Newbie Laptop Power Button Help?

osafie · 05-08-2006, 02:09 PM

Hello everyone.

I am new, and just wanted to say hello. I have been lurking on the mp3car forums for a long time now. All I can say is that I have read up on doing my carPC install for a long time now, and this site is great.

I have almost everything installed. I have my touchscreen installed and working, but a little more fabrication is needed to clean up the bezel.

I have the frontend working and running with the GPS and music.

I have everything running off of my Compaq Presario 1720US (I had it laying around, so I figured I would use it).

I have sound routed through my Kenwood KDC-MP5028.

But I got some problems. I suck at soldering, and I have been practicing, but I am not getting any better at soldering. I need to solder two wires to the power button, so that I can route a switch to the dash. I can't get to it from the bottom of the board because there is a quickdock port in the way, which I have no idea of how to remove. My only option is to solder from the top on to the power button pins.

My question is, are there any alternatives to using solder, such as glue, epoxy, or something else. I can't find anyone that will do the job for less than $65, and that is with the laptop already apart.

Thanks for any advice and help.
Osafie

WarDriver · 05-08-2006, 09:25 PM

Hey...
You can check out what I did with my compaq here

I had the same problem. I wanted to use a free laptop for my carpc, but being that it was a laptop I didn't want to destroy it in order to use it in my car. I wanted to be able to bring it inside easily. So, I constructed using wire from a ethernet cable, a stero audio jack and about an hour free time a remote switch.

I think you can pull it off. Check for continunity between the pins when the swtich is both closed and open. That way you know which pins to solder the wires to.

You need to tin the wires first. (Coat them in solder) Then snip them real close so you don't have any more than necessary...Preheat the wires and then touch them to the switch applying a little heat from the iron. If you want higher res pics PM me with you email address and I'll send them to you.

osafie · 05-09-2006, 12:26 AM

Thanks for the reply War Driver.

May be it is just my iron, but I can't get the soldering to work out the way I want it to. I did see your thread in my searches, and I plan on doing something very similar to yours. I know exactly which pins to solder to, and I already have the momentary switch. I just need to figure out the soldering.

What about somehow using epoxy to attach the wires to the pins, or is soldering the best or only option?

In addition, does anyone know of any soldering tutorial that I could learn from?

Thanks for the replies.
Osafie

WarDriver · 05-09-2006, 01:11 AM

Humm...I'd stick with solder. Thats the only way to assure contact. As for the iron. I know Radio shack sells a kit for $8 that includes an iron, solder, small stand and a small tool.

As for DIY soldering tips...hit up google. Click here.

If I were around I'd do it for free...but you don't live anywhere near here. Do you go to school? Perhaps there is an electronics teacher/prof who could help you?

But this is a very valuable skill to learn. I solder anything that I want to install in my car. That way I know the wires won't come loose.

You're not trying to do this with one of those "cold heat" deals are you?...I don't care for them. They didn't work for me.

osafie · 05-09-2006, 01:35 AM

Nah. I am not to interested in using the coldheat thing. I solder my stereo wiring harness, and other small electronics projects, but I am just a little afraid of frying the motherboard. Besides, I haven't even come close to mastering the art of tinning wires yet. Maybe I will paractice a little more, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Osafie

WarDriver · 05-09-2006, 02:00 AM

If you can do that...you can hit your switch just fine. Just use caution...I'm sure you'll be ok.