M2-ATX Questions

ronjon228 · 02-22-2008, 06:45 PM

I did a bit of searching and went back to previous pages in this section, but wasn't able to find what I need about the M2-ATX. I'm interested in buying one, but am not sure it will give me much benefit over my current inverter. So I'll ask away.

First, how does the intelligent start up/shut down controller on the M2 work? Do I run a powered line to it (switched by ignition) and then it uses that line to determine start up and shut down procedures?

Secondly, what sorts of options are there for start up and shut down. For start up, I need it to just turn on, no big deal as I'm sure it can handle this. For shut down however, I am concerned. The problem I have is this... When stopping to get gas or any other activity were my car must be turned off at the ignition, I don't want the CarPC to turn off. Rather, stay on so that I don't have to shut it down, get out, pump gas, then get back in and have to boot up the PC again. Yet when it comes to parking and shutting the car off for good, I want it to shut right down for many reasons, theft being an obvious one.

Lastly, is it worth spending the money for the M2 when I already have a setup that's been virtually maintenance free for 2+ years now. My power inverter works great and I just have my LCD, amp, and power inverter all hooked up to one switch that's on a constant power line. That way I can turn it off/on whenever I like, regardless of if the cars ignition is on or off. If the M2 can't do something like I asked above, to me it seems rather pointless to purchase it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

ronjon228 · 02-22-2008, 07:57 PM

Never mind all, found my answer in the M2-ATX user manual. I made another post asking a specific question, is the M2-ATX custom programmable for the delay off/hard off options?

DarquePervert · 02-23-2008, 08:37 AM

No. You're limited to the settings from the jumpers.

ronjon228 · 02-24-2008, 06:15 AM

I was worried about this. Maybe I'll just have to wait until the M4 is in stock. I know it has a user programmable shut down profile. I need something that will do a shut down after 5+ minutes and then a hard off any time after that. It takes at least a couple minutes to fill a gas tank.

jumbodogs · 02-24-2008, 06:36 AM

I have my M2-ATX set to turn off if it doesn't have power for 5 secs. So I turn my truck off then turn the key back to auxiliary and the M2-ATX keeps my computer on while I pump gas.

ronjon228 · 03-03-2008, 12:15 AM

Nice, never thought of that!

Wasn't sure if I could "trick" it like that, but definitely good to know. M2-ATX here I come.

nobb · 03-03-2008, 12:21 PM

But then you would have to leave your key in the car while you pump gas and someone can easily drive off with your car. You could try a 3 way switch. Not sure what its called, but with the flick of the switch it allows you to connect the signal wire of the M2 to the 1) ACC (normal operation), 2) nothing (keeps system off), +12 constant (to keep system on even when engine off).

ronjon228 · 03-03-2008, 06:35 PM

Wow, 3-way switch. Even better! Thats a great idea!

cMags · 03-03-2008, 07:01 PM

I recently posted about "hidden" operation modes for the shut down controller in the M2. One of them is a 10-minute shutdown timer, and a hard off after 1 hour. This sounds like what you're looking for. Check it out. I've got mine set to the 15mins/2 hours which works well, but I also have that 3-way switch wired in so I can override.

john05srt4 · 03-03-2008, 09:19 PM

Does the M4 do all of this also?

ronjon228 · 03-03-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by cMags

I recently posted about "hidden" operation modes for the shut down controller in the M2. One of them is a 10-minute shutdown timer, and a hard off after 1 hour. This sounds like what you're looking for. Check it out. I've got mine set to the 15mins/2 hours which works well, but I also have that 3-way switch wired in so I can override.

Can you link me to this please?

cMags · 03-04-2008, 01:36 PM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/powe...ion-modes.html

It's on the first page still of the Power Supplies forum...