Tat2d01 posted a mod for the computer adding a Car Cigarette Lighter. I'd love to put one in my computer in the Garage (I smoke!!!)

Question...don't those things drain a lot of power? Would it require a seperate PS?

Check out the amperage at a replacement lighter at the Auto Parts store. I've seen it done before with 1 PS, but don't know what type of PS. Almost did it myself (but still trying to convince myself to quit.)

I was going to try it soon, If the Amps are ok I should be fine...what would happen if I over draw? WIll I blow my RIG? It could be a very expensive MOD.

The most likely thing that would happen is the computer would reboot. There is a small possibility that your PS would explode in a huge fireball incinerating everything within a 6 foot radius. But I wouldn't worry about that.

As long as it only reboot's I'll do it next week or the week after...busy...not gonna be home for little over a week. If it blows up...I'll have to cry...LOL

You'll most likely see the problem I'm facing with the CC when I turn it on. It just reboots as BA said. I wouldn't worry too much about the fireballs

The easiest way is to get a test power supply (I like the old AT, switched PSUs), connect just the cigarette lighter to it, and then measure the current draw using a meter. My guess is it puts quite a load on the PSU, I would make a blind guess at around 5-10 amps. Of course you can regulate that (it will take longer to heat up) but just remember that as a rule of thumb it's always more expensive to heat things up than cool them down.

Wixx...good idea however I do not have a meter to test the Draw with. I can go to Radio Shack and pick one up before I try it on my rig. Do you have any suggestions on what to get?

The Draw is what I'm concerned with...I want to be able to have my computer on and still use it. Sure would beat having to track down damn lighters all the time...

Quote: Originally posted by bigakita The most likely thing that would happen is the computer would reboot. There is a small possibility that your PS would explode in a huge fireball incinerating everything within a 6 foot radius. But I wouldn't worry about that.

Too F'N funny :p

You don't have a meter? YOU DON'T HAVE A METER?!!? What is the world of case modding coming to...

I don't have a specific radio shack part number for you, but I can tell you the really, really cheap meters only measure voltage (denoted by a V marking on the meter) and resistance (denoted by a marking). The ones that measure amperage will say "A" or possibly "mA". There should also be a separate test lead port specifically for testing amperage--if it's fused, that's even better. I would make sure the meter you get is rated at at least 10A though.

Remember that when you measure the current load you have to connect the meter inline with the lighter, which means splicing the positive wire going to the cigarette lighter and connecting the meter to both ends of the cut.

Wixx...I think I should hide my head in the sand...I'm embarrased I DONT HAVE A METER.

Thanks for the information. I will pick one up as soon as I can.

HAH! I got a meter! It's on the side of my house.

Quote: Originally posted by bigakita HAH! I got a meter! It's on the side of my house.

BA, you missed a great chance there - "HAH! I got a meter! It's in my underpants!"

DAMN! But I lived in Europe for almost 15 years. Most folks here wouldn't have gotten it.

BA your correct...I still don't understand...guess European humor is too complex for me to understand???

In Europe, they use the Metric system, like us Canadians. In the States, you use the Imperial system *looks around for Storm Troopers*

Now that you know that, read Jon's line again... :p


EDIT: Oops...wrong person...