I know this has probably been done a thousand times before, but: I WANNA BUILD A CAR MP3 PLAYER!

[iamwiz82]

So i need some help.

I currently have a motherboard(BE6-2), a CPU(celery 300a), RAM(64 megs), but i need a case, hard drive, LCD screen and most importantly, POWER and a way to shoot it to my car speakers!

Here are the problems i see:

Potholes causing HDD knock
Extreme weather(I live in michigan...)
Converting the power from the car to a PC
controlling the computer without needing a laptop or keyboard.

I am thinking a touchscreen, though this is an expensive route. I also need a good case for this all. Anyone have a good suggestion for a case? And power, how can i convert the power without having to use a converter in my cigarette lighter?

Will the shock of a hard bounce destroy an HDD? is there a way to protect it?

Please, give me any other items i may have missed.

 

[Fausto]

This is a long shot, but if you are unsuccessful in attempting to build a player, or just decide it's way too big a pain, you could try to track down some old i2go.com players. The company is toast (as is their website), but maybe Ebay? I have a few friends who worked for them and they made some pretty cool car-specific mp3 players.

Fausto

 

[iamwiz82]

i saw those while i was searching, it seems like something i could shoot for. Also, i saw these, but i'm sure the price is prohibitive.

 

[LaBang]

I personally would just use a laptop or an iPod. But since you already own a bunch of the things I wish you good luck.

 

[djs1w]

a general idea

 

[Jzero]

I, too would like to do this, although I don't want to use an actual computer.
What I really want is some sort of solid-state device--no disks, just smartmedia or compactflash or some similar media.
Something tiny that I can just throw in any little corner of the car....
But it seems like I might as well just buy an MP3-capable head instead of go through all the trouble AND expense of building my own...

 

[Jzero]

<< a general idea >>


That's a good start, although it seems rather complex.

The guy does have exquisite taste in music, though (Dream Theater, Symphony X, Ayreon, Spock's Beard)
*Runs to brother's cubicle to get Ayreon CDs

 

[iamwiz82]

<< I, too would like to do this, although I don't want to use an actual computer.
What I really want is some sort of solid-state device--no disks, just smartmedia or compactflash or some similar media.
Something tiny that I can just throw in any little corner of the car....
But it seems like I might as well just buy an MP3-capable head instead of go through all the trouble AND expense of building my own... >>



It's a project that will keep me busy though, and thats what i want

 

[Eli]

<< Speakers are the most important piece of an audio system. I listened to dozens of models before I chose the Boston Acoustics Rally RC51 component speakers. The rear is filled with the Rally RX97 6x9 speakers at low volume to prevent destroying the imaging from the fronts. I used a signal generator and a dB meter to fine tune my EQ to ensure the best in-car frequency response I can get. >>



Damn, that guy is hardcore. :Q lol...

Yeah, I've wanted to do this too.. But damn, it would be hard(and expensive) to do it that good.. lol

 

[beat mania]

I built one, this was WAY before all the mp3 CD/HD players, so it actually made some sense to make one. I don't know why you'd want to do it nowadays though. I even junked mine and am using a 20G nomad jukebox in my car now.




<<
Potholes causing HDD knock
>>



I used a laptop HD. Those things are TOUGH.




<<
Extreme weather(I live in michigan...)
>>


I'd like to see someone tackle this one too. I used a AMDK6-2, which is pretty low power and cool, but in the summer, every piece of metal inside the whole computer would just suck in all the heat, and it'd overheat even before I turn it on. Pretty sad actually I think desktop PCs are unsuitable for these kind of operation.

After that, I have new found respect for every piece of electronic that resides in a car.



<<
Converting the power from the car to a PC
>>


Cigareete Lighter is 12V. Even if you're not proficient in engineering, there are plenty of circuits and chips, along with diagrams, that can convert it all to -12V, -5V, 5V, 3.3V, etc. All the power you need for AT/ATX spec. This is what I did.
some people juse use a DC->AC inverter, then a AC->DC power supply. That'd work too, but I don't think its as cheap, elegant, and efficient as direct DC->DC conversion. Whatever floats your boat.



<<
controlling the computer without needing a laptop or keyboard.
>>


VGA->TV adaptor, plus cheap tiny LCD screen. Not really necessary until you get the BSOD
I had a wireless KB in my car, but all the winamp was controller with a separate keypad. KB was only for emergency.

I even built my own box. My whole computer was about 1 in X 10 in X 14 in. With all the power supply circuits inside. Used under 24 watts of power. I had to find a MB that had integrated video and audio. It was pretty slick actually, fits under front passenger seat. It was actually portable so I actually take it with me so it won't suck in all the 110+ degree heat. That was ghetto. Ran win98, use USB network to transfer files.

It worked, but AMD + SIS chip + 110+ degree heat => unreliable. Worked pretty well in California winter though.

My conclusion: you should just get a laptop

If you need more info, email me, I don't frequent AT often. But I love talking to people about my car computer project that costed a lot of my money and time

 

[iamwiz82]

how did you convert the audio out to the car stereo?

 

[iamwiz82]

well, I have decided to go with a slim LX desktopcase(i need one, if you have one PM me!), the inegrated video and sound, an LCD hooked up to the dash, a touchpad, a keyboard, GPS(DeLorme.com has a GPS/software combo for $180), and a wireless remote.

I'd REALLY like touchscreen, but they are expensive. If anyone has an LCD, touchscreen or not, 10" or less, please PM me with that info too.

I decided to go with a power inverter rather than build my own PSU. There are some nice ones that automatically detect surges and shut off and also ones that will only turn on if they are in use,rather than on all the time.

The only thing i can see is running out of serial ports, but i can buy a serial card, if necessary

 

[Lola]

....OH GOD.....this is gonna be sooooo expensive! Sheesh....wiz....why do you gotta get these huge ideas? why not put together puzzles?
But...i am glad ytou have goals! HAHA

 

[AlwaysWong]

Sorry if you all know of this already.
http://www.mp3car.com is the most comprehensive site I know of.

 

[Scrooge2]

My god you guys are hardcore!

 

[Farbio]

those sites all look really cool and all, but definitely more work than i could put into it, esp with all the problems that go along w/ running in a car. good luck on it though!


maybe i just haven't been hit by that bug, but there is a reason why they invented mp3 compatible head units

 

[LongCoolMother]

<< My god you guys are hardcore! >>

 

[TheDingo]

I have built a few of these guys, so lemme see if I can help:



<< Potholes causing HDD knock. Will the shock of a hard bounce destroy an HDD? is there a way to protect it? >>



Mount it sideways, perpendicular to the road. If you hit a bad bump all it will do is skip on the read (not noticable) and it won't cause any damage.



<< Extreme weather(I live in michigan...) >>



Make sure it is in a spot sealed from water and well ventilated. On my car (95 Camero) it is in place of the rear, driver side seat. Here in CA it breaks 100 in Summer and drops below freezing in the Winter. I have my P3 667 under clocked to 500 just to make sure it stays cool.



<< Converting the power from the car to a PC >>



Two choices; a DC-DC power supply or a regular power supply with a DC invertor. The invertor method is cheaper but since you are coverting power twice it takes more of a draw.



<< controlling the computer without needing a laptop or keyboard. I am thinking a touchscreen, though this is an expensive route. >>



It's cool, but pricey and the screen is usually large. You don't want anything too large. I use a standard 6.4" Clarion in my dash and it's plenty big and bright. To control it, ebay is your best friend. I have a small keyboard built in to my sun visor and a touchpad with multimedia shortcuts on my center console. All from ebay.



<< I also need a good case for this all. Anyone have a good suggestion for a case? >>



Custom. There is usually no case that will mount well in a car.

If you need some inspiration and ideas, www.mp3car.com is the best.

Good luck

EDIT: Before you dig into this, get info on your alternator! A PC and decent amp are going to draw a lot of power. My system is connected to a 4x50,1x100 amp (with SB Live gives a nice 4.1 channel surround on DVDs). My alternator is rated at 105amps. This system with the headlights on etc takes the electronics to it's limit, and it even does an emergency shut down every once in a while. In a couple weeks I'm going to install a second battery too give it something to chug on if that car's required electronics draw too much for a little while.

 

[iamwiz82]

<< I have built a few of these guys, so lemme see if I can help:



<< Potholes causing HDD knock. Will the shock of a hard bounce destroy an HDD? is there a way to protect it? >>



Mount it sideways, perpendicular to the road. If you hit a bad bump all it will do is skip on the read (not noticable) and it won't cause any damage.

>>



Excellent idea!


<<


<< Extreme weather(I live in michigan...) >>



Make sure it is in a spot sealed from water and well ventilated. On my car (95 Camero) it is in place of the rear, driver side seat. Here in CA it breaks 100 in Summer and drops below freezing in the Winter. I have my P3 667 under clocked to 500 just to make sure it stays cool.



<< Converting the power from the car to a PC >>



Two choices; a DC-DC power supply or a regular power supply with a DC invertor. The invertor method is cheaper but since you are coverting power twice it takes more of a draw.
>>



OK, how would i go about building a DC-DC power supply. Keep in mind, i have little electrical experience. Some soldering, alittle hacking, but no real training.


<<




<< controlling the computer without needing a laptop or keyboard. I am thinking a touchscreen, though this is an expensive route. >>



It's cool, but pricey and the screen is usually large. You don't want anything too large. I use a standard 6.4" Clarion in my dash and it's plenty big and bright. To control it, ebay is your best friend. I have a small keyboard built in to my sun visor and a touchpad with multimedia shortcuts on my center console. All from ebay.
>>



You are right on the large part, someone in the For Sale forum just sold a 10" touchscreen for $200 though! The closest price i could find to that was $700!!


<<



<< I also need a good case for this all. Anyone have a good suggestion for a case? >>



Custom. There is usually no case that will mount well in a car.

>>



Well, i was thinking one of those slim desktops mounted under the seat. It can fit, but barely. Also, i was thinking on the floor of the rear seat, and then enclose the case within another case with a cooling fan


<<

If you need some inspiration and ideas, www.mp3car.com is the best.

Good luck

EDIT: Before you dig into this, get info on your alternator! A PC and decent amp are going to draw a lot of power. My system is connected to a 4x50,1x100 amp (with SB Live gives a nice 4.1 channel surround on DVDs). My alternator is rated at 105amps. This system with the headlights on etc takes the electronics to it's limit, and it even does an emergency shut down every once in a while. In a couple weeks I'm going to install a second battery too give it something to chug on if that car's required electronics draw too much for a little while. >>



I currently have an 83 Amp alternator. When i am idling and push both windows up and lock the doors, my lights will dim a bit.