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Newbie needing help... I think I did something dumb (PW-200 related)
About a year ago, I accidentally stumbled upon this website, which inspired me to build a computer into my car. Lack of money + time however postponed this project until now. I can happily say though, that today, I'm 100%... erm... 99% done!
See, I did something stupid. I bought a PW-200 DC-DC powersupply. After searching the internet and this forum, I've determined that this PSU is basically... crap, and I shouldn't be using it. I also have read that it's only 60W, which is pretty rough, I actually believed the 200W deal.
For my setup I'm using all desktop parts, so I do need close to 200W. I think about 150 would be enough, so if worst comes to worst, I will purchase an M2-ATX 160W.
See, I DID wire in a voltage regulator. I wired in an NTE933, which is a 12V 5A regulator. I tested the outputs on my horrible 5 dollar voltage tester, on 10v it pegs the tester, on 50v it looks like it's at about 10.. so I figure it's outputting 12V correctly. (I did wire in an NTE931 for a USB hub by the way, which works flawlessly). When I turn on the PC however, I don't get anything on screen. Oddly enough even, if I unplug my ground, I still have power so long as a monitor is plugged in (tried an external CRT as well, not just the LCD in my car). I plugged the whole system into a standard AC-DC powersupply with an inverter, that works. I plugged a laptop into my VGA cable, going to my LCD, and that works. Aggravated, I bypassed my voltage regulator, and THAT works. I know, I've read the horror stories of what happens if I leave this thing unregulated... So I'm simply not going to. My real question is...
What's going on here? What do I need to do to get this working? Is my system underpowered? It certainly seems so... If that's the case, I will bite the bullet and buy an M2. If there is so way to salvage what I've done (will be nice not to have bought a 25 dollar voltage regulator for nothing), please help!
Thanks very much,
Louis
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