Thread: 2000 BMW e46 laptop based carputer project

How do you turn it on? what kind of laptop? what did you use for psu?

nice.. i got my carpc comming for my 01 330 :0 .. if you dont mind, me asking you some questions along the way when i get it started.. most likely Sven4 setup and hacking the IBUS (where did you buy the part to hack into the ibus?) thanks..

-Steph'

Hi, what do you use to power the laptop. I'm thinking of using one my self. As i have a spare laptop.
Cheers

that is awesome. nice job..... cant wait to start planning.

My apologies for late response. Here let me address couple things together.

How do I turn it on:
Look at power controllers in mp3car store. There are many options. When you hook it up and configure properly, just like your stock head unit, it'll power on and off with ignition.

I-Bus:
There is a Yahoo group called hacktheibus. There are various people selling hardware and kits.

SVEN4:
This is a current problem area that I'm trying to fix actually. I wouldn't copy my SVEN4 setup -- volume is too low. Considering replacing the HK amp but not sure exactly what to replace it with.

How do I power the laptop:
Just bought a Targus air/car power adapter. Power controller determines when to turn this on. Note that it's a laptop; so powering the targus on or off doesn't do anything to actually turn the system on or off; power controllers have ways to trigger power events (like press and hold power button (which you solder separately) for 500ms when ignition state changes)

Hope this helps. I'm unable to frequent here to the boards but I'll try to respond sooner than once every 6 months