Car PC
#1
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Age: 58
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car PC
I was originally going to just replace the head unit with a good quality mp3 units until I saw the price. I then thought for the same price or a little more I could do a complete mod by adding a PC to play mp3's, DVD, email/surf with the addition of a wireless access card (war driving).
But I could use some help with the details, such as, can I use the head unit to control the mp3 player on the PC or add a remote, what type of affordable LCD screen to get, how to wire the hole thing up? If this gets to expensive it may be more affordable to just add a laptop to the car, this is where the challege is going to be, make an affordable but quality car PC.
Here is what I have so far for suggested parts.
1. VIA EPIA-M with 20 gig hard drive $150.00
2.LCD Screen with butterfly stand <$200.00 (model not determined)
3. Power Supply PW-60 $50.00
4.PC Case made and fit in arm rest storage area for access to PC by passengers and driver to change DVD and for access to wirless keyboard and mouse. $100.00
If you have any suggestions please help, thanks.
But I could use some help with the details, such as, can I use the head unit to control the mp3 player on the PC or add a remote, what type of affordable LCD screen to get, how to wire the hole thing up? If this gets to expensive it may be more affordable to just add a laptop to the car, this is where the challege is going to be, make an affordable but quality car PC.
Here is what I have so far for suggested parts.
1. VIA EPIA-M with 20 gig hard drive $150.00
![](http://www.viaarena.com/htmlimages/epiam%20006.jpg)
2.LCD Screen with butterfly stand <$200.00 (model not determined)
3. Power Supply PW-60 $50.00
![](http://www.mini-box.com/images/products/PW-60_board2.gif)
4.PC Case made and fit in arm rest storage area for access to PC by passengers and driver to change DVD and for access to wirless keyboard and mouse. $100.00
If you have any suggestions please help, thanks.
#2
theres a company that makes really nice lcd touch screens, I think they run about $500, but the resolution was awesome and the touch screen just hooks up to your computer as a mouse - that'd make it easy to integrate. I can't remember the website, I'll try and find it when Im at work (i think i have it bookmarked , I was also looking at putting in a computer).
#3
Smitty's Moral Police
www.xenarc.com for a 7" touchscreen.
www.opussolutions.com for a 150W "Smart" PSU
To do it right, though, will cost a helluva lot more than even a high end deck with mp3 in it.
www.opussolutions.com for a 150W "Smart" PSU
To do it right, though, will cost a helluva lot more than even a high end deck with mp3 in it.
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#4
Instructor
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Traveling
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://www.unc.edu/~inorkuo/g35/
check this out...page may give you an error when fully loaded, it gives me a problem sometimes but this may give you some more insight into your project..
Good Luck,
Mark
check this out...page may give you an error when fully loaded, it gives me a problem sometimes but this may give you some more insight into your project..
Good Luck,
Mark
#5
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Age: 58
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Lightbulb](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/icons/icon3.gif)
Just wanted to say thanks for all the help and comments but I have found an excellent site with all the info/programs needed and more to complete this project, please check it out if interested.
http://www.dashpc.com/
http://www.dashpc.com/
#7
Advanced
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You Guys ROCK!!!
I was also looking into the same thing. First I thought I could buy a Tablet PC, but its way too expensive and can't be mounted permanantely (risky!!). The idea was to have mp3/dvd player with GPS navigation system, all in one. Then I decided to build one of my own. newegg.com had lots of mini-itx size barebones for under $200. You can also find these sites usefull
http://www.cdadapter.com/mp3oem.htm
http://www.mp3playerstore.com
http://www.mp3projects.com
http://www.digitalww.com/b3.htm
Good luck and keep us posted!!!!
I was also looking into the same thing. First I thought I could buy a Tablet PC, but its way too expensive and can't be mounted permanantely (risky!!). The idea was to have mp3/dvd player with GPS navigation system, all in one. Then I decided to build one of my own. newegg.com had lots of mini-itx size barebones for under $200. You can also find these sites usefull
http://www.cdadapter.com/mp3oem.htm
http://www.mp3playerstore.com
http://www.mp3projects.com
http://www.digitalww.com/b3.htm
Good luck and keep us posted!!!!
Trending Topics
#8
That's way too much $$$$.
Get an XBOX put Linux on it and you get an all in one system games, PC, wireless network (need the wireless adapter), mp3, dvd/vcd, etc. You don't really need the VGA (Xenarc) LCD either, just a regular LCD will do. The computer image is pretty decent, of course not as hi-res as vga connection from the Xbox but acceptable for display linux.
Get an XBOX put Linux on it and you get an all in one system games, PC, wireless network (need the wireless adapter), mp3, dvd/vcd, etc. You don't really need the VGA (Xenarc) LCD either, just a regular LCD will do. The computer image is pretty decent, of course not as hi-res as vga connection from the Xbox but acceptable for display linux.
#9
Smitty's Moral Police
The xenarc is more than just a quality monitor, it's touchscreen input
Makes the install a LOT cleaner if you dont have to pull out a keyboard/mouse to manipulate the system.
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Big Grin](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#10
Burning Brakes
Nav PC options...
Here's some Nav software and hardware options I have been looking at.
This site has a lot of good reviews and detailed instructions for installation and support.
http://www.gpspassion.com
I just ordered their laptop conversion kit for $150 with the power adapter.
Deluo GPS options...
I am supposed to get the software and the adapter this week, so I will try to post pictures once I get it up and running.
I will be running it from a laptop with the usb adapter...
This site has a lot of good reviews and detailed instructions for installation and support.
http://www.gpspassion.com
I just ordered their laptop conversion kit for $150 with the power adapter.
Deluo GPS options...
I am supposed to get the software and the adapter this week, so I will try to post pictures once I get it up and running.
I will be running it from a laptop with the usb adapter...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post