My Laptop power plan

FockMasterDan · 06-01-2008, 12:52 PM

I just wanted to run my plan by the resident experts to make sure I'm not leaving anything out. I think I have it all down.

I have already acquired a DC-DC power adapter for my laptop that I'll be using. This unit is made to be directly wired into the car, no cig lighter crap.

Then for auto turn on, I want to pick up one of W3bMa5t3r's units.

For turning off, I want the laptop to stay on for X number of minutes before it hibernates/shuts down/whatever I end up doing. This is easy to do in XP, but the issues comes with when windows inevitably locks up when trying to shut down. My idea for that is to have the power adapter run off a relay wired to the accessory power for the car, and leave the laptop battery in. This way the laptop battery drains out if something happens, and I'm safe. Also the standard relays are 30 amp, which should be more than enough for the laptop.

Like I said, I think I have it all figured out, but wanted a double check.

FusionFanatic · 06-01-2008, 05:54 PM

sounds good to me

that's pretty much how I had my previous laptop-based carputer setup. I used a simple dash-mounted momentary switch to turn the laptop on. the laptop turned itself off after external power was cut. I had a cheap DC-DC power brick controlled by a 30A SPST relay (triggered by the car's ACC line) to ensure that the laptop would never drain the car battery.

regardless of whether you use a simple switch or an auto-on module; you still have to wire external power switch leads to your laptop's motherboard (or docking station's power button). have you done this already?

FockMasterDan · 06-01-2008, 10:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by FusionFanatic

sounds good to me

that's pretty much how I had my previous laptop-based carputer setup. I used a simple dash-mounted momentary switch to turn the laptop on. the laptop turned itself off after external power was cut. I had a cheap DC-DC power brick controlled by a 30A SPST relay (triggered by the car's ACC line) to ensure that the laptop would never drain the car battery.

regardless of whether you use a simple switch or an auto-on module; you still have to wire external power switch leads to your laptop's motherboard (or docking station's power button). have you done this already?

I have not done this yet, as I'm still in planning/accumlating parts stage of the build. It won't be a problem though as I know how to solder. My summer job is an installer for HD broadcast trucks (for ABC, ESPN, et cetera).

I plan on having an auto on switch for the laptop as well as a hard shutdown switch for when it is stuck and I don't want to let it run down the battery.

Thanks for the reply.