UAV Portable Base Station
I found that a conventional laptop computer is fragile for use in the field and decided to create my own ruggedized PC that would be suitable for use in the field and the workshop. Having upgraded my desktop, I have a spare socket AM3 motherboard. The motherboard has an integral video adapter, so will not require a bulky graphics card. To power the PC, I will use a 12 volt ATX power supply. A 19" Samsung LED LCD will be used. The screen comes with a 14.2V mains power supply, this is more than the intended 12v input. I attempted to power the screen with 12V but it would not switch on. To ensure the the LCD will have a consistent 14.2V input, I will use a buck-boost regulator. This means the PC will be able to take a wide input range from 10-20V.
The case is constructed from sheet aluminum and 1" aluminum equal angle and held together using M4 stainless-steel cap headed bolts. I think it should be up to the job when it's finished.
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Moderator Comment by Brian on January 1, 2013 at 6:17pm -
If those bolts start snagging on things, you can get some stainless rivets.
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Comment by Jack Crossfire on January 1, 2013 at 6:42pm -
Just needs a beer holder.
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Comment by Alfred Alan jr on January 1, 2013 at 10:26pm -
+1 for the holder.
PC power!
It looks good, congrats.
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Comment by Dimitri on January 2, 2013 at 2:12am -
Great stuff! Ready for mad max ;)
How do you plan to power it at the field ? Gennie ? I'll be building something similar after I upgrade my desktop and have come across this mini UPS you might find handy in case gennie runs out of gas or w/e ;)
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Comment by Leo Hogg on January 2, 2013 at 4:41am -
Dimitri I already have a portable power system for use in the field.
(Joke)I will most likely buy a power supply from this manufacturer. The car power supply will take an input from 6-26V. this will be used in conjunction with a 12V sealed lead-acid battery.
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Comment by UAVOZ on January 2, 2013 at 6:27am -
@Dimitri
That's very handy UPS! How can you connect the UPS with AC power as it is for DC input??
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Comment by Dimitri on January 2, 2013 at 8:53am
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Hehe, that plug will never fail you Leo :)
@UAVOZ
I think it can take AC too but only up to 18Volts always.
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Developer Comment by R_Lefebvre on January 2, 2013 at 9:11am -
Very cool. I'd have gone with button head screws, however. Don't stand out as much.
Did you consider using a Pelican case to hold it? It would be nice because they are waterproof too.
I thought about building a computer like this, but I got a great deal on a high-end Sony laptop, and I just got a Pelican case to put it in. Works well enough for me.
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Comment by Martin Poller on January 2, 2013 at 3:47pm -
Hi Leo,
The case looks good, did you think about any off the shelf cases?
Are you going to use your cars 12v dc socket to power the ATX , or are you using a leisure battery, and have you thought about some sort hood to block out the sunlight.
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Comment by UAVOZ on January 2, 2013 at 5:46pm
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Please show me closer pictures how can you power your monitor. The Samsung monitor has its power adaptor with it.
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