Powering a computer, Xbox
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=37465
Printed Date: May 16, 2024 at 2:17 PM
Topic: Powering a computer, Xbox
Posted By: Eggrollxpress61
Subject: Powering a computer, Xbox
Date Posted: August 14, 2004 at 12:53 PM
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
Replies:
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: August 14, 2004 at 1:11 PM
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
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: Eggrollxpress61
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 12:10 AM
I am trying to add a computer to my car but I have a dilemma, I dont know how to hook up power to it. I know I need to pull some lines or tap into some existing lines. I was wondering if you think tapping into the accessory fuse locations in the fuse box was a good idea? Or should I directly go through the firewall and connect to a battery? I would have a distrubution block at the end in my trunk so I can add other electronics as time passes. Also, any idea of what kind of wires I need? I dont know if power wires and speaker wires are the same. I have no idea if you are the person I should be asking but hey it was worth a shot. Any info would help. Thanks!  ------------- 04 Acura TL Anthracite/AT/ Navigation
Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 12:12 PM
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 . . .
Posted By: Eggrollxpress61
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 12:30 PM
Teken] wrote:
he 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
Posted By: Teken
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 12:38 PM
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 . . .
Posted By: Eggrollxpress61
Date Posted: August 16, 2004 at 5:49 PM
Well is tapping into existing power lines a good idea, this is what this guy did for his Switcher. In fact this is the exact same mod i am doing except I am adding an XBOX into my trunk: https://abunchofcars.com/diy_pages/audio/tl_navi_conversion/tl_naviconversion.htm ------------- 04 Acura TL Anthracite/AT/ Navigation
Posted By: Eggrollxpress61
Date Posted: August 18, 2004 at 11:47 PM
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
Posted By: beaker
Date Posted: August 24, 2004 at 9:50 AM
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-
Always remember that you are unique, just like everybody else.
Posted By: beaker
Date Posted: August 24, 2004 at 10:02 AM
i would use a dc/dc converter yes dc/dc converter they are desined to turn dc voltages in to computer dc voltages. you can find them at https://www.mini-itx.com/store/ they also have tons of computer project that people have done. i picked up one of their mini itx computers here and they are sweet. ------------- -Individuality-
Always remember that you are unique, just like everybody else.
Posted By: fuseblower
Date Posted: August 24, 2004 at 10:06 AM
Don't hook it up to your battery unless you are going to add a toggle switch or something to turn the unit on and off. You can use relays to activate the converter using the ignition also. If you feel that you will need the additional power from the battery use the relay system method. This would let your converter draw juice from the battery ut only when the ignition is on. Or you can tap into you cigarette lighter line behind the dash and run the wire to your trunk.
Posted By: redlight831
Date Posted: August 30, 2004 at 4:34 PM
Why make things more difficault....i would just tap into your cigarette lighter line behind the dash and run the wire to your trunk. like fuseblower said.. save time. and then you know it would be hooked up to your battary corectley
Posted By: ka9rqw
Date Posted: September 09, 2004 at 12:20 AM
Just my $0.02 worth on this one. I wouldn't necessarily connect directly to your cigarette lighter without first considering what you'll be using that circuit for. For example, I've got a 160 watt inverter that's got a 20 amp fuse on it. If you're going to use anything larger than that, chances are it's also got a larger fuse. Consider, then, whether or not you'll be using your cigarette lighter to power anything more demanding than a cell-phone charger or a radar detector....at ANY time. If your answer to that question is yes, then you need to run a separate +12v line to the battery for the inverter, and would also benefit from a switch of some sort (or a relay to function as one). You can get an auxilliary cigarette lighter jack at most Wal-Mart or K-Mart type stores for a very reasonable amount, and you can ground it directly to the body of your vehicle. This will give you a cigarette lighter jack to plug into, which will keep you from having to hack the inverter to connect it to power. If you're using a switch, I'd place it under the dash somewhere convenient yet out of the way to help keep you from accidentally bumping it. If you're using a relay, follow the wiring diagrams on this site, they'll help you a lot towards getting it wired right.
I mention this because most cigarette lighters aren't rated over 25-30 amps, and I wouldn't want you to start having problems with your equipment unnecessarily. Pay attention to what you're connecting where, and try to make sure you're not hacking up whole units (unless you're comfortable with that sort of thing and sure you won't cause damage), and you should be in good shape.
Remember, though, that if you cause any problems with your vehicle, noone here is responsible for your mistakes. We all make mistakes at some point, the idea is to limit the damage they can cause...that's why fuses are made. Good luck!!
|