Some questions on what an Opus can do.. - Page 2

Ricky327 · 12-07-2003, 09:00 PM

the PC is powered down. Only standby power is supplied to the motherboard.

Cheers...thats what I wanted to know. I was fairly sure this is the case

Banderon · 12-07-2003, 10:32 PM

Hmm.. so what are my options then? Here's what I'd like to accomplish:

I'd like to have a VB prog decide when the comp should shut down. I want to mount a switch to be able to manually start the PC regardless of ingition state, as well as have the PC automaticaly start with the ignition if the PC isn't already running.

When the Opus is running, does it draw 12v of electricity and make it available to the computer, or does it allow the computer to draw the electricity from the battery? Meaning, if I leave the Opus constantly "powered up", will it waste battery power even if the PC is off/hibrination?

EDIT: Also, what does a sproggy 2 do?

tejesh83 · 12-08-2003, 10:34 PM

I would suggest you set the Opus to max timer shutdown delay and do whatever you have to within that time, triggering shutdown if you finish early. If you set the power switch to do nothing in your OS, it may buy you a few more minutes. In my case, the Opus pulls the plug after ~15 more minutes.

If you must give full control to the VB App, come up with a circuit to control the remote turn on lead to the opus that fits your needs. You may want to give Kris a call to see if he can offer any suggestions.

When I first installed my Opus and carputer, I got about 4-6hrs off the battery. Now, I get about 2-3hrs (beefier PC, weaker battery, colder weather. The battery protection has failed the last 2 times (didn't cut off early enough). I wouldn't recommend making the power switch a software solution or running it too long without the engine running unless you plan on having alternative dead battery protection/prevention.

The Opus will always draw power from the battery when connected to the battery, but its nominal when the PC is powered off.

pogue1000 · 12-08-2003, 11:46 PM

Glad to see this thread. I been thinking about this as well. I should have mine back here this week to play.

I dont want my computer to turn on every time i start my car. At times i make a lot of short drives where it wouldnt pay to use it. So i am thinking along same lines putting a switch maybe in the wire that runs to the
ignition or i guess i should put it in the line that goes to
the battery.

Ricky327 · 12-08-2003, 11:59 PM

pogue1000,

What you just said made me rethink about reprogramming my shutdown controller...what you said just made sence as Im in the same situation as you.

I think a good solution for most poeple is to have that normal push button like in a normal pc where you can just turn it on or off. The function of the ignition switch is just to shutdown the PC.

As you said you may not want the PC to come on automatically when you only need to travel a short distance...or you may want it off while driving.

Thanks for a cool idea...im off coding again

EDIT :

An option (jumper setting) to have an auto on or manual on is cool

inniss777 · 12-09-2003, 01:29 AM

If you do not want the computer to turn on every time you get in the car then there is a couple of choices to do this with the opus. First, wire a toggle switch in series to the remote wire so the computer would only turn on when the engine and the switch is on. Second, wire the remote wire to your radio remote wire so that the computer only turns on when the radio turns on. Third the easiest is to set the computer to standby so when you start your car the computer turns on it does not have to go threw the boot prosses. It will resume just how you left it last.

Ricky327 · 12-09-2003, 01:43 AM

Thats a cool ideas for OPUS users.

I dont have OPUS...Im just trying to steal ideas. Since I designed my controller from scratch, Im still fine tuning what it can do.

1 ) Ill implement a push button rather than a toggle switch.

2) I may want the radio on but not the PC or the other way round, or both.

Thanks for the response