MattPociask

First off, I want to appologize if this topic has already been posted. I did a few searches and didn't pull up anything.

I am trying to figure out the best power supply for my set up. Here are the factors that will influence my choice:

This is my first carputer.

I dont want anything plugged into my cigarette lighter. Even though this is my first go, I want it to look really clean.

I heard that inverters can make some noise. That isn't a big problem for me, considering that I am close to def.

I am going to install the following parts:
7" LCD (not automated, just mounted)

This MOBO: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...452-1002&Tab=0

I don't think I'll be running GPS. I would like to but it seems like theres a lot involved. Maybe someone can convince me otherwise.

I want to run OBDII.


Now, a few related questions...

I know you can connect a standard PSU into an inverter, but where does the DC to DC connect to? Do I have to remove my radio?

Do inverters only have 1 socket? Where does the LCD get it power from on both inverter systems and DC systems?

Will I have to deal with anything like resistors or anything else lower level like that?

Thank you all for baring with my long (maybe redundant) post.

Pudge

$10, that's crazy lol.

1. A DC-DC PSU connects to your battery (and regulator, but there's topics out there on regulation)

2. Depending on your inverter, it can have one or two plugs. I would suggest using the 12v Line off of your PSU if you use an inverter, and off the 12v line (IF IT'S REGULATED).

3. Depends

__________________
My Carputer! (More Car Pics at the end)
2 Kicker Comp 10"
Epia M-9000, 256 MB DDR, 120 Gig HD
Lilliput 7" VGA Touchscreen
Check it out?!

XxAndyxX

The best way to go with IMO is an OPUS power supply. It's made so when you turn your car off it waits a few seconds and safely powers off your computer and when you start you car it boots up your computer. With an inverter you have to manually turn it on and off. The only reasons I can see why someone would go with an inverter is if they were on a tight budgit or if they didn't think 150 watts would suffice. Which I have quite a few accessories to my computer and 150 watts does just fine.


There's not much involved at all... Just plug in your USB receiver, make sure nothing is blocking it that will cause interference with the satellites, and then install they GPS software.



3 wires: ground, positive 12v, and acc. wire form your radio or fuse block


Cut off one of the molex connectors and there will be a yellow wire which is 12+ and then the black which is ground... Just hook your LCD up to that, that way whenever you boot up your computer you screen will turn on.


I didn't...

Good luck and I hope this helps!

MattPociask

Thank you. So it looks like I might have to splice some wires. I think I can handle that. I have A+ cert.

More questions... Those touch screen components that you put over the LCD... are they absolutley clear? Translucent? How well do they work? Do LCDs last under freezing point temperatures?

When Andy said about the 3 wires... I know where ground goes, and 12v, but how about acc?

XxAndyxX

The acc is just an accessory wire. Just use any wire that is only hot when your car is turned on. If you take out the back of your headunit, most of the time there's a yellow wire connected to it which is only hot when your cars on (you can always test with a voltmeter). You can just tap into that wire. As for your LCD question, I'm not real sure because I just bought a screen with touch-screen built with it.

MattPociask

Ok, and the 12v should go to a source thats hot whether the car is on or not?

SRI Allan

yip