Power issues in 03 Mustang

tj!2k4 · 12-15-2004, 04:09 PM

Howdy,

I'm new to the carputer scene and the MP3car forums. I've been thinking about building an in-car computer and have, after years, finally resolved myself to "just do it".. but I am running into some issues in the final stages of integrating the whole project into the Mustang.

I have tried to keep the dimensions of the project as small as possible so I can fit it all into the double-din sized opening in the dash, vacated by removal of the stock Mach460 head unit: it didn't sound all that great, and it didn't have any aux in anyway.

The problems that I am running into are as follow:

a) it is not possible to power up the computer until the car has been running for a certain amount of time (varying 5-10-15 minutes), unless it was already driven in the past 2 or 3 hours. If I try to turn it on, the computer will momentarily turn on and the immediately shut off again.

b) sometimes if I roll up/down power windows completely, once the window comes to its stopping point, the computer shuts off.

Other than those issues - once it's up and running it works very well.

Here are the system specs:
- Insight Solutions P4-ITX motherboard (integrated audio, video, lan, etc)
- Intel P4 2.0GHz
- 512MB RAM
- IBM Travelstar 20GB hard drive
- Delorme Earthlink GPS
- (PW200M - 200W power supply)
- Xenarc 700TS

I learned the hard way that one of those amplifier capacitors will not solve these problems, and am now in the market for a new psu as well. Fortunately that's all that fried.

Cans someone give me some insight as to what exactly is causing the issues? I was doing some searching, and it would seem that I may need a tank circuit to resolve this...? Am I on the right track?

Has anyone else experienced these issues? Any suggestions?

TIA,

Dave

gospeed.racer · 12-15-2004, 04:27 PM

I dont think your power supply was doing a good enough job. Buy an Opus, once, and be done with it. It is big, but you should have plenty of room behind the stereo or nearby. They do survive a crank, and thus would also survive rolling down your windows as well

BTW, DSG is the best color they ever put on a Mustang

tj!2k4 · 12-15-2004, 05:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by gospeed.racer

I dont think your power supply was doing a good enough job. Buy an Opus, once, and be done with it. It is big, but you should have plenty of room behind the stereo or nearby. They do survive a crank, and thus would also survive rolling down your windows as well

BTW, DSG is the best color they ever put on a Mustang

Thanks for your reply.. I think I'll give the Opus a shot.

However... I was just doing some more searching and found this thread, where it seems that once the weather started getting cold, it was affecting a couple of people's PSUs. In this case, it was the OPUS 150W: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...light=opus+150

It almost sounds like the symptom of problem "a" I'm experiencing.

And you're absolutely right about the color.. it's not as much of a pita to maintain as black, but looks very classy and sharp.. in my mind, almost "undercover" Mustang lol.. and everyone who sees it likes the color as well. =)

I had a co-worker who was really into Mustangs and had a 91 LX 5.0. Now he's big into show cars and has an 00; MM&FF did an article on that car this year.

Peace!

TruckinMP3 · 12-15-2004, 05:11 PM

That is not a common issue for people that use an OPUS or a common issue for cold and PCs in general.

You could try a diagnosing your charging system (Free at most auto parts stores).

tj!2k4 · 12-15-2004, 05:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by TruckinMP3

That is not a common issue for people that use an OPUS or a common issue for cold and PCs in general.

You could try a diagnosing your charching system (Free at most auto parts stores).

I know I'm getting ahead of myself here and should get the PSU first.

My concern is just based on the fact that in that thread, one of the people experiencing problems once the cold weather started, had a late model (04) Mustang as well.

Again, I know I'm worried about something that could be a non-issue for me, but I'm curious to know what the final resolution was for that issue, just in case it does happen..

tj!2k4 · 12-16-2004, 05:51 AM

Alright, got the Opus 150 on order. Let's see what happens. Thanks for your insights.

Dave

TruckinMP3 · 12-16-2004, 05:00 PM

If you are really concered, look into an upgraded alternator and voltage regulator.

The intent would be an invrease in charging potential from the alternator and a matching increase in control for the voltage regulator.

Maybe an upgraded battery as well.

again, I would suggest charging system diagnostic, it could tell you what the issue is without spending money.

Bobby Digital · 12-16-2004, 05:27 PM

how are you getting power to the power supply? I sure hope you're not using the headunit's power wire from the wiring harness. You should have a direct wire to the battery (10 guage or bigger) if you don't already.

tj!2k4 · 12-16-2004, 05:57 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bobby Digital

how are you getting power to the power supply? I sure hope you're not using the headunit's power wire from the wiring harness. You should have a direct wire to the battery (10 guage or bigger) if you don't already.

Umm.. I would never..... aww crap. Busted.

Okay, I guess then it's really not such a great idea to use the wire harness +12v to power the contraption. I know next to nothing with regard to electricity and wiring.

I'll get my *** to Radio Shack and pick up some 10 or 12 gauge wire then and wire directly to the battery +. Is there anything I need to take into consideration other than a fuse, when wiring directly to the battery then?

Regarding the fuse: How large of a fuse would I want to use with the Opus 150W? Would I be correct in the assumption that I would require a fuse in the range of 12.5A?

Thanks..

fasternfaster · 12-16-2004, 06:09 PM

150watts / 12volts = 12.5A ... so ur good! you can use the headunit's ignition wire to control the PSU's startup/shutdown controller.

Bobby Digital · 12-16-2004, 06:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by tj!2k4

Umm.. I would never..... aww crap. Busted.

Okay, I guess then it's really not such a great idea to use the wire harness +12v to power the contraption. I know next to nothing with regard to electricity and wiring.

I'll get my *** to Radio Shack and pick up some 10 or 12 gauge wire then and wire directly to the battery +. Is there anything I need to take into consideration other than a fuse, when wiring directly to the battery then?

Regarding the fuse: How large of a fuse would I want to use with the Opus 150W? Would I be correct in the assumption that I would require a fuse in the range of 12.5A?

Thanks..

FYI the smaller the guage number the bigger the wire, ie. 8 guage wire is thicker than 10 guage. 0 guage is the thickest.

I think you should use a 15A fuse, on the battery side of the wire, within a few feet of the + terminal. Let us know if this solves your problem. Good luck.

tj!2k4 · 12-17-2004, 12:08 AM

Thanks everyone for all your tips. You've given me some great material to work with. I'll let y'all know how it works out once I get the Opus.

Peace..

pyros · 12-17-2004, 03:22 PM

my problems were occurring even in the hot weather :S right now its taken a turn for the worse. I've had the fuses unplugged for days and the opus wont reset itself. I think the voltage is dropping too low during cranking and the opus goes into protection everytime.

and for the record, DSG is second to Torch Red

tj!2k4 · 12-17-2004, 03:41 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by pyros

my problems were occurring even in the hot weather :S right now its taken a turn for the worse. I've had the fuses unplugged for days and the opus wont reset itself. I think the voltage is dropping too low during cranking and the opus goes into protection everytime.

and for the record, DSG is second to Torch Red

We can sit here all day and argue about the color... but Mach1 > GT.. respect!

What have you tried so far to resolve the problem?

MatrixPC · 12-17-2004, 03:59 PM

If after all those fix/change and you still have problem, check the battery.
I mean look in to more cabable battery than stock. I don't think the charging system have problem cuz the car is verymuch brand new. And car these day have very cabable alternator.