In cab audio solutions & laptop stands

Hi everyone

I'm a bit short on time so forgive me if this post is a bit crazy.

I drive a 2012 Volvo with a nice in dash head unit that reads 3.5mm and USB (FAT 32 format) for AUX audio, CD, and AM/FM radio. Also, weather.

I also have a laptop that I use to play music. Right now, I'm running through one of those FM transmitter things. I am however, much unhappy with this setup. Static noise and other stations tend to over power my signal (from a mere few feet away) often and I'm constantly changing the output station only to face the same problem over and over.

Now, the in dash unit DOES have the 3.5mm jack input BUT... when I plug the 3.5 out of the laptop into the 3.5 on the dash unit, there is that "hum" and a whining sound. I have dealt with this before and I believe I used a ground loop isolator. I will be picking up one of these today to see if this will solve my problem.

However, if my truck goes in for repair and I'm put into an older truck like I have came from, there is no 3.5mm input jack on those old radios. SO, not wanting to spend $200 on one of those "job boxes" like used in construction by DeWalt,etc, I'm looking into building my OWN "portable" audio solution that could be moved from truck to truck.

Then there is the question of powering the unit. Should/could I use a self contained power option, like deep cycle batt's or a marine battery? Then, what are the options in charging this battery? I have a standard AC battery charger. I'm aware that a solar panel(s) would also be an option. The internal battery would have to last like 10hrs a day between charges.
Are there any options for a cigarette lighter charging system? Maybe a switch where I could run off of cig lighter/power out when possible and then to take the unit out into a field, run off of the internal battery configuration.

This system needs only to amplify an external sound source coming into it. Whether it is laptop,mp3,iPhone, or guitar.
It also has to get loud enough for me to hear over the road noise/windows rolled down. Though, the window noise won't be a problem much longer with winter coming haha.



any thoughts or suggestions, ideas?

Lets hear 'em.

 

Those pricey boxes are what I have in mind.
Something like that...

I bought a "ground loop isolator" and it fixed the problems I was describing with running into the dash unit.

This is good. This will buy me enough time (hopefully) to build my custom box the way I want to.

I'll try to post some pictures if/when I do it.

Thanx for the links~

 

excellent idea!

I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone - guitar AND music. ha

thanx