Hi guys,

sorry if this has been posted before. i did search a little, but pls link me if you know of another thread.

i would like to build a carPC and i cant understand why you wouldnt use a laptop for the job. i noticed that PCs can get a mobile PSU designed for startups and shutdowns, but how would i handle this with a laptop?

i would like to be able to have it startup when ignition turns on and safely shutdown when the power is cut.

any ideas?

Cheers

Im not sure how the power supply works in a laptop but I presume they don't use the ATX standard found in desktop PCs ( and those 12v power supplies )

THe requirements would probably be similar, mainly a 12v , 5v rails, at least 1 +ve and -ve rail for each.

if you can find the pinout for power supply in the laptop you may be able to wire a 12v ATX PSU to it.

Otherwise you're stuck with either a

Im not sure how the power supply works in a laptop but I presume they don't use the ATX standard found in desktop PCs ( and those 12v power supplies )

THe requirements would probably be similar, mainly a 12v , 5v rails, at least 1 +ve and -ve rail for each.

if you can find the pinout for power supply in the laptop you may be able to wire a 12v ATX PSU to it.

Otherwise you're stuck with either a 12v ( cigarette lighter plug style ) laptop adaptor , or the worst option which is the 12v > 240v converter.

Power on and off may be difficult. With some expertise you can probably trigger the power to go and off via serial or USB

usually they are just two wire + and - at 7.5-15v upto about 3.5 amp.



just checkout yout lappy power brick.



i would not go this way




get your self a plane/car power supply. Jaycar has them. Will give what ever the voltage your lappy takes from a 12 v input. Just make sure you match the V's and the output amps are equal to or more than the amps required by the lappy. usually plugs into cig lighter

for shut down, set the lappy battary profile to go into hibernation as soon as the battary power level drops to 99% estenally as soon as mains power is lost (ie you turn the car off)

auto turn on will be tricky, i'll just go manual power button

note, dont mean to take Dogos post apart just commenting.

Sorry for this thread being a bit old...

But yeah just get a powerpack for it and wire it to accessories on the car.

And use the switch that detects whether the lid is open or closed along with the ignition on and off and you can make it turn on and off with the key.

Allow the laptops battery to do the work when the car is turned off and you'll never get a flat battery.