Alternate source for 12v power

tibal · 09-17-2012, 03:38 PM

Figured this would be a good thread to run off of. Basically same question " I am looking for an alternate source for 12v power".

I am looking for a solid 12v constant to tap my CarPC into. I was going to run off my Pioneer HU existing 12v constant and switched, but think that I would be maxing out that line and may not be smart. I want a clean 12V constant source without having to tap right from battery.

Off hand, is the cigarette lighter a 12v constant source? Also, for the 12v switched, would it be okay to run off of the HU or would there be a better source for both?

bigaudiofanat · 09-17-2012, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibal

Figured this would be a good thread to run off of. Basically same question " I am looking for an alternate source for 12v power".

I am looking for a solid 12v constant to tap my CarPC into. I was going to run off my Pioneer HU existing 12v constant and switched, but think that I would be maxing out that line and may not be smart. I want a clean 12V constant source without having to tap right from battery.

Off hand, is the cigarette lighter a 12v constant source? Also, for the 12v switched, would it be okay to run off of the HU or would there be a better source for both?

The 12 volt power plug is one option. However if you need a clean and strong power source fuse and run a 14 gauge wire from your battery, and if you need a switched source setup a basic relay and a fused line from your battery.

tibal · 09-18-2012, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

The 12 volt power plug is one option. However if you need a clean and strong power source fuse and run a 14 gauge wire from your battery, and if you need a switched source setup a basic relay and a fused line from your battery.

Hmm sounds like that may be the best option then. (running from the battery. I will have to look into options for that.

For the constant 12v w/ 14ga wire from battery- 10A inline fuse sufficient?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...tent=CT2032234

bigaudiofanat · 09-18-2012, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibal

Hmm sounds like that may be the best option then. (running from the battery. I will have to look into options for that.

For the constant 12v w/ 14ga wire from battery- 10A inline fuse sufficient?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...tent=CT2032234

Match your fuse to what your device needs.

tibal · 09-19-2012, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Match your fuse to what your device needs.

Oh gosh now were getting beyond my auto electronic knowledge.

Looking into it I think a 20amp inline fuse close to the battery may be sufficient.

My device is a CarPC running a Mini-Box M2 ATX 160w power Supply

Smart Car PC Power Supply
- 160 watts output
- Ideal car Power supply for operating Core 2 duo, Celeron, AMD systems
- ATX, 6-24V wide input range
- Intelligent shutdown controller
- ON/OFF motherboard control
- Survives vehicle engine cranks
- Battery deep discharge prevention
- High efficiency, 160 watts output
- "Anti-Thump" Amplifier remote control - 15A automotive fuse (mini-blade)
- VIA, P4 and AMD CPU support
- manufactured by mini-box.com
- ROHS compliant version

So in retrospect, I will be running 2 power wires, from the battery, one for constant and one for switched. On the switched I will use a relay.

vermithrax · 05-10-2012, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

If you are running your amps off the REM output of your head unit you are not going to need a relay. Even for 3 amps.

what about if I run it off of the power outlet? Is it the one connected to the cigarette lighter plug under the glove?

cheshirecat · 05-10-2012, 02:56 PM

09-17-2012, 03:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
tibal Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Safest Town In America Posts: 987 Drives: TT-370Z and 2.5RS Rep Power: 18	Figured this would be a good thread to run off of. Basically same question " I am looking for an alternate source for 12v power". I am looking for a solid 12v constant to tap my CarPC into. I was going to run off my Pioneer HU existing 12v constant and switched, but think that I would be maxing out that line and may not be smart. I want a clean 12V constant source without having to tap right from battery. Off hand, is the cigarette lighter a 12v constant source? Also, for the 12v switched, would it be okay to run off of the HU or would there be a better source for both? __________________ 2010 - PG - M6 - 370zTT 453/409 6lbs IG @TRbal10 TEAM FLY1 MOTORSPORTS

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