CarNetix CNX-P1290 User manual

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
CarNetix CNX-P1290 DC-DC Power Supply
(applies to Version 1.0+ hardware)
Installation and Operation Manual
Version 1.0
June 12, 2005
- 1 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
Table of Contents
1.0 CNX-P1290 Installation Instructions.............................................................................................. 4
1.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Features....................................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Before You Begin....................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 Installing Your CNX-P1290........................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Identifying the connection points................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Setting the Jumpers..................................................................................................................... 9
JP1 Jumper Settings.................................................................................................................... 10
JP3 Jumper Settings (+5V Always ON)..................................................................................... 10
JP4 Jumper Settings (Secondary Output Control)...................................................................... 10
2.3 Connecting the Wires................................................................................................................ 12
Power Connection Options:........................................................................................................ 12
3.0 Option 1: “Power-only” to CarPC through existing case power plug.......................................... 13
3.1 Making the Connections (Option 1): ........................................................................................ 15
Step 1. Run the Power Cable (+12V Battery Cable) .................................................................. 15
Step 2. Run the Ground Wire...................................................................................................... 15
Step 3. Run the Ignition Wire..................................................................................................... 16
Step 4. Connect the output C134 Power Cable........................................................................... 16
Step 5. Connect the LCD Screen (optional)................................................................................ 17
Step 6. Connect auxiliary device(s) (optional). .......................................................................... 17
3.2 Applying power to the system (Option 1): ............................................................................... 18
Step 1. Test your +12V battery cable. ........................................................................................ 18
Step 2. Apply power to the CNX-P1290 .................................................................................... 18
Step 3. Applying Power to your CarPC and Screen ................................................................... 19
Step 4. Turning off your system. ................................................................................................ 20
4.0 Option 2: Power and SSC connection to case using existing case power plug ............................ 21
4.1 Making the Connections (Options 2):....................................................................................... 23
Step 1. Run the Power Cable (+12V Battery Cable) .................................................................. 23
Step 2. Run the Ground Wire...................................................................................................... 23
Step 3. Run the Ignition Wire..................................................................................................... 23
Step 4. Connect the output C134 Power Cable........................................................................... 23
Step 5. Connect the LCD Screen (optional)................................................................................ 23
Step 6. Connect auxiliary devices (s) (optional)......................................................................... 23
Step 7. Connect the ACPI/PWRON to the motherboard............................................................ 23
4.2 Applying power to the system (Option 2): ............................................................................... 26
Step 1. Test your +12V battery cable. ........................................................................................ 26
Step 2. Apply power to the CNX-P1290 .................................................................................... 26
Step 3. Applying Power to your CarPC and Screen ................................................................... 26
Step 4. Turning off your system. ................................................................................................ 26
5.0 Option 3: Power and SSC connection to case using internal power and SSC connections.......... 28
5.1 Making the Connections (Option 3): ........................................................................................ 31
Steps 1 through 3 are identical to Option 2 above...................................................................... 31
Step 4. Connect the output Case Power Cable............................................................................ 31
Steps 5 & 6 are identical to Option 2 above. .............................................................................. 32
5.2 Applying power to the system (Option 3): ............................................................................... 33
- 2 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
6.0 Using the Pulse Start Feature........................................................................................................ 34
6.1 Pulse Start Connections ............................................................................................................ 34
6.2 Pulse Start Operation ................................................................................................................ 34
6.2.1 What is a pulse?................................................................................................................. 34
6.2.2 Starting the PSU with a pulse ............................................................................................ 34
6.2.3 Stopping the PSU with a pulse........................................................................................... 35
6.2.4 Prolonging the Shutdown Delay State............................................................................... 35
6.2.5 Shutting down the PSU with double pulses....................................................................... 35
6.2.6 Ignition Override................................................................................................................ 35
7.0 CNX-P1290 Startup/Shutdown Controller................................................................................... 36
7.1 Hibernate/Standby Operation.................................................................................................... 36
7.2 SSC Operation States................................................................................................................ 36
7.2.1 Idle State ............................................................................................................................ 36
7.2.2 RunDelay State .................................................................................................................. 36
7.2.3 Bootup Lockout State ........................................................................................................ 37
7.2.4 Run State............................................................................................................................ 37
7.2.5 Shutdown Delay State........................................................................................................ 37
7.2.6 Shutdown Sequence State.................................................................................................. 37
7.2.7 Forced Shutdown State...................................................................................................... 38
7.3 Fault Indicator LEDS................................................................................................................ 38
- 3 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
1.0 CNX-P1290 Installation Instructions
NOTE: This manual and feature set apply to Rev 1.0 and above of the printed circuit board (PCB).
The PCB revision number is printed on the top of the PCB in white lettering. Please make sure you
are using the correct manual for the correct product revision.
1.1 Overview
The CNX-P1290 is a 90 watt intelligent DC-DC power regulator designed to provide safe, reliable
power to today's newest CarPCs......including Travla & Morex cases, as well as many of the
Sumicom and Xenarc PC systems.
The P1290 provides two outputs. The primary output is +12V and can provide up to 6.3 amps (75
Watts). The secondary output is +5V to power USB devices (such as the Audigy 2NX sound USB
sound card) with up to 3 amps (15 Watts). The P1290 can accept battery input as low as 7 volts
under full load (90 watts) during cranking while providing a well-regulated output so that your
CarPC does not crash.
The P1290 now includes an internal relay to control the ACPI interface of the Sumicom and Xenarc
PCs. No more soldering an external relay between the P1290 and the PC!
The P1290 includes all of the sophisticated features of its predecessors (P1260 and P1280) such as
Startup/Shutdown controller, Pulse Start (remotely start the P1290 with door locks, car alarm, or
wireless device), and DelayON (prevents speaker "thump" during booting). The P1290 fully and
safely supports "Standby" mode and will automatically shut itself down (by detecting excess current
drain) if the CarPC fails to properly go into Standby mode.
- 4 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
1.2 Features
•90 Watt Dual Output Regulator
•Main output of +12V @ 6.3 Amps
•Secondary output of +5V @ 3 Amps
•Survives Engine Cranking under full load over entire temperature range
•Includes sophisticated Startup/Shutdown Controller
•Compatible with many of the Sumicom and Xenarc PC Systems.
•INCLUDES INTERNAL ACPI RELAY FOR SUMICOM AND XENARC PCs
•Includes sturdy aluminum chassis with variable speed fan suitable for car
environment
•Field upgradeable flash microprocessor
•Low battery monitor prevents drained battery, even during Standby/Sleep
•"Anti Thump" delayed remote control for audio amplifiers
•Remote "Pulse Start" from wireless device or car alarm/remote start system
•Over current protection on both outputs with graceful forced shutdown of main
output
•Powers both your CarPC AND your screen or USB devices
•Compatible with many of the Travla & Morex cases
•Full, safe support for Windows Standby mode including auto shutdown if PC fails to
shutdown
•Over voltage surge suppression on battery input for protection of harsh automotive
environment
•User replaceable fuse on battery input to protect your car from internal short circuits
•Very compact design measuring just 4.6" x 3.25" x 1.75" (L x W x H) or 117mm x
83mm x 45mm.
1.3 Before You Begin
Before you begin the installation, make sure you take the time to read through these instructions. The
CNX-P1290 is a sophisticated, microprocessor-based device. If the proper installation steps are not
followed, various types of problems could occur ranging from nuisance resets of your CarPC, to
“Car-B-Que” (ie flames). Please read these instructions carefully and contact us either in our Support
Forum (www.carnetix.com/forum) or via email ([email protected]) if you have any questions
or problems.
It is assumed that you have a basic to advanced understanding of electronics. It would be helpful,
and is highly recommended (especially if you plan to get much further involved in CarPCs) that you
purchase, as a minimum, a simple VOM (volt-ohm meter) or DMM (Digital Multi-Meter). These
devices are inexpensive (starting around $20) and will save you and me a great deal of time. They
can be purchase over the web or at your local retail electronics store (Radio Shack, Home Depot,
some hardware stores, some auto parts stores).
Whether you plan to use the on-board Startup/Shutdown Controller (SSC) or not, please read the
section describing its operation first, before attempting to install the CNX-P1290. The SSC will
affect the power turn-on and turn-off operation whether you use its features or not.
- 5 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
- 6 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
2.0 Installing Your CNX-P1290
Installing the CNX-P1290 involves 4 basic steps:
•Identifying the connection points:
•Setting the Jumpers:
•Connecting the wires:
•Turning on the system:
2.1 Identifying the connection points
Figure 3 shows the location of J1 (Input connector) and J2 (Output connector). Note that J1 has 4
pins, while J2 has 6 pins. The pin connections/functions are as follows:
Pin Wire Color Function
1 Blue Pulse Start Input (See Section 6)
2 Yellow Ingition/ACC input
3 Black Ground
4 Red +12V Battery Input
Figure 1 J1 Input Connector Pinouts
Pin Wire Color Function
1 White +5V Output
2 Black ACPI Return
3 Green ACPI/PWRON
4 Red +12V Output
5 Black Ground
6 Blue DLYON
Figure 2 J2 Output Connector Pinouts
- 7 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
Figure 3 J1 and J2 Location
- 8 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
2.2 Setting the Jumpers
Note: Before adjusting the jumpers from their default positions, read the section on the SSC at the
end of this document.
There are 3 jumpers on the CNX-P1290. Below is a picture of their location on the board. You will
need to remove the 4 screws that hold the lid, remove the lid, and disconnect the fan wire to get
access the jumpers. Once you have selected your desired jumper positions, replace the fan wire (note
polarity of connector), replace the lid, and replace the 4 lid screws. Be careful not to let the fan wire
touch the blades of the fan as your replace the lid.
Jumper Functions
JP1 Pulse Start Input
Shutdown Delay Time
Hibernate/Standby
DelayOn Option
JP3 +5V Always On
JP4 Secondary Output Control
JP-3JP-4JP-1 Figure 4 Jumper Location
- 9 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
JP1 Jumper Settings
Below is a table with the jumper selectable options for JP1. To move a jumper from its factory
default position, use a pair of tweezers or needle nose pliers. Be careful to place the jumper in the
correct position or erratic behavior could result. Double-check your settings before replacing the lid.
JP1 Jumper Pin Assignments
Pins
1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10
Function Pulse Start
Input
Shutdown
Delay
Time
Hibernate/
Standby Not Used DelayOn Option
Open
(default)
Connect to
external
contact
closure
6 Seconds Hibernate Not Used DLYON
follows IGN
Jumpered
Connect to
external
contact
closure
1 minutes Standby Not Used DLYON
follows PSU
Table 1 JP1 Settings
Once the jumper selections have been made you may begin installing the wiring to connect the
CNX-P1290 to your car’s electrical system, and to your CarPC.
JP3 Jumper Settings (+5V Always ON)
For those users who want to keep +5V USB devices powered even when the CarPC is OFF or in
Standby, you can jumper Pin1 to Pin 2 on JP3. This will keep the +5V regulator ON at all times,
even if the P1290 is OFF. Use caution when using this jumper position since it may cause your
battery to drain quickly.
JP4 Jumper Settings (Secondary Output Control)
The JP4 jumper gives you the flexibility to use the Secondary Output in different ways depending
upon your CarPC system configuration. The Secondary Output can be turned on or off based on two
different control signals: 1) DLYON or, 2) the signal that controls the Primary Output (PRI OUT).
- 10 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
•DLYON
Jumpering DLYON will turn your Secondary Output ON or OFF with the DLYON signal. This
means that your Secondary Output will come on 3 seconds after your Primary Output comes ON,
and will go off when you turn your ignition switch OFF.
•PRI OUT
Jumpering PRI OUT will make the Secondary Output follow the control used to turn ON and OFF
the Primary Output. Thus, when the Primary Output is ON, the Secondary Output will also be ON. If
the Primary Output is OFF, the Secondary Output will be OFF.
This setting is affected by the jumper setting of the Shutdown Delay jumper on JP1. If you have set
the Shutdown Delay jumper to the default position (6 seconds), both the Primary and Secondary
Outputs will be turned OFF 6 seconds after the Ignition is turned OFF. If you have set the Shutdown
Delay jumper for 1 minutes, both the Primary and Secondary Outputs will remain ON for 1 minutes
after the Ignition is turned off. This setting is useful for keeping certain USB devices powered during
the Shutdown Delay time. For example, if you use the Secondary Output to power your USB sound
card and you want to keep your sound card powered during the Shutdown Delay time (1minutes),
then set the jumper JP4 for PRI OUT. Another application might be to keep a USB WiFi card
powered during Shutdown Delay for file transfer.
Follows PRI OUT
Follows DLYON
- 11 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
2.3 Connecting the Wires
The CarNetix CNX-P1290 can be installed in a variety of ways, depending upon the system
requirements. The primary target CarPC for the CNX-P1290 are the Casetronic (Travla) C13X series
and the Cubid 26XX and 36XX series, with an internal Morex 60 Watt DC-DC PSU. The Morex
PSU requires an input of +12V +/-5%, which is provided by Primary Output of the CNX-P1290.
The +5V Secondary Output is typically used to provide power to USB devices.
In addition, the CNX-P1290 includes an on-board Startup/Shutdown Controller (SSC) which may be
used if desired, but which is NOT required if all you want is power for your CarPC. The CNX-
P1290 also provides a delayed control signal to turn on auxiliary devices such as audio amplifiers,
after power has been applied to your CarPC. This helps prevent an audible “thump” in your speakers
when power is applied to both the CarPC and the audio amp at the same time.
Three different installation configurations are presented here. They are specific to the C134, but the
same techniques apply to other CarPC cases. If you have questions regarding a different type of
CarPC that is not addressed here, please visit our Support Forum and ask the specific question there.
Power Connection Options:
1) Option 1: Power-only to CarPC through existing case power plug.
•Does not use the SSC (Startup/Shutdown Controller) and does not require opening the
case
2) Option 2: Power and SSC connection using existing case power plug.
•Requires opening the case to attach SSC ACPI control to motherboard
•Uses existing case power plug
3) Option 3: Power and SSC connection using internal power connector and SSC connection.
•Requires opening case to attach SSC
•Requires removal of existing case power plug to connect to PSU
Note: Similar to the installation of any aftermarket electronic device (i.e. audio power
amplifier), battery power (+12V) cables, grounding cables, and fuses are NOT supplied as
part of the CNX-P1290 kit. These installation cable kits can be purchased from a variety of
on-line and retail locations such as auto-parts stores, Wal-Mart, and electronics outlets. The
CNX-P1290 does provide “pigtail” connectors for connecting to the CNX-P1290 (see
Identifying the Connecting Points above).
- 12 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
3.0 Option 1: “Power-only” to CarPC through existing case
power plug
This is the simplest connection configuration, and also the least functional. It merely provides
regulated +12V to the CarPC and does not take advantage of the on-board SSC of the CNX-P1290.
However, for the beginner (or faint of heart), it may be a good starting point.
To install the CNX-P1290 in this configuration you will run 3 wires into the unit (+12v battery,
Ground, and Ignition), and one power cable consisting of two wires (+12VDC, Ground) out of the
unit to the C134. This installation requires the optional CNX-CA-134 wiring kit. Optionally, you can
connect your LCD display screen (i.e. Lilliput or Xenarc) and one or more auxiliary devices such as
your head-unit, audio amplifier, and electric antenna. Please note that these auxiliary devices DO
NOT get their supply power from the CNX-P1290. They only get a “remote turn-on” signal form the
CNX-P1290. This signal, called DLYON (delayed on) provides an UN-REGULATED +12VDC
control signal to these units. The capacity of this line is 500mA maximum and is current limited with
an internal, self-resetting fuse.
Below is a detailed connection diagram for the C134 case and Morex PSU.
- 13 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
- 14 -
Figure 5 Typical Connection Diagram

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
Caution!
Make sure you install a 15A fuse between your battery and the input to the CNX-P1290. This
provides protection to your car’s electrical system should there become a short in either the
wire from the battery to the CNX-P1290, or within the CNX-P1290 itself. This fuse should be
placed as close as possible to the battery (within 6-12 inches) so that the long run of wire from
the battery to the interior of your car is protected from short circuits. It is highly
recommended to provide a separate fuse (separate from other devices such as audio amp) for
the CNX-P1290.
3.1 Making the Connections (Option 1):
Step 1. Run the Power Cable (+12V Battery Cable)
In this step you will connect your CNX-P1290 to your battery. Make sure the CNX-P1290
connectors are UNPLUGGED from the CNX-P1290 while you are initially connecting the power,
ground, and ignition cables. Until you have completed the rest of the connections, LEAVE THE 10A
FUSE OUT OF THE FUSE HOLDER so that the wire is not “live” during initial installation. You
will be instructed to insert the fuse later.
Once you have removed the input and output connectors from the CNX-P1290, run the power cable
from the battery to the RED (pin 4) wire on the input connector, J1 (the input connector has 4 pins,
the output connector has 6 pins). Make sure that you have a good connection to the battery, the fuse
holder, and to the input connector of the CNX-P1290.
Note: for long-lasting, reliable, safe wire-to-wire connections, it is highly recommended that
you solder this type of connection instead of using crimp-type devices. Crimp devices tend to
work well for a while, but work loose over a period of time and can cause problems in the
future. Take the time to do the job right!
Step 2. Run the Ground Wire
After running your primary power cable, attach a wire to the car’s metal chassis somewhere close to
the final location of the CNX-P1290 and CarPC. Connect the other end of this wire to the BLACK (
pin 1) wire on the input connector (J1) of the CNX-P1290. Keep this wire as short as possible and
make sure it is WELL GROUNDED to a METAL part of the car’s chassis. Also note that some
metal portions of the car are NOT connected to the chassis and will not make a reliable grounding
location. Double-check to see that your selected grounding location is indeed GROUND. If you have
an ohmmeter (you can get one for less than $20 at your local electronics shop) use this to check the
resistance from your ground to the negative terminal of your car battery (you may need to borrow a
piece of long wire to do this test). The resistance reading should be a short circuit (zero ohms). If
you are reading higher than zero ohms, find a different grounding location.
- 15 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
Step 3. Run the Ignition Wire
After the ground connection is installed, you will need to find the “ignition” wire. This wire is
typically yellow and provides +12v when your ignition switch is on. Connect to this wire either by
splicing into it and soldering the 3 wire-ends together, or by using a “T-tap” splice connector.
You may have to search a bit for the ignition wire, but it can typically be found connected to your
radio or head-unit. It is very important that you find the correct wire since the CNX-P1290 will not
function if this wire is not connected or working properly. It would be a good idea to check, with
your DMM, that +12V is indeed present when you turn your ignition switch on, and that it goes
away when you turn it off.
Once you have located and spliced into the ignition wire, you will run this connection to the
YELLOW (pin 2) wire on the input connector (J1) of the CNX-P1290. One option (show in Figure 5
above) is to put a SPST switch in series with the ignition wire before it is connected to the CNX-
P1290. This gives you the ability to turn off the CarPC (or prevent it from turning on) regardless of
what position your ignition switch is in.
Step 4. Connect the output C134 Power Cable
The optional case power cable kit includes a power cable (Figure 3) with the appropriate plug to
insert into the existing rear-panel-mounted case power plug. This means it is not necessary to open
the case to connect power. Simply solder this power cable to the (+) RED and (-)BLACK wires on
the 6-Pin output power connector (J2) of the CNX-P1290.
Figure 6 Case Power Cable (Part of CNX-CA-C134)
- 16 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
Step 5. Connect the LCD Screen (optional)
If you are powering your LCD screen (Lilliput or Xenarc) with the CNX-P1290, connect the
optional LCD Power Cable Kit (Figure 4) to this same output from the CNX-P1290. Again, it is
highly recommended that you SOLDER these connections and cover them with electrical tape to
ensure a reliable, safe, long-term connection. Take the time to do it right!
Note that the one wire of the LCD Screen power cable is marked with a long white bar that runs
the entire length of the cable. THIS INDICATES THE POSITIVE (+12v) WIRE. This wire
connects to the RED +12V output of the CNX-P1290. Make sure you have connected the correct
polarity or you may damage your LCD Screen (+ to RED, - to BLACK)! Also, make sure to
insulate these connections with electrical tape to prevent short circuiting the outputs
Figure 7 LCD Screen Power Cable
Currently there is no way for the CNX-P1290 to automatically turn on your LCD screen since the
LCD screens do not have a remote-on connection. However, one member of the MP3Car.com forum
(Coyote) has posted a technique for auto-turn-on on his website (http://www.media-car.fr.st/)
Step 6. Connect auxiliary device(s) (optional).
You may choose to use the CNX-P1290 to turn on power to your auxiliary devices such as audio
amplifier, head-unit, or electric antenna. In this way, these devices are powered only when the CNX-
P1290 is ON and providing power to your CarPC.
To use this feature, connect the DLYON (delay on) output from the CNX-P1290 to the “remote-on”
input of the auxiliary device. Most car audio amplifiers have this input. You can connect several
auxiliary devices in parallel to this same DLYON output, as long as you don’t exceed it’s 500mA of
current limit. The output is fused with a self-resetting fuse.
- 17 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
Note: the DLYON signal is NOT meant to provide POWER to your audio amplifier, head
unit, or other auxiliary device. You must supply power through a separate wire from your
battery to the auxiliary device. The DLYON signal is merely a control signal that tells the
auxiliary device when to turn on.
3.2 Applying power to the system (Option 1):
Once you have installed the +12V battery cable, installed the fuse holder, connected your ground
wire, connected your ignition wire, connected the case power cable, optionally connected your LCD
screen, and optionally connected your remote devices, you are ready to apply power to the system
Note: Before proceeding, make sure your ignition switch is turned OFF.
Step 1. Test your +12V battery cable.
At this point we will verify that your +12v battery cable is functioning properly and has no short
circuits. For this test, leave the power connectors UN-PLUGGED from your CNX-P1290, your
case, and your LCD screen.
As a first step, LEAVE THE CNX-P1290 CONNECTORS DISCONNECTED UNTIL YOU
CHECK THE BATTERY CABLE IN THE NEXT STEP.
Once you have DOUBLE-CHECKED all of your connections, and the RE-CHECKED all of your
connections, and then, CHECKED all of your connections again, you may PUT THE 10A FUSE IN
THE FUSE HOLDER. If it does not blow, there are no shorts in your wiring and you are ready to
proceed to the next step. If it does blow, re-check your wiring for pinched wires or cuts in your
insulation. This problem MUST be fixed before proceeding.
Step 2. Apply power to the CNX-P1290
After you have installed the fuse and verified that there are no shorts, connect the INPUT connector
to the CNX-P1290 while watching its Status LED (see LED locations above). Remember, this is the
+12V battery wire and is always “hot” regardless of the position of the ignition switch.
The first time power is applied to the CNX-P1290, the Status LED blinks. The number of blinks
represent the software version and revision in the SSC. The blink code now includes Software
Version (ie 2 blinks) followed by a “dot” (very short blink), followed by the Software Revisoin
number (ie 1 blink), in this case representing software version 2.1. This allows you to distinguish
which software your PSU is using by observing the LEDs.
After the blinking stops, the Status LED remains off. This is an indication that the microprocessor is
working properly and the system is ready to provide power. At this point the system is in “Idle” state
(see the State diagrams under the SSC section) and waiting for the ignition switch to be turned on.
If you do not see the LED blink, disconnect this connector (J1), re-check to see if that the
connections are correct, check your fuse, and re-insert the connector. If it still does not blink,
- 18 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
chances are your CNX-P1290 is not working properly, or there is no +12V power coming from the
battery.
Once you have inserted the input power connector and watched the Status LED blink, you may turn
on the ignition switch. If all is working properly, you should see the Status LED flash rapidly for a
few seconds as it enters the startup sequence. After approximately 3 seconds power should be turned
on and available to your CarPC and LCD screen. Three seconds later, a remote-turn-on signal is sent
to your auxiliary devices (ie power amp). If you have access to their power indicator light, now
would be a good time to see if it is ON.
Once you have applied power to the CNX-P1290, and you feel comfortable that it is wired and
working properly, you can measure the voltage at its output connector (with that VOM you bought)
to verify that it is indeed producing +12V before you attach the power cable to your CarPC. Be
careful not to short out the output!
Before proceeding, turn off your ignition switch and verify that the CNX-P1290 turns off properly
after the Shutdown Delay and the Boot Time have expired. These times are jumper selectable and
are initially set to 6 seconds (Shutdown Delay) and 30 seconds (Boot Time). This means that CNX-
P1290 will continue to provide power for 34 seconds (minimum) after you turn off the ignition. If
you have configured the Shutdown delay for a longer period, or if you get impatient, you can simply
unplug the input connector to turn the unit off more quickly (don’t do this while your CarPC is
connected since power will be immediately removed).
Step 3. Applying Power to your CarPC and Screen
Once you have verified that the CNX-P1290 is producing +12V (+/-5%) at its output, it is time to
plug in your CarPC and screen. Insert the connector J2 into the CNX-P1290 and the case power plug
into the case rear panel power connector. Optionally, insert the LCD screen power connector into the
LCD screen power connector. Note that the case power plug is slightly larger than the screen
(Lilliput) power plug.
Now, turn on the ignition switch. Since you are not using the SSC, you must manually push the Start
button on the front panel of the case to turn it on. Push the Start button now. You should hear/see
your CarPC starting. Also, push the ON button on your LCD screen. Your CarPC should begin
booting and soon you should see the welcome screen on your LCD.
If this is NOT what you see….. Houston, we have a problem! If your PC is booting, but
doesn’t look right, try to turn it off by pressing the Start button again. If this doesn’t send it
into shutdown, turn off your ignition switch. This will remove power after the Shutdown
Delay and the Boot Time (see SSC section for definitions of these). This will abruptly shut
down your PC and may cause HDD corruption. Do this only if things don’t look right and as
a last resort.
If you have connected auxiliary devices, they should be ON at this time also (after a 3 second delay).
At this point the full system should be ON and operating normally.
- 19 -

CarNetix CNX-P1290 V1.0 Installation Manual
Step 4. Turning off your system.
Since you are not using the SSC, you must manually turn off your CarPC BEFORE you turn off
your ignition to prevent corruption of your hard disk drive (HDD).
If your CarPC has booted properly and is currently running, press the Start switch on the front panel
of your CarPC to initiate shutdown (you may also initiate shutdown through the normal Windows
menus). Once the CarPC has fully shut itself down, you can then turn off your ignition switch. The
CNX-P1290 will go through its normal shutdown process and eventually turn itself off (after the
jumper-selectable Shutdown Delay time plus Boot Time).
Caution: If you turn off power to your CarPC before it has gone through its normal shutdown
(whether it’s full shutdown, sleep, or hibernation), you could damage and/or corrupt your HDD. If
you are not using the SSC, make sure to shut down your CarPC before you turn off your ignition
switch, or make sure you select a “boot time” that exceeds your CarPC shutdown time.
- 20 -