Wiring Question

smussman · 07-10-2008, 11:07 PM

I'm starting out with the whole CarPC thing, and I've selected a set of hardware that I'd like to use, but I have two possible methods of wiring power to my carputer due to the setup in my car.

1) I can follow what seems to be the recommended path and run a wire from the battery to my CarPC. Advantages: I have an always-accessible 12v line. Disadvantages: I'm not comfortable doing this myself, and so will be paying someone to do this for me, thus $$$.

2) My car comes with a power outlet for accessories. This power outlet is rated at 12v, 120W (thus 10A). This wattage is more than sufficent for what I'm planning on drawing (I calculate about 65W right now. Possibly a little more later from USB hub, but that's not a huge current draw) Advantages: I don't have to hire someone to do the wiring. Disadvantages: If the key is in "Off", I don't have 12v.

Right now, I'm leaning towards (2) because I'm trying to do this inexpensively, but my setup includes a M1-ATX power supply, and I'm not quite sure what I'd hook the ignition line up to in order to "warn" the computer that the power will be going out shortly. I had been thinking of some sort of switch thing on the gear shift (automatic) lever, so that when I shift out of Park, the ign line goes high, and when I shift back into park, it goes low.

So I guess I'm asking, do you think (2) will work? And do you have any words of wisdom for whichever route I go?

Thanks for your help! It's what makes this a lot easier and more enjoyable than doing this myself!

rgarjr · 07-10-2008, 11:54 PM

option 2 would require you to do some kind of relay circuit for it to have power after you have turned the ignition off.

I would just try and run a cable yourself from the bat to your PSU, can't be that hard..

pancit175 · 07-13-2008, 07:22 PM

Also if you went for option 2, you would not give the computer a chance to shutdown before removing power. So once you turned the key off, the computer power would be taken away immediately.