In-car PC controlling 12v outputs hardware/software ?!?

skinhead · 07-18-2006, 11:19 AM

Hey guys. Bit of a strange question, and as such i dont really know which section to post this in.

Basically, i have a in car PC, all working, touch screen, running windows XP, media engine front end. Now, i have various things inside the car (linear actuators, monitors, door poppers etc), which are controlled by 12v from the in car battery rack.

Now, I'm looking for a bit of hardware (and software to control the hardware), which can control the 12v outputs for these things !

What i have pictured in my head, is a box, in which i can put a 12v feed from the battery into, and then have a number of 12v outputs from this box which are connected to other devices. Then, have some sort of software which controls which outputs are on/off and possibly the ability to either switch the output on / off, or maybe pulse the output etc ?

The other option is that theres a piece of hardware, which rather than taking 12v from the battery, takes power from the PC to power these things, but as theres a lot of things, and that my PC power supply isnt *that* powerfull, this wouldnt be ideal really !

So, is there ANYTHING out there that can do what i want, or anyone who has done this ? Have searched all over for details of how to do this but havent found anything of any use.

Im thinking it can't be impossible, as im guessing the in house control systems you see work on a similar principle to turn lights on / off , open curtains etc etc.

Cheers,

FC3S · 07-18-2006, 11:22 AM

well, people are working on this type of thing already, for all i know they might be done already..

i'll try to find the thread

EDIT: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/hardware-development/77099-another-usb-relay-controller.html

theres one, theres a few others, but im too lazy to look right now

evandude · 07-18-2006, 11:46 AM

google phidgets, and/or search the forums for relay controllers.

Mechanic · 07-18-2006, 01:26 PM

AIVMS interfaces automatically with any connected Phidgets 0/0/4 USB relay kits, and features voice command control of the circuits.

You can also control the relays with a pocket PC simply by installing the AIVMS PPC Remote on your device.

If your car PC has an internet connection, AIVMS provides you with the ability to control the Phidget circuits with a standard phone or cell phone from anywhere in the world. Imagine calling your car with your cell phone and rolling the windows up when the weather becomes adversive - kind of a nice feature.