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Fire Dept. Laptop Installation question


 
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ncarpenter
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Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Traverse City, MI
PostPosted: Tue 11-Nov-2008 21:53    Post subject: Fire Dept. Laptop Installation question Reply with quote
So, I'm trying to get pre-plans into a rugged laptop that will be mounted in a couple of our trucks. My question is, what is the best way to power the laptops 24/7? When in the station, our trucks are on AC shoreline to a Kussmaul battery charger and pump. Otherwise, the truck is almost always running when away from the station. The laptops are Itronix Gobook III's that run on AC 90W adapters.

So what's the best way to get this done? I need the laptops on 24/7, since we are mostly volunteer, and the guys barely know how to use the touchscreen, so they can't be bothered with starting the laptop, etc. Do any other departments have a setup like this?

Thanks!
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grfd711
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Joined: 16 May 2007
Posts: 3316
Location: Gravel Ridge, AR
PostPosted: Tue 11-Nov-2008 23:53    Post subject: Reply with quote
My dept. has an inverter mounted on the dash. It has two AC plug outlets on it, and we use one of them to plug the laptop into. The inverter is wired in with the Kussmaul system, so the laptop can always be powered. Whenever we get back into quarters, person in the hot seat can just put the laptop in sleep mode or hybernation mode or just let it do it by itself, so when we leave again, it doesn't take hardly anytime to log back in and use it.
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usdemt
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Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 917
Location: Britton/Vermillion SD
PostPosted: Wed 12-Nov-2008 02:03    Post subject: Reply with quote
You can get a 12V power supply for some computers that replaces the entire power cord. Radio Shack had some universal stuff if I remember right, or try the maufacturer to see if they have one. The inverter is a good idea but they waste alot of power, they are only like 75% efficient, which wouldnt be that big of a deal in your situation.
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grfd711
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Joined: 16 May 2007
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Location: Gravel Ridge, AR
PostPosted: Wed 12-Nov-2008 02:51    Post subject: Reply with quote
Is that a direct model? Gotta be able to hook up to the Kussmaul when the truck is off.
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usdemt
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Joined: 07 Mar 2008
Posts: 917
Location: Britton/Vermillion SD
PostPosted: Wed 12-Nov-2008 03:47    Post subject: Reply with quote
No most of them come with a cigar plug. But we all know those can be cut. And yes that would void warranty, unless you buy it from Whelen Laughing


Anyway a little Googling I found this

http://www.bizrate.com/laptopaccessories/products__keyword--itronix+laptop+2600.html
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ncarpenter
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Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Posts: 76
Location: Traverse City, MI
PostPosted: Wed 12-Nov-2008 19:45    Post subject: Re: Reply with quote
[quote:daaa713f12=\"usdemt\"]Anyway a little Googling I found this

http://www.bizrate.com/laptopaccessories/products__keyword--itronix+laptop+2600.html


That my friend is a great find! Thanks, I may just have to get a couple of those to try! Of course, for only $20, I'm not going to expect much!

To grfd711, anyway you could snap a pic of your setup (especially the hookup to the Kussmaul!? I would be willing to mail you a cookie! Laughing It would be really cool if you could just post the pictures here for a future reference kinda thing!

Thanks for the help you guys! I knew I could get answers here! Wink
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hawkspringsfire
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 2317
Location: Torrington, Wyoming
PostPosted: Sun 23-Nov-2008 16:36    Post subject: Reply with quote
I used a 12V power inverter that plugs into the cig plug. My cig plug shuts off when the vehicle is off. I know you wanted yours to stay on 24/7. But here is a picture, kind of hard to see it under the seat.

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grfd711
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Joined: 16 May 2007
Posts: 3316
Location: Gravel Ridge, AR
PostPosted: Sun 23-Nov-2008 22:19    Post subject: Reply with quote
My dept. just finsihed the laptop installation in our engine. The mount is actually in between the driver's seat and captain's seat and has a swivel. So, both folks can use it from their seat, though not while the driver is driving. Laughing
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kinnelonfire75
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Joined: 09 Mar 2008
Posts: 681
Location: Kinnelon, NJ (Morris County)
PostPosted: Sat 6-Dec-2008 15:07    Post subject: Reply with quote
did not want to stick my nose in while you were geting your questions answered. now that your done....

whats the point? since your vollies you just go to the calls, do your thing then go home, no?
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