Carputers?

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 11:08 am

Does anyone know anything about these?

I've been wanting to go to a single unit that can integrate a computer, audio and engine management into one system. Someone told me about these, but I'm looking for info from peeps that may have actual experience with them.

Post by **racer12306** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 11:52 am

get in touch with Nitehawk, I'm pretty sure he still has plans of doing one.

ZeroChad · Post by **ZeroChad** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 2:06 pm

Well I've been looking at building my own lately. First I'll share my plans. I know its not the same route that you're going, but it may provide some insight.

First of all, intel has released a set of "Atom" processors based on the new 45nm technology. These bastids run somewhere between 10-25W I believe. That's ridiculously low. Intel also makes a mobo/pcu compo in the Mini-ITX size. These boards are 6.7x6.7 in. So they're perfect for carPC applications.

This is the board I'm currently looking at. The only downside of going this small is that you don't get much room for expansion slots. Think USB for your addons instead. Of course, you'll still need a case, ram, HDD, powersupply, and monitor to get the baby running. (maybe trackball for input?) There are some really cool automotive power supplies out there now for computers. I like this one in particular LINK.

So what am I going to do with this? Well I'll be adding a video capture card, so I can install and record a front bumper ccd cammera. I think I'll be able to get some pretty cool footage. The audio jack will be able to connect to my current head unit for auxillary input, as in watching dvds. I'll also be using it as a dedicated mega tune computer as well. Maybe if I get ambitious I'll install microsoft streets & trips and a usb GPS too.

Thats the direction I'm looking at. I really like DIY electronics though. For more car management stuff like you're talking about, you might want to look at a prefabbed unit so you don't have to worry about diy relay boards. One of these computeres would probably have 5.1 rca jacks that you could use to signal your amplifiers and run your speakers.

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 3:16 pm

What I'd really like to achieve is an all in one unit for any electrical add-on I can think of. Let the computer manage my music whether it be Mp3, DVD, Satellite etc. Also having Navigation and Engine management, and Internet Access.... can't think of anything else right now. Mainly, what I want to avoid is having all these contraptions attached around my vehicle leaving wires dangling around, holders being visable etc. I want clean... almost nondescript.

I get the impression that it is possible, but I don't know enough yet to really understand if it is.

Mr Josh Zombie · Post by **Mr Josh Zombie** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 4:39 pm

What I would do:

-Buy a mac mini
-Wipe OS X off of it, install windows
-Hook up megasquirt to it
-Buy a touch screen monitor, instert into dashboard
-Get GPS dongle, attach to mini
-Find appropriate software, install
-Enjoy

Post by **racer12306** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 5:00 pm

I like that plan

ZeroChad · Post by **ZeroChad** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:14 pm

You're either going to have to run an inverter, or pull out the power supply for a DC-DC one. The power loss of running an DC/AC inverter to AC/DC power supply makes the baby Jesus cry.

I dunno. I just think the $600 for a mini isn't justifiable especially if you're gunna be installing xp.

Here are some Sites to check out.
Mp3car.com Is a good resource for carputers. The link is to their store, but they also have a nice forum.
Mini Box Is an american company that specializes in mini-itx computers. They have a good selection of items.
Mini-itx Is European based, but has a vast number of items including nano and pico boards.

NiteHawk · Post by **NiteHawk** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 3:08 pm

get in touch with me, i have a lot of info that could be useful to you, its just too much to post online

sullivan · Post by **sullivan** » Thu Dec 25, 2008 11:35 pm

i seen a car at a local meet, twas a cobalt i think....(haha twas, sorry) guy had the computer part under the seat, 12 inch touch screen in the hvac, and he also had like a touch thinger on the arm rest like in our cars.. slick unit, he was all show tho. but im sure u could pull something off like this and run megasquirt or something.