What did I miss?

EBFoxbat · 07-02-2004, 04:35 PM

So I've been reading through posts for days now. Not even ones I care about. I've tried educating myself as much as I can. I have an M-10000 on the way, It's in a case with a 60 watt power supply built in. I intend to use an inverter right to that power supply. I also plan to put a toggle switchin before the inverter so I can cut power to the 'puter as needed.

Since I don't intend on having the computer on before I start the car, do I need to worry about it srurviving crank?

I'll wardrive with it, and I'll GPS with it. I probabaly will MP3 with it, and rarely will DVD with it. I'm building it mostly to see if I can, to look cool, but most importantly, to wardrive.

b_nom · 07-02-2004, 04:37 PM

worry? you don't need no stinkin worry!

JC-S60 · 07-02-2004, 04:46 PM

1 thing: that power supply you'll have in the case, is that a 12v one?

If so, you'd maybe better not use an inverter but a simple regulator and letting out the 110/220v to 12v transformer...

MikeH · 07-02-2004, 05:01 PM

Hi EBFoxbat

Quote:

It's in a case with a 60 watt power supply built in. I intend to use an inverter right to that power supply

I assume you really mean, the inverter feeds the AC/DC brick that comes with the case... since the internal 60W supply takes a +12V input (not 110VAC).

In terms of "surviving crank", you're right. If you don't EVER plan on having your computer running while you crank your engine, you don't need to worry about "surviving crank". However, if you decide to leave your computer running while you turn off your engine (ie. getting gas), you'll need to turn off your computer before you crank your engine. It's no big deal, but over time it becomes a pain. I've written a blurb on "surviving crank" here that may give you a few things to think about.

Good luck with your install!!

EBFoxbat · 07-02-2004, 05:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeH

I assume you really mean, the inverter feeds the AC/DC brick that comes with the case... since the internal 60W supply takes a +12V input (not 110VAC).

Yes, wont the brick from the inverter make a nice steady 12v for me psu ?

MikeH · 07-02-2004, 05:11 PM

Yes, that's exactly what it's designed for. If you are using an inverter to power your system, the brick is the right solution. It provides +12V (+/-5%) at 5 amps.

EBFoxbat · 07-02-2004, 05:19 PM

A good inverter is the same price as this: http://www.carnetix.com/catalog/prod...661174c2fe3639

Would I be better off?

Since I am talking about the Casetronic C-134 case.

Confused · 07-02-2004, 05:25 PM

Yes, you will be MUCH better than an inverter

An inverter will likely introduce noise into your audio system, which the CNX-P1260 won't.

The Carnetix product will also give you a startup/shutdown controller, so the PC will turn on/off with your ignition, and if your engine does stall, you can restart it safe in the knowledge that the computer won't restart as you do so

Garry

EBFoxbat · 07-02-2004, 05:30 PM

I just get nervous about having to wire an ignition wire (what's that?) and adding fuses to my car's electrical system. I'm not the least bit car savy.

MikeH · 07-02-2004, 05:32 PM

edit: looks like the lime-headed cat beat me to the punch!

..oooo. I thought you'd never ask..

It all depends on your desire to survive crank, AND have the extra bells and whistles (automated startup/shutdown and delayed turn-on of your audio amp).

I originally had an inverter with my C134. I DID work OK. It just became a PITA when I had to manually turn everything on and off. Now I just (mindlessly) start and stop the engine as I did before. It's a convenience thing. Again, no big deal, but over a period of time it wears on you.

The other thing I found with my inverter was, it was much harder to control the "noise" in my audio. I DID finally get it to behave, but it took some serious grounding, ground-loop isolator, and line filtering. I also had to mess around with the ground pin on the AC receptacle (I actually lifted ground...kinda dangerous).

Final decision (DC-DC vs inverter) is yours, and it is a "preference" thing. You'll get as many arguing for and against on this forum (everyone has an opinion). The both work.