'03 Jetta Wolfie Carputer Project

ilmickeyli · 04-25-2005, 07:33 PM

Well.. Here's where I'll post my trials and tribulations.

Edit: forgot to post a picture of her:

Here is the current status.

Have an alpine HU with the ai-net input connector so I can use the computer as an AUX. Pic looks dirty.. but LCD will go in the din where the pocket is.

Just purchased a DWW-700M, should be here friday.. In case you don't know what that is:

I have this computer to use, it is a PIII 800. 40gb HD and 512MB RAM.

Now here's the tricky part.. I am a noob.. I don't get along well with electricity.

I don't know HOW i'm going to power either the computer OR the flip-up LCD.

I have a cig lighter in both the trunk (for cpu) and the front (for LCD).. but i've heard thats not a good route..

Please help me figure out how to get this working electrically.. I've thought and thought and I'm about to the point of giving up

Thanks!

Cris · 04-25-2005, 07:40 PM

I can't wait to see the screen installed.
Well, the wirring, basiclly depends on what parts you have. But, yes, for the PSU or inverter, you should wire directlly from the battery. It's actually not that difficult. I have km of wires running through my car, and they're all wired by me. It just takes a lot of time to do it right. So, post all the patrs you have, and I'd do my best to get you through the basics.

ilmickeyli · 04-25-2005, 07:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cris

I can't wait to see the screen installed.
Well, the wirring, basiclly depends on what parts you have. But, yes, for the PSU or inverter, you should wire directlly from the battery. It's actually not that difficult. I have km of wires running through my car, and they're all wired by me. It just takes a lot of time to do it right. So, post all the patrs you have, and I'd do my best to get you through the basics.

Thanks for the motivation, Cris! I work with computer hardware / networking stuff so hopefully I can manage this task. I've had her less than a week so I'm somewhat apprehensive (dont want to set anything on fire!)

I'm thinking of running power back to my trunk and using an OPUS.. but I don't know if the OPUS is powerful enough. Part of me wants to use two inverters for the time being, but I'd end up leaving it plugged in and have problems (dead battery lol)

Shelbrain · 04-25-2005, 08:11 PM

I think two inverters is a bit overkill. Most people here use an Opus to power both their PC and their LCD and any other bits and pieces they have onboard.

ilmickeyli · 04-25-2005, 08:13 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shelbrain

I think two inverters is a bit overkill. Most people here use an Opus to power both their PC and their LCD and any other bits and pieces they have onboard.

Thanks for the advice!

I guess I need to determine how I'm going to do this.

Couldn't I use one big inverter wired to my battery.. and just run the LCD off the computer's PSU?

Hm.. Sorry if thats noob question

Cris · 04-26-2005, 07:08 AM

I almost certain that the motorized screen can be powered directly to any 12V source from the car. The advantage with the Opus, is that it has a built in start/shutdown controller, you an leave the computer in stand-by when you take the ignition off.

ilmickeyli · 04-26-2005, 07:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cris

I almost certain that the motorized screen can be powered directly to any 12V source from the car. The advantage with the Opus, is that it has a built in start/shutdown controller, you an leave the computer in stand-by when you take the ignition off.

Only question is, does the 12v have to be regulated for the screen?

Will this computer setup draw more than my alternator can handle? Should I get a second battery, or a yellow top?

Thanks again, Cris

Cris · 04-26-2005, 08:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ilmickeyli

Only question is, does the 12v have to be regulated for the screen?

Will this computer setup draw more than my alternator can handle? Should I get a second battery, or a yellow top?

Thanks again, Cris

As far as I understood from what was written in the motorized screen thread, the 12V for the screen don't need to be regulated. (better check to see, or ask Armen to be sure).

Relax, the computer doesn't draw that much from the battery, and you'll definatly not need a second battery. As I speak only things I'm certain of, I'll give an example of my setup with the Opus 150W. I've kept this setup running for about 6-7 hours with the engine turned off, and the car started with no problem afetrwards. Of course my battery is 1 year old (and not Optima). The Opus needs a 12AWG wire straight from the battery. Most important feature of the Opus is that it survives cranking, which is nice. If you plan in inverter setup, Andy here (a.k.a Scouse Monkey - the Inverter Specialist

) can help you out. I've never used an inverter for the pc so I won't say anything about that.

Scouse Monkey · 04-26-2005, 08:34 AM

Hey dude. Cris sent me over.

Personally I would not connect the screen direct to 12V in the car. if you read the 'powering you LCD' sticky you will see why. Xenarc say it will be ok so you are welcome to try it but persoanlly, even if the 14V (typical) is ok I would still worry about spikes. At the end of the day you screen has a guarantee so try it if you want as it is not like molded in screen which you cant take out.

Your P3 800 will easily run off an Opus 150W with the screen as well (screen uses 1A on the 12V line). YOu could possibly get away with an M1 ATX for that PC but i would just go a bit OTT and get the Opus tobe safe if you have the money.

Don't go near an inverter. You dont need it. the extra power in the Opus can be used for USB hubs, extra HDDs.....

there is a way to completely kill the Opus - do some reading and check it out.

Laters

Andy

Cris · 04-26-2005, 08:47 AM

I have all my 3 screens powered from the Opus, 'cause of the same reason Andy said. Basiclly it better in the long run... Also powered from the PSU, are two neons, DVD, USB hub, desktop HDD, and of course the mobo...As you can see, pleny of power here...

ilmickeyli · 04-26-2005, 09:01 AM

Thanks guys very much for your input!

Looks like I have an order to make

Running power back to the opus, power from the opus to the lcd as well as vga and RCA for audoi will be my only tough obstacle (or so I hope -- im not a good wire monkey

)!

Cris · 04-26-2005, 09:16 AM

Not at all, as i said it's really not that complicated, you just run them tthough the side panles in your car. Make sure that you keep the power wires on one side and the others on the other, so you won't have any interferences thus causing engine noise though the speakers. Also, if you'll use an Opus make sure you buy a dedicated automotive wirring set. In the manual it says that it needs a 12AWG wire straight from the battery, with the inline fuse of course, wich shloud be about 15A, but you can go thicker you wish. Not 8 AWG thiker, as the 8 AWG wire id too think to enter inside the Opus power conector.

ilmickeyli · 04-26-2005, 09:33 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cris

Not at all, as i said it's really not that complicated, you just run them tthough the side panles in your car. Make sure that you keep the power wires on one side and the others on the other, so you won't have any interferences thus causing engine noise though the speakers. Also, if you'll use an Opus make sure you buy a dedicated automotive wirring set. In the manual it says that it needs a 12AWG wire straight from the battery, with the inline fuse of course, wich shloud be about 15A, but you can go thicker you wish. Not 8 AWG thiker, as the 8 AWG wire id too think to enter inside the Opus power conector.

Excellent. Thanks! Any good places for auto wiring kits? I could just run to lowe's -- but am smart enough not to go to best buy and spend 90 dollars on a 8 gauge kit

I am very pleased with this forum -- you guys are the best. What I first thought was going to be impossible is slowly becoming a reality!

edit: forgot to mention -- do you guys think a usb self-powered dvd-drive in the glove box is a good idea? they are like 90$US on ebay.. OK deal i suppose

Scouse Monkey · 04-26-2005, 09:34 AM

I would go 10 gauge min. not 12 gauge.

And get a fuse on the +ve lead near to the battery

Cris · 04-26-2005, 09:45 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ilmickeyli

Excellent. Thanks! Any good places for auto wiring kits? I could just run to lowe's -- but am smart enough not to go to best buy and spend 90 dollars on a 8 gauge kit

I am very pleased with this forum -- you guys are the best. What I first thought was going to be impossible is slowly becoming a reality!

edit: forgot to mention -- do you guys think a usb self-powered dvd-drive in the glove box is a good idea? they are like 90$US on ebay.. OK deal i suppose

I have no ideea on where to get wires where you're from, but for quality big pics to give you a general ideea try www.crutchfield.com. They're a bit pricey though...

The DVD must be also powered from the 5V line of the PSU (the slim one). The USB itself will not power it.

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