'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

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

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

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

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...