Need Advice on Laptop / Overhead Monitor Install

mttrout · 09-26-2007, 09:15 PM

I just ordered an 8" overhead DVD player for our Toyota Tundra and am looking forward to installing it myself this weekend.

In addition to installing the overhead setup, I am going to put an old IBM T40 notebook somewhere inside that is connected to the overhead unit. This way, we can surf the Internet or play games from the computer. I am not looking to use it for any other purpose.

I am planning on tapping into two of the truck's three 12V switched power outlets and am trying to make sure I don't exceed the 110W / 15 amp capacity of each one.

My two questions are this...

First, does anyone know about how much power an overhead unit like this will consume? It will probably say on it, but am planning ahead.

Second, does anyone know about how much power a laptop will use without a monitor? (I took it off entirely). I assume it will be less than the 16V / 4.5 amp requirement listed on the computer. (I have a 150W invterter to plug the laptop into).

Thanks for the help!

mgithens · 09-27-2007, 05:44 PM

you're most likely safe... the 7" screen that everyone uses on these forums draw about 10 or 12 watts... a running laptop is likely to use around 75watts - when it gets hotter you will use MORE power because the fans eat up the juice.

Keep in mind that every component you add will require more power, so figure 5 watts per USB device, don't know how you intend to surf, but wifi is a power hog...

you didn't say what the connection between the screen and laptop was going to be, but expect pretty low resolution if you are using anything but VGA. Most of those screens are 234pixels tall, so text will be pretty illegible. Don't believe the 1440 pixels of width they advertise, because that is just counting every pixel - but technically the red, green and blue are grouped to count as one... so 1440/3 = 480. Plenty of res for a movie, but a bit weak for reading text.

mttrout · 09-28-2007, 12:18 AM

Just an update...

Tonight I got half way through the install and blew the fuse and then the backup fuse provided with the overhead unit. After further inspection, the filter/fuse box said it was 10A 250V. The fuses included were 5A 250V so hopefully tomorrow I can get it done.

Decided to ditch the computer idea, it was too much of a pain and I could not find a decent place to put it. I'll probably just put our old N64 in there instead. Much less power use and less headache.

Mr Beta · 09-28-2007, 03:06 AM

Don't give up yet, there's still hope.

mgithens · 09-28-2007, 11:26 AM

I would recommend a hacked Xbox (the old one), use wireless controllers and put a big hard drive in it... then you have video playback and gaming... you can pick up a hacked box on craigslist for $250 or so... well worth it...

mttrout · 09-29-2007, 12:41 AM

I finally ended up finding the correct fuse at Lows. I went to every auto parts store in town and every other big box store before finding them, and was I ever glad because that was the last place to even check.

I ended up just running out to the battery, bypassing all of the electrical circuits. I decided that would be safest, although hopefully the thing never turns itself on when it is closed.

Tomorrow I'm going to build the mounting plate out of 1/8" plywood and hopefully get this project wrapped up.

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