Powering a computer, Xbox

Hey I was wondering if you guys think it would be a good idea to attempt to do the wiring for my computer in my car by myself? I have never done it before but am reseaching it for numerous hours and am currently reading books, websites, and anything I can get my hands on. Do you think it is good enough to attempt this wiring by myself? or should I get a professional? Or I was looking at spending that $800 I would be spending on installation of my whole system and spending it for an MECP certification program and learning it by myslef and saving myself some money. I mean I like DIY projects and etc and think it would be a good experience.  How much do professionals charge usually (ballpark range) for simple power wiring? Thanks!04 Acura TL Anthracite/AT/ Navigation

Grabbing power, switched and ground are extremely easy. There is no reason to pay if this is all you need. Anything more then power you would need to give details on what wires are needed. Nice try with the links.Certified Security Specialist

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The most simple and direct approach to your project would be to simply install a DC-AC power invertor. Plug it into the lighter outlet, or wire it directly to the primary battery and you are good to go. The price of the power invertors have drop so much you could buy a 500 watt unit with little capital investment. Just another option for you to consider. Regards EVIL Teken . . .

Teken wrote: The most simple and direct approach to your project would be to simply install a DC-AC power invertor. Plug it into the lighter outlet, or wire it directly to the primary battery and you are good to go. The price of the power invertors have drop so much you could buy a 500 watt unit with little capital investment. Just another option for you to consider. Regards EVIL Teken . . .

Arent these wasteful and harsh on the battery? correct me if I am wrong? Also, how would I get a lighter outlet in my trunk? All the equiptment would be there, Thanks!

04 Acura TL Anthracite/AT/ Navigation

Eggrollxpress61 wrote: Arent these wasteful and harsh on the battery?

The computer supply requires a 120 VAC. The power supply supplies a 5 & 12 volt source for the various components. The invertor is only on when you power it on through the switch, it will consume as much current / power as the computer dictates. It will not harm your vehicles battery, so long as you do not intend to listen to the computer while the vehicle is off.

Eggrollxpress61 wrote: how would I get a lighter outlet in my trunk? All the equiptment would be there

You will have to run an extension to the trunk. Regards EVIL Teken . . .

Hey I was thinking about hooking my XBOX and/or computer into my TL. Everything would be in the trunk. Ok here goes the question, Should I have a direct line from my battery to an inverter and hook everything there? Or is it possible to hook the Inverter to an empty location in the fuse box? I know theres 2 open but anybody know if this would work? Im thinking about a nice 400W inverter. I need to convert from 12V DC to 120V AC (for my XBOX). My AV Switcher is currently powered via tapping into some current power source right now I think. Havent checked because its under all this fabrication that makes it look stock. Anywho Im short of money so I am trying this installation myself. i know how to install amps and Subs etc so this should be similar. I just dont know if this is too much power etc. I was thinkin about another way and didnt know if it was feasible, but someone tell me if this would work: hooking up power from the battery via through the firewall, into a distribution block in my trunk and hooking up things via DC connection (No XBOX this mothod because XBOX only accepts AC)? No idea if this will work. I know if I do the computer it wil have an OPUS 150W DC-DC power supply. Also, If I get the invertor, I want this to be permanent in the form of not hooked up to a cigarette outlet. I want it to be directly ready to go once the ignition is on or in the II position. Any electronic/electric gurus out there, please help! Please tell me what I need. So far I got: an invertor, power cables, terminal rings, electric tape, and some tools. Maybe fuses/fuseholders? What else will/do I need? thanks!04 Acura TL Anthracite/AT/ Navigation

i say just install the converter like you would an amp.  the only thing i would do after that is relocate the switch for the inverter power on to the cab so you can shut it off and on easily.   i wouldnt want it on when i am not using it but if that is what you want i would use a relay wired in to turn it on when you turn the key.  as for 400 watt inverter you can never have one too big.  the more power the better.-Individuality-

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