modify PSU so that you can plug it to the " cigar lighter" in your car

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 12:13 AM

is it possible to modify or add another CPU so that you can plug your PC to the cigar lighter in your car???

if it is, can you show me the url or something?

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 01:12 AM

basically, i want to build something like this:
http://www.carcpu.com/
the problem would be supplying power to the LCD and the PC....
i want something that i can bring the PC to the car, then back at home to normal plug on the wall....
is there an article on it somewhere?

Volt-Schwibe · 11-07-2004, 02:50 AM

well, before the crash, we had a long drawn out thread about this.
(that sentence is becoming catchy)

i will go and see if i can find any of what i dug up last time.

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 03:28 AM

wow walt, thanks... would really appreciate it if you can find something :) youre such a big help :)

Volt-Schwibe · 11-07-2004, 03:52 AM

check these out, these are sweet!

http://www.opussolutions.com/

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 05:26 AM

nice... the first one is nice...
the second one, where do i plug that in? in the cigar lighter?

**johnwill** · 11-07-2004, 01:39 PM

A reasonably simple solution would be a DC to AC converter with enough power to power the machine. If you look inside many UPS systems, you'll find 12 volt batteries. It would be pretty simple to take a small UPS and connect it to the car 12 volt system to power a system, cheap too.

Volt-Schwibe · 11-07-2004, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinus_

nice... the first one is nice...
the second one, where do i plug that in? in the cigar lighter?

no, not the cig lighter...

the cig lighter isnt very powerful, so most times, it's a bad idea to plug stuff into it.

for those systems, you would wire them the same way you would a car stereo, with a wire running to the positive battery terminal, a wire running to the body of the car, and a wire running to something that is controlled by the key. (like the wire that turns the radio on)

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 09:37 PM

oh i see... that makes sense... thanks walt...
i look into to the car when i can tonight...

batty_professor · 11-07-2004, 10:05 PM

As long as your power supply and computer is under 400W or so you could get by with a 12-120V power inverter available in automotive dept at big retailers like wal-mart. I think you can find them in 300W to 500W sizes and they come with instructions. Your computer power supply will normally work on anything over 95V and will ignore spikes up to 150 or so. A lot of LCD monitors will run from 12V directly, as my 17" MAG does now.

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 10:10 PM

im from the philippines, and here, we use 220V :) but i think if is okay though, it there is a 120V available, there is always a 220V conterpart of it... :)

il be using some cheap LCD monitor though :D together with an old PCI vcard :)

Volt-Schwibe · 11-07-2004, 10:21 PM

here in the us, they sell inverters that are rated as 50 watt continuous load for 20$.

that would work fine for your monitor. (an inverter bought from a country with power compatible with yours.)

however, i was always told it was bad to run computers off of inverters, and you would need 400 watts or so, and that's going to be somewhat pricier.

i'd go and read up about inverters.

and johnwill's idea of using a ups, that would work really good.

batty_professor · 11-07-2004, 10:21 PM

Sorry, I wasn't thinking about the service there being 220V. The computer power input should be switchable also.

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 10:26 PM

lol thanks guys... still researching around and asking ppl online and irl what is the best and not so expensive wood to use on my casing... lol

maybe there is a tutorial or article on johnwill's idea?

i have another spare UPS from my old pc... i can experiment on that one.. lol

Volt-Schwibe · 11-07-2004, 10:49 PM

well, as far as johnwill's idea about using the UPS....

i have worked on these, and they arent scary inside.
they have basically a battery, a small inverter/charger, and some wires.

usually this battery is 12 volt.
if it is, you can wire it straight into your cars' electrical.

remember to run your cars' positive wire to the positive on the UPS' battery and the neg to the neg.

his idea is probably easiest.

for wood, i would go with oak, simply due to the look and duarbility.

if you dont care about look, go with hickory or maple or fir.

pine is soft, so i wouldnt suggest it, unless you want you computer to look "aged" after a few weeks of it getting dinged up.

for the ultimate in durability, i would use 1/2 inch plywood.

anything else you wanna know, just yell it out.

sinus_ · 11-07-2004, 10:52 PM

lol.. then plywood it is!!! i have removed the top ventelation thingy coz i want to put a cd rack or something on top... wouldnt care too much about the look though... as long as its wood...

thanks again sir walt...

il work on the PSU thingy this weekend...

WaltSide

***lol... i have an extra UPS here too.. just have to look for it...

Volt-Schwibe · 11-07-2004, 10:55 PM

keep in mind johnwill mentioned the UPS.

crazijoe · 11-08-2004, 11:41 AM

Wouldn't it be easier to get a laptop?

sinus_ · 11-08-2004, 04:21 PM

lol i figured that someone would say that... :)
it is too expensive for me :P

11-07-2004, 12:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	modify PSU so that you can plug it to the " cigar lighter" in your car is it possible to modify or add another CPU so that you can plug your PC to the cigar lighter in your car??? if it is, can you show me the url or something? __________________ Kini Web Designs

11-07-2004, 01:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	basically, i want to build something like this: http://www.carcpu.com/ the problem would be supplying power to the LCD and the PC.... i want something that i can bring the PC to the car, then back at home to normal plug on the wall.... is there an article on it somewhere? __________________ Kini Web Designs

11-07-2004, 02:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	well, before the crash, we had a long drawn out thread about this. (that sentence is becoming catchy) i will go and see if i can find any of what i dug up last time. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

11-07-2004, 03:28 AM	#4 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	wow walt, thanks... would really appreciate it if you can find something :) youre such a big help :) __________________ Kini Web Designs

11-07-2004, 03:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	check these out, these are sweet! http://www.opussolutions.com/ __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature> Last edited by Volt-Schwibe; 11-07-2004 at 03:58 AM.

11-07-2004, 05:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	nice... the first one is nice... the second one, where do i plug that in? in the cigar lighter? __________________ Kini Web Designs

11-07-2004, 01:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,711 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	A reasonably simple solution would be a DC to AC converter with enough power to power the machine. If you look inside many UPS systems, you'll find 12 volt batteries. It would be pretty simple to take a small UPS and connect it to the car 12 volt system to power a system, cheap too. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Last edited by johnwill; 11-07-2004 at 01:40 PM.

11-07-2004, 09:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	oh i see... that makes sense... thanks walt... i look into to the car when i can tonight... __________________ Kini Web Designs

11-07-2004, 10:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,608 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	As long as your power supply and computer is under 400W or so you could get by with a 12-120V power inverter available in automotive dept at big retailers like wal-mart. I think you can find them in 300W to 500W sizes and they come with instructions. Your computer power supply will normally work on anything over 95V and will ignore spikes up to 150 or so. A lot of LCD monitors will run from 12V directly, as my 17" MAG does now. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

11-07-2004, 10:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	im from the philippines, and here, we use 220V :) but i think if is okay though, it there is a 120V available, there is always a 220V conterpart of it... :) il be using some cheap LCD monitor though :D together with an old PCI vcard :) __________________ Kini Web Designs Last edited by sinus_; 11-07-2004 at 10:22 PM.

11-07-2004, 10:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	here in the us, they sell inverters that are rated as 50 watt continuous load for 20$. that would work fine for your monitor. (an inverter bought from a country with power compatible with yours.) however, i was always told it was bad to run computers off of inverters, and you would need 400 watts or so, and that's going to be somewhat pricier. i'd go and read up about inverters. and johnwill's idea of using a ups, that would work really good. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

11-07-2004, 10:21 PM	#13 (permalink)
batty_professor Asst. Manager, Alternative Computing Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hooterville Il 45 mi. east of St. Louis mo Posts: 2,608 OS: Fedora Core 5 for now	Sorry, I wasn't thinking about the service there being 220V. The computer power input should be switchable also. __________________ It's better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me. B. While users are never under any obligation, if you feel the urge please feel free to visit our donation page. Every little bit helps. And we thank you for your support. Microsoft free Registered Linux user 397458

11-07-2004, 10:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	lol thanks guys... still researching around and asking ppl online and irl what is the best and not so expensive wood to use on my casing... lol maybe there is a tutorial or article on johnwill's idea? i have another spare UPS from my old pc... i can experiment on that one.. lol __________________ Kini Web Designs

11-07-2004, 10:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	well, as far as johnwill's idea about using the UPS.... i have worked on these, and they arent scary inside. they have basically a battery, a small inverter/charger, and some wires. usually this battery is 12 volt. if it is, you can wire it straight into your cars' electrical. remember to run your cars' positive wire to the positive on the UPS' battery and the neg to the neg. his idea is probably easiest. for wood, i would go with oak, simply due to the look and duarbility. if you dont care about look, go with hickory or maple or fir. pine is soft, so i wouldnt suggest it, unless you want you computer to look "aged" after a few weeks of it getting dinged up. for the ultimate in durability, i would use 1/2 inch plywood. anything else you wanna know, just yell it out. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

11-07-2004, 10:52 PM	#16 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	lol.. then plywood it is!!! i have removed the top ventelation thingy coz i want to put a cd rack or something on top... wouldnt care too much about the look though... as long as its wood... thanks again sir walt... il work on the PSU thingy this weekend... WaltSide *lol... i have an extra UPS here too.. just have to look for it... __________________ Kini Web Designs** Last edited by sinus_; 11-07-2004 at 10:59 PM.

11-08-2004, 11:41 AM	#18 (permalink)
crazijoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Omaha, The Center of the Universe Posts: 7,632 OS: WinXP, Win2K3 My System	Wouldn't it be easier to get a laptop? __________________ Microsoft MCSA + Messaging, MVP, A+, Network+ http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b3...other/Help.jpg Do you want a real Republican? HDD diagnostic tools / HDD data recovery software

11-07-2004, 10:55 PM	#17 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	keep in mind johnwill mentioned the UPS. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

11-08-2004, 04:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
sinus_ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cebu, Philippines Posts: 60 OS: WinXP SP2	lol i figured that someone would say that... :) it is too expensive for me :P __________________ Kini Web Designs