In-Car PC System

[stuart_mc]

Ok after much deliberation I've decided to take the bull by the horns and install an In-car PC with an in-dash touchscreen

Got most of the hardware - have programmed the software (see screenshots) - just need to pluck up the courage to rip my head unit and CD changer out :-?

I will keep you informed as I progress...

[20Ted]

That's exactly what I've been thinking about doing...but the courage just isn't there yet.

What hardware and software are you using?

[stuart_mc]

SOFTWARE:

MediaEngine 2.5.1 www.mediaengine.org
Destinator 3 http://www.destinator1.com
PhoneControl http://zoran-horvat.de/private/CarPC/default.htm
Digimoto OBD-II Software http://www.digimoto.com/faq.htm

HARDWARE:

MiniITX PC System http://www.mini-itx.com
GPS Receiver www.ebay.co.uk
Lilliput 7" Touchscreen http://linitx.com/product_info.php?c...roducts_id=425

+ various other odds and sods...

[SteveL]

That is cool, very cool. Now unfortunately, we don't have software available where we can tune the engine in the fly.

[pade900]

Hmm...Looks nice ! Any pics of the actual install ?

[tonydean]

I'm certainly impressed...are you in the software industry in some way...seems like a complicated and pricey project for a weekend warrior..
anyway, off the scale on the "wicked cool" meter :)
tony

[stuart_mc]

Not connected with the software industry - I'm a graphic designer by trade (hence the pretty interface)

MediaEngine and Phonecontrol Software are free.

In-Car PC project isn't really that expensive, considering I'll be selling my Head Unit and Changer as it won't be required afterwards.

The ultimate comparison is when you weigh it up against a consumer satnav system (typically £1700 for something decent in the UK)

Will post photos on my site as the project progresses - still waiting for the touchscreen to arrive before the fun begins...

[poyntz]

Ok, I am going to do a Mini ITX unit at some stage, but had never dreamt of anything like this, but you have given me ideas !
Once installed their site would be interested. Nice to see Saab install alongside a Millenum Falcon or Coke Can.

Anyway, I guess you will use a 12V DC to laptop adaptor for the power, but where will you put the base unit itself ?
I would guess that a video lead run from the boot to the dash is too long as anything over 1.5m is getting a tadge dodgey unless you have a good graphics card (not sure how good the inbuilt unit is)
The glove box seems too small to me, so I guess under a seat somewhere ? Looking at the sills it would be good as there is a duct on my car for leads to go under the seats (I assume for electric seats and heating which mine doesn't have)

[squishmann]

i thought about doing this when i saw a mod done to an A4, but Fijitsu-Eclipse now has a system that is very similiar

it plays DVDs, has a 20gig HD for storing music and also auto replay with the radio. 20HD for Navi, and it accepts Memory Sticks too. the only feature missing was satellite radio.

the screen was about 7" inches and slid down to allow you to insert CDs

[Marks900SE]

If time is taken for you install, which I have no doubt it will be, the finished product is going to be simply amazing. Ive almost dont the short term route and get a tape that has the lead so you can us a Discman type thing and plug it into my laptop.

Would it be possible to put a wireless network card for you system too, that way you could park your car outside and over a in house network transfer files from your home computer. I think that would be well worth it.

Mark

[FzArEkTaH]

Was thinkin about doing something similar, just need some money, but a pretty inexpensive solution is to buy an xbox, mod it so it can run unsigned code, put linux on it, then your set. If anyone wants to donate a led screen to install, i'll jump on it right away and post hella pics! lol. anyway good luck with this project, very interested to see the final result!

[stuart_mc]

Well just a quick update...

The IncarPC is built and the software has been loaded for testing (see pics)

Just a case of getting a 4-channel amp and some suitable wiring.

Waiting for a sunny day as I imagine this will be a full-day install

When complete I will have a AS3 system for sale (Head Unit, Amp, CD-Changer)

PM Me if you're interested :wink:

[FzArEkTaH]

lookin good, what are the specs of the actuall PC?

[stuart_mc]

Originally Posted by FzArEkTaH

lookin good, what are the specs of the actuall PC?

1 Ghz CPU
256MB Ram
40Gb HDD
USB/Firewire/Bluetooth

[FzArEkTaH]

in his best homer simpson impression - "mmmmmmmhhhhmmm bluetooothy" nice

[T10]

hmm, I would have most likelly went with a notebook hdd, since they have higher shock tollerance, and with a VIA C3 Chip, since it can run without any fans, plus its embeded in the motherboard and is only about 10cm X 10cm. Full X86 compatebility, and Mpeg2 acceleration.

Nevertheless your project is looking GOOD man. Keep it up, and keep us updated ;p

[stuart_mc]

Originally Posted by T10

hmm, I would have most likelly went with a notebook hdd, since they have higher shock tollerance, and with a VIA C3 Chip, since it can run without any fans, plus its embeded in the motherboard and is only about 10cm X 10cm. Full X86 compatebility, and Mpeg2 acceleration.

Nevertheless your project is looking GOOD man. Keep it up, and keep us updated ;p

That IS a notebook HDD (2.5") with a VIA C3 chip :P

[stuart_mc]

Nearly there now

Car PC powered, 4-channel amp in place, dash prepared for touchscreen...

...just waiting on a 3-metre USB extension cable to activate the touchscreen, delivery date: 13th May

Then I can tidy up all the wiring and do a web page for you all to see 8)

Roll on 13th May...

[trioptimum]

Hi there . I've got all the parts I need to set mine up Tuesday when my Xenarc Monitor comes in - have the audio and PC wired already ^_^. I have odwnloaded mediacar and a few programs, but haven't decided on which one to use yet, nor have I picked a GPS program yet. I used to use tomtom on a pocket pc - but I got tired of it freezing up all the time.

Any advice on the project and/or softwarre? I have no idea how/where I'm going to mount the monitor either... maybe on top of my stereo (it's a Sony so one din is free), maybe take the stereo out and put it in there (if it works well enough), or maybe mount it on top the dash. Any ideas?

Anyway... I was wondering, where did you get the Saab theme for mediacar? Could you point me towards a link please?

Thanks everyone ^^!

[stuart_mc]

Originally Posted by trioptimum

Hi there . I've got all the parts I need to set mine up Tuesday when my Xenarc Monitor comes in - have the audio and PC wired already ^_^. I have odwnloaded mediacar and a few programs, but haven't decided on which one to use yet, nor have I picked a GPS program yet. I used to use tomtom on a pocket pc - but I got tired of it freezing up all the time.

Any advice on the project and/or softwarre? I have no idea how/where I'm going to mount the monitor either... maybe on top of my stereo (it's a Sony so one din is free), maybe take the stereo out and put it in there (if it works well enough), or maybe mount it on top the dash. Any ideas?

Anyway... I was wondering, where did you get the Saab theme for mediacar? Could you point me towards a link please?

Thanks everyone ^^!

I'm using Media Engine software, planning on destinator 3 gps software (once they've ironed out the bugs), I designed my own Saab skin and am mounting the monitor in the double-din space left by the original AS3 unit.

If you hang on for about a week I'll publish all the details on my website...

Stoo 8)