SleepyMSP's Carputer/Audio build

[SleepyMSP]

This will be the details and log of my custom Carputer and Audio mini build.

This build is going to be made to keep the most functionality/space of the trunk left available (Spare tire access, rear seat split, etc...) while still making a nice custom finished enclose for the subs and to show off the hardware that will be powering it

The carputer will be a custom made double din enclosure containing all the components with the touch screen out front inspired by this thread (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show-off-your-project/127404-99-civic-4dr-sedan-7-touchscreen-d945gclf2-console-carputer.html)

the trunk will be similar to this thread (http://club.lextasy.com/ftopicp-17650.html)that inspired me

Enough blah, on to the specs:

Carputer
Intel D945GCLF2 /w Intel Atom 1.6 Dual Core CPU
Kingston ValueRAM KVR667D2N5/2G PC2-5300 2GB
Hitachi Deskstar 500GB 2.5IN SATA2 HDD
Lilliput EBY701 7" Touch Screen Monitor
OBD II USB ELM323 Code Reader Interface
Bluetooth Receiver
WiFi Network adapter
Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme
Pharos iGPS-360 USB dongle
Andrea Super Beam Microphone

Audio
1x JL Audio 500/1 Monoblock Amp
1x JL Audio 300/4 4-Channel Amp
2x JL Audio 10w1v2-4 Sub
6.5" Front Components w/ Crossover & Independent tweeter (don't know which yet)
6" Rear Components w/ Integrated tweeter (don't know which yet)

Dampening
100 Sq./Ft. B-quiet Extreme Sound Dampening (Cabin, Doors, Trunk)
Carpet under liner in cabin

Progress
----2009------
05-27: Basic Parts for carputer in read to start enclosure fab
06-26: Enclosure fabbed up and ready to start screen mounting
07-08: Screen mounted and PS wired up
07-10: First boot up for carputer
07-15: Software installed ready for first install in MSP
08-27: 40mm exhaust case fan added to carputer to lower temp.
08-31: Replacement parts for broken screen arrived
09-30: Received proper replacement panel, installed.
09-30: Optimized OS performance and boot sequence
10-11: Initial fit in the dash
10-11: Modification made to dash to allow for deeper install
10-11: Start bondo work on center console
-----2010-------
01-14: Bondo work in final stage and ready for primer
03-01: Priming and touchups in final stages...almost complete
03-13: Car wiring complete and carputer installed

pics to come once parts start coming in...

[SleepyMSP]

Enclosure initial build and mockup
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1200/imag0002t.jpg

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9928/imag0003rvp.jpg

Screen separated for custom mounting
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5057/imag0005rqj.jpg

Screen Mounting and PS wiring
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3453/imag0015law.jpg

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/1609/imag0016h.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4331/imag0017j.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/3137/imag0018rnk.jpg

PS and HD mounted to the top
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/461/imag0058a.jpg

PS wires shortened to save space
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8136/imag0059.jpg

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/4408/imag0055x.jpg

40mm Case fan mounted to the side
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4170/imag0056l.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6501/imag0057.jpg

<img src="http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1446/0000019d.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

with the top mounted up and ready for the first boot up
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/4026/imag0023d.jpg

all booted up
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/9831/imag0054y.jpg

<img src="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/482/0000020n.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

Center console fab work

<img src="http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5561/0000018i.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

<img src="http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1139/0000021s.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

<img src="http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2130/0000022x.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

Final center console look
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3297/0000025.jpg

What my console has looked like for the last 6 months
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7184/1001401su.jpg

Pics from the install in no particular order
http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/2159/1001412h.jpg

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/2314/1001411p.jpg

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5747/1001410z.jpg

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/9720/1001407.jpg

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/4412/1001406t.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6546/1001405.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3631/1001404v.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/7734/1001403o.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/14/1001402za.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9176/1001414g.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8651/1001416u.jpg

Restart switch
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6128/1001418.jpg

Finished installed carputer
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/5929/1001415r.jpg

[SleepyMSP]

reserved for progress 2

[Spooler]

This looks promising.....

[special--k]

should be sweet. let me know if you need any help. Going to run Windows on that thing?

[SleepyMSP]

I might end up running XP to run centrafuse for a front end but I'm also looking into linux based front ends and see how they stack up...I've tested centrafuse and its really cool

[SleepyMSP]

yay parts are in today...the carputer section is ready for the goahead

[YOUNGMP3]

I can't wait to see the final project.

[SleepyMSP]

carputer enclosure is half built up, ready to start mounting the screen

wish my camera didn't die on me...

[special--k]

(pics)

Am i going to have to drive down there just to see whats going on?
Guess i need to bring you your tools too eh.

Ill head down there this week some time.

[SleepyMSP]

up to you man, any day but tuesday is good for me

[special--k]

ill toss my camera in the car, and you can take some photos to post up.

[Ricktalife]

that guy must work for intel or something to do a fab job like that. AMAZING.

[willmeyer]

subbing, good luck!

BTW I have a carputer in my MS3, just got most of the install done. MP3Car.com forum is the best place online to talk with folks about it.

My setup is here if you're interested: http://www.willmeyer.com/projects/car-hacking/electronics

[SleepyMSP]

bump up...finally got ahold of something with a camera on it...

willmeyer I am curious how you mounted the screen as its the hardest part for me at this point

[ghaze24]

Looks promising. I had a much more primitive setup in my previous car. It was a gutted laptop running the RoadRunner front end on xp. Most of my problems I can blame on the computer, but I was disappointed with the functionality of things.

What are you using for a power supply?

[SleepyMSP]

thanks for the comments....no I don't work for intel. its actually really easy to hook all of this up..after its done I might do a little GI for these cases or for a full build

ghaze I'm using the M2-ATX PS to power this little machine. it has full ignition control for startup and shutdown plus an anti-thump for the subs (very handy)

but note that I am willing to share my full design with any interested party (open source philosophy FTW)

[SleepyMSP]

bump a few more pics of screen mounted up

[Jaysanooch]

Subbin' pretty cool project man!

[special--k]

starting to come along very nice! the screen looks sick

[willmeyer]

willmeyer I am curious how you mounted the screen as its the hardest part for me at this point

BTW I just took the screen apart and used the outer inch or so of the front frame, with the bezel, then mounted that to the inside of the double-din opening I had. That way I didn't have to fab the edges of the bezel, which is the hardest part always.

[SleepyMSP]

I thought about doing that but it just wasn't working out with my setup so I fabbed up a few tabs to hold mine in place and use the upper and lower plates to keep the screen from falling back...also holds my usb ports in place

[willmeyer]

coolio

[SleepyMSP]

update:

first boot up didn't go so well, win XP didn't like my temp HD with my non-UDMA ribbon cable so off to the store today to find a 40 pin UDMA. Most places around here probably will through a 39 pin at me and say its the same thing...*sigh*

can't wait for the SSD to come in

[SleepyMSP]

after many attempts and a new temp HD (?!) I finally have a working setup, of course in the process I fried my laptop PS that I was using to convert the AC to DC (oops...)

booted pics tonight

[Amdeus]

For the cost in this why not just buy one pre made? Just wondering if you really saved anything or just doing it for fun?

[SleepyMSP]

actually I did save money because I was able to cannibalize old systems and also it cost around ~400 for a pre-built that does not come with the monitor and does not fit in a double din enclosure after you add the monitor your up another 300 and you still don't have the HD or other peripherals around it.

I think my total cost spending is actually under 500 at this point as raw aluminum is dirt cheap + the HD, GPS, cables were reused and other items were "borrowed" making it that I only paid for the mobo, ps and monitor

but in the end its also for fun, thats more what a carputer is about over functionality with a pre-built nav unit

[SleepyMSP]

I guess I should update this...I have been set back a bit. thanks to my retarded fooling around I have cracked the touchscreen and now the touch sensor is broken...

gonna have to replace the touchscreen sensor....at least they make replacement panels and I'm not out 300

[special--k]

dam... the screen was sensitive? can you RMA the screen?

[CantCMe]

subbin' for a great-lookin' project!!

[Wagonbacker9]

subin as well... a double din computer... honestly a couple years ago I never woulda believed it was possible.

[SleepyMSP]

ok guys, now I need a little help from the audio gurus of the community. I want to start looking at the speakers for the car but really am at a loss of where to start looking. For the subs I've decided on the JL audio but the speakers I'm not sure.

I listen to a lot of metal, hard rock, old school metal, etc...could someone recommend me a few starting points to look for in terms of brands, models, design, etc...

[CantCMe]

I have MB Quarts Reference component speakers in my car and I love 'em.

[SleepyMSP]

Time for a little update:

for the last few weeks I have been finalizing all the software installs and media transfers onto the carputer. I have to revise the design of the case a little as there is a ventilation issue that needs to be addressed....right now there is none.....

I have also stumbled onto this (http://www.phidgets.com/). These are interface kits for digital and analog devices to communicate through a USB port to control things like temperature, servos, etc....

I'm thinking there is going to be a phase three of this project now and it will involve the automation of the car through RFID tags

[special--k]

Time for a little update:

for the last few weeks I have been finalizing all the software installs and media transfers onto the carputer. I have to revise the design of the case a little as there is a ventilation issue that needs to be addressed....right now there is none.....

I have also stumbled onto this (http://www.phidgets.com/). These are interface kits for digital and analog devices to communicate through a USB port to control things like temperature, servos, etc....

I'm thinking there is going to be a phase three of this project now and it will involve the automation of the car through RFID tags

does your MB have a PCI104 port?

[SleepyMSP]

the board contains a single PCI bus which is occupied by the sound card as I felt the on board sound was in sufficient

[SleepyMSP]

finally added a 40mm exhaust fan to the carputer to deal with the heat issue and now I have the new touchscreen sensor in. Its finally ready for final assembly.

I promise to get some real pics up soon...really need some more in here.

Also if anyone has an extra center console trim piece that they want to part with I am looking for a spare just in case

[SleepyMSP]

added pics to the first post

[special--k]

Update us!! whats going on?

[SleepyMSP]

project has stalled, I got a replacement screen for the touchscreen but the site had that labels all wrong and I got the wrong one. So I'm waiting on the new panel to come in before continuing on the project. Problem is it takes forever to get the panels shipped.

Right now the carputer is in about 10 pieces waiting to be re-assembled with the new panel

[dandan2]

u sir are a computer guru! how do u know how to do all this?

[fremast]

Sub a dub dub...
This is looking schaweet.

[SleepyMSP]

I've been working with computers since I was 7 and I like to think I know a thing or two on basic electrical systems so it all works out well.

The case is just aluminum that I took a drill to

but you can always call me a genius...I don't mind LOL

[special--k]

u sir are a computer guru! how do u know how to do all this?

its not that fancy... Lol J/K

Cant wait to see the final product. its looking good so far. BTW what kind of PS are you using? and how will you invert the power?

[SleepyMSP]

the PS is a DC-DC inteligent PS. there is no inversion done on the line only smoothing and scaling (the PS will accept 6V-24V) to 12V constant

[special--k]

wow, i didnt even know something like that existed. going to output 250-300W?

[SleepyMSP]

this will output around 140W but a mini-itx board with an intel atom will only draw around 35W. More than enough to go around

[SleepyMSP]

well replacement parts are in and installed now. I've been optimizing the OS's running processes and memory management. I've also disabled multiple background appz that I really don't need there.

I need to give a big thanks to Chris at Mobile Computing Solutions (http://www.mo-co-so.com) for the fast response time on the replacement parts. These are the guys that I got all my parts from and have nothing but good things to say about them. Shipping is incredibly fast and they know what they're talking about.

I highly recommend them

[yudkib]

so you ended up going with XP over linux?
whats the boot time on it, and when you kill the ignition does it go into suspend, auto-shutdown, or just hard kills the power to it?

[SleepyMSP]

I am currently going to run XP to use Centrafuse as it is the most popular choice on the market at the moment. But I am also looking at RoadRunner to see how it stacks up.

The current cold start time is ~35 seconds or so (never really checked actually) but there is still improvements to be done to improve this. Wake time from suspend is about ~5-7 seconds I believe but I have not done much benchmarking on this either.

The PS is an intelligent PS and thus will send a kill signal to the MB to launch whatever shutdown sequence it has programmed via the OS keeping the 5V rail alive. After a configurable amount of time the PS will kill the 5V rail to keep the battery from draining

[Vocko]

What PSU are you using? I missed it.

[yudkib]

35 seconds is pretty impressive for xp...
the project looks really good, really nice job on the fabrication.

i was actually going to do a really stripped down carputer at one point, just a quick hack job, it was going to be curses based (think the old IBM cash registers from like 92) with just the linux kernel and a couple of libraries. cold boot time was looking at about 8 seconds. nothing fancy like gps bluetooth or a real PSU, just an inverter, seperate boot on my laptop, and a keypad.

this seems much nicer though, when i get around to round 2 of audio work i'll have to consider it

[SleepyMSP]

I'm using a M2-ATX DC-DC power supply goto mo-co-co.com they have them instock

Initially I really didn't want to go fancy either but then thought about doing something different than the norm and wound up with this little piece. honestly this has been the slowest moving project I've ever done for the car but in the end I think it will be well worth it. Especially once the audio hardware gets into the mix

[SleepyMSP]

Update:

I am currently test fitting the finished unit in the car for final fitment. seems I need to get a little aggressive with the metal frame behind the dash as the center beam behind the radio is in the way causing the carputer to stick out by 1". so out comes the dremel tool for a little cutting.

body filler work to start very shortly after I have aligned the carputer at a desirable angle. This will be my first attempt with bondo so wish me luck.

pics will be up soon

[stevew145]

well replacement parts are in and installed now. I've been optimizing the OS's running processes and memory management. I've also disabled multiple background appz that I really don't need there.

I need to give a big thanks to Chris at Mobile Computing Solutions (http://www.mo-co-so.com) for the fast response time on the replacement parts. These are the guys that I got all my parts from and have nothing but good things to say about them. Shipping is incredibly fast and they know what they're talking about.

I highly recommend them

Thats where I got most of the things needed for my build. Mine is very near completion and I have a very similar set-up, only I used the 4th gen Mocoso mini-itx case. 2gb ram, a M2-ATX power supply, Intel D945GCLF2 with the atom 330 and mounted it to the bottom of the passenger seat. I have a 250GB 2.5" hard drive, bluetooth, running windows xp and Centrafuse. 7" eby-701 screen in the bybyte.com frame and mounted in the car using the scosche double din kit. The computer is mounted to the bottom of the passengers seat, and all connections can be easily accessed from behind the seat. I have the sound running from the computer to my crappy sony stereo via its aux in, mounted in the glove box( only modification required was cutting a slit in the bottom of the glovebox to run wires!). Also in the glove box, is my 1 TB external hard drive which is actually a back up of my desktop so it has about 100 movies, 30 full tv series, thousands of songs, games, whatever. I have a Bluetooth OBD2 interface coming in the mail hopefully Monday. Sometimes I tether my iphone to get the internet. When I turn the key it all starts up, turn the ignition off, and after 45 seconds it shuts its self down. The computer powers the screen, and the external hard drive so everything powers on and off at the same time. I have a couple switches next to the gauge dimmer, one manually controls power(left on most of the time), the other is just a reset button for the computer just in case it freezes. I also got rid of all the windows sounds so i don't have to listen to it when it starts, I leave the volume of the stereo up, and control the volume with Centrafuse. When I turn the car on, the only thing I have to do is press "ok" when Centrafuse starts, then it goes right to what was playing when it shut off last. I started buying everything in July, didnt think it was going to take so long. I was originally going to use my laptop, but having to turn it on and off was a pain so I just got the computer. Its still not all done, I have some wire management to do, some small things to get. Good luck with your build, the final product is going to be great!

[xDJ DUBx]

Wow, HOTT. Sub fer sure (thumb)

[SleepyMSP]

well I haven't updated this in a while...but then again I haven't been doing much on the project as of late, I've been moving and haven't had any time to work on this, but as it stands right now I have the molding about 80% done and ready for priming, I need to get yet another new touchscreen sensor as I broke it yet again (damn things are fragile)

stevew145: not sure if you know but you can disable the warning messages in centrafuse with the -nowarning option in the centrafuse shortcut. Likewise you can also enable the abaility to use the nav/video/etc... while the car is in motion with another option that I can't seem to remember off hand...i think its -nolimit but I'm not sure

[SleepyMSP]

so the project has been restarted....finally.

I am now onto the last touches of body filler on the center panel for fitment of the carputer into the dash. Pics to be uploaded tonight of current progress.

I have also re-installed the entire os as I got me a new 500gb HD opver x-mas. Total boot time now is down to an impressive 20 seconds without optimization. After optimization is complete I hope to gain another 3-4 seconds (optimistically)

[yudkib]

this is on XP? ill have to learn some of the tricks you used at some point.
nice job man, really cool stuff.

[SleepyMSP]

its running WinXP SP2, the software wasn't the problem, the hardware modifications are the hard part. I have custom made all wires and casing in this build

[Amdeus]

J/w as why you didnt try and heat pipe to the shell? This might of helped with some of the heat. Also to trim down xp did you use Nlite or just manually run into msconfig to snatch out services you didnt need? I thought about doing somethen like this with a stripped down Eee pc and using ubuntu that was stripped down. But none the less good work on the build.

[LinuxRacr]

I can't believe I'm just now seeing this thread. I'm actually in the process of rebuilding my carputer now. I've been wanting to put it in the dash for a while.

On a side note, nice DNS & Bind book in the pictures. I have the same one myself...

[yudkib]

lmao then you two should tag team why my ISP is constantly telling me its having issues resolving the mazdas247.com hostname. i dont know who hosts the site, but their DNS server is pretty... well not good.

[SleepyMSP]

its probably not the server but your isp's naming server try fliushing your dns entries on the machine

cmd> ipconfig /flushdns

BTW linuxracr your pics of centrafuse were the inspiration for thie whole think...just FYI

[SleepyMSP]

pics added to first post

update: the center console is almost done, its in the final stages of sanding. There is still a little work to do on the edges for the screen and the whole for the 2 usb ports on the console as well but it gives an idea of what I'm shooting for

[special--k]

Wow, looking good man!

[Wagonbacker9]

do want. too bad doing something like this is way over my head.

[SleepyMSP]

I'm willing to help you out on building something like this, actually you can get a box pre-built and a double din screen that will be a direct drop in to the center console of the car

[Wagonbacker9]

whats the cost look like for that? can you jump on AIM or something and discuss? I'd love to take on a project like this, now that I'm not using a smartphone this might be a decent stand-in option for it.

[SleepyMSP]

I'll hit you up tonight and we can discuss all you want

[Wagonbacker9]

K, this is my AIM SN.

I think this is my starting point:
board
http://store.mp3car.com/Intel_D410PT_Intel_Desktop_Board_With_integrated_I _p/mtb-064.htm
case
http://store.mp3car.com/Silver_Double_Din_Nano_ITX_Carputer_Enclosure_p/enc-032-s.htm
monitor
http://store.mp3car.com/Lilliput_629GL_70NP_7_VGA_Touchscreen_p/mon-016.htm

thinking I can share an RF keyboard/touchpad between this and my PS3

[yudkib]

man mini itx hardware got cheap in a hurry - when i was considering my build all the atom boards were still north of 130.

[yudkib]

by the way wagonbacker, this (http://www.mini-box.com/site/index.html)was the site i used when scoping out my hardware. their prices were as good as they came when i was researching short of buying refurb boards off clearing houses on google shopping.

[SleepyMSP]

I always found that the mp3car store a little expensive, mini-box is a good source and so is mo-co-so.com I have had positive experiences with both.

The problem with the case selection is the physical dimensions of the case, it is designed to fit a nano-itx form factor which is 140x140mm vs the mini-itx is 170x170mm. Even if we modified the case it will not allow enough room to fit the screen infront as you need atleast a good 1/2" to mount the screen

the dimensions of my case design is 7"(w) x 4"(H) x 7.5"(d). you need that little extra in the depth.

[SleepyMSP]

for your keyboard is it RF or bluetooth?

the monitor is a good choice its a very good standard on the market today, I went with the EBY-701 for the price point as essentially they are the same screen the main difference is the mounting options of the buttons on the screen.

EBY-701 = single PCB board mounting

629GL = dual PCB board IIRC (so you can mount the buttons for control purpose if you need it

[Wagonbacker9]

I don't have the keyboard yet, but I was planning RF. I'm VERY open to recommendations though.

From what I understand the 629 has higher contrast, or is that information old?

Only thing I'm really pretty set on is using an off the shelf double din case, as anything else is going to take fab work that I don't want to put into it. I don't plan on doing much more with it than playing music and vid, hopefully an OBDII scanner, and possibly navigation.


Mini-ITX (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-ITX) motherboards are small enough to fit in a standard DIN-sized dash opening. We offer a range of motherboards with built-in CPUs that range in speed from 600mhz to 2.0Ghz. There are also models that will accommodate a P4 CPU. They measure a little less than 6.7" X 6.7" (17cm X 17cm).

I take it this means "fits in the opening, but doesn't fit in the case that fits in the opening"... my misunderstanding.

[SleepyMSP]

for double din mounting I would suggest this (http://www.mo-co-so.com/Double-DIN-Frame-for-Lilliput-EBY701-GL629-Monitor-p/mcs-byb-blk.htm). for a keyboard that works with both the PS3 and a carputer I would recommend a bluetooth keyboard like the logitech diNivo if your willing to put out the cash for it. Also if you have a bluetooth adaptor in the car you can use handsfree with your cellphone..

for basic usage the MB you've selected will work fine for you. for OBD-II the adapter is only 20$ and the GPS module is about 40$ which will work very well.

there is a downside I should mention to carputers...they a un-amplified, which means you will either need an amp to power your speakers or your head-unit to pump out volume and a proper level

[Wagonbacker9]

I have been planning to add a 300/4 to my 250/1 for a while, so thats really not an issue.
I think I'm going to waste less doing uneducated parts searches and hold off til I have more guidance.

Also, to make this easier, I do have a 12V power source I can plug in at home to get this going prior to install... assuming I can find it.

looking through some prebuilts... I think I want RCA outs...

[SleepyMSP]

the RCA outs are nothing more than a stereo 1/16" conversion jack, also to test your carputer setup you can use any laptop PS with a DC-DC PSU for example my M2-ATX PSU will accept any input from 6V to 24V DC and refine it to a 12V DC current for the MB, the laptop PSU i use outputs about 19V

if you are an audio buff you might want to consider a sound card as opposed to the on-board one but that can be added after the fact


for the amp I have a 300/4 that I will be installing so if you want to go that route we can share notes on the install options

[Wagonbacker9]

I thought about a sound card... but unless its really bad I should be able to survive for a while. I take it the days of DC-DC converters being too low in output is over?

I'm almost second guessing going with an in-dash setup. maybe I'm better off using a traditional HU and having a flipout screen. then if I don't wanna use it, I've got the traditional option, and amplification would be a non-issue, plus I could go with a cheaper, larger computer... hmm.. decisions decisions.

[SleepyMSP]

yeah the DC-DC world can easily power your needs, my PSU can handle up to 120W which I use about 30% of for the entire PC including screen and HDD

[yudkib]

damn it, seeing all this has reinvigorated my wants to build a microsystem from scratch (LFS) and have it boot in a second or less. damn the both of you, now instead of putting together my spreadsheets tonight im going to recompile glibc.

[Wagonbacker9]

dude, don't feel too bad. I just figured out a way to blow like $600 I don't have. LOL

[SleepyMSP]

LOL I knew I'd get someone back on the boat...

BTW update: new parts in today and moar pics to come tonight...maybe with a finished center console...

[yudkib]

dude, don't feel too bad. I just figured out a way to blow like $600 I don't have. LOL
thats true - it might take me three days of compiling to build a dedicated tool chain, but at least thats free. and you can drop that number to $585 if you find the FPR :cool:

[Speed3.5]

This is a nice project but I wonder how is this carputer going to handle the vibration of the car , you don't have solid mm ?

[SleepyMSP]

I do but they are the medieval ones and the vibs aren't bad at all. The only thing I can see fail the the HDD. its the only moving part in the whole thing and if it fails then I'm just going to get a solid state drive so there will be no moving parts and less heat generation

[Speed3.5]

Being that there isn't any "cushion" for the monitor and other vital parts of the caputer even though you feel less vib's from the solid mm the elctronic component aren't that forgiving when it comes to constant vibration.

I mean just from the vibration from mm my cd's don't last more then 3 months (on average), they get all scratched up.

[Wagonbacker9]

If your CDs scratch in anything other than a circular pattern, its not happening in the CD player. I've got an AWR 95 duro rear, and I've been using the same CDs in my car for a year now. in fact I have on mix thats in there probably 90% of the time for 3 months at a time.

[SleepyMSP]

well I have cushioned the HD a bit and maybe I can get something together for the screen. you do have a point that the screen may take some damage over time. for the MB and the rest I'm not too worried.

thanks for the suggestion

[Speed3.5]

If your CDs scratch in anything other than a circular pattern, its not happening in the CD player. I've got an AWR 95 duro rear, and I've been using the same CDs in my car for a year now. in fact I have on mix thats in there probably 90% of the time for 3 months at a time.

It is bc of vibration since when the car is not running I don't have any skips but once it's running sometimes it skips and over time it actually made the cd skip some part of music even if its played in laptop/computer.

I was thinking of doing some custom work to get around this but once I saw this project it still doesn't address the issue with vibration.
I'm thinking more of SSD set up w/o monitor , will deff. document it here once I get around it.

[Wagonbacker9]

either your CD player is defective, or its you scratching em, not the CD player.

I'm most likely putting mine under the passenger seat, so the carpet will help isolate it as well as the internal isolation mounts.

[SleepyMSP]

after reviewing my initial design I believe the HD will not have a problem with any vibration as it is somewhat suspended upside down with industrial strength velcro and a laptop drive sheath. this will provide a dampening tolerance for the drive as most of the vibration will be absorbed by the velcro. Now straight out pot holes are another story...that can be problematic...

[SleepyMSP]

well everyone looks like today is going to be the big day, the first full attempt to get the carputer installed in the car

wish me luck

[xDJ DUBx]

Good luck (2thumbs)

[SleepyMSP]

well the RCA, Nav, OBD-II and mic are installed in the car and its back together time the the carputer is find its way into the car

pics uploaded tonight

[SleepyMSP]

update: the carputer is in the car and working, there are still a few loose ends to tie up (trim pieces need to be reinstalled in a few places, install amp for speakers to actually work and install the center console) but the carputer is alive and surviving perfectly. Nav is operational and so is the obd-II reader


I seem to have lost the camera in the car and its raining now so once the rain dies down i'll go find it to get the pics off

[yudkib]

im looking forward to it!

[SleepyMSP]

a few pics added to first thread, need to take a few more as I must have not taken a few when I put the carputer in the car...oops

[Wagonbacker9]

I was gonna say... looking for a pic of one with the carputer on, in the car... not seeing! LOL

[special--k]

Should have given me a call, i would come down and give you a hand.

[SleepyMSP]

I know i'm ashamed...pics tonight

[SleepyMSP]

Should have given me a call, i would come down and give you a hand.

I thought you would have been up north....damn, well I'll need you help for the amp install might even be later this week if your free

[SleepyMSP]

Its been a while since I posted any updates, I have dealt with a few problems that have come up with the front-end application: slow USB init., bluetooth sound lag, 'initialize audio' issue, etc...

As a result I had to add a reset switch to the system to be able to deal with all sorts of issues.

So long story short I've added a few pics to the bottom of the first post to show everyone the finished carputer installation

enjoy

[special--k]

Nice... still never call me LOL. When we doing the AMP and mani?

[mynameisdaniel]

Hi great build, my next project is going to be very similar :D
Just wondering what hardware/software is required for OBD2 scanning, and what sort of info are you able to pull from our cars?

[SleepyMSP]

the hardware is a simple ELM-323 or higher, cost is about 20$ USD or so, and most carputer front ends will support it if not all

readable data point:

-throttle position
-fuel trim
-RPM
-Speed
-timing advance
-engine load
-coolant temp
-Intake air temp

..I know there are other points but I cannot remember them off the top of my head

[MP5stephen]

Where did you find the plug that connects to the diagnostics port in the engine?

[christiansMSP]

looks amazing!

[dishe]

Has anyone thought about installing an iMac Mini into like say their glovebox, and having the monitor go where their head unit goes? Just load up the HD on the imac with Music and Movies and watch them through iTunes? Sounds like an idea.

Maybe its just me, but that sounds like a step DOWN from what the OP has done here... LOL
The PC parts are far more adaptable (touchscreens, GPS, etc) and there are far more carputer-centric software available. Macs have their place, but carputers aren't one of them IMO.