PSU developments?

tigabalm · 03-06-2005, 03:44 AM

ok so trying to follow any PSU leads for the mac mini... but am a little confused... saw a couple threads but they seem to run a little off track...

so just wondering if there is a definite PSU with shutdown controller for the mac mini that will work in my car?

i've read about the carnetix p1900 but still not totally sure if it will work without drainging the battery issues and such...

i'd appreciate any info!

thanks

peace

MikeH · 03-06-2005, 06:31 AM

Tiga,

The P1900 is fully compatible with the Mac mini and does include a shutdown controller. The battery drain issue will be the same with any PSU solution for the Mac since it requires that the power continue to be supplied to the Mac when it is in sleep mode to maintain the system state in RAM. The problem occurs when you leave the Mac in sleep for extended periods of time. We won't know until we get some more hands-on experience how long the "extended" period is (days, weeks, etc). We do know that it will take 150mA to 200 mA to keep the RAM alive during sleep. The P1900 has a low battery sensor which will fully shut it down if the battery discharges below about 10.6 volts.

We're hoping some Mac experts can come up some sort of software solution/aid to this problem.

Hope this helps!

schreibers · 03-06-2005, 07:40 AM

I've got isolated batteries for my audio system so I don't have to worry about my starter going dead but that low battery sensor is a nice touch

We'll have to hardwire the P1900 to the MiniMac due to the lack of plugs correct?

tigabalm · 03-06-2005, 01:19 PM

thanks mike for the info!

one question tho... why cant we just send the computer into shutdown like any other carPC with a shutdown controller?

also is there a waitlist for the p1900? i kno a lot of us want it!

and finally THANK YOU! we really appreciate your hardwork!

peace

nathan

MikeH · 03-06-2005, 02:51 PM

schreibers,

Quote:

We'll have to hardwire the P1900 to the MiniMac due to the lack of plugs correct?

Yes, I'll be posting details of how to do this later. HERE's a picture of how the power cable will look with the connectors added.

tigabalm,

Quote:

why cant we just send the computer into shutdown like any other carPC with a shutdown controller?

You CAN send it into shutdown. However, currently we can't find a source for the "ACPI" (power button) connector/jumper/header that the shutdown controller needs to connect to (on the motherboard, see pictures in above link). This means you'll have to tap into these small wires in order to allow the P1900 to shut down the Mac. Once you have made this connection you can set your Mac to either go into full shutdown or sleep mode when the P1900 turns it off.

Quote:

is there a waitlist for the p1900?

MP3Car.com will be getting the first batch....

tigabalm · 03-06-2005, 07:35 PM

ahhh ok makes more sense now!

thanks and cant wait!

peace

FireAnt · 03-06-2005, 08:09 PM

I'm ready for one of these! I may have to add another plug close to the Mac Mini case end so I can easily remove the mac to take in the house or work. Like an extension cable from the PSU to the splice in plug of the original cable.

Mike

05 MINI Cooper Cabrio "Mac MINI"
Progress 30%, Mac mini, Lilliput 7" onorder, WiFi adapter

vinthewrench · 03-08-2005, 12:50 PM

Quote:

The problem occurs when you leave the Mac in sleep for extended periods of time.

We're hoping some Mac experts can come up some sort of software solution/aid to this problem.

are you asking for a process to wake up the mac say after some period of time in sleep and run a proper shutdown?

MikeH · 03-08-2005, 12:55 PM

Now that's not a bad idea. You could set the "wait" for anything you feel comfortable with (ie now battery=longer time, etc).

Is there a process that could "wake from sleep" in the Mac?