Everything You need to know about your M4 ATX - Page 3

kibble · 10-04-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by marc5

Can i use the 12v accesories plug in my trunk to connect to the earth and ignition point of the m4?

Another thing, is there a polarity for the motherboard switch on jumper?

Yes, if all you're using it for is to turn it on.

No, there's a small analog switch on the m4 that acts like a relay and just shorts those two contacts together to simulate the switch.

marc5 · 10-04-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kibble

Yes, if all you're using it for is to turn it on.

No, there's a small analog switch on the m4 that acts like a relay and just shorts those two contacts together to simulate the switch.

much appreciated.

rijk · 10-05-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Fox_Mulder

How do I reprogram my M4 ATX?

This requires a bit of soldering and electrical know how, if in doubt just send it back to mini-box for them to upgrade the firmware.

Things you need:
New Firmware (v1.1 attached to this post)
WinPic here

an ICSP (In circuit serial programmer) for the 18F2450 microcontroller, if one of these is not available you will have to build one.

ICSP, can i use my brainstem for this? http://www.acroname.com/robotics/par...-INT-CONN.html
http://store.mp3car.com/Brainstem_TT..._p/com-021.htm

kibble · 10-05-2008, 11:41 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by rijk

ICSP, can i use my brainstem for this?

You wouldn't be able to use that because it's a serial level converter not a programmer.

Bugbyte · 10-05-2008, 06:57 PM

Anyone having problems with their M4 turning the computer back on after it tells it to shut down?

I've set my PC to shutdown when I turn the car off. No hibernate, no standby. The M4 will shut it down and approximately 1 minute later, it turns it on again. To be sure it doesn't do this, I have to turn the power off to the PC itself.

Anybody experienced this issue? The M4 is a giant hunk O' junk for me. I"m going to go back to my Carnetix regulator and P120 if I can't figure it out. That combination has worked flawlessly for years.

Enforcer · 10-05-2008, 07:13 PM

Make sure nothing is shorting your Acc line

kibble · 10-05-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bugbyte

Anyone having problems with their M4 turning the computer back on after it tells it to shut down?

Reset it, maybe?

Bugbyte · 10-05-2008, 08:51 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kibble

Reset it, maybe?

I did reset it with no change in results. However, Enforcer's suggestion to check the accessory line is a good one. For reasons that I will not delve into here, I have two computers in the car, both triggered by the same accessory line, which means I have two PSU's in the car.

The PSU for one of the computers seems to have failed (it's buried in the dash and I have to dig it out) and that may have caused a short.

rijk · 10-06-2008, 04:21 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by kibble

You wouldn't be able to use that because it's a serial level converter not a programmer.

oke, thanks

rijk · 10-26-2008, 06:00 AM

is there a way to make the m4 switch on the mobo quicker. when it is set to hardoff and the 5 volt rail is gone, it takes 5 sec before the fan starts to spin.

When i use an regular powersupply and unpluged from the 220 volt (us 110 volt) plug it in and directly press the on switch it spins up within a second.

Is there setting in the usb controle sett to speed things up?

GhostRiderDad · 10-26-2008, 08:29 AM

You can change the settings of the startup/shutdown sequences via the dip switches on the unit, or if you have the usb cable hooked up and the software installed, you can changed the settings there. I myself used the dip switches and have not played that much with the usb settings. I think its ok to wait 5 seconds in case you unintentionally turn on the ignition prematurely, and dont want the PC starting up on you. After the 5 second delay, my pc starts up and fully boots in less than 2 minutes. There is a setting on the unit to allow it to function like a "regular" power supply, in that there are no "smart" functionality, but in a car, this is not a good idea, nor do the M4 makers reccomend this for obvious reasons. Good luck, and I hope I answered your questions. You can find the manual and software for the M4 at http://www.mini-box.com/M4-ATX?sc=8&category=13

rijk · 10-26-2008, 09:07 AM

i start the cpc withe the remote of the alarm. M4 on a second litle battery
So the 5 seconds (5 minutes

) wait is not what i want/need. I use the usb / dip 1, changed the setting delay before psu startup from 5 to 0 sec, but that does't make a change. 12v rail startup time 2 ms, 3.3v rail startup time 1 ms.
i think i am overlooking an option.

i use hibernate, makes it a bit quicker in boot. after installing the wifi, i am now on 26 sec from m4 remote switch to RR.

ps watch out for the battery settings, in usb they where someting like 7.5 volts switch off.

RedGTiVR6 · 10-26-2008, 09:46 AM

I'm in the same boat rijk -

this PSU does take a bit longer than even the other DC-DC PSUs on the market to start the start-up sequence.

I'm going to be messing with my PC today in my car, I'll take a look and see if I find anything.

Bugbyte · 10-27-2008, 09:06 AM

I've completely abandoned the M4. It was nothing but trouble. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn't. That PSU has eaten up way more of my time than it was worth.

I've returned to my old but trusty setup of Carnetix 1960 regulator and PW120 and it works flawlessly.

rijk · 10-27-2008, 03:52 PM

In testing, the m4 has worked fine, only the startup is a bit long.
Big + you can set the time for anti-thum.