert PSU model> Power Supply work with my system?

To get the required 5v for my 4 port ethernet hub, am I able to use the 5v rail from inside the PC? Or is it better to find it somewhere else (I have a 300w inverter, or mabey I could look at a small cigarette lighter type adapter)? Also, would I be able to power either or both of my USB hubs in a similar manner, or is it best to just use the USB power from the system?

Yes, you can use 5v from a HDD or floppy connector to provide 5v to a USB hub (or other devices that require 5v). Lots of people do just that.

**Scouse Monkey** · 09-01-2006, 02:39 PM

even if they do make a ciggy lighter psu suitable for the HP pc (i am guessing 19V right) then please DO NOT USE IT OFF THE CIGGY LIGHTER

ciggy lighter sockets are not deisgned for high current sustained use. the wiring is generally pretty thin so you will gave a voltage drop that uding crank will probably make the psu crap out and the connections are generally pretty ****ty as though they got some school kids on an industrial visit to crimp them all as they are not a critical part of the car.

And then dont even get me started on the deisgn of the ciggy lighter socket and plug itself! that was deisgned to power the occasional torch so some doggers can light up the insides of the cars or to power one of those little coffee warmers so the other doggers can keep their coffee warm (ok maybe not just for doggers).

Wire it driectly to the battery with a fuse on the +ve lead to protect the wires.

**billmee** · 09-03-2006, 09:31 PM

Chumpion

If your EVectra uses only a 19v bullet connector, you shold look at this post.

SEARCH : HP e-PC great solution for my 02 BMw

The poster switched harddrives to a 2.5" laptop style and is running without an inverter OR a DC-DC supply!

I am using a E-PC 40 and tap off of the 5v AND 12v for a 4 port hub and a 7" Liliput LCD. My hub supplies a Mini Kybd, numberpad, cell phone and touchscreen input.