Thread: Carnetix P2140 & Dell sx260/270

Sorry for posting my review so late. Been very busy at work for the last number of weeks.

The P2140 worked great the way I had it config'ed which was to set both main lines to 12v and use a Point of Load for the screen. Main reason for the Point of load was to not have to run another power line all the way to the front of the car.

For startup I used the Dell's start up on power setting in the BIOS, works great so far. For shutdown I took the ACPI signal from the P2140 and using a automotive relay sent a signal to short pins 4/8 of my serial port when I turned the car off. A software shutdown controller then takes the signal and initiates the hibernation. I believe if I soldered the lines on the power button it would also have worked. But I didn't have the luxury of time. The software shutdown method is used by many laptop users on the forums and getting the 5v signal to the serial port from the P2140 was pretty easy.

I am now using the DSX12VD which also works great. Start up and shutdown methods haven't changed. The P2140 is being mated to my old setup (Via M10000/Lilliput 7") for my wife's car. At the time I needed the second power supply they were not in stock so I went with the DSX12VD. Love them both can't go wrong with either one in my opinion.

As time permits I will be posting the new setup in a Lexus GS. My other car will probably share the same Dell with the Lexus when I am finished her overhaul.

Very noticeable difference between the Via setup and the P4 in the Dell can’t say I would turn back.

Hope this helps.

Totally agree that the Dell hardware runs significantly faster than the Via and that they are both very reliable platforms. I had the Via setup in my other car for a couple of years with no major pains. The Via worked great but would quickly start to complain if I wanted to do more than play .mp3's and have GPS going at the same time. So far the Dell's P4 has had no issues handling whatever I have tossed its way and everything is currently running much faster.

For my wife's car however the Via would be great as she only cares about .mp3's and GPS. The Via has proven quite effective for that. I will not be removing her stock radio so don't even have to worry about radio stations. She really only drives her car to work and back. Though we live in FL her car is a '03 Accord with less than 30K miles.

Originally Posted by BasicEvil

For shutdown I took the ACPI signal from the P2140 and using a automotive relay sent a signal to short pins 4/8 of my serial port when I turned the car off. A software shutdown controller then takes the signal and initiates the hibernation.

This sounds like the solution I'm looking for. I've used automotive relays before, but only to turn power on; not to short anything. Could you please share the wiring you used for this? I'm assuming you used the cable and software available at TheCarPCStore.com (or similar)?
Thanks,
Kirk

Originally Posted by kirk78h

This sounds like the solution I'm looking for. I've used automotive relays before, but only to turn power on; not to short anything. Could you please share the wiring you used for this? I'm assuming you used the cable and software available at TheCarPCStore.com (or similar)?
Thanks,
Kirk

The P2140 has an option to do this through USB ports, too Usb plug that comes from the P2140.

I was looking at a 2140 to run an sx260. The problem I have is that I run linux. From what I understand, the 2140 allows you to change some settings like shutdown time, but you need to use software to do that. Does anyone know if linux is supported to allow me to change the software settings?