syko

Hi all,

So I have a '89 Camaro and I've been slowly restoring everything on the car, as money permits. My next big project is to install a computer... Can anyone help me in terms of what parts/components I will need?

My plan is to get a junk, 200-300 dollar laptop, mount it vertically under the passenger dashpad (perpendicular to the dashpad), and have a small screen also mounted perpendicular to the dashpad, but over the A/C / Radio Controls (where the little noook is)...

I plan on using a bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse combo for the meantime...

I don't know much about car eletrical systems so this is where you guys can help me:

1) How can I make the computer not shut down when I turn off the car?
2) How can I make the car power the computer (and charge the battery backup) while the engine is RUNNING?
3) Is there a way to keep the computer ON while I START the engine?
4) I want to put a 1-2hr Backup Battery designed for home computers so I can run the computer with the engine off, and not kill my car battery... Can it be charged WHILE the engine is RUNNING?

If you guys can help me out or point me in the right direction I promise to take a whole lotta pics!!!


Thanks!!

ringo234

These 2 links have computers designed to work in cars. Add a touchscreen monitor and your good to go.


http://logisysus.com/catalog/product...products_id=47
http://www.xenarc.com/product/cp1000.html

syko

I've searched Google and I'm aware of companies that make computers specifically for cars...

However, they cost more than what I am capable of spending...

Plus I think it's more fun to DIY, I just don't want to short anything or break anything in my car, which is why I ask for your guys' help...

nedoss

iTrader: (1)

To answer all your questions, purchase a power inverter ($50) from Walmart, Academy, Radio Shack, anywhere really and make sure the Laptop you get has a GOOD battery. As long as the inverter is connected to your car and computer and is "on" then it WILL draw power from the cars battery. However with a good laptop battery you should be able to connect & disconnect the laptop with no adverse effects, i.e. laptop shutting off unexpectedly. So wire you inverter to a "switch/relay" so you have control of when your laptop is drawing power from the car and you should be good to go. Also do not worry about a "battery backup" there is no need for it and it will be one more thing you have to find room for, also some of them make an awful noise when they lose main power (for you this is everytime you turn your car off).

Good Luck, and take your time and do it right. Electronics is not something you want to half ***.

syko

Wow I can't believe I didn't think of that...

So I guess I'll have a Computer --> Power Inverter --> 12V Ignition Line (Key turned to the position that powers on all the Accesories right?)

If I do this, would the power inverter still be on once the engine is on? Also, with the power inverter being connected to the 12V Ignition Line, I can control whether the inverter draws power from the car battery via the ON/OFF switch on the inverter unit regardless if the engine is on or not, correct??

Which leads me to... Where is the best place to hook up the power inverter to a 12V Ignition line?

Thanks for the replies so far...

nedoss

iTrader: (1)

I would hard wire your inverter to a BATTERY lead or an "always on" connection and control the inverter/computer with a switch(make sure the switch is rated for 20AMPS or more).

DigitalMonarch0

You might try moving this to the electronics board too, there are a lot of guru's over there that might be able to help.

Riles

iTrader: (1)

I would advise against using an inverter for power- it introduces alot of noise into the system. I did the same when I built a carputer, and the video always had interference, and the audio was never quite right.

Although, I used desktop hardware when I built mine, so it ran off of a regulated 12v source, whereas many laptops run off of 16-19 volts, which will either require an inverter or good electronics know how in order to build you own power supply.

Either way, you will run into many road bumps, since there are a bunch of seemingly simple things that become a problem. My best advice is to read up at mp3.car - its a forum just like this, except its solely for carputers. Thats where I found all of my information, and was able to build my own carputer for under 100 that was small enough to fit in the glove box (different car, I know camaros don't have glove boxes).

Anyway, mp3car.com has all of your answers from many people who have been in your position before, including me.