Step-by-step installation of Mp3car/Store Custom Car Computer (Ampie)

SUVputer · 06-30-2006, 06:30 AM

Hello everyone

,

I have done tons of readings on this forum and I am about to order my parts from this site's store. I have some question before going further... hoping that this post will become a FAQ...

Please answer ... or correct me if I made false statments

-What is the electrical connector on the ampie case?

-Do I still need an electrical stabilizer to keep a stabilized 12V going to the system? OK, the M1-ATX has a built in stabilizer, what about the amp and the screen?

-On this diagram (found on the forum), the stabilizer is put on the ignition line, is that normal?
Is that correct to feed the screen from the ignition or wouldn'it be better to connect it directly to the M1-ATX? if yes how?

-From where can i get a voltage stabilizer?

-What is the role of the Shut down controller? when it is feeded by the ignition, it acts as if it was pressing the "power button" on the PC? So if the PC was off, it will turn it on, and if it was in hibernation, it will come back to the previous "on state"?

-If the system was hibernating for a week, and the "smart shutdown controller" detects a decrease in voltage levels, how will it send the command to ShutDown the PC? In that case, it is out of question to put a voltage stabilizer "before" the M1-ATX to prevent battery drainage

-Does a M2-ATX fit in an Ampie box? if yes why isn't it available as a combination on the site's store?

-How do I test my CarPC at home before installing it in the car?

-The Audigy2 connects directly to the USB Port without any electrical 5V feed? if no, how to connect it to the power supply?

-What about the external DVD/CD-RW? does the models sold on the site also need 5v?

Thanks a lot... see you later with some more questions!!

2k1Toaster · 06-30-2006, 06:48 AM

1.) You mean the 6 wires coming out of the plug? Download the manual from the store. It will tell you. 1 is 12v constant, 12v switched, Ground, Remote Lead, and others are optional I believe.
2.) What the hell do you mean stabalizer. Regulator? No the M1 and M2 do that.
3.)You can power the screen off the ignition if it has a cigarette lighter adaptor. Chop it off and break out the soldering gun. Otherwise use a 12v rail and a ground from the M1. If you use a via board the P4 connector (4pin, on M1 by the ATX connector) gives off 12 volts. Also the yellow line and any black wire on it will be 12v and ground. If you do it that way, chop off the little black box on the cigarette adaptor or it will be uber regulated and not work as efficiently.
4.)Voltage Regulator built into M1
5.) Yes. Does exactly as it says. Car starts, PC starts. Car off, Pc goes off after specified time set by jumpers.
6.)It will do a hard off after a preset time too unless you tell it not too (not recommended). So like pulling the plug. Example. Turn off car, PC hibernates or standby after 30 seconds of no ign power. After 2 hours of not being turned on, it pulls the plug. USB devices are cut too.
7.) Yes, it will fit. Exact same size.
7b.) Not as an option because they have better things to do probably.
8.) Seriously! You do 1 of 2 things.
a - Unplug the M1/M2 from mobo. Take a desktop PSU and plug in the ATX connector. Push On. Voila
b - Take a desktop PSU, chop off a molex and strip the yellow and a black lead. yellow to 12v constant and ignition. Black to ground. Take pin 14 of the desktop PSU's ATX connector (usually green) and ground it to a black wire. Now when power is sent to the PSU, on it goes sending 12volts. M1/M2 thinks it is a car, waits a second or two and powers up.

Now I'm bored so no more spoonfeeding. Search. There is an Ampie thread that answers all of this already anyways. Most important advise: SEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!

DarquePervert · 06-30-2006, 06:50 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by SUVputer

-Do I still need an electrical stabilizer to keep a stabilized 12V going to the system? OK, the M1-ATX has a built in stabilizer, what about the amp and the screen?

Automotive amplifiers typically don't need a regulator. The screen may or may not, depending on model. Check the specifications fo the screen. If it has an operating range of something like 9v-19v, it needs no regulation.

Quote:

-On this diagram (found on the forum), the stabilizer is put on the ignition line, is that normal?
Is that correct to feed the screen from the ignition or wouldn'it be better to connect it directly to the M1-ATX? if yes how?

If the ACC is going to power the screen (meaning it only gets power when the ignition is turned on) and the screen requires stable 12v, then yes.

Quote:

-From where can i get a voltage stabilizer?

It's called a voltage regulator. There are units in the store here for that purpose or you can use power from the computer's power supply, as the voltage has been regulated for the PC.

Quote:

-What is the role of the Shut down controller? when it is feeded by the ignition, it acts as if it was pressing the "power button" on the PC? So if the PC was off, it will turn it on, and if it was in hibernation, it will come back to the previous "on state"?

Yes.

Quote:

-If the system was hibernating for a week, and the "smart shutdown controller" detects a decrease in voltage levels, how will it send the command to ShutDown the PC? In that case, it is out of question to put a voltage stabilizer "before" the M1-ATX to prevent battery drainage

Hibernation doesn't draw any power, so this sin't a concern.

Quote:

-How do I test my CarPC at home before installing it in the car?

Use a spare ATX power supply inside.

Quote:

-The Audigy2 connects directly to the USB Port without any electrical 5V feed? if no, how to connect it to the power supply?

You tap into 5v from the PC power supply.

Quote:

-What about the external DVD/CD-RW? does the models sold on the site also need 5v?

Yes.

Now you've got some questions answered. I answered the ones that I can.
The only one I don't know
You've obviously done some research, which is to be appluaded. You've certainly done more than most newbies that get the carPC bug.

However, you have much to learn. If you haven't seen them yet there are a number of great resources for you to utilize to help plan your project:

Newbie FAQ: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=78795
FAQ to the FAQs: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=51489
FAQ Emporium: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=106
Show Off Your Project: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=25
Worklogs: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=84

The FAQs are for information. The SOYP & Worklogs are for inspiration.

Welcome to our hobby.

2k1Toaster · 06-30-2006, 06:50 AM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...ighlight=ampie

everything you want about the ampie

LexF15 · 06-30-2006, 11:59 PM

The link above is what I read to get started on the Ampie case but it doesnt tell the whole story. Without sounding too self-serving, I recommend reading my build with the Ampie Case, including 150 pictures and all the problems/successes I had with it. You'll find that I don't recommend the case but I made it work. I took the time to document the build, in-home testing and all, so I'm not going to repeat it all here. Again - recommended in addition to or in place of the above forum post. Yes, you have to download the PDF - it is about 22meg to give you an idea of the detail...

http://www.trsek.org/Rob/Computers/C...ica_Car_PC.pdf

SUVputer · 07-06-2006, 03:27 AM

Thanks alot for all your replies!

LexF15, the .pdf file is veryy usefull, thank u!

DarquePervert, I followed your advice and i'm reading reading reading on the forum..

Now i'm a little bit confused with what to buy ?

Putting the financial part aside,
Shoud I get MP3Car Custom Car Computer (Ampie) with the VIA EPIA SP13000 or Intel based Mp3car Custom Car Computer (3688)?

The Ampie is small, has the EPIA MB, easy to fit, but with limited exanpability issues due to the small size of the case and an only 90w PSU..

While the Intel based has already the M2-ATX PSU, has more room inside the case, and a more professional cooling system.

The Ampie has been released on the site more than a year ago, while the Intel Based is quite new.. the ampie is Temporary out of Stock, maybe the store is planning to relunch it with more options?

What do you think? Which one would you get? I'm attacted by the Ampie and the EPIA motherboard.. but i don't affraid to find the case too small, or to have a slow mobo/cpu.. (If I understood well, the epia sp13000 has a 1.3ghz built-in cpu right?

cheers!

SUVputer · 07-08-2006, 05:29 PM

Anyone ??

LexF15 · 07-13-2006, 09:30 PM

I've already said my piece in the guide, but as you saw, the Ampie case has some real limitations. I'd steer away from the Ampie but haven't reviewed your alternative in order to comment on it. The Ampie is just too small. Period. You'll only get one 40mm fan in there despite 3 holes for fans, there isn't enough overhead room for cables/wires, the back panel has no hole for the amplifier remote, and did I mention it was too small? No slot load DVD either if that's important to you. Was not desired for me so no loss there.
http://www.trsek.org/Rob/Computers/C...ica_Car_PC.pdf

SUVputer · 07-23-2006, 11:14 AM

I was confused between going into Intel based systems or VIA based systems but after alot of reading, I finally decided to go with the VIA SP13000

As for the case, i'm thninking of getting the 3688 case from the site's store. In case I want to shift to an AMPIE, i would simply transfer all the components from the 3688 to the AMPIE. It can be done right ?

Now I have a "Noob" question: OK I've understood that to be able to power my usb hub/dvd/audigy etc.. I need to tap 5v from the carpc PSU. BUT HOW TO DO IT?? In my case, i'll be most probably using the M2-atx

Thanks!

FC3S · 07-23-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by SUVputer

BUT HOW TO DO IT?? In my case, i'll be most probably using the M2-atx

umm, cut and splice the 5v wire?

i dont understand where you're stuck

LexF15 · 07-23-2006, 04:55 PM

Don't do the Ampie case. Trust me. I have it - it works fine - but it's too damn small. If you want pics check out my PDF with 150 pics. http://www.trsek.org/Rob/Computers/C...ica_Car_PC.pdf

SUVputer · 07-24-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by FC3S

umm, cut and splice the 5v wire?

i dont understand where you're stuck

Do you have pictures showing how to connect the wire to the PSU?

LexF15,

The file you prepared is very usefull. Thank you! I will follow your advice and won't get an Ampie case.

LexF15 · 07-24-2006, 05:35 PM

I don't have a powered USB hub, but I'd use the little plastic taps that require no stripping or cutting - the taps are shown on pages 50, 55 and 60 and 68. Blue seems to be the most common for 16 to 18 gauge wiring. Obviously I'd tap it on the exterior of the case where the wiring passes through the back of the case from the PSU.