Next project, In car PC
#1
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Next project, In car PC
In dash screen arrived today(computer comes tomorrow), got it hooked up to one of my test computer boxes, installed the touch screen drivers. Most cool, works as it should.
Few Youtube videos
YouTube - Car Computer Mazda Miata
YouTube - Miata Mazda Car Computer
Few Youtube videos
YouTube - Car Computer Mazda Miata
YouTube - Miata Mazda Car Computer
#2
So what does a setup like that cost? More details please, links to where you bought your stuff, maybe a write up?
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#5
Running an Atom board, right?
I plan on doing this sometime soon as well. My goals are to usb boot a copy of XP embedded to really slim things down and limit drive usage. And of course, using a flash drive means no moving parts and very low power draw. Most Atom chips can be run without a fan as well.
How much did that Thermaltake screen run you? I imagine that was the most expensive part of the project. How useful is the touch capability? Is is something easy enough to use while driving or will you need a music player with giant buttons to make it useful?
I plan on doing this sometime soon as well. My goals are to usb boot a copy of XP embedded to really slim things down and limit drive usage. And of course, using a flash drive means no moving parts and very low power draw. Most Atom chips can be run without a fan as well.
How much did that Thermaltake screen run you? I imagine that was the most expensive part of the project. How useful is the touch capability? Is is something easy enough to use while driving or will you need a music player with giant buttons to make it useful?
#8
What about the Fit-pc? Its small enough not to take up much space. Hell, you could have it in your glovebox. fit-PC2
fit-PC2 Value:
* CPU: Intel Atom Z510 1.1GHz
* Storage: No hard disk. Bay for 2.5" SATA
* No WiFi
* No operating system
Standard features:
* Memory: 1GB DDR2
* Display: DVI up to 1920x1080
* Audio: High definition 2.0
* LAN: 1000 BaseT Ethernet
* USB: 6 USB
* IR Receiver
* miniSD socket
* 12V power supply
* PN: FITPC2-C1100
* Price: $245
OR
fit-PC2 XP HD
* CPU: Intel Atom Z530 1.6GHz
* Storage: 160GB SATA hard disk
* WiFi: 802.11b/g
* OS: Windows XP Home SP3 with CyberLink PowerDVD codecs
Standard features:
* Memory: 1GB DDR2
* Display: DVI up to 1920x1080
* Audio: High definition 2.0
* LAN: 1000 BaseT Ethernet
* USB: 6 USB
* IR Receiver
* miniSD socket
* 12V power supply
* PN: FITPC2-C1600-H-W-XPC
* Price: $399
fit-PC2 Value:
* CPU: Intel Atom Z510 1.1GHz
* Storage: No hard disk. Bay for 2.5" SATA
* No WiFi
* No operating system
Standard features:
* Memory: 1GB DDR2
* Display: DVI up to 1920x1080
* Audio: High definition 2.0
* LAN: 1000 BaseT Ethernet
* USB: 6 USB
* IR Receiver
* miniSD socket
* 12V power supply
* PN: FITPC2-C1100
* Price: $245
OR
fit-PC2 XP HD
* CPU: Intel Atom Z530 1.6GHz
* Storage: 160GB SATA hard disk
* WiFi: 802.11b/g
* OS: Windows XP Home SP3 with CyberLink PowerDVD codecs
Standard features:
* Memory: 1GB DDR2
* Display: DVI up to 1920x1080
* Audio: High definition 2.0
* LAN: 1000 BaseT Ethernet
* USB: 6 USB
* IR Receiver
* miniSD socket
* 12V power supply
* PN: FITPC2-C1600-H-W-XPC
* Price: $399
#12
Soooooo, how about some info for us car pc noobs.
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#14
What do you want to know?
The most important thing really is to make sure the powersupply you get doesnt just cut power but instead signals to the computer that when the ignition is off, to hibernate. That means you have a hard line to the battery and your IGN wire signals that its time to hibernate or come out of hibernate.
Either you get a computer like artie posted, or you put together a small computer based around an ITX board, or whatever the smallest board you can get for an Atom. Throw that in a box, run the wires to the screen, and get a front end like the one in the youtube video. Id tell you the name of the application that does that, but i forgot.
You can then decide if you want to use a CF to IDE converter card and toss windows on a 8 gig compact flash drive and use a secondary 2.5 inch drive as the storage for all your stuff or just use one 2.5 inch drive or a SDD.
The likely hood of a 2.5 inch 5400rpm drive failing in your car is pretty slim, you will destroy the cars suspension before you hurt the drive.
The most important thing really is to make sure the powersupply you get doesnt just cut power but instead signals to the computer that when the ignition is off, to hibernate. That means you have a hard line to the battery and your IGN wire signals that its time to hibernate or come out of hibernate.
Either you get a computer like artie posted, or you put together a small computer based around an ITX board, or whatever the smallest board you can get for an Atom. Throw that in a box, run the wires to the screen, and get a front end like the one in the youtube video. Id tell you the name of the application that does that, but i forgot.
You can then decide if you want to use a CF to IDE converter card and toss windows on a 8 gig compact flash drive and use a secondary 2.5 inch drive as the storage for all your stuff or just use one 2.5 inch drive or a SDD.
The likely hood of a 2.5 inch 5400rpm drive failing in your car is pretty slim, you will destroy the cars suspension before you hurt the drive.
#17
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welcome to the club!
here are few notes - get ebay 7" touch screen for $100 bux. it fits perfectly in miatas dash. this pop-up lcd is nice but motors go out CONSTANTLY and you will effectively block your heater controls with it, besides it might be too far inside dash so it might not even have enough space to retract
here are few notes - get ebay 7" touch screen for $100 bux. it fits perfectly in miatas dash. this pop-up lcd is nice but motors go out CONSTANTLY and you will effectively block your heater controls with it, besides it might be too far inside dash so it might not even have enough space to retract
#19
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Just bought a 64GB G.Skill SSD for $200 on Newegg. Not that costly imo. Though at the same time I just got a WD 1TB external for $99... I don't see where a regular HDD wouldn't work. Just don't hard mount it to the chassis or anything.
#20
welcome to the club!
here are few notes - get ebay 7" touch screen for $100 bux. it fits perfectly in miatas dash. this pop-up lcd is nice but motors go out CONSTANTLY and you will effectively block your heater controls with it, besides it might be too far inside dash so it might not even have enough space to retract
here are few notes - get ebay 7" touch screen for $100 bux. it fits perfectly in miatas dash. this pop-up lcd is nice but motors go out CONSTANTLY and you will effectively block your heater controls with it, besides it might be too far inside dash so it might not even have enough space to retract
Has it held up?