In Cab PC
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
Were going to put a PC base computer in my boss' new duramax truck. We removed his rear seat (extended cab truck) and will be mounting it to the back wall, and a touchscreen up front, what kinda details are you looking for?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
I have an old Gateway laptop that I use velcro to hold to the center armrest. I use it as a map server with my gps antenna. I can see realtime where I am in a 3-D map (using Delorme TopoMap USA) or I can see where I am on a topomap or air photo, using USAPhotomaps (free). To update USAPhotomaps on the road, I run NetStumbler to find open wifi connections.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
Likes: 0
From: Millbrook Alabama
Make sure you have a top notch inverter(not one from wally world) The powersources are very delicate when dirty power goes to them. I had my Think Pad plugged into a inexpensive inverter for a few months and the powersource (inside on the board) was damaged. I was told by my tech people that I needed to run a cleaner inverter. I am sure some of the electronic gurus here will tell you which one. it was either a true sine wave, or a modified sine inverter, I can t remeber. I ended up just going with a long life batt on my laptop and I get 6-8 hrs of work time.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 1
From: Milroy, PA
Originally Posted by bdrummonds
Make sure you have a top notch inverter(not one from wally world) The powersources are very delicate when dirty power goes to them. I had my Think Pad plugged into a inexpensive inverter for a few months and the powersource (inside on the board) was damaged. I was told by my tech people that I needed to run a cleaner inverter. I am sure some of the electronic gurus here will tell you which one. it was either a true sine wave, or a modified sine inverter, I can t remeber. I ended up just going with a long life batt on my laptop and I get 6-8 hrs of work time.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 17,988
Likes: 207
From: La La Land
Based on name alone, I bought a Belkin 150-watt for the ThinkPad I recently used on a road trip. It was cheap enough, and played flawlessly.
I know, that's not much of a technical endorsement, and I'd have preferred to have seen the output under load on a scope first, but it worked uneventfully for me.
Pop
I know, that's not much of a technical endorsement, and I'd have preferred to have seen the output under load on a scope first, but it worked uneventfully for me.
Pop
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 5
From: Gig Em, Tx
check out my gallery for my pc install. I love it and run it with my GPS to know when I get lost. Recently got a wireless aircard so I can access the internet/email while on the road. When I die in a fiery crash, it will be my pc's fault.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
The ideas are great. I had a laptop mounted in my old 1995 f250 that I just traded off. I dont know if I have any pictures of it though.... I do have pics of the mounting brakets I still have them and hope to put them in my new 2000 f350 just havnt had time to as of yet and I want to make some changes to them first... Any one know of a good way to build a swing arm design? Like to make the laptop slide or pivot closer to or a way from you? Like bring it close to type then away to drive or what ever? Thats my goal before I reinstall. Zach
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by sgrol
check out my gallery for my pc install. I love it and run it with my GPS to know when I get lost. Recently got a wireless aircard so I can access the internet/email while on the road. When I die in a fiery crash, it will be my pc's fault.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 5
From: Gig Em, Tx
it is plywood that sits under the flip down center section and on top of the middle seat. A strap running under the seat and connecting to the front and rear of the plywood holds it down. I think the pics in my gasallery may show this.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,111
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I've often wondered why there isn't made a power supply for mobile applications. The motherboards run on 12v and 5v. It makes sense to have a power supply that doesn't use house current in the first place. It could be a very small box because all it has to do is step down the voltage and maybe some sheilding from the alternator, windshield wiper motor noise.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 679
Likes: 0
From: NW Burbs of Illinois
I have a PC built into my truck. I custom built it and it runs off 12V so i dont need to mess with power inverters. Its a small Gigabyte MB with an AMD 2GHtz proc, gig of ram, DSATX power supply that also properly shuts down the PC and powers it up when the cab temp reaches a safe temp. I have a flip out Xenarc touch screen in the dash where i control my music, navigation, internet (for weather reports and fuel prices basically), XM radio, DVDs, AE when I get it, and everything else a PC is capable of. Definately a worthwile investment. The whole thing cost about $1500 and will out feature ANY indash unit on the market. You can also check out www.mp3car.com and they can help with every aspect of your build. They are great people over there. Just make sure you search and do lots of reading before posting.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Reno nv
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
I've often wondered why there isn't made a power supply for mobile applications. The motherboards run on 12v and 5v. It makes sense to have a power supply that doesn't use house current in the first place. It could be a very small box because all it has to do is step down the voltage and maybe some sheilding from the alternator, windshield wiper motor noise.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 679
Likes: 0
From: NW Burbs of Illinois
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
I've often wondered why there isn't made a power supply for mobile applications. The motherboards run on 12v and 5v. It makes sense to have a power supply that doesn't use house current in the first place. It could be a very small box because all it has to do is step down the voltage and maybe some sheilding from the alternator, windshield wiper motor noise.
http://store.mp3car.com/category_s/22.htm