car pc

[vc_1985]

can a normal pc be used as a car pc? how would you power it, i no you can but mini itx and so on but i have 6 or 7 full pcs and would like to use one of them rather than buying, i have everything needed inc double din screen but stuck on how to power the pc any help would be great thanks

[littlewozzer]

power invertor

plugs into you cig lighter and had a normal 3 pin socket on it

i wouldnt recommend it though

[vc_1985]

is that the only way? so i would have to get a mini itx and specific car pc equipment?

[newSkyLimit]

i would run it off a second battery via an inverter. or just get a specific car one. i'm looking to get one and think i've found one for £300

[vc_1985]

yeah ive seen a few good ones just wanted to use what i already had lol

[ivor]

Mp3Car Custom Car Computers!

this is copied from mp3car.com and gives a decent explanation

Your car's battery puts off 12 volts of DC electricity. Computers natively utilize DC power as well. Because most computers are used in the home or office, they must be able to convert the electricity that comes out of the wall (which is AC curent) to DC current. This is where you will need a power inverter to convert the DC current from the car to AC current that the computers power supply can utilize. Then the computer power supply converts the AC power back into DC power so that the computer components can utilize it. In short, if you choose to use a standard computer without a CarPC specific power supply you will need a DC-AC inverter.

Your other option is to use a DC-DC power supply (such as a M2-ATX) which will allow you to connect the 12 volt DC power from your car to your computer. Most DC-DC power supplies have other features such as an ignition switch which will turn your computer on when your car is started and will send a signal to go through a soft shut-down process or put the computer into stand-by or hibernation. Most of these DC-DC power supplies also incorporate an amplifier turn-on signal which is timed to not send a turn-on signal until the CarPC has alredy started the boot-up process. This feature is usually configured to prevent amplifier turn-on thump which can not only be very annoying, but can also damage your speakers.

To learn more about the various DC-DC power supplies, you can read in this fourm: PSUs. You can also purchase many of these power supplies here

[ivor]

Your car's battery puts off 12 volts of DC electricity. Computers natively utilize DC power as well. Because most computers are used in the home or office, they must be able to convert the electricity that comes out of the wall (which is AC curent) to DC current. This is where you will need a power inverter to convert the DC current from the car to AC current that the computers power supply can utilize. Then the computer power supply converts the AC power back into DC power so that the computer components can utilize it. In short, if you choose to use a standard computer without a CarPC specific power supply you will need a DC-AC inverter.

Your other option is to use a DC-DC power supply (such as a M2-ATX) which will allow you to connect the 12 volt DC power from your car to your computer. Most DC-DC power supplies have other features such as an ignition switch which will turn your computer on when your car is started and will send a signal to go through a soft shut-down process or put the computer into stand-by or hibernation. Most of these DC-DC power supplies also incorporate an amplifier turn-on signal which is timed to not send a turn-on signal until the CarPC has alredy started the boot-up process. This feature is usually configured to prevent amplifier turn-on thump which can not only be very annoying, but can also damage your speakers.

[vc_1985]

excellent thanks for that orderd M2-ATX so when it arrives i can install the little beast i have put together for the car i will mount it in the boot next to the bat and run the cabels thru to front i have wireless keyboard and trackball in the front to controle and the screen is a touchscreen 500 gig should be just about enough storage space lol thanks!!!!

[ivor]

I know it would be more expensive but have you considered using an ssd as it would offer better durability and speed have a look on here as well mp3car.com they have some nice kit it's where I got the power section from

[vc_1985]

kit arrived today i made a custom case yesterday going to run all wires later on if i get a chance and start her up .
i want to install the pc so i can start it up via remote and acesse it via wifi and transfer all music ect to it and then power it down with out actually having to get in the car would this be possible? cheers vc

[Gambit]

Possible? yes.

I picked up a remote 12v switch quite a while ago, think it was from Motorworld or Ebay. Simple one button remote, press once its on, press again its off. You wire the receiver to the switched 12v line on the car pc's power supply and job done. Only issue is "knowing" it's actually turned off again as they draw a LOT of power from the battery.

[vc_1985]

if connected to the pc via wifi if it connects its on if it doesnt its off?? surely not that simple is there any way to wire something in that one the bat gets a certain level it auto cuts off?

[Gambit]

Not sure about the M2-ATX power supply but the one I use cut's off if the voltage is 10.8volts or less.

[vc_1985]

ill have to check to see if mine does that what software are you running?

[Gambit]

I'm using Digital Dash 5.0 as a front end, work's well with the touchscreen.

Linked to the pc is the emanage ultimate, clifford alarm, wireless dongle for linking to my home router, bluetooth dongle for reading gps off of my HUD and consult interface running OBD Scantech software. Not much I can't monitor/control/diagnose with that lot


Bit more info on my setup Skyline Mk2