Hmm.. I wish Serial ATA was cheaper. It would be the perfect setup for a remote-mounted computer. You could still mount the CDROM in the dash, without worrying about a long ribbon cable.
Anyway, sorta just a bump and a thought to add.
BTW: mini-itx.com has some new projects done. There's a couple of C64's with 933Mhz. Now THAT'S an overclock. =D
Cheers,
Kris
(Edit 'cuz I've never been at the top of a page! )
[This message has been edited by Kris Duck (edited 05-25-2003).]
Check THIS out! 10.4 tft touch screen all in one unit, runs on laptop car adapter.
Steve
quote
Specs: Toshiba LTM10C306J 1024 x 768 @ 200 nit 10.4" 10.4" capacitive microtouch touch screen and controller Celeron 400 or 366Mhz processor with BX chipset 64 meg (SODIMM, so upgradeable) 5 gig hitachi laptop HD Built in BT879KHF TV tuner (think it might have FM too) 1 serial 1 usb 1 PS2 (keyboard or mouse) Runs on 24 volt DC (I am using a 20 volt dell laptop supply to run mine)
[This message has been edited by cancerkazoo (edited 05-26-2003).]
[EDIT] On mp3car.com someone makes an auto shutdown controller that can wait up to 10 minutes or so after you shut you car off to shut the computer off (so you don't have to reboot after short stops), then you set your BIOS to reboot after power failure and your computer will boot when you start the car. It's $25 or $30.
Steve
[This message has been edited by cancerkazoo (edited 05-27-2003).]
My brother-inlaw is good with electronics and told me how to make the delay circit, about $3-$5 in parts, very simple, just a cap, diode and something else, I forget what it's called.
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10:39 PM
May 29th, 2003
Kris Duck Member
Posts: 193 From: Coquitlam, BC, Canada Registered: Dec 2002
ATX is a momentary power signal, AT uses an on/off power signal.
Of course, that's basically moot, since I don't think anyone is ever going to run an AT power supply in their cars, but gotta cover all the bases.
Also, just another personal opinion. That all-in-one LCD doesn't quite have enough processing power to play DIVX movies. Though, of course, it's probably more than adequate for some. I just figure if you're going to the trouble to install an entire computer, instead of buying either a... In-dash GPS Car MP3 Player (Most manufacturers make them, I have a Sony Xplod in mine now) Scan Tool software Television or Playstation, why bother settling with a Celeron 400?
Here's my prototype case, need to install the power plug and the power switch, the real case will be molded plasic. Right now the harddrive is mounted above the MB I might end up putting it beside the MB that way I should be able to slide it under the seat, My plan is to have everything USB except the monitor and power, so it's only about 3 things to unplug, easily removable, so I can also use it in another car, or in home.
Installed My prototype yesterday, So far so good, I've just got both the LCD and the computer pluged into the Cig.lighter(in my Integra for now), the LCD is just taped in place, Don't have the wireless installed yet, only problem is I've got to smooth out the power going to the computer, when certain things kick in and out at idle(brake lights, air-con....) the hiccupps in the power cause the computer to shutdown(need to put a cap inline), the real surprise is that the on-board soundcard sound real good, between the mid priced JVC head-unit I've got, and the on-board playing 192kbps WMA files there virtually identical!
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05:10 PM
Aug 2nd, 2003
TylerB11 Member
Posts: 163 From: Birdsboro, PA USA Registered: Jul 2001
I just came across this thread and thought it was time to bring it back up..
also- no one has mention using an X-box. You can mod an x-box and replace its boot sequence so that it will startup with freeware software that will let you play MP3s DVDs old school video games, etc. all you do is add a wireless ethernet bridge to the built in ethernet, and you can go wireless too. the control interface is the x-box controller.
Xbox would be cool, but it's kind of too big for me, I did get my power supply smoothed out by using a capacitor and a couple diodes, also have my custom faceplate done, just needs to be painted, but I moved recently and can't find things right now, also still need to work on custom interface, infact I think I'll work on that this afternoon. How is anyone else coming along?
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12:33 PM
PFF
System Bot
Ales Member
Posts: 249 From: Milwaukee, WI Registered: Mar 2003
For all of you Linux/Unix inclines guys, and all of you windows guys, check this page out, it has procedures, a lot of pictures, and info of all the parts used, its very good, and you can see what can be achived with this: http://www.dashpc.com/
Cool! I'm also thinking about using a variant of a Basic Stamp2 for power control, I've got one but right now, but pogramming it for other robotic uses. Right now I'm using W2K, and use hibranate, but just got XP and will be trying that. By the way do you know what the quickest boot time for Linux is? I've always just done the stock installs of Linux and boot time was long.
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03:41 PM
Cliff Pennock Administrator
Posts: 11893 From: Zandvoort, The Netherlands Registered: Jan 99
I wasn't going to mention this until I was actually finished, but I'm working on a multimedia software product specifically aimed at being used in a car. It'll take at least a few months until I'm done, but I can promise you it will be pretty darn good.
By the way do you know what the quickest boot time for Linux is? I've always just done the stock installs of Linux and boot time was long.
Actually, Im not a big fan of Linux myself, I rather use FreeBSD http://www.freebsd.org (Real Unix OS for 32 bit systems), and with a tuned kernel, it can boot in about 15 seconds at most (from the begining of the OS booting process).
BTW All of the software around for linux works also on FreeBSD...
Have Fun ...
Ales
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02:18 AM
Riceburner98 Member
Posts: 2179 From: Natick, Ma, USA Registered: Apr 2002
alot of hand held devices run linux on them, most load from some sort of flash media. The only thing that takes time is detection of hardware that isnt there.. and starting of services. (you'd only need sshd, and an audio server [if you prefer])
So if you boot from something like a smart media memcard, and remove ALL the hardware crap thats not installed from the kernal, Im sure linux would boot in a good 15sec or so. If that even.
I can see DHCPing an ip address slowing down the boot up process.. If it waits for it to time out, should be around 1min.. far too long. Unless you staticly set an ip address, there would be issues booting when not in range of your access point too...
Looks nice cliff
Just some thoughts,
James Z
------------------ - 2.8v6, 5spd - no cat, msd ignition/coil, K&N
[This message has been edited by SplineZ (edited 08-03-2003).]
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11:46 AM
FinoGT3800 Member
Posts: 89 From: Goose Creek, SC, USA Registered: Jun 2003
I'm actually working on a system like this to retail through local high-end audio shops. I've been working on a system that boots from a 512meg flash memory card through the primary IDE channel. I've been working on XP embedded or CE as the OS. Boot times don't need to be an issue, instead of having the system actually power down, just have it hibernate, or go into standby. Also, I haven't read all the posts here thoroughly, so I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but to maintain a low profile, instead of mounting a PCI card in the slot, get ahold of a 1U server riser card, which will allow you to mount the PCI card sideways. For the hard drive, make it simple, and use a laptop drive mounted in a small USB 2 enclosure. You can move the drive between your car, home PC, or any other PC easily. With my system, since the OS is installed on a flash card that remains with the system at all times, there's no risk in handling the drive. Also, if you can't afford or don't want a touch screen, there are several programmable remotes available for PC's that plug into either the serial port or usb. They can be set up to control the most common functions required to run the system. Carrying a small integrated keyboard and mouse would allow you to make changes when necessary. Or, if you're using a wireless network setup, you could VNC into the car system to make changes from your PC. just some ideas I've had in the development process.
I just alked to the guy who has those 10.4 systems with touch screens mentioned earlier in this post. He says there's still some available, cost will be from 300 to 350, depending on total quantity he orders. He added that there's probably only about 2 weeks left to get these, before the rest go to auction. The screen alone is probably worth the price. I'd recommend that anyone who wants one contact the guy directly.
His email is JPAINTER@COX.NET put "KING" somewhere in the subject line.
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09:30 AM
Sep 12th, 2003
DustoneGT Member
Posts: 1274 From: The U.S. Superstate Registered: Dec 2002
Anyways, has anybody actually used the xenarc screens? These seem like a good idea to me. I am almost ready to begin on this project. I got a new 140 amp cs alternator in to power it good when I get to it.
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09:19 PM
twentyeight Member
Posts: 946 From: Grand Rapids, MI Registered: Aug 2003
How about using components from an iBook? I'd really want to run iTunes for my Mp3's... And being able to burn CDs in my car would be way to cool There are models of the iBook that have pretty small screens, I think they'd fit where the glove box would be, and the trackpad could be put in the centre console... The major problem would be extending the wires... Also, all iBooks come with 802.11b (or g....?) built in... I'd pull into my driveway, download a song quick, and take off again -Andy
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09:52 PM
Riceburner98 Member
Posts: 2179 From: Natick, Ma, USA Registered: Apr 2002
I have the xenarc VGA / RCA touchscreen monitor.. I love the thing. I haven't actually installed it, as I want to get the engine project done first, but it's very clear (can read pretty darned small font) and the touchscreen works great. One problem - the connector (large one) on the back is really poor, at least on mine. I have to wiggle the heck out of it to get it to work, otherwise it loses the signal. I'm hoping it's just mine, and just a broken solder connection inside, but I guess we'll see when I open it up. (custom mounting it - hope I don't blow $400!!)
------------------ Bob Williams Multi-colored '87 Mutt, a work in progress! (3800SC installation in super-slow-motion progress... It's bolted in now!!! WOOHOO!! Just need coolant and gas lines!)
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11:41 PM
Sep 13th, 2003
SplineZ Member
Posts: 952 From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Registered: Nov 2002
Just needa find one with a buggered shell or something like that on ebay.. hooker up and there ya go
James Z
quote
Originally posted by twentyeight:
How about using components from an iBook? I'd really want to run iTunes for my Mp3's... And being able to burn CDs in my car would be way to cool There are models of the iBook that have pretty small screens, I think they'd fit where the glove box would be, and the trackpad could be put in the centre console... The major problem would be extending the wires... Also, all iBooks come with 802.11b (or g....?) built in... I'd pull into my driveway, download a song quick, and take off again -Andy
------------------ - 2.8v6, 5spd - no cat, msd ignition/coil, K&N
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05:45 AM
DustoneGT Member
Posts: 1274 From: The U.S. Superstate Registered: Dec 2002
okay, well I guess my Ipaq 3835 Pocket PC with 1ghz storage (256mb SD card and dual CF card expansion sleeve with a 256mb CF and a 512mb CF) with the audio out run into the 'audio in' of my stereo is too low tech.
But It does all of the Mp3's/Audio/movies etc. And it does it in or out of the car.
But then, it isn't as 'trick' as the fancy systems you guys are working on!!
How many guys are right now actively working on one of these systems? And how many are wanting to run Windows? I've been working with XP Embedded, and .net embedded (which is substantially less expensive per license) but only have the trial versions of the development software. If enough guys are interested, I'll buy the full version and sell the final product. I can offer custom configurations based on each persons needs. Anyone interested drop me a PM.
I ran a standard desktop PC in my trunk on a triplite square wave 110v inverter. I could watch DvDs and play mp3s off the standard desktop style drives, even on the roughest roads. This was in a Taurus, but I really tried to get that thing to skip, and it never did once. I just had a 10" trinitron POS monitor under the dash. Removed the ash tray to fit it, was pretty sweet, but i didn't have the cash for a touch LCD, so messing with it was kinda dangerous. I finally took it out after a couple close calls.
I am using a HP e-Vectra. It uses an external 19v PSU so I bought a 12v laptop PSU, it works great. If anyone is thinkig about this, they usually go for $150 on ebay and mine has PIII 733mhx cpu, 256 mb ram, and best of all can run off of a $20 12v adaptor.
If you can find a one with a fcpga 533a (.18 process) celeron that is the lowest power consuming cpu at 11.2 watts(for referance a pentium 100mhz draws 10.75 watts max and a pentium 166 draws 14.5 watts), my processor pulls 19.1 watts, according to the "Ugrading and Repairing PCs" 12th edition.
[This message has been edited by cancerkazoo (edited 12-20-2003).]
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10:44 AM
Jan 1st, 2004
Dr Vinculum Member
Posts: 43 From: York, PA. USA Registered: Dec 2003
I've also been toying around with the idea of a PC in the Fiero. I have a Shuttle SS51G that I am replacing with a Dell in my hometheater, and was thinking of moving it to the Fiero. Mostly to do mp3s,videos and GPS. An indash DVD player would cover alot of the tasks, EXCEPT GPS. Just installed my alarm system, now I can put my audio/computer system in!
My question is, where are you shuttle guys putting your PC at???
The shuttle would fit well in the trunk, along with a power inverter and a small UPS to keep it afloat. Battery is near, so is ventalation. Only problems I see would be running a long VGA cable up through. I dont really wanna step the video quality down to S-video, makes the GPS maps look not so good.
If anyone has any install pics, please share them! and please, no "Intel Inside" window stickers!
Happy New Year to all.. Dr V
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05:01 AM
TylerB11 Member
Posts: 163 From: Birdsboro, PA USA Registered: Jul 2001
Thats a GREAT formfactor and GREAT place to put a carputer, however I can't get myself to spend $1000 for a $250 computer!!
I'm thinking either a shuttle in the trunk, or a notebook under the seat. Using a notebook would give me the built in battery/UPS and much shorter cables.
Dr V
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03:32 AM
SplineZ Member
Posts: 952 From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Registered: Nov 2002
The MIS is a complete plug and play entertainment solution. Windows ™ XP Professional runs a 40 GHz hard drive so you can store thousands of MP3 or video files without having to search for your CD or DVD collection
hrmm.. thats a fast hard drive I think they are slightly confused..
im doing the same type of thing in my fiero.. but im going to design it so i can take the case in & out pretty much at will(will just require unplugging at most.. ) .. havent worked out all the details.. and i still have to put together a computer to stick in the case i have.. which will be getting some special treatment as well.. youll see.. ill get some pics up eventually.
)
