12 Volt computer

[Chriso]

I want to run a 12 volt computer for mapping etc; however, don't want to part with the money to buy one.
Does anyone have any info on building one that would handle the conditions of 4wding.
I have never attempted to build a computer but I figure it cant be too hard. :confused:

[oldcourier]

can you get a laptop to run off the 12 volt cigarette lighter? Otherwise it might be cheaper to just buy an inverter and hook it up to your battery togive you the 240 volts you need!

[Risto]

Just get a laptop with a stand and run it from 12V outlet. Might need an after market adapter, but easier than dicking around with building one and then finding out that the hard drive or CD/DVD drive kacks itself. In any case, you'd be at the mercy of shuttle motherboards...

If you really want to build one, that's up to you, of course. But I wouldn't go there...

Sorry to put a 'negative spin' on things - just my advice with best intentions.

Oh, and a laptop goes in the tent too, so you can watch a DVD if it pisses down... ;-)

[minipatrol]

ive been looking at this too. if you run an inverter you really need to spend the bucks and get a pure sine wave type jigger. the other option if you are computer literate is to get a 12v dc - dc power supply and use an old desktop pc. they are 12v in and 12v,5v,and 3v out which you plug straight into your motherboard etc. this way you could make your own case so you dont have this big bulky thing taking up space.

if you do a google search on 'car pc' there are heaps of peoples that have done it in the states, and there are a couple of good forums there too.

cheers

Steve

[BLU-125]

What is wrong with "modified sine wave" powering a battery charger? Ordered one today to charge my laptop, and even Dell said it was okay.

[eldo]

there is a write up on how to make a car pc on a site, i just cant think of which one though, i think it is on that online performance magazine.

[minipatrol]

pure sine wave is more for if you intend on putting a modded desktop in your car. because laptops run off dc anyways its not as much concern. :D

[BLU-125]

Wheeew, thanks........I am going away in a few days and I don't need any problems.......

[minipatrol]

its a pc....problematic crap...that's all they are. im sure bill gates desinged windows to annoy the sh1t out of common man..ggrrrrr dammm him and his stupid software

[Richard]

there is a write up on how to make a car pc on a site, i just cant think of which one though, i think it is on that online performance magazine.

Probably here:
http://www.gpsaustralia.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=32

[away]

I want to run a 12 volt computer for mapping etc; however, don't want to part with the money to buy one.
Does anyone have any info on building one that would handle the conditions of 4wding.
I have never attempted to build a computer but I figure it cant be too hard. :confused:

You are kidding right? Computers have several supply voltages, one of which is 12 volts. Do yourself a favour...buy a second hand lappy from ebay or a hock shop and save yourself a lot of heartache. It will work out to be way cheaper than anything you might build from bits and pieces.

[Bazza_rips]

building a brand new computer will work out cheaper then even a second hand laptop. If you are going to do it i say get a touch screen and one of those roll up keyboards.

building a computer isn't hard, you just need to make sure all the bits and pieces that you buy are compatible.

[away]

building a brand new computer will work out cheaper then even a second hand laptop. If you are going to do it i say get a touch screen and one of those roll up keyboards.

building a computer isn't hard, you just need to make sure all the bits and pieces that you buy are compatible.

Bullsh*t. It'll only be cheaper if he builds something the size of the Titanic!

The guy is talking about a car computer. To run mapping software, he should be able to get perfectly capable 2nd hand lappy for around $400.00. It doesn't need to be a rocket. I can't see how he could build one cheaper?

Even desktop components wouldn't be cheaper. He would need either a 12V PSU (expensive) or a small inverter to run a regular PSU (an added cost), MoBo, CPU, hard disk drive, Memory, Screen (a touch screen to fit in a car and run off 12V - what would that cost?), keyboard, optical drive, case and operating system. Is Uncle Bill just going to give him Windows for free then? At least he will get an OS with a 2nd hand lappy.

All of this, plus if his construction doesn't work? They don't always work.

[Chriso]

People, just to set your minds at ease, I have two laptop computers; however only one is powerful enough to run the NAtMap Raster DVD's. This one is my work one and if I stuff it from vibration etc you will here me yell from whever you all are. A second hand Laptop for the right price will not have enough googledonks of gigabang (tech talk) to run the software I require...I think

[raider80]

a second hand laptop would be so expensive considering what u get for the money, and any repairs are bloody expensive for laptops. depending on the car you have inside a micro desktop board. im in the process of building a pc into the car i have a ford raider and it fits nicely on the middle of the dash under the stereo and in ront of the gear sticks.
The only problem with a dc-dc psu is the price for a decent one you are looking at around $300,however the pc won't restart when you crank the motor over and it wont flatten your battery the 12-12vdc psu protects against things like that. The bonus with going this way is you can upgrade a normal pc easier and cheaper then any laptop. i sell/fix computers and i can say laptops annoy me. Depending on your contacts will depend on the total price. Mates in computers are alwasy great. The only 2 things i have to buy is the touch screen lcd, gps and psu.
The garmin GPS 18 would be the best option when it comes to pc navigation, just looked into that not long ago.


check out http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=27271 (http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=27271)

[Chriso]

Maate, thats what I wanted to hear. I am a numpty when it comes to computers and stuff but am willing to try and build one. Is there sme literature out ther that will tell me exactly what I need to purchase and what to do with it when I do, or can you let me know your plans etc.

[PJ.zook]

Im planning on building one in the near future (read: will never get around to it), and have looked into it a bit. I want to make one that is 100% non-moving parts.
There has been a motherboard and CPU combination that has been out for a while, they are like uATX size, the CPU is built into the board, and you can cool them with a heatsink with no fan. They were around 1.1gb or something around there last time i looked.
For HDD's you can just use CF cards instead of hard drives, which are reasonably cheap these days at around $100 for 8gb.
RAM is obviously nonmoving part, and i will heatsink them too.
Monitor will be some touch screen lcd, maybe them 12v Liliput models.
I plan on running the usual GPS on it, movies will be problem as DVD drive is sensitive, maybe will include it but not use it when moving. MP3's you can store on the CF cards.

[Ghost]

I use a Acer dual core laptop with a broken screen of ebay $180
Cheap 7" touchscreen of ebay $140
DC Convertor to run laptop $40
Going to go to a SSD drive or a Micro drive as vibration isnt as big a problem for them

[raider80]

this is where im at so far, due to commitments and kids i havent had much chance to get into it..
Just used a small pc case and cut the bits off i won't need. its not screwed in yet, im mounting it onto a centimetre tick piece of perspex due to the fact no metal can touch the car body as it shouldnt be grounded.

[Bazza_rips]

Bullsh*t. It'll only be cheaper if he builds something the size of the Titanic!

The guy is talking about a car computer. To run mapping software, he should be able to get perfectly capable 2nd hand lappy for around $400.00. It doesn't need to be a rocket. I can't see how he could build one cheaper?

Even desktop components wouldn't be cheaper. He would need either a 12V PSU (expensive) or a small inverter to run a regular PSU (an added cost), MoBo, CPU, hard disk drive, Memory, Screen (a touch screen to fit in a car and run off 12V - what would that cost?), keyboard, optical drive, case and operating system. Is Uncle Bill just going to give him Windows for free then? At least he will get an OS with a 2nd hand lappy.

All of this, plus if his construction doesn't work? They don't always work.

Bullshit youself. obviously if you buy a tower it will be huge. but if you buy a compact motherboard and a SMALL case, such as those ones that have the mother board or the bottom, they can be quite small. bigger than a laptop i admit but you don't need to have the whole computer on your lap. just a screen on the dash. The case itself can be mounted somwhere out of the way such as under the back seat, or maybe on it's side next to your roller drawers. Not to mention the possibility of a full car entertainment system including mp3's, movies for the kiddies, gps software, mulitiple screens, the list goes on.

you could easily build a brand new computer for around $400 if you didn't use the newest and best componants, yes the screen would be more but touch screens for cars a readily available, you have to buy an inverter anyway, you don't need an optical drive, the roll up keyboards i spoke of are cheap as chips as for windows, the only people i know who have paid for it are teh ones who bought a pakage that came with it.

PC's aren't hard to build, you just have to make sure you are grounded.

[ASP_777]

Try www.mp3car.com , it's chock full of information. You can start at http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/faq.php, which should address most of your questions. One of the better option is to buy a mini-itc system the size of which can fit just about anywhere, for around $500, you'll need a touch screen plus Windows s/w.
Regards
Steve

[hillbilly123]

Well I use a Compaq Laptop Mounted on a Ram Mount POD III and a 100 watt inverter from Mobitronics (Waeco).
Most laptops run at up to 19 volts and arent happy on 12.
Desktops need both 12 and 5 volts.
You can buy a laptop power pack for about $160 which has assorted connectors for different models and gives the correct voltage for each one up to about 20volts. Also has aircraft connectors. Runs from cig lighter socket.
Desktop gear is not made for running in a rough enviroment as in a car as the drives wont take the vibration whereas a laptop drive is a bit, notice I said a bit, more adaptable. Just my 10cents worth.

[raider80]

should use the 2.5" laptop hard drive instead of a 3.5" desktop, as hillbilly said a bit more adaptable to the vibration and such. or if you're good with your hands you could create some sort of shock absorber for the drive.

[away]

Bullshit youself. obviously if you buy a tower it will be huge. but if you buy a compact motherboard and a SMALL case, such as those ones that have the mother board or the bottom, they can be quite small. bigger than a laptop i admit but you don't need to have the whole computer on your lap. just a screen on the dash. The case itself can be mounted somwhere out of the way such as under the back seat, or maybe on it's side next to your roller drawers. Not to mention the possibility of a full car entertainment system including mp3's, movies for the kiddies, gps software, mulitiple screens, the list goes on.

you could easily build a brand new computer for around $400 if you didn't use the newest and best componants, yes the screen would be more but touch screens for cars a readily available, you have to buy an inverter anyway, you don't need an optical drive, the roll up keyboards i spoke of are cheap as chips as for windows, the only people i know who have paid for it are teh ones who bought a pakage that came with it.

PC's aren't hard to build, you just have to make sure you are grounded.

Ok, let me see if I got this right....

. You are encouraging someone to use pirated software
. You suggest using a small case and small footprint mobo, but ignore that desktop equipment isn't built to withstand vibration etc.
.You say he won't need an optical drive but then suggest he could turn the PC into a multimedia system. Most multimedia still comes on optical disks.
. You suggest mounting the PC remotely, ignoring limitations on cord lengths for peripheral devices. Not to mention simple things like turning the thing on when you need to, taking it out of the car easily etc.
.You want this guy to spend extra on an inverter so that he is turning DC into AC into DC again to run the PC. Most inverters switch off due to low volts when the engine is cranked, requiring them to be reset each time. Very practical...
. You don't want this guy to buy a second hand laptop but you DO want him to use second hand or inferior desktop components to keep the price under what he could get an adequate laptop for...
. You are happy that he should build a clunker with high current demand rather than get a purpose built laptop that is engineered to conserve power.

Yep. It all makes sense to me. That's what I would do....NOT!

[Harb]

Just be careful with inverters in cars......
A prang or a wire rubbing through can render the body or parts of the vehicle live at 240 volts, and even with a 300watt unit which say will deliver approx around 1ooo milliamps (1amp) at 240v which can be a problem with it only requiring 100 milliamps to stop you heart in its tracks.........
Most inverters have to be earthed to be safe , hence the wingnut on the case..........
I know everyone uses them, me included, but just be aware and do a nice safe job with the wiring etc to minimise the risks......

[hillbilly123]

The one I am talking about is a drink can sized one that sits in the can holder and runs off the cig lighter socket.
Nowhere near any bare metal and no earth strap required.
If it gets dislodged and cuts wire I will possibly already be in big trouble like upside down or similar.

[raider80]

each to their own i guess. i personally would go for a desktop pc. i own a laptop anyway. my thoughts are if its uilt into the car it less likely to get stolen which is a big thing these days.

[Ghost]

For anyone wanting to go the desktop pc route there is a purpose built power supply that runs native 12 volt so no need for an inverter, they are a lot safer and more reliable.

http://www.powerstream.com/mini-itx.htm

[pcman]

look for a hp e-vectra pc few on ebay most weeks

p3 700 or there abouts and small 24cmx24cmx10cm
runs of 19v so for $69 at jaycar you can buy an adpater (or less on ebay)

heaps of power for most car pc uses mp3, gps in reality thats the 99% useage

if your worried about bumps/viabration dont be ive been running a slimline desktop case in my fj45 landcruiser for 3 months now not a single issue 2 40 gig hdd's and yes i take it offroad and its always on ofroad as i use it for gps


ive just brought a few of the hp e-vectras and im building 2 of them up 1 for each of my cars will be using a 100gig laptop hdd (around $140) to cope with viabrations some more just for peace of mind really as id hate to lose the pc on a 4x4 track somewhere and have NFI how to get outta the forest

[Harb]

The one I am talking about is a drink can sized one that sits in the can holder and runs off the cig lighter socket.
Nowhere near any bare metal and no earth strap required.
If it gets dislodged and cuts wire I will possibly already be in big trouble like upside down or similar.


even they have over 6 times enough grunt to kill you.............be careful

[Mowie]

Ok, I know a little bit about power supply having gone through the instalation of a Toshiba Satellite Laptop into my GQ mounted on a RAMS mount.

First I bought a 300w MSW inverter to power the Lappy, the AC to DC power pack that you plug the laptop into the main would not work with the Modified Sine Wave at all. Even made a loud buzzing noise that cycled every second. Pure Sine Wave only on these Laptops and that was too much of an expence.

My Toshiba needs 15Volts at 5Amps to run so I went to Jaycar and got the DC-DC convertor that can put out 12,15,18 and 20 Volts with all sorts of different plugs and one suited my laptop. Plugs into the cigarette lighter and cost me $80 IIRC.

This works 100% for me, and its the later Toshiba Satellites that will NOT run off a MSW inverter.

[garrycol]

Why would you run the risk of having a converter with 240v in a car when perfectly good 12v - 12/22v converters are available to run laptops in cars for less than $50.

Using a coverter in a moving car for this doesn't make sense - an accident and a death waiting to happen.

Garry

[The Crow]

I built my DC - DC computer using old computer parts it has a 12v power source that turns the computer on when I start the car. I have set the jumpers on the psu so the the computer will shut itself down after 40mins. The computer sits under the passenger seat. It is a pentium4 1600 with 1.2 gig Ram and a 60 gig laptop hard drive running XP professional and Digital Dash 5, Trackranger Pro 5 and UBD City Street directories, DVD burner and wireless network card so I can get updates off the net. It is also connected to the car cd player so that I can play the 11gig of mp3 music on the hard drive this saves carrying a lot of cds. I have a 7ins indash touch screen it all works well. The PSU and touch screen came from the states these were the most costly things for the build. I had everything else on hand.

[raider80]

got any pics crow??

[The Crow]

Just uploaded some for you. The PSU is in the top left corner I got it from these guys in the States. They also sell all the componets to build your own or you get them to build it. http://www.customcarputers.com/index.php

[RoddQLD]

I used an old IBM laptop (400mhz I think) to run my Mapsource software with my Garmin eTrex GPS. Worked perfectly AND played DVDs really well.
BigW is selling new laptops at the moment for around $800. A friend of mine recently bought a used P4 laptop via a workplace auction for $300 (over 1 ghz CPU, over 1Gb of memory, DVD drive, huge hard drive, etc).

Use a true sinewave 240 inverter mainly because the cheap ones may damage the rechargable batteries. I originally ran a cheap inverter as I didn't really care about the battery coz I never used it. The laptop ran perfectly off the cheap inverter except that the inverters inbuilt electronics kept turning it off!!
I bought a 12v laptop power supply from Dick Smiths relatively cheaply and it solved that problem. I no longer use my 150w inverter for anything.

There are really few parts in a desktop PC that should be damaged by the bumps and shocks of your 4WD (within reason). I'm not really sure why people assume that a laptop hard drive or CD drive are more robust than the PC versions. Even laptop hard drives are cheap nowadays (although not as cheap as PC hard drives). DVD drive may be a different story.
The CPU is locked in, the ram is locked in, the motherboard is screwed in, etc.

I probably wouldn't bother building a PC based car computer mainly due to the space need to mount it. A laptop can be securely mounted in a car if you want it to be, yet can be easily removed for viewing outside your car (ie DVDs in tent). My laptop would fit under the rear seat of the cruiser, but no standard PC case would fit. A laptop can still use a separate screen and keyboard/mouse if needed.

I originally thought of the design of a PC that used no moving parts. Instead of a hard drive they could use thumb drives. At the moment speed would be an issue but that is changing every day.

Advantages of PC based car computer:
cheaper and easier to get and replace CD/DVD drives,
Disadvantages of PC based car computer:
size.

ADvantages of laptop car computer:
smaller space needed,
can be more easliy used for outside use.
easily removed from car for when it's not needed.
Can even use a desktop PC hard drive (via simple cable adaptor) but obviously wont fit inside laptop.
Disadvantages of using a laptop:
Higher potential for theft if thieves realise it is there, and it's not secured.
If motherboard fails then most of computer becomes useless.
More difficult to find/replace original CD/DVD drive.

A while ago I was able to buy used PCs with a small footprint (smaller case size).
I considered using these in a 4WD but they used a proprietry motherboard (non-standard), but were otherwise cheap. Rather than stuff around I decided to use a 2nd hand laptop (the IBM).
I no longer have it becasue I replaced it with a new Acer laptop (new). I've never had a problem with either laptop, but the older IBM recently failed (not from being used in a 4WD).

[hillbilly123]

If you are worried about the modified sine wave damaging your battery take it out.As long as the power is on you dont need the battery anyway.
My Compaq works fine like that.:)

[chuckybear]

I'm, just about finished building mine for the cruiser.
Total cost, less than $500.

I am using an old motherboard that I got for free from a computer store, the ethernet connection on the motherboard and the keyboard socket don't work. As my touchscreen monitor uses USB this isn't a problem. The mother board has built in sound and graphics.
The 40Gb hard drive came out of a old laptop so that was free, and my Power supply unit which runs off 12 volts only cost $40.00 second hand.
My O/S is Windows XP, I am using a copy that I got off a mates old blown computer (He got a new copy when he bought a new CPU so this copy isn't a pirate copy). I also got this for nothing.
I will be using this computer for navigation and for music mainly. But it will have wireless so I can check emails at hotspots. It will also have a few other usefull features such as be able to operate as a bluetooth car kit for my mobile. I got alot of very useful free software from www.mp3car.com

A break down of cost is
7" touchscreen, runs off 12 volts. $188 (Off Ebay)
CPU case. $14 (From Dicksmiths)
CPU, including powersupply about $60
Bluetooth usb dongle $5 (Off ebay)
Wireless usb dongle $9 (Off ebay)
USB GPS $115 (off ebay)
Various cables, relays and plugs about $50

total cost about $450

As said this system will play CD's, DVD's, MP3's, run vioce guidance navigation as well as Oziexplore charting, it will act as a car kit for my mobile phone as well as be able to burn pictures onto a DVD from the camera, as well as store them on the hard drive. I will also be able to check emails on the road when I am in a wife hotspot.

I'll post up some pic's when I've finished installing it all.

[ravofireman]

i am watchin this very closely as i am wantin to buil a in car computer

[hillbilly123]

Please post a list of Wife hotspots:D :eek:

[chuckybear]

I'm not allowed to post any of the wife hotspots.


Certainly not of me installing anything in there either:)