Carputer Time

[shocksyde]

I currently have a 40gb ipod hooked up to an AUX In on my head unit. I'm running out of space quickly and have been looking for an upgrade.

I've been considering a carputer and here's what I'd need it to be able to do:

1. Send an audio signal to 2 amps in the trunk
2. Hold a large MP3 collection
3. Be able to run a 7" touchscreen
4. Bluetooth phone connection (not necessary at all, but would be cool)
5. Run windows XP (or any OS is fine as long as there is front end software available for it)
6. Run off car power
7. Produce good sound quality (USB soundcard? Onboard good enough?)
8. Power up/down easily (I'm comfortable with soldering a remote switch)
9. Ability to download new music from house PC to EEE PC via wireless connection in car

Things I don't care about:

1. Navigation
2. Video playback
3. Gaming

So far I've narrowed it down to these items:

1. Intel "Little Valley" Mini-ITX board/CPU/VGA combo
2. 1GB ram
3. DVD/CD-ROM
4. 120GB 2.5" HD
5. ZoomPC case
5. 12V DC power supply
6. 7" touchscreen (Either in dash or mounted somewhere
7. USB or PCI wireless (haven't decided)
8. USB or PCI sound card? Onboard good enough? (2.1 setup in car)

Is there anything I'm missing here? Anyone have suggestions?

 

[amdhunter]

If you dont care about video, I think it's a great idea. No moving parts in the laptop means that it'll be pretty sturdy in a bumpy car environment.

 

[Throckmorton]

It might be good if you want a project, but it won't be easy. The onboard sound may be much much worse than an iPod's too.

 

[shocksyde]

I researched a mini-ITX-based system last night and I think it might be a better idea.

 

[Pliablemoose]

I think that's a great idea.

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
I think that's a great idea.

Which idea? Mini-ITX or Asus EEE?

 

[Fenixgoon]

if you have a VW/Audi car, then it's even better since you could throw VAG-com on and have it permanently hooked up to the EEPC or whatever carputer. i really want to do that, but the project cost is a bit out of my league

 

[shocksyde]

Wow, I just found out about Intel's Mini-ITX "Little Valley" mobo.

Little Valley + 120gb 2.5" HD + 1GB ram + DVD/CD ROM = Under $200 = NICE!

Add $200 for case and power supply, and another ~$300 for small touchscreen

Total(ish) = $700

Maybe tax return time will be nice to me and cover the whole thing

 

[MysticLlama]

Power supply:

PicoPSU

 

[Saga]

Originally posted by: MysticLlama
Power supply:

PicoPSU

Wow. That website is a goldmine of PC components for auto. Thanks for the link!

 

[TerryMathews]

You know, since you're not interested in navi or video, you should look into the Empeg before you go re-inventing the wheel.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Could just get a Kenwood deck with a USB connector and run an external USB drive. I have a 60gig 2.5" drive hooked to mine. I've never looked to see if any of those have bluetooth but I wouldn't be surprised.

Yep they do and its not very much

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Could just get a Kenwood deck with a USB connector and run an external USB drive. I have a 60gig 2.5" drive hooked to mine. I've never looked to see if any of those have bluetooth but I wouldn't be surprised.

Yep they do and its not very much

Agreed. If you really want the touchscreen Kenwood makes flip out touchscreens with Ipod connectivity plus USB. You could either use an external USB HD or an ipod.

 

[jcovercash]

I just went with a Mini-ITX setup in my mustang.
Its fairly easy and the end result is great!

Billet Adapter Plate I made for the LCD to fit into the OEM double din Panel
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...let_Plate_I_Made_1.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...let_Plate_I_Made_2.JPG

LCD Mounted to custom housing for the Screen panel/PC components
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...Computer_Housing_1.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...Computer_Housing_2.JPG

Complete PC Assembly to bolt into the car
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...omplete_Assembly_1.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...omplete_Assembly_2.JPG

Amp mounted under passenger seat. Plenty of room for heat to dissipate. and not seen from the inside with the seat back in place. This powers the stock speakers since there is no longer a headunit powering them.
http://pmpparts.com/images/forum/carpc/IMG_1494.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/forum/carpc/IMG_1497.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/forum/carpc/IMG_1498.JPG

Wiring Mess I had to deal with (This is the biggest problem, lots of wiring to work with)
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...of_the_wiring_mess.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...mp_and_Wiring_MESS.JPG

Resting in place
http://pmpparts.com/images/for...c/Resting_In_Place.JPG

First Boot Up
http://pmpparts.com/images/forum/carpc/Its_Alive.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/forum/carpc/Done.jpg


Almost buttoned up (Trans was out of the car for some upgrades so its not in the pictures)
http://pmpparts.com/images/forum/carpc/IMG_1495.JPG
http://pmpparts.com/images/forum/carpc/IMG_1496.JPG




I have had it in there about 6 months now. I really like it, its completely custom and I get a lot of compliments on it. The sound quality is great too compared to the stock headunit even though I am on the stock speakers. You have so much more adjustability of the settings with a setup like this.


Josh

 

[drnickriviera]

Originally posted by: jcovercash
---

What software did you use?

 

[cKGunslinger]

I ran across this when researching things..

Text

 

[slvrsol]

www.mp3car.com