Ok...now I've been thinking this for quite some time now. I want to get probably a 7' flat screen in dash. Make sure that it has a video input as well. I was looking at the new pioneer with bluetooth and navi. But where the problem comes into play is I want to stash a computer under my driverside seat. Something like this http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/sys/1056464005.html . Get a wireless keyboard, and maybe a wireless trackball or something. Get a wireless card for it, so if I park somewhere that has internet I can rock it if I'm bored maybe play some games. I know the 7'' screen is tiny but I wouldn't mind giving it a shot. Now, will the alternator put out enough voltage to charge and maintain the battery well enough while the computer is on?

 

check out this guy

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/electronics-audio-video-49/carpc-screen-installed-temporarily-158736/

 

To run the computer you’re going to need a dc to ac converter and a good one will require you to run power directly to your battery. So eventually it will kill your battery if you dont have your car on. This is just like putting in a playstation or xbox. It’s safer to have your car idling so that way your battery will charge and all your stuff will be powered properly. If you want to upgrade your battery that will help too.

 

Nope.

All you need is a new power supply. There are 12v-12v power supplies, and look for one with a integrated shutdown controller. You wire the shutdown dontroller to the ignition feed, constant 12v, and ground, and you can set how long you want the computer
to stay on after the ignition is shut off.

This is the one that I am running in my carPC
http://www.mini-box.com/M2-ATX-160w-...C-Power-Supply

The ignition controller will then send a signal to the motherboard to shut down.

Next time you start the ignition, the PC (and screen if you have it powered by the same power supply) will start up like your stereo used to.

Any other questions, please ask away.

Oh, and yeah, the alternator would power it easily.

My power supply (the one listed above) has either a 10A or 15A fuse.

The power draw is about the same as a small car amplifier.

A good place for information is www.mp3car.com.

Check out their forums, they list information on running a CarPC on different
platforms (Windows, Mac, and Linux) as well as give information on hardware and
fabrication.

 

^^^ ah cool didnt know they had those.

 

We've come a long way baby, LOL

Just to give you a rough Idea of how long my CarPC project
has been gestating...

I have a 600 watt inverter that I had bought previously bought, but in
the meantime, while I accumulated other parts, the industry ended up offering
me a better solution.

 

Why dont you just put a 360 or PS3 in and install windows or whatever on the game system, i know PS3allows it but i dont know about 360. That way you have a blueray, audio control , ur game system and your computer all in one.

 

ive always wanted to do that so i could just run hp tuners on the fly

 

Thanks for all the info!!! I saw your other thread it looks like its coming along great

 

Because, for less money you can buy a dedicated CarPC that functions as a CarPC, that doesn't need a power inverter (a bigger deal than you think), and will work with every peice of media player, gps, and other software that you want. These things work great as a set top box, but would be problematic in a mobile environment.

bluecobaltss06-thanks! I can't wait to get back at it.

I'm waiting to pickup some cables (USB extension, VGA extension), and then I can
install it permanently. (well, you know what I mean)

 

Toushea

 

Lol.....

 

with the dc to dc converter you dont need an inverter

 

True.

I didn't say it couldn't be done, or tell anyone that they shouldn't do it, just that it would be more complicated and most likely more expensive as well.