Carnetix 1260/1290
The Carnetix is a combination auto start/shutdown controller and power regulator. In plain english, this means it will ensure that no voltage spikes will go to your computer and it will also instruct your computer to start and stop when you start and stop your car, just like most car radios.
The Carnetix is not an all-in-one solution, however. It must be combined with a DC-DC Power Supply Unit (PSU). The function of the PSU is to take 12 volt power and break it down into the various voltages that your PC requires. These are often 12 volts, 5 volts, and 3 volts. Thus, the components required for powering a PC using Carnetix are:
Carnetix + DC-DC power supply = Your solution
The Carnetix is specially designed for use with a Casetronic C-134 computer case which already includes the DC-DC power supply. It is also an excellent choice for those who purchsed the ITPS hoping for a cheap power supply solution and have recognized the limitations it imposes.
The difference between the 1260/1290 is the amount of power it can supply. The 1290 is a 90 watt supply while the 1260 is a 60 watt supply. This means the 1260 is suitable for relatively low power car pcs such as the popular Epia VIA M800, 10000, 12000 units. Don't know how many watts your system will draw? Search on "Power calculators" for links to online tools to help you calculate how many watts your configuration will draw. A newer model of the Carnetix, the P1900 is due in March 2005 and will supply 140 watts plus has the ability to supply voltages higher than 12 volts, useful for systems such as the Mac mini or laptops that often require 18 volts.
Starting/stopping. The Carnetix has two features to help hobbyists start and stop their PC. Option 1 will signal any ACPI (most computers are) compliant motherboard to shutdown or start up. Two wires go from the Carnetix to the motherboard and plug in where the normal power switch for the computer case would plug in. Option 2 is designed to supply the computer with enough power so it can "stand by" when the car is off. This results in a VERY quick resumption of the system but also draws more power when the car is off. The Carnetix has a low voltage detector that will shut the computer off if the battery voltage is getting too low to allow the computer to restart.
The Carnetix also has a pulse feature that can be connected to the car's alarm system. When the driver unlocks the car, the Carnetix receives the pulse signal and signals the computer to start. This can shorten the time it takes for the computer to start if hibernating or from cold boot.
Surviving "crank". The Carnetix is designed to survive crank. Cranking is the process of starting your car and refers to the cranking of the engine by the starter motor. This process draws an enormous amount of power from your battery and will drop the system voltage below 12 volts. This will cause 12 volt computer systems to either freeze or reboot. The Carnetix is designed to supply enough power to your computer during this time to prevent either from happening. This is a useful feature when one stops briefly at a gas station and allows the driver to leave the key in the ignition with the car's electrical system on, fill the tank and restart the car without having to reboot the computer.
For more information, including the online installation manuals with complete details of all features, see
Carnetix
Linear Mode
