Linking laptop to car.

[xxfordxx]

i would like to make an incar computer so i have a laptop lying arround and decided to use that..

well i have to sort the power out 1st before i go any further.

i want to install a laptop as a car pc.

its compact wireless fast enough for what i need it for.

i have a problem though

how do i power it.

here is the laptop info
**broken link removed**

on the power adapter it says it has an output of 19v but i have just removed the battery and it says 10.8v (not sure if this is what the battery gives out to run the laptop or the charge it needs)

how could i hard wire this to the car with little expense. i want the main body of the laptop in the boot and a screen in the front somewhere.

 

[MikeMl]

Do an Ohmmeter check to see if the battery- is common to the metal bits on the back of the laptop. If yes, then a ~2A 14V to 10.8V Linear regulator (heatsink as necessary) wired to the battery+ terminal, with vehicle ground to battery- will work. If the battery- is not common to the frame ground on the laptop, it gets way more complicated....

 

[xxfordxx]

thanks for that ! i will see if i can get that looked at

can one of these be bought or do i have to make one!

thanks for your help

 

[MikeMl]

The voltage at the output is unique so that you have to build one. The hard work is already done. Look up an LM338, LM350, or LM323 on **broken link removed**

 

[xxfordxx]

is there anywhere in the uk i can get these or not?

i dont even know where to start looking

 

[MikeMl]

Go to National, and click on "find a stocking distributor" Farnell comes to mind.

 

[xxfordxx]

ok i have found the uk site address for farnell.. not sure which one you recommended from that?

Your Search Results | Farnell United Kingdom


do i have to build the rest of the circuit to go with it!?

 

[MikeMl]

I prefer this one.

Down load the Data Sheet. Look at the suggested circuits, especially Fig 3. You will need a mounting kit to bolt it to car frame for heatsinking, otherwise you will need a large heatsink. Two resistors to set the voltage, Two diodes for reverse polarity protection, two capacitors as shown on the data sheet.

 

[Mishael]

might i suggest just buying an AC adapter made for use in cars? or is there not one availible? i have a Dell and mine has an availible travel adapter (but its an extra $65). just a thought

 

[tcmtech]

You could just use a aftermarket 12 volt to 19 volt adapter and power the laptop normal. They sell for around $12 - $15 on eBay. **broken link removed**

For the time and materials I would doubt a homemade one could be fashioned any cheaper that works over the same range and power inputs and outputs.

 

[Tipsy]

I have a spare unused Dell Laptop 19V 5A car adapter (square 3-pin) that I added a Toshiba connector (barrel 2-conductor) to power my tosh but didn't realise my Toshiba only takes 16v and gets overloaded by this. Yours for £15 incl UK postage if you want it.