installing the m2-atx psu, in a land rover to be specific

snoboarder2k6 · 06-14-2009, 01:02 AM

Hey, so I'm new to the whole carpc thing. I know my way around computers, but cars I have less experience with. I was wondering how hard it is to install the m2-atx before I went out and ordered one.

I've read it has to be directly wired to the battery? so does this mean i have to find a constant +12v wire in the schematics and then start snipping wires and splicing in the various connections, or is there actually a plug akin to the atx connectors that I can just plug the power supply into?

So far I've taken the intro level electrical engineering classes, enough to learn a bit about logic circuits and the like, is that going to be enough training to successfully install one of these things without blowing something up?

I've looked at all the online documentation for these things, and there's not much installation info.

Thanks for all the help, looking forward to learning something new

2k1Toaster · 06-14-2009, 01:22 AM

You need 3 connections. (1) A constant 12v source that can handle high current, (2) a switched 12v source, and (3) a good ground point that can handle at least as much as #1

So to get #1, you run a wire from your battery to wherever the M2 is. To get #2, you usually find it under your steering wheel and since it is just a trigger wire, you can tap off of an existing wire in almost all cases. For the ground, you just find a good piece of metal on your car without paint/grease and/or other crud and secure it there.

snoboarder2k6 · 06-14-2009, 02:04 AM

thanks,

so for the first connection, I have to connect it directly to the battery?
How does one go about running a wire from the battery in the engine compartment to inside the car where the psu is? As far as I can tell, there aren't any openings to slip a cable through.

2k1Toaster · 06-14-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by snoboarder2k6

thanks,

so for the first connection, I have to connect it directly to the battery?
How does one go about running a wire from the battery in the engine compartment to inside the car where the psu is? As far as I can tell, there aren't any openings to slip a cable through.

you put it through the firewall. There are lots of wires going through already but they are all in use. You just need to add 1 more to the cluster.

snoboarder2k6 · 06-14-2009, 03:03 AM

cool, thanks. That definitely clears things up a bit.

jofresh · 06-14-2009, 03:46 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

You need 3 connections. (1) A constant 12v source that can handle high current, (2) a switched 12v source, and (3) a good ground point that can handle at least as much as #1

So to get #1, you run a wire from your battery to wherever the M2 is. To get #2, you usually find it under your steering wheel and since it is just a trigger wire, you can tap off of an existing wire in almost all cases. For the ground, you just find a good piece of metal on your car without paint/grease and/or other crud and secure it there.

for #2 "a switched 12v source", thats pretty much your ignition wire right?
any aftermarket deck has a ignition wire connected to it, instead of searching under the steering wheel, can u just piggy back off the ignition wire that is hooked to your aftermarket deck?

csfile · 06-14-2009, 06:11 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jofresh

for #2 "a switched 12v source", thats pretty much your ignition wire right?
any aftermarket deck has a ignition wire connected to it, instead of searching under the steering wheel, can u just piggy back off the ignition wire that is hooked to your aftermarket deck?

yup

OP: Just a recommendation for #1...you should put an inline fuse

snoboarder2k6 · 06-14-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jofresh

for #2 "a switched 12v source", thats pretty much your ignition wire right?
any aftermarket deck has a ignition wire connected to it, instead of searching under the steering wheel, can u just piggy back off the ignition wire that is hooked to your aftermarket deck?

I like that idea. alot.

also, for a 160 watt power supply, we're looking at a 13-15 amp fuse, right?

DarquePervert · 06-14-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jofresh

for #2 "a switched 12v source", thats pretty much your ignition wire right?

No. Any power wire that is switched on/off with the ignition is sufficient.

Quote:

any aftermarket deck has a ignition wire connected to it, instead of searching under the steering wheel, can u just piggy back off the ignition wire that is hooked to your aftermarket deck?

Yup.
Other likely sources are cigarette lighters, unused slots in the fuse block, amplifier turn-on leads.

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