Tapping 12v power for media player
03-28-2010, 07:15 AM
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Hi
I've fitted a 12v HDD-based media player in my 2008 520d. It feeds the video into the iDrive screen, via an interface.
Currently, the power comes on only on the second accessory position, ie at the point where another push
on the start button will start the car.
At this point, other accessories, including DRL, auto headlamps are on, so the current drain is much greater
than it needs to be.
I would prefer if the media player came on earlier. When the key is put in the ignition, some systems wake
up automatically and surely I could tap off one of those?
My installer is nervous of taking a feed from anything CANBUS related, in case it causes other problems.
Where would be the best place to take power from? The media player is mounted behind the glovebox.
Up to yesterday, my car was in pieces as the audio system was undergoing a complete upgrade - speakers,
amps and subs. The work is nearly done and once everything is bedded in, I'll post to let everyone know
my results and what went into the car.
TIA
I've fitted a 12v HDD-based media player in my 2008 520d. It feeds the video into the iDrive screen, via an interface.
Currently, the power comes on only on the second accessory position, ie at the point where another push
on the start button will start the car.
At this point, other accessories, including DRL, auto headlamps are on, so the current drain is much greater
than it needs to be.
I would prefer if the media player came on earlier. When the key is put in the ignition, some systems wake
up automatically and surely I could tap off one of those?
My installer is nervous of taking a feed from anything CANBUS related, in case it causes other problems.
Where would be the best place to take power from? The media player is mounted behind the glovebox.
Up to yesterday, my car was in pieces as the audio system was undergoing a complete upgrade - speakers,
amps and subs. The work is nearly done and once everything is bedded in, I'll post to let everyone know
my results and what went into the car.
TIA
03-28-2010, 09:33 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2005
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My Ride: BMW E60 520d SE Saloon M47 2.0dTitanium Grey II, Grey−Dakota Leather, Visibility Package, Media Package, Through Load System, Lumbar support − fr seats, Automatic Air Conditioning−Advanced, High beam assistant, Hi−Fi Loudspeak
Model Year: 2006
The drain of the media player is next to nothing. You have 3 types of power in the car. T30 - always on, T30G - on until sleep, T15 - on when engine is running. Up front there are very few T30G.
Its important that your media player is not drawing power all the time otherwise the car will never sleep and you will get a flat battery. Take power from the lighter and then you will get power only when the engine is running and then you have no fear of a flat.
Its important that your media player is not drawing power all the time otherwise the car will never sleep and you will get a flat battery. Take power from the lighter and then you will get power only when the engine is running and then you have no fear of a flat.
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