hi..

the main idea of my carputer is the synchronization with the webserver (fileserver with all media files) if my car is staying in front of garage, where webserver is located.

if i'm using a laptop, i just can use a power inverter connected over ignition lock and if i turn off my car, laptop still can synchronize data over wlan until its going into hibernate mode because of low battery level..

but i'd like to use a fix pc install in/behind glove compartment. but then i have to connect power direct to car battery and pc doesn't know if car is running or not. (to shut down if it's not connected to wlan or synchronization is already done)
the special power supply with shutdown-function doesn't help on this problem, because i want first check if wlan is connected and if already synchronized and then shut down.

is there a way to check if car is running? (perhaps with an external device which is getting power over ignition lock?)

i think, i don't have to start synchronization manually.. else i'll use a laptop!

thx for your posts and ideas...
dave