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RedGTiVR6 · 06-15-2006, 09:38 AM

How do I get power to my CarPC? Should I use an inverter or a DC-DC power supply?

Before you read any further, you might consider reading this thread started by DarquePervert: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=68636 – much props goes to Darque for taking the time to write this thread up.

It goes into great detail to help you answer the question of “How much power will my computer consume?” Once you have your power requirements, picking out a PSU will be much easier.

There are two options for your CarPC. A DC-DC power supply or a power inverter.

A computer runs off of DC power in the first place. The power supply in your desktop essentially takes the power from the wall outlet (AC) and converts it to DC. This is great for the car, because cars produce DC power.

The one downside to this however is that currently there are not any DC-DC power supplies (PSUs) on the market that can handle high performance system demands. Currently, they simply can’t produce enough wattage to keep a high performance PC running in the car.

If you are one of those people who really wants to run a high performance PC in your car, an inverter is just about your only solution.

There are downsides to both solutions however.

DC-DC PSUs:

DC-DC PSUs are currently designed more for the lower powered VIA/Mobile processors. There are some newer PSUs out on the market that are just able to provide power for the bigger, faster processors, but they are far and few between at the moment.

Most DC-DC PSUs have built in start-up and shut-down timers built into them. This is a great advantage over the power inverters. These timers will automatically start the boot-up and shut down procedures for your CarPC based (many times) on the specific parameters you tell it. These parameters are usually selectable by jumper pin configurations. Many times, these PSUs also have built in amplifier turn on leads. This is also very important as well. Car Audio amplifiers like to have an audio signal running to them before they come online. If they don’t, often times you get what is referred to as ‘Turn on thump’

Many DC-DC PSUs will also regulate the voltage that is being fed to them as will they protect your CarPC from voltage spikes and drops. If you are running an inverter and a standard PSU for your CarPC, you will have the same benefits, so don’t worry.

For DC-DC PSU solutions, you can check MP3car.com’s very own store, right on this web site by following this link.

Inverters

If you plan to use an inverter, you need to determine how you are going to turn it on and off and how you are going to get a turn-on signal to your amplifiers/stock stereo/etc. Many people use switches for this process, others have wired in their inverters into the ignition on their cars so that the inverter will turn on with the car. Many people have tinkered with this option and there are many good resources on this board if you are interested in pursuing this method. I’d suggest a quick search to net you some solid leads.

One common question asked about using an inverter is (thanks again to MatrixPC for mentioning this to include here):

Can I plug the inverter to the cig lighter?

The simple answer to this is yes. You can splice into the wires behind the dash and hook your inverter up to them. There are a few ‘ifs’ here though. One of these is that many car cigarette lighters are only rated at 10 amps of current draw. If your inverter will pull more than that, you will need to find some other way to hard wire in your inverter. Otherwise, you run the risk of a fire hazard in your car.

Do some research on the inverter you are planning to use. Use the Search Feature to plug in your inverter model number and see what you find. If you find nothing, make your way over to the Power Supply forum.

Some basic links to help you along the way:

If you’re looking for some links to some online power calculators, check here (thanks to Darque for the links!):

http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/
http://carpc.kyferez.com/Tools/PSUWattageCalculator.php
http://www.ohmygodmyarmfelloff.com/MP3Car/PSUpower.asp
http://resources.mini-box.com/online...simulator.html

CPU electrical specs (you’ll need these to pick out a PSU – thanks again to Darque!):
http://users.erols.com/chare/elec.htm

06-15-2006, 09:38 AM	#5
RedGTiVR6 _ RedGTiVR6's CarPC Specs Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Little Elm, Texas Vehicle: VW GTi VR6 / Ducati 900 SS & S4R / Dakota R/T Supercharged Posts: 13,216 My Photos: ()	*How do I get power to my CarPC? Should I use an inverter or a DC-DC power supply?* Before you read any further, you might consider reading this thread started by DarquePervert: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=68636 – much props goes to Darque for taking the time to write this thread up. It goes into great detail to help you answer the question of “How much power will my computer consume?” Once you have your power requirements, picking out a PSU will be much easier. There are two options for your CarPC. A DC-DC power supply or a power inverter. A computer runs off of DC power in the first place. The power supply in your desktop essentially takes the power from the wall outlet (AC) and converts it to DC. This is great for the car, because cars produce DC power. The one downside to this however is that currently there are not any DC-DC power supplies (PSUs) on the market that can handle high performance system demands. Currently, they simply can’t produce enough wattage to keep a high performance PC running in the car. If you are one of those people who really wants to run a high performance PC in your car, an inverter is just about your only solution. There are downsides to both solutions however. DC-DC PSUs: DC-DC PSUs are currently designed more for the lower powered VIA/Mobile processors. There are some newer PSUs out on the market that are just able to provide power for the bigger, faster processors, but they are far and few between at the moment. Most DC-DC PSUs have built in start-up and shut-down timers built into them. This is a great advantage over the power inverters. These timers will automatically start the boot-up and shut down procedures for your CarPC based (many times) on the specific parameters you tell it. These parameters are usually selectable by jumper pin configurations. Many times, these PSUs also have built in amplifier turn on leads. This is also very important as well. Car Audio amplifiers like to have an audio signal running to them before they come online. If they don’t, often times you get what is referred to as ‘Turn on thump’ Many DC-DC PSUs will also regulate the voltage that is being fed to them as will they protect your CarPC from voltage spikes and drops. If you are running an inverter and a standard PSU for your CarPC, you will have the same benefits, so don’t worry. For DC-DC PSU solutions, you can check MP3car.com’s very own store, right on this web site by following this link. Inverters If you plan to use an inverter, you need to determine how you are going to turn it on and off and how you are going to get a turn-on signal to your amplifiers/stock stereo/etc. Many people use switches for this process, others have wired in their inverters into the ignition on their cars so that the inverter will turn on with the car. Many people have tinkered with this option and there are many good resources on this board if you are interested in pursuing this method. I’d suggest a quick search to net you some solid leads. One common question asked about using an inverter is (thanks again to MatrixPC for mentioning this to include here): Can I plug the inverter to the cig lighter? The simple answer to this is yes. You can splice into the wires behind the dash and hook your inverter up to them. There are a few ‘ifs’ here though. One of these is that many car cigarette lighters are only rated at 10 amps of current draw. If your inverter will pull more than that, you will need to find some other way to hard wire in your inverter. Otherwise, you run the risk of a fire hazard in your car. Do some research on the inverter you are planning to use. Use the Search Feature to plug in your inverter model number and see what you find. If you find nothing, make your way over to the Power Supply forum. *Some basic links to help you along the way:* If you’re looking for some links to some online power calculators, check here (thanks to Darque for the links!): http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/ http://carpc.kyferez.com/Tools/PSUWattageCalculator.php http://www.ohmygodmyarmfelloff.com/MP3Car/PSUpower.asp http://resources.mini-box.com/online...simulator.html CPU electrical specs (you’ll need these to pick out a PSU – thanks again to Darque!): http://users.erols.com/chare/elec.htm __________________ Jan Bennett FS: VW MKIV Bezel for 8" Lilliput - 95% Finished If you're needing someone to tell you what to buy, how to install it, or how to make it sound good, I charge a consulting fee. Last edited by Red GTi VR6 : 06-15-2006 at 10:00 AM.