Plugging My Laptop Into The Stereo/engine Noise Options

[RufusDisturbed]

I've decided to use the iPod connectivity to plug my laptop into the stereo. I plugged the laptop in via a 2.5mm to 2xRCA cable and when I'm using the laptop on the battery it works fine. Not only can I watch TV/Movies in the car but I have my massive collection of music on tap. Problem is, I bought myself a Targus Auto/Air/AC power inverter which charges the laptop fine in the car, but when it's plugged in, I can hear all kinds of static and a whining sound that is relative to engine speed when it's plugged in. If I unplug it, the noise goes.

I need to fix this, as I'm thinking of building a purpose built PC to put in the car with a USB LCD touch screen to control the multimedia mounted to the dash. If I can't get rid of this engine noise, there's no point.

[SRSONE]

sounds like your picking up the noise from the electrical system altho ive never had a pc do it usually a stereo system does

see if they have shielded wire to connect the pc to the car

[RufusDisturbed]

It's only when the power adapter is connected though.

[SRSONE]

if its unshielded its electrical field is throwing radio waves which the car is picking up.. there are filters for the stereo but like i said never heard a pc connector do it....

[AutoMatik]

if its unshielded its electrical field is throwing radio waves which the car is picking up.. there are filters for the stereo but like i said never heard a pc connector do it....

It's high frequency interference from the alternator, usually you can filter it out with a sufficiently large capacitor on the input of the power inverter. It's called dirty power, the circuits that feed the audio circuit haven't filtered the power enough to eliminate interference.

Test it with the engine off, it should sound fine, the second the alternator runs you'll get interference.