Need some help

04silvertib · 09-12-2007, 03:47 AM

Okay I've been lurking around the forums for like 6 months now just trying to absorb everything like a sponge. I know a ton about computers I have my A+ certification and so on. Putting a computer in a car though is all new to me though. The part I'm having trouble with is the wiring. The computer I'm using would run fine with a 65w ps, but what about if I wanted to run a dvd drive also? Are there power cables coming from the power supply like a normal computer power supply? For the most part I have everything I need to get started I just don't know which power supply to get. I've used the noob thread and did all the calculations but the calculations didn't included other drives that was just for the cpu itself. If someone could fill me in and maybe tell me which power supply would be best that would be great. Also do I run the power to the lcd from the power supply too or do I have to run new wires for the lcd also?

Thanks a ton

DarquePervert · 09-12-2007, 06:11 AM

There are power calculators out there that can give you an approximate power draw for an opetical drive. The general recommendation is a slip laptop-style drive, as they only draw power from the 5v rail, while a full-sized desktop-style drive pulls from botht he 5v and 12v rail. Also, slot-load drives are far more convenient than tray-load drives.

Yes, the cables from a DC-DC PSU are the same as from an AC PSU, although you're going to have fewer HDD molex power conenctors.

You can figure out what PSU will work best for your hardware. There's a handy FAQ here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advf...iew&advfaqid=6

As far as LCD power, it depends on the LCD as well as how you want it to behave. Some power theirs from the PC PSU. Others straight from the car wiring.

04silvertib · 09-12-2007, 11:16 PM

Will it hurt me in any way other then price to go with a larger power supply then what's needed? Other then draining the battery faster I can't think of any issues?

salvi · 09-13-2007, 01:09 AM

Just get the M2-ATX so you can leave room for expansion. You have the A+?

04silvertib · 09-13-2007, 01:31 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by salvi

Just get the M2-ATX so you can leave room for expansion. You have the A+?

Yes A+ certification but it doesn't really require knowledge of car power supplies lol. The test actually only has like 2 questions about power supplies in general.

DarquePervert · 09-13-2007, 08:03 AM

A+ certification is kind of the first step in techincal/IT certifications.
I have not taken it, but I probably could pass it with my eyes closed. It's mostly dealing with hardware.

04silvertib · 09-13-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

A+ certification is kind of the first step in techincal/IT certifications.
I have not taken it, but I probably could pass it with my eyes closed. It's mostly dealing with hardware.

It is a basic test there is actually 2 of them. There is a hardware test and a software test. The thing that fails most people is irq's, port speeds and small things like that. Everything else is a walk in the park though. I'm also in school right now getting my degree in computer networking. Anywho I ordered M2-ATX and I calculated everything out and I should have more then enough power. How would I wire the lcd to the power supply though? Would I power it using the 5v rail? Would I be able to run a usb hub and the lcd off of the power supply also? I've been searching and searching but I can't find someone using more then 1 device on the 5v rail.

DarquePervert · 09-13-2007, 02:05 PM

Power it from the 12v rail. Most people wire it up to a HDD molex connector so they can connect/disconnect the LCD at will.

You should be able to power a USB hub as well, althought ehub would get power from the 5v rail. Realistically, you could wire up a single molex to get power to both, if you wanted.

salvi · 09-13-2007, 03:55 PM

I just use a Molex connector and if needed I get a Y splitter. I power both the LCD and USB hub this way. I just add the extra connections to the adapter that comes with the VoomPC case. Send me a PM if you have any questions.