miatamania

iTrader: (9)

I know I'll need a laptop to tune Megasquirt, what can I get for cheap of like ebay or craigslist or something. What are the minimum requirements that I'd need? I'm not looking to spend a whole lot as I just built my own Desktop a couple of months ago...but what are you guys using? Would you recommend something cheap? (I have 98 or XP I can load etc...and I don't need to to do a lot...)

Also, do you guys use a power converter or what to keep a charge? I know a lot of the older computers can't keep a charge very long at all.

chuckerants

iTrader: (1)

I don't know about the MS, but the Split Second software as well as the Zeitronix WB software was written for a very inexpensive laptop. IIRC, both only require Win 95.

I'm using an old PII Win98 laptop and a cheap ($20) power converter for when I'm out driving around.

I got my laptop from a friend (for free) who was using it as a paperweight. I'd ask some friends and see if they have one they are not using. After all, WTF uses a W98 with only 64mb of RAM?

miatamania

iTrader: (9)

thats what I'm thinking...so the software runs fine even though the computer is ancient

chuckerants

iTrader: (1)

Yup. I even went out today for a quick drive today to check my AFR with the laptop next to me and the WB software running. Everything went fine until I restarted the car and lost power to the laptop and had to redo a run to WOT.

rmcelwee

iTrader: (1)

This is what I currently use (Fujitsu Stylistic 3400 Tablet PC - $100):




This is what I used to use (Toshiba Libretto 70CT Sub Notebook - $150):



Oh, I should mention that I use those with a Link ECU, not a MS. I'm sure it would work with both though.

Jefe

iTrader: (7)

I used a cheap win95 laptop for MS, I paid ~40.00 at a local computer fixit place for it. It also works with my EMB, ZT-2, and has solitare
Without a disk drive, you sometimes have to get creative, I won't recommend a laptop without one now.
I haven't used it in a couple of months though, I mostly use my T41 now...

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I bought a $500 compaq on black friday at best buy, but needed something to entertain myself during travel.

Jefe

iTrader: (7)

WOW you stood out in front all night?

By B-in-law was at Best buy @ 11pm the night before and he still missed out...

miatamania

iTrader: (9)

ouch...I'm just trying to find something cheap...do you guys keep yours in the car or what?

Arkmage

iTrader: (3)

how was the screen visibility on each of those during the day?

Mastro

Where did you get the Braket for the Tablet PC at? How did you mount it? Can a passenger fit in there? I've been thinking about getting a laptop in my car, but for other things.

rmcelwee

iTrader: (1)

Visability is not great during the day on either of them BUT it is usable. I built the bracket for the tablet (details are on my website). I think you could probably get a passenger in there. Depends on the angle you mounted it out. Talk to Joe Perez about carrying someone with you. He has something very similar to mine (I based mine on his design).

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

I really need to dig up the pictures I took of my setup...

But to answer the question, yes, I can carry a passenger. On mine, the post basically sticks straight up about an inch forward of the inner-front bolt that holds the pax seat in, and it's right up against the center tunnel. The post is much farther forward and closer to the tunnel than Rob's.

So the passenger has a bar digging into their leg and has to deal with a computer floating in space in front of them, but it's not too bad for short trips as long as they're not too large.

miatamania

iTrader: (9)

I'd like to see pictures of that...

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

Pictures and writeup of the In-Car PC here: https://www.miataturbo.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6966

miatamania

iTrader: (9)

aw...sweet..thanks

Pitlab77

iTrader: (3)

Dell CPi models are cheap and have serial ports for the most part

y8s

iTrader: (8)

dude the CPi model is some sort of juggernaut. I got one like 7 years ago USED from my then-gf and it has a busted hinge but still works fine. kinda. I had a non-buddy at work with a bro-in-law working at Dell that took it from me for a week and did some free upgrades on it. works just fine for tuning.

Pitlab77

iTrader: (3)

it lasted me since i was in 2nd year of college that would be 00-01 till about last a month ago when my ex had it and it died on her. (yeah right)

and I got it as a refurbished item