Anyone try this yet??

[Almost Famous]

Looking to drop a PC in my new Z and was just wondering if anyone here has done this yet and if so how'd the install go?
Here are a few pics of what it looks like installed in someone elses Z:

Screen:




Computer installed:

[Mrfreddio55]

Yeah, its been done before. That is the nicest install that ive seen so far though. I was wondering the other day what you would do as far as the power supply is concerned, since cars run on DC, and so do the computers. If you used a standard power supply itd probably burn out becuase it expects AC to be coming through it.

[Ashpool]

I've seen it done before, I think in a '00 Mustang Convertible. Not only did he have a working rig (that was cooled by the A/C, nontheless ), he also rigged up a 15" LCD in the passenger seat so he could watch DVD's.

Never while driving, of course...

Originally posted by Mrfreddio55
Yeah, its been done before. That is the nicest install that ive seen so far though. I was wondering the other day what you would do as far as the power supply is concerned, since cars run on DC, and so do the computers. If you used a standard power supply itd probably burn out becuase it expects AC to be coming through it.

DC -> AC Converters. Very common thing to find.

[Almost Famous]

Originally posted by Mrfreddio55
Yeah, its been done before. That is the nicest install that ive seen so far though. I was wondering the other day what you would do as far as the power supply is concerned, since cars run on DC, and so do the computers. If you used a standard power supply itd probably burn out becuase it expects AC to be coming through it.

These new car computer kits are run on DC. There must be some kind of built in converter.

http://www.xenarcdirect.com/search_r...n=ALL&iLevel=1

[Mrfreddio55]

DC -> AC Converters. Very common thing to find.

Yes, I realize that... however whats the point of going from DC--->AC---> DC when you start with what you end with?

[Big_Mac]

There are plenty of DV convertors that will take a 12V line and spit out regulated 5V, 12V and 3.3V lines.

[Ashpool]

Originally posted by Mrfreddio55
Yes, I realize that... however whats the point of going from DC--->AC---> DC when you start with what you end with?

You don't got much of a choice, really...

And besides, wherever the power to your house/apartment comes from, it DOES start out as DC anyways

[Big_Mac]

Originally posted by Ashpool
You don't got much of a choice, really...

And besides, wherever the power to your house/apartment comes from, it DOES start out as DC anyways

Actually, iirc, most electric generators these days are all AC.

And you do have a choice... there are plenty of little DC-DC power convertors.

[The Love Bunny]

Originally posted by Big_Mac
Actually, iirc, most electric generators these days are all AC.

And you do have a choice... there are plenty of little DC-DC power convertors.

maybe so, but the power is transferred across the lines to your house in DC, since it is much more efficient (thanks physics class )

[bahocale]

Sweet car.

A Ford lightning pulled into my work this morning.

[Big_Mac]

Originally posted by The Love Bunny
maybe so, but the power is transferred across the lines to your house in DC, since it is much more efficient (thanks physics class )

Woah woah woah woah woah...

Wait just one second there.

The entire north american power grid is two phase AC power. Two wires, and they're alternating current. The high tension, high power long distance lines are at a very high voltage, but a minimal amperage (power loss is proportional to VI^2, so using high voltage is more efficient than using high amperage for transmission), but then after that it gets stepped down to a more managable level at base stations, (probably about 540V) and then stepped down again at neighbourhood transformers and you get 110 and 220 AC coming into the house. Nowhere on there is the power ever transmitted in DC.

Now, the electrical subsystems in your car are all run off a 12V DC line, and you can't hook up a regular ATX power supply intended for 110AV to a 12V DC line. It just won't work. However, it's very easy to just step down and regulate yourself a 12V and a 5V DC (and whatever else you need) line from a 12V DC line. There are small power adapters out there that do it, or you can find schematics and make your own. It's no real problem to power a PC off a car's battery, in fact, it's easier (and more efficient) than powering it off a mains line (your house).

As for the lightning... It's a PRETTY truck. But I think i prefer the F-150 Harley to it. Or better yet, a few of these (that come into work)... http://home.cogeco.ca/~jakemachina/work/

[Ashpool]

Originally posted by Big_Mac
And you do have a choice... there are plenty of little DC-DC power convertors.

Ah. Never knew that

[Almost Famous]

LOL talk about OT!
I got it done. Got a screen at Best Buy today and I hardwired a 400watt converter to the glovebox behind the passengers seat, an RCA with an S-Video adapter from the glove box up to behind the dash and a USB extension out the back of the glovebox for my USB GPS Antenna only to find that my 17" widescreen lappy is too big if I have the S-Video and Wireless FM modulator plugged in either side. It looks great though. I'll be picking up a smaller lappy for the glovebox tomorrow and will post picks when it's done.

[sapasion]

I like the OC'd Z Going OT Nissan is really bringing their A-Game. I test drove that Altima 3.5 which may or may not have the same engine as your 350 I don't know and man that was impressive for a four door car costing less than 30K.

[TAZTG]

What would be impressive to me is if this thread stayed on Topic.

The original question in case everyone forgot.

Looking to drop a PC in my new Z and was just wondering if anyone here has done this yet and if so how'd the install go?