desktop inside the truck

Hayes · 03-30-2008, 04:35 PM

I am looking at getting a "cheap" laptop, upgrading it to so decent standards and using it in my truck for a GPS. I can get the antenna for the GPS and I have the software, but I don't have a computer to leave in the truck. What would it take to run an older (Read: 2002-2003) desktop inside the truck? I can mount the tower anywhere (I have an old computer that I don't use for anything anymore) and I would fab a mount for a small flatscreen monitor. What would be the problems with doing this? Why am I having an insane idea? Or is this feasible? I want it to run off 12 volt auto systems, but I don't plan on running it too long without the truck on. Or I would just put it into sleep mode. I would prefer that this be a fairly easily removable system. My main concern right now is; will it work?

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the_supernerd · 04-08-2008, 11:18 PM

It could work. Probably the best way to do it would be with a power inverter to convert the 12v power to 115v. To find out how large of an inverter you would need, add the wattage of the computer and the flat screen. You might have to take the cover off of the computer to see how many watts the power supply uses.

Other than the computer taking up space and the wires making a mess, I would be concerned about the hard drive crashing if you hit a chuck hole when the computer is on.

89macrunner · 04-09-2008, 03:34 PM

google carputer

this is just too much for me to explain

4Hummer · 04-10-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89macrunner

google carputer

this is just too much for me to explain

Agreed.

Also Inverters will blow up your Power supply. There are custom Power Supply's you can buy for this type setup.

They will resist the Cranking amp spikes when you start the truck, and do an auto shutdown when you turn the truck off.

Hayes · 04-10-2008, 08:20 PM

Thanks for the replies, but I have abandoned this idea for now.

CyMoN · 04-10-2008, 08:52 PM

don't most laptops run on 12v ?

04-08-2008, 11:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
the_supernerd Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Sonora, CA Posts: 1,142	It could work. Probably the best way to do it would be with a power inverter to convert the 12v power to 115v. To find out how large of an inverter you would need, add the wattage of the computer and the flat screen. You might have to take the cover off of the computer to see how many watts the power supply uses. Other than the computer taking up space and the wires making a mess, I would be concerned about the hard drive crashing if you hit a chuck hole when the computer is on. __________________ -Anthony 1987 4x4 Carbureted 22R truck Grill & brush guard \| Roll bars \| Bed liner \| Tubular rear bumper \| JVC CD-player \| Custom 6.5" rear speaker boxes with 6.5" Sony X-Plods \| Polk 3.5" speakers in dash \| Fog & driving lights Future mods: Dynomax muffler \| Spray on bed liner \| Custom switch for fog & driving lights

04-09-2008, 03:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
89macrunner Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,062	google carputer this is just too much for me to explain __________________ Daily Driver: 2007 Windsor "The Hour" Fixed Gear 250 miles Crouch Rocket 2005 Felt F80 1100mi (purchased new in Jan 2008) 2006 Mazda3 GT 2000 TRD Tacoma..Bought back and crushed 1988 4Runner SR5 V6 5 speed..sold

04-10-2008, 08:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,884	Thanks for the replies, but I have abandoned this idea for now. __________________ Obama is an acronym. OBAMA = One Big Ass Mistake, America

04-10-2008, 08:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,164	don't most laptops run on 12v ? __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

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