Can't figure out best way to install OS and Front End before installing in car

hornet28610 · 07-23-2008, 07:44 AM

Hi, I just bought my first car pc and it has a built in Toshiba 120gb harddrive (Model Number: MK1246GSX). It utilizes a SATA 2 connection, and none of my current computers do. I would like to be able to install Windows XP and Road Runner with all of my music and videos, before I take it out to the car. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sal R. · 07-23-2008, 08:06 AM

Install OS.
Install Front End.
Configure PC.
Test.
Rinse & Repeat as necessary.
Install.

Gl.

hornet28610 · 07-23-2008, 08:09 AM

Well I was wondering if I could somhow use a laptops power cable and run the constant power and ground to the two leads so I can install all the software in my home, before I put it in my car. That might be asking too much. Thanks.

danielkh · 07-23-2008, 08:22 AM

yes. Hot to power and ignition, ground to ground.

rEegLer · 07-23-2008, 08:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by hornet28610

Well I was wondering if I could somhow use a laptops power cable and run the constant power and ground to the two leads so I can install all the software in my home, before I put it in my car. That might be asking too much. Thanks.

Are you talking about the plug that you plug into the back of your laptop? What PS do you have? Make sure it can handle voltages other than 12v DC!

hornet28610 · 07-23-2008, 08:45 AM

The laptops cable is split into two parts: 1-the wall outlet plug to a connector, 2-the brick and the barrel plug. So I can use the wall outlet plug to the connector and stick the three leads in to it, without utilizing the brick? I hate to ask, but I want to make sure I do this right. Thanks.

rEegLer · 07-23-2008, 08:48 AM

Well the Wall outlet is AC. What Power supply do you have?

hornet28610 · 07-23-2008, 08:51 AM

As far as the laptop goes, I'm not sure. The Car PC has a (M2-ATX).

rEegLer · 07-23-2008, 08:52 AM

ah ok, now what voltage is your laptop brick outputting? It usually says on the brick

hornet28610 · 07-23-2008, 08:53 AM

INPUT is: 100-240V~1.6A-0.8A

Output is: 16V 4.5A

rEegLer · 07-23-2008, 08:58 AM

ok so your output power is: (16v*4.5A)=72W so you can't run to much stuff with that. Your M2-ATX can handle *DC* voltages anywhere from 6-24v so compensate for battery voltage changes. You should be able to take the barrel plug, hook some wires up to it (positive and neg) to the positive and negative terminals on your PS (you dont need the middle terminal unless its in your car). Its quick and dirty but it should work. Read around and see if you can run the M2-ATX at a voltage higher than 12v for an extended period of time.

The best thing you can do it take a power supply out of an existing desktop computer you have that you dont need to run right now.

Sal R. · 07-23-2008, 09:01 AM

You should check out the FAQ.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advf...iew&advfaqid=4

rEegLer · 07-23-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sal R.

You should check out the FAQ.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/advf...iew&advfaqid=4

Yea thanks Sal, thats probably a lot better of an explanation than mine... lol

hornet28610 · 07-23-2008, 09:11 AM

Ok, I'll look into that.