Re: Small, low power for carputer

On Tue, 2011-11-08 at 13:10 +1300, Mark Foster wrote:
> On 07/11/11 19:45, Nick Rout wrote:
> > I am after a small low power computer to incorporate into my car (BMW
> > E39) (and run linux of course).
> *snip*
> > external power brick, but the power brick tells me it outputs 19v,
> > which won't be available in the car.
> >
> 
> You should expect to use a voltage adaptor which can take your
> (unregulated) 12V Automotive power supply and turn it into a (regulated)
> supply of higher voltage.    These are readily available
> aftermarket-branded with a variety of connectors for most major brands.
> Alternatively a low current Inverter that'll get you back to 240V would
> work, though less efficient of course.  By low current I mean ~150W
> which are pretty cheap and readily available.
> 
> And from what i've seen your best bet is going to be a netbook
> conversion of some sort.
> 
> Even an old EeePC 700 series may do what you ask, with whatever
> peripherals it doesn't have inbuilt, added via GPS.  Mine has 3x USB
> ports, VGA out, built in ethernet and wireless, and runs Ubuntu painlessly.
> 
> (I've run Eee Series kit in my car on my 150W inverter without drama. 
> The power brick on my Lenovo suggests input Max 100-240V @ 1.5A (which
> for 100V is 150W... so i'm assuming that at 240V for the same wattage
> the Amperage will be far less, and thus, my Lenovo is also fine.)
> 
> Mark.
I'd have a browse on
http://www.mini-box.com/Car-PC-Automotive-Computing-Solutions or similar
for ideas. VGA outputs, safe ( beware on engine start! ) power supplies,
the works. They do seem to be out of stock though. 

No idea if there are closer equivalents, or if they deliver here...

Also, there are a few linux compatible usb gps units with external
aerials around. They might look a bit silly on the outside of a bmw
though, although most seem to work inside ok. Cable makes it easier to
mount than snapping a plugin one off. I suppose an USB hub would also
make life easier.

http://www.gps2003.com/gps-receiver.html is an example, although not the
one I was thinking of. 

Cheers,

Steve

-- 
Steve Holdoway BSc(Hons) MNZCS <[email protected]>
http://www.greengecko.co.nz
MSN: [email protected]
Skype: sholdowa

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