Power Opus with AC

cadence117 · 04-03-2005, 05:54 PM

With fuel prices skyrocketing, it's getting pretty expensive for me to sit in my driveway and wait for wireless transfers and update software while my car is running.

I'm basically wondering if there is a simple way (not another PS) that I can power my computer by just running an extension cord and somehow getting power to my opus. I doubt anything like this work's easily, but i just figured I'd throw it out there and see what came.

Thanks

HoSS · 04-03-2005, 05:57 PM

Yeah well its possible without too much trouble, if you were to use a AC/DC 12v PSU (CB psu).
You could modify the power feed to the OPUS, including a diode & then connect the AC/DC psu.

2Fast · 04-03-2005, 05:57 PM

I just put my battery charger on if i'm gonna be a while so it gives the battery a trickle charge.

Cris · 04-03-2005, 05:58 PM

Really, the Opus doesn't take so much power, I've had my computer stay on with the engine off, for like 6hours straight, and the car started without a problem.

cadence117 · 04-03-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2FastMR2

I just put my battery charger on if i'm gonna be a while so it gives the battery a trickle charge.

What do you mean battery charger?

Quote:

Really, the Opus doesn't take so much power, I've had my computer stay on with the engine off, for like 6hours straight, and the car started without a problem.

this is also an issue, my Carputer will barely stay on until it hits the 10 minute mark(varies with pin setting) and OPUS shuts off hibernates the carputer. Alot of times it only lasts 8 or 5 min. before the battery drain sensor on the OPUS automatically hibernates. Its not the battery, I bought a nice red-top for my system. Maybe it's more of a draining issue. What should i do?

2Fast · 04-03-2005, 06:10 PM

You know, the thing that charges up a dis-charged car battery, put it on your battery, turn it on, play with your car-pc, hey presto, no flat batt.

Scouse Monkey · 04-03-2005, 06:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2FastMR2

You know, the thing that charges up a dis-charged car battery

oh you mean a battery charger!

2Fast · 04-03-2005, 06:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Scouse Monkey

oh you mean a battery charger!

I know, sometime you have to spoon feed them.

cadence117 · 04-03-2005, 06:24 PM

... never heard of something that would do that....

oh well,
what about the Drain rate of the battery from the Opus. How can I reduce this? or is it normal?

2Fast · 04-03-2005, 06:33 PM

Sounds like you need a new battery.

Cris · 04-03-2005, 06:39 PM

Yes, I think so too, you should be able to run the computer for many hours with the engine off, without draining the battery.

cadence117 · 04-03-2005, 06:46 PM

I did that about 2 months ago..
bought a new redtop optima... I have this issue with both batteries, new and old

Cris · 04-03-2005, 06:52 PM

Do you have other consumers like amps and stuff? This really shoudn't happen, espeacially with an Optima battery.

cadence117 · 04-03-2005, 10:01 PM

yes, I have:

600 watt amp,
carputer
7' lilly
usb: usb WLAN, GPS mouse, shuttlexpress, ATI remotewonder, touchscreen,

but that is all.

Could it be a problem with my alternator?
how can i check the draw from the battery from my OPUS (what is normal) ?

0l33l · 04-03-2005, 10:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cris

Really, the Opus doesn't take so much power, I've had my computer stay on with the engine off, for like 6hours straight, and the car started without a problem.

Yeh, its not hard to start a lawnmower