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Written by Administrator
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2007-06-06 13:42:13 |
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Some pictures of the install (including the original, in-dash, smaller screen) can be found here:
http://www.niceapron.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3633
--Latest install has no components in the glove box.
Here's a current list of the components in the car pc: VIA EPIA Mainboard:
800 Mhz embedded cpu
6.5"x6.5" board | $90 |  | 384 MB ram (168pin SDRAM) I ordered 2- 128mb chips from Newegg.com and they sent me a 128mb chip and a 256 mb chip. | $30 |  | | 120 GB disc | $75 |  | Opus DC-DC Smart Vehicle Power Supply This is an essential part of the pc. Smart power supply leaves pc on after car is turned off for set intervals of 20, 40, or 60 minutes - then sends pc command to hibernate. Also has voltage regulation to ensure pc runs even during vehicle ignition. | $90 |  | 10.2" LCD Touch Screen Monitor (Lilliput?) (ebay) Can't find the actual brand I bought, but the above link is similar. Originally had a 7.2" touch screen embedded flush in my dash...was too damn small to be effective. | $260 | | USB GPS Receiver (can't find brand) (ebay) Again, can't find the brand I have, but any gps unit that sends serial location data will do. | $40 | | Hardware Total: | $585 | |
Software: | Windows XP Professional | $200 | | iGuidance 3.0 GPS | $110 | Custom Interface (btwmdb) - Visual Basic 6.0 App
- Requires Real One Player
- Requires MySQL DB
Why custom software? - All existing carputer software was bulky, ran slow, had too many features and didn't navigate music the way I wanted to.
- My software has the basic functions of Winamp's Media Library
- You can create/delete playlists on the fly
- You can add current song playing to a different playlist without opening/saving the list
- During navigation, there is a music player overlay to change tracks and view current song information.
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Additional Notes: - The mainboard is pretty slow for anything besides navigation and playing mp3s. It would be able to play dvds, but to do DivX, I'm planning on upgrading to a faster board.
- No Case! I attached the mainboard right to the inside of the former subwoofer enclosure in the Element. Any future install would include a nice case -- something line this (http://store.mp3car.com/VoomPC_2_CarPC_Enclosure_p/enc-008.htm)
- $585 doesn't include various cabling/mounting/etc.
Future Enhancements: - Working on integrating USB FM radio
- Wireless network to sync mp3 collection to home media server
- Hands-free calling via Bluetooth (longshot here)
- Faster hardware for Divx playback
- Various software changes
- Error reporting (incorrect id3 tag information recorded)
- FM Radio Interface
- Auto Update from external device (plug in usb drive, auto-copy all music and update database)
- Various bug fixes
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Last Updated ( 2007-06-06 17:00:10 )
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