how to get laptop to work up by dash

dhantiflag · 03-07-2007, 12:25 AM

im just trying to think of how i will be able to run my IDE from my computer (in the trunk) to the CD drive in the dash... Also have a powered issue to because i would have to run a power cable up there too...?

any suggestions or ideas?

DarquePervert · 03-07-2007, 06:15 AM

dhantiflag · 03-07-2007, 10:03 AM

is there something i can easily convert to usb with ?

TruckinMP3 · 03-07-2007, 12:49 PM

yes, IDE to USB..... a very minor amount of searching would have found that....

acollaro · 03-07-2007, 04:13 PM

I just got one from ebay for 9.95 with shipping, but it's only like twelve inches long.

Thefdog · 03-07-2007, 07:27 PM

I have a similar setup, with a laptop in a dock in the trunk of my car and a slim slot-loading DVD still to be installed in the dash. I am putting the drive in a slim-line enclosure and running a USB cable to the USB hub at the laptop. I also plan to incorporate a USB port/memory card reader in the setup that will need power.

For laptop power, there are several options that you can look into. First is a Carnetix 1900 or 2140 depending on the voltage you need. This is the optimal setup, as it provides additional functionality, such as user-configurable startup and shutdown control. The second option is a DC/DC converter that plugs into a lighter socket. The final option is to run a DC-to-AC converter, which is the worst solution for many reason, but likely the easiest and cheapest. With all of these methods of supplying power, you will still need to figure out a way to turn your laptop on (turning one off is no problem). Search for the various solutions to this issue.

The Carnetix units provide additional power leads that can run your drive, USB hub, monitor, etc. You can also get a separate POL (Point of Load) power source for your drive at the correct voltage. Or you can run it from an appropriate lighter adapter. The lighter adapters that have a USB port for charging mobile devices generally put out 5V at at least 1 amp, which will be enough power for a slim-line CD drive or a few low-powered USB devices, provided you have the correct fitting. I cut off the plug from the AC adapter that came with the USB hub amd wired it to the USB cable that plugs into the socket on the lighter adapter.

My solution is to run a heavy gauge (4) wire lead to distribution block from the car battery (protected with a 30 amp fuse). A relay with a switch in the dash controls the powers to the distribution block by turning it on or off. From the distribution block, one separately fused lead goes to a DC/DC adapter (Kensington) for my laptop, one lead goes to the previously noted 5V - 1 amp cigarette lighter adapter that goes to my USB hun at the laptop, and another of the same adapters that powers my drive and USB hub in the dash. I have wired a manual switch into the dash that turns the laptop on and off.

While this solution requires that I manually power to the computer and other components on and off, it does provide a way of isolating the power draw from the remainder of the system by disconnecting the block from the battery, so I will never have a dead battery (unless I forget to power it down and leave the laptop running).

Keep trying and reading...

Forgot to discuss the other issue. You can also get a IDE to USB adapter like the previous poster described, that allows you to connect a drive without an external enclosure. If you plan to use a notebook CD or DVD, make sure you have a notebook to regular IDE adaptor, as well as the correct USB to IDE adaptor.

Cheers