The Wizard

If you do list what you are running. I am in the process right now of piecing mine together. I have not yet decided on what I am going to use for the actual PC, but I already have a Lilliput VGA touch screen monitor, a really tiny usb keyboard with an integrated touch pad,a usb GPS receiver, a usb bluetooth dongle, an Orinoco gold card and external antenna (war drive toy), external usb laptop hard drive, and a powered usb hub. I'm going to run either Roadrunner or Centrafuse for the front end and my own version Windows XPE. I like the looks and features of iGuidance for my navigation software and will likely go with that. I may end up building a mini itx or micro atx based system, but for now I think I may just run it off of my laptop hidden behind the rear seats (quad cab truck). I can always change the pc portion a bit later on as everything simply plugs into it, and thus work out any bugs that may come up. I am going to run my audio through my Pioneer DEQ9200 DSP because I already have it and like it.This allows me retain my 3-way active system and will only be changing the source unit, and retain the time alignment and so on. My Lilliput monitor has a radio tuner in it so I will just install a slim slot loading dvd/cdrw combo drive in the dash in a spot available just below the motorized monitor. I plan to use a Bell air card for full time internet access. What do ya think?

PCPETE

I've been running one now for over a year, couldn't be happier, I am a compter tech so I can easily fix any sw or hw issue. You sound like you know what you're doing, and you've already got some good parts.

I've got a ****load of stuff, I don't know where to start...



Carnetix P2140 PSU -> PicoPsu-> Asus 780GX microatx +AMD BE2350CPU+ 1GB RAM +120GB 5400RPM Drive.

Motherboard -> M-Audio Firewire 410-> JL-AUdio CL RLC -> Zapco DC360.4 + Zapco DC500.1

Zenarc 701TSV VGA Touch Screen. Contour Shuttle pro controller (awesome). Logitech Dinovo Mini. ELMSCAN OBD USB. Slot load usb dvdr. Integrated internet through cellphone. Plus more...can't think of it all,

should post some pictures,

pick my brain if you wish...

The Wizard

I'm on an extremely tight budget after just relocating my family to a new city and changing jobs. Everything I do now will be upgraded a piece at a time until I get it where I want it. I have in the past ran laptops installed in vehicles but even installed, I found them to be cumbersome to operate efficiently while mobile, yet invaluable just the same. My ultimate goal with this install is make it as easy to operate as humanly possible and to not look like it shouldn't be there, like what an installed laptop looks like plumped in a vehicle.

PCPETE

My goal was totally OEM looking, I don't have a single cable dangling or visible anywhere.

I put a raised floor in my trunk and placed my pc, peripherals, and 2 amps under it.

My car ( 2000 mazda millenia has a standard double din slot that I put the screen in. I'm running without a head unit.

For am/fm I'm using a $50 visteon HD radio module with a control cable from mitch on mp3car.

I use roadrunner with a custom skin to match my interior.

For GPS i've got a usb receiver and I'm using IGO8 PC version (its kinda free), I can't say how awesome this software looks and functions!!

The best $90 I spent though was the contour shuttle pro.

Contour Design, Inc. - Innovative Ergonomic products for your computer.

I have it programmed like a BMW idrive system, I can do almost anything from it without having to use the touchscreen, that lets me keep my eyes on the road and have complete control. My car had an excellent spot for it, right in front of my armrest, and it looks like it came there from the factory!

You seem to have most of the parts, the most important though, is to not use inverters!
Inverters are very inefficient and will introduce noise into your audio!

Carnetix makes some nice dc-dc regulators, with a laptop though it is tricky to control power on/shut off. I went microatx because it is cheap, available and powerfull. MB cost 80 cpu 80,ram 20 dollars and hd 80. Make sure cpu is low power, AMD makes some low power ones....


gota run, wifes calling, baby's crying...

The Wizard

I am going to end up going the same route as you for the pc, the laptop is only temporary. For the power up I installed a mini stereo female plug into the laptop casing which is wired in parallel to the laptops power switch. I use two automotive relays and a 1K uF capacitor. When the truck starts it triggers the relays and the computer boots up, when the ignition is shut off it does the same allowing the computer to go through a normal shut down (same function as pushing the power button), and all this simply plugs into the laptop with a mini male stereo plug. When everything is unplugged the laptop can be removed from the vehicle and used as normal. I am using a DC to DC psu to power the laptop, as I did know from past experience that inverters cause massive audio noise. Feel free to most more detail on the software your using as that is what I am working on now.

PCPETE

For IGO8 PC look at this thread:

iGo 8 for PC - digital-car.co.uk


Spawn, a fellow canadian has done great work writing a FAQ here:

iGO8 FAQ -FINALLY!! [noobs read here first, before asking] - digital-car.co.uk

He has also done alot of work writing skins and deciphering all the settings..

This is what it looks like , 3D buildings too!




Gota run, pasta is cooking....

The Wizard

I like the looks of iGo8 but it is new to me. I have the program but it is in hungaian and have not been albe to find the english language pack anywhere yet, as it only has that option pre-installed. Also if you could point me in the right direction for some Canadian maps I would be happy. I am trying to piece together all the components to run the software.

PCPETE

Yeah, getting it is a *itch, i wish they would just sell and update the thing, I would pay for it gladly...

if you look in the above threads you may find some valid rapidshare links..

I've got the latest sw, maps, buildings,terrain, poi from usenet...


If you are in the GTA I wouldn't mind meeting up at a Timmy's or something, just bring large usb stick...

Oh, if you haven't noticed, I posted a youtube video of it in action here...

http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/online/general-discussion/140245-my-carputer-action-youtube-high-quality.html

bland

Had one for a good year. Took it out and still kinda miss it.

PCPETE

Hey Wizard, I'm toying with the idea of setting up a temp ftp server to get you the igo stuff..let me know if you still need them..