Car PC power?

[Biggerhammer]

I'm daydreaming about building a car-computer, largely for its ability ro store and play many MP3s. This forum seems as close as any to what I'm looking for, as the computer will be as small as possible.

My question of the day is this: how do I get the computer to shut down properly when I shut down the engine? I've thought of a variety of kludges such as initiating shutdown when I set the parking brake, a small UPS that will shut the computer down when it runs out of batteries, etc. But I'd prefer a simple solution be it possible.

Thank you!

 

[BeauJangles]

Well. You either can use an inverter which will keep drawing power from the battery once the car is off to provide for a nice shutdown (cheapest route).

OR you can order a custom powersupply called an Opus that actually is wired directly into the ignition and tells the computer to boot / shut down when the car is switch on or off. Check the mp3car.com forums for more info. Opuses are expensive though, ~200 beans for the 200 watt one (IIRC).

 

[Biggerhammer]

Hoo-wah! $200 is rather on the steep side... it sounds really nice if I rub out a rich uncle, though.

Opus Power Supply
a cheaper alternative? (would need a 'standard' 12v power supply?

http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=28

 

[piasabird]

Could always get a UPS and a converter, where you are actually running it off of the battery in the UPS. That way if the car dies on you it will not suffer from power surges.

I think some sites like Ituner and www.idotpc.com may sell a little car adapter.

Ituner Power Solutions

These are designed for Mini-ITX.

I think I would hook this up on a cirucuit like the Radio would use, so it will run when the engine is not running.

 

[TJ69]

check out the power forum at mp3car.com

There's plenty of information on dc-dc psus, inverters, tank circuits, startup/shutdown controllers, battery protection ranging for cheap to trick. Startup and shutdown is only one issue you'll have to resolve. You may also need to deal with the PC rebooting when you start the car or other high current draw situations (car audio systems) and ground loop noise (especially common with inverters).

The Opus is well worth the money as it deals with all of this for you. Just plug and play. I've been very impressed with mine.

I would suggest saving up if you can't afford one right now. But if you insist on an alternative, you may find what you're looking for on the forums @ mp3car.com