7 inch touch screen what do u think?

[Chuckt]

kinda funny this thread came up. Im a member at mp3car.com and i just ordered all the parts for an in dash pc (single din) using the c134 case (http://www.mini-itx.com/store/default.asp?c=3#c134). It used all laptop parts so its a little more expensive to build a full system but all the parts came out to around 700. Its has a 1gHz C3 processor, 20gig hdd, 256mb DDR ram, among other stuff. For those looking for a touchscreen, there is a KILLER deal on www.mp3car.com in the classifides section. There is a groupbuy that just ended for 240 but another one has started up and ends on the 15th. Its normally a $350 touchscreen but since the groupbuy is going on, its down to 250. includes all cables and everything. Im molding the touchscreen into the center air vents so keep a lookout for that when its done All the parts should be coming in the mail in the next few days, until then im working on the software skins www.angelfire.com/mn2/arcadecontrols/skin.JPG . Another route some may look into is getting a case like the 2699 (found on the itx link up above that will fit full size parts (apart form the dvd/cd rom and can be stored in the trunk) my aim is DSM97RS if anyones interested in more info

 

[Chuckt]

Originally posted by MaNGiNa24
The only thing that is stopping me is powering the actual computer. There is an opus power supply out that would allow you to use normal power from the battery, but it maxes out at 150w. I plan on using my computer to store movies (divx), dsmlink, play music and gps. You could use an inverter but that just makes things more complicated, adds more wires such as power buttons and adds more noise.

the opus comes in 90w and 150w versions and are around 150-200$ from opus directly. If you use one of the EPIA motherboards on the itx link i gave, they done use that much power. Some people are running an EPIA motherboard, full size disc drives, and monitor all off a 90w power supply so its not a big issue. Another advantage of the opus is that it will turn on and off with the car and also shut down if voltage drops below 11v for more than 10 seconds. Also the comp will run for up to 4 hours i believe withoutthe car cranking. There are many possabilities to these in car comps (Wi-Fi, dvd, mp3s, obd-II readouts and MUCH more) I strongly suggest going to www.mp3car.com for all the info youll ever need.

 

[audiousECLIPSE]

Just wondering, how'd you get that shell? Linux?

And how much did the whole setup cost you, not just the screen?

 

[babell2]

I have been toying with the idea of building a Car PC as well. Keep the updates coming.

 

[MaNGiNa24]

Originally posted by MaNGiNa24
mp3car.com has a bunch of information on their forums about the topic, its really a great idea if you can setup everything right.

Kinda already mentioned it

I'm looking into getting the Xenarc, and staying away from the Lilliput screen (which I believe is the one on the group buy) just because of all the horror stories I've been hearing.

Opus claims to be coming out with a 250w version of there power supply some time durring the summer, which is kind of why I'm holding out on the whole car computer.

I'm aware that one can run an EPIA motherboard with a built in 1 GHZ processor, but that processor doesn't run anywhere near the speed of a celeron or p4, and I believe their highest model motherboard the m10000 doesn't include any pci expansion slots. I'm a big fan of sound quality and having owned/experienced both pci and usb sound cards, a USB sound card will never compare to the quality of a pci. You also get less interference and it helps with the load up times.

The opus p/s is ideal for the application, it does all the work for you, but that fact that it's nearly $200 and maxes out at 150w isn't too attractive.

 

[airjordan56]

ya, i've been toying with the idea of getting a car pc for a while too. But that A4 pretty much made up my mind for me. That migth be the collest thing i've ever seen done with a center console. I might just have to partake in something like that when i get my motor swap done

 

[TargeT]

I just ordered the 700SV so i'll be putting this into my 1st gen Talon in the next few weeks. going to build my OWN computer tho, those premade ones are too ####in xpensive

i'll post updates

 

[Chuckt]

Originally posted by audiousECLIPSE
Just wondering, how'd you get that shell? Linux?

And how much did the whole setup cost you, not just the screen?

the software is media car version 1.9 and i have a custom skin on it, the software used winamp and divx and is able to use visualizations as well

Originally posted by MaNGiNa24
I'm looking into getting the Xenarc, and staying away from the Lilliput screen (which I believe is the one on the group buy) just because of all the horror stories I've been hearing.

Opus claims to be coming out with a 250w version of there power supply some time durring the summer, which is kind of why I'm holding out on the whole car computer.

I'm aware that one can run an EPIA motherboard with a built in 1 GHZ processor, but that processor doesn't run anywhere near the speed of a celeron or p4, and I believe their highest model motherboard the m10000 doesn't include any pci expansion slots. I'm a big fan of sound quality and having owned/experienced both pci and usb sound cards, a USB sound card will never compare to the quality of a pci. You also get less interference and it helps with the load up times.

The opus p/s is ideal for the application, it does all the work for you, but that fact that it's nearly $200 and maxes out at 150w isn't too attractive.

screens. Screens carry a 1 year warranty so if you get any problems which VERY few have, then your not shit out of luck.

processor, you COULD run a p4. but why? your not going to be playing high resolution games with massive framerates, it will be used primarily as a media device which is what the EPIA M-10000 is made for...there is a EPIA MII-1000 that has a pci expansion... the EPIA also is very conservative on power comsumption as well. Many ppl use 55w power supplys with their slim line drives and 70w total powering full drives, screens, add on devices and more...opus is $150 direct

For the computer im building now, it cost
150 for the case
150 for motherboard, processor, graphics and video
80 for the laptop HDD
50 for slim DVD rom
60 for 256 mb DDR ram
20 for connectors
150 for the power supply
these are all laptop parts making it more expensive but it fits in a din slot.
im building this pc for someone else and my pc will be cheaper due to bigger size and i will be putting it in the hatch. hope you learned something

 

[bOOstd GSX]

Hey chuck who are you making the carpc for?

 

[MaNGiNa24]

I totally agree that the EPIA mobo along with the 1ghz chip is more than enough, but for the price I'd rather get a real processor. I do plan on having emulators in the car to immitate n64, nes and snes and am also putting an 8x agp graphics card.

I was under the impression that 150w was incapable of handling what i have in mind but after a bit of research i think it'll be enough.

My car is in the shop now getting painted and I'm ordering 18"s now, expect the project to be done within the next 3 weeks. I'll take as many pics as possible and make a short write up in a different thread.

Chuck, let us know how your install goes.

 

[95_TSI_Marc]

Just got all the material I am using together.

1. Xenarc 7 Inch USB Screen
2. Sony Vaio R505 (Small about 3 lbs.)1.6 Pentium M - 1 Gig of RAM - Radion 7600 with 64 Megs of RAM. DVD - 40 GIG Drive with Wireless. 2 Docking Stations one for the Office and one for the Car. I already had the laptop just needed a new doc for the car.
3. RF Amp to wire the output to.

I should be intalling next week ill be sure to post some pics

 

[TargeT]

I'm using an older Shuttle box w/power converter, i think there's enough room in the center console to mount this. I dont know how im going to run sound for my car though, a good sound card running to an amp?

gotta research this part still...

either way, Shuttle box (i'll hack the case up and make it smaller (gotta luv the dremmel) toss in a decent video and sound card, mount the dvd player somewhere external from the shuttle case & have wireless (with an external antana,) GPS is in the future, but i'll have to do more research there also

so far my total costs are:

470 for the screen
250 for the shuttle box
150 for the dvd drive and hard drive

 

[gsx rated98]

thats crazy sick. Awsome job

yea, that would look perfect in my 2G haha

 

[MaNGiNa24]

Originally posted by TargeT
I'm using an older Shuttle box w/power converter, i think there's enough room in the center console to mount this. I dont know how im going to run sound for my car though, a good sound card running to an amp?

Use a decent sound card with a rca converter to go strait into the amp if you'd like to get rid of the head unit all together. If you had a cd changer you could tap into the output on the changer and go that route.

 

[TargeT]

no room for a headunit, so its out the door, all music will be handdled by the computer,, gonna go for an Audialogy card & pump it strait into a nice amp, should work out real well

 

[bOOstd GSX]

Originally posted by MaNGiNa24
...Chuck, let us know how your install goes.

He is building the computer for me so I didn't mess it up , I will be installing it so I will post pics and take vid of it in action.

 

[Chuckt]

dont worry boosted, ill post pics of it in my lower din while im testing Ill have 2 different installs.
1. His in dash computer with my 5.6" tv on the passenger door panel
2. My install with computer mounted in rear hatch cover using 7" XGA Touchscreen mounted on the center vents and 5.6" tv on the passenger door panel

i will have all the parts here on monday and will build it as soon as i have time. Ill keep everyone posted

 

[96'GSspyder]

What are some of the better touch screens that we can fit into the double din?

 

[MaNGiNa24]

Xenarc makes one of the best. For the price the lilliput isn't that bad either.

 

[TOTalon]

A few questions for Chuck. Forgive my ignorance, considering how much I use computers its alarming how little I know about them.

- Can you give some names/specs/eBay links to some good motherboards that arent for laptops (ie cheaper and bigger)
- Do all motherboards have a 'chasis' that you can add extra things to such as a sound card?
- Whats a good sound card for this kind of application?
- Does the motherboard include the hard drive?
- For the system you mentioned that will be in your trunk, are you going to add some kind of insulator to protect the motherboard from vibration?

 

[Chuckt]

Originally posted by TOTalon
- Can you give some names/specs/eBay links to some good motherboards that arent for laptops (ie cheaper and bigger)

you can use any mother board, but it depends on what case you want. Certain cases will only fit certain motherboards. Im using the EPIA M-10000 on boostedgsx's computer as well as mine because of the small size, and included processor, video card and soundcard, and also the small power consumption. http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=MB-E-M1GNE&c=pw (thats the cheapest place you will find it)

Originally posted by TOTalon
- Do all motherboards have a 'chasis' that you can add extra things to such as a sound card?

not all do, no, you will need to look at the spacific specs on the motherboard itsself

Originally posted by TOTalon

- Whats a good sound card for this kind of application?

again, the sound card is already on the motherboard and it will work very well as the M-10000 is made to play media.

Originally posted by TOTalon
- Does the motherboard include the hard drive?

no, the motherboard is sold seperate

Originally posted by TOTalon
- For the system you mentioned that will be in your trunk, are you going to add some kind of insulator to protect the motherboard from vibration?

i will be getting a book style case (slim horizontal case) and mount it on the rear hatch cover so i wont really need shock protection or anything.

 

[MaNGiNa24]

Originally posted by Chuckt
again, the sound card is already on the motherboard and it will work very well as the M-10000 is made to play media.

Very debateable. A lot of people who decide to go with the epia mobo's end up going with an external USB sound card like the Creative Labs Audigy 2 NX, or a Sound Blaster Extigy.

The Epia mobos are very conservative about power consumption but if you know anything about computers and enjoy sound quality you'll know that any motherboard with AC' 97 as a sound chipset isn't really that great.

The onboard video, which is usually overlooked, is sufficient for playing DVD's but there are people who complain about it's lack of quality when it comes to playing any Divx or pre-downloaded movies on the computer.

 

[CunninLynguist]

yeah..if you wanna hear something good outta your speakers you're gonna need a good soundcard

 

[MaNGiNa24]

USB is sufficient but a lot of people complain about the added noise they produce. I myself am going with a PCI sound card, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS.

 

[Chuckt]

here is a pic as promised. It will be finished as soon as i get the cd rom adaptor in the mail.

www.angelfire.com/mn2/arcadecontrols/comp.JPG

this comp is going to boostedgsx but after i finish his, im building my own with the 7" XGA Touchscreen mounted in the center air vent location and also a 2.6" lcd mounted on the a-pillar where a dual/tripple gauge would be mounted on a turbo car.

I just got an alarm with remote start (clifford matrix rsx 3.5) and i can start my car from 1/4 mile away and the pc will turn on and boot up as im going to my car. Also, i may be able to get my hands on a program that will control my windows, locks, sunroof, heat and lights all by computer touchscreen. Ill keep everyone updated. Keep in mind this case is single DIN sized.