In-dash Pc on the way...OH BOY
#1
First mod to my Max
Well looks like my first mod on my max won't be a peformance mod but a R&D mod. A former business partner of mine is putting together a car pc package and we think it would fit great into the maxima dash. So monday I will be getting my system and working on a way to install it. It will be utilizing a 7" 1600 x 1200 widescreen touch panel mounted in the space where the stock stereo would be located. I plan to mount the pc in the lower pocket so the dvd tray ejects through door and can be hidden easily by closing the door. The screen runs on 12v DC and the pc runs on 18 v and the power supply is in development now and will not require an inverter. The pc has a 1.1 ghz processor, 256M ram, 20 gig HD, DVD. One parallel, one RS232 serial, one PS/2 mouse, one PS/2 keyboard, one IrDA, and Four USB ports, two FireWire ports.SVGA and composite outputs. Tv and FM tuner and gps antenna will ship in april. I think the possibilities for this thing are unlimited, with addition of a wireless lan system you can share you internet connection or transfer files within about a block of your house. Now with the development of the At&t express network you could get 8 mbps wireless internet. If you guys have any suggestions or input it would be greatly appreciated. I'll keep you updated as the install progresses.
John
John
#3
Actually I think the final deal is going to work out to be cheaper than you would think, not much more than a home pc. He expects to market them at about $1900. Thats with gps, 128 mb thumbdrive ect. There is going to be mad upgrades available as well, I'm pretty excited to be involved.
#4
Originally posted by drjohnnyfever
Actually I think the final deal is going to work out to be cheaper than you would think, not much more than a home pc. He expects to market them at about $1900. Thats with gps, 128 mb thumbdrive ect. There is going to be mad upgrades available as well, I'm pretty excited to be involved.
Actually I think the final deal is going to work out to be cheaper than you would think, not much more than a home pc. He expects to market them at about $1900. Thats with gps, 128 mb thumbdrive ect. There is going to be mad upgrades available as well, I'm pretty excited to be involved.
Buy a GPS if that's what you want and spend the rest of the money on something you can actually use without having to park your car.
#5
Originally posted by kramerica72
Why do you need a pc in your car??? So you can transfer files from your driveway? Does the printer mount in the glove box?
Buy a GPS if that's what you want and spend the rest of the money on something you can actually use without having to park your car.
Why do you need a pc in your car??? So you can transfer files from your driveway? Does the printer mount in the glove box?
Buy a GPS if that's what you want and spend the rest of the money on something you can actually use without having to park your car.
#6
Originally posted by MAXIN
it can help with engine management such as e-manage or even better a tec-III, where a laptop is required
it can help with engine management such as e-manage or even better a tec-III, where a laptop is required
#7
Originally posted by kramerica72
Why do you need a pc in your car??? So you can transfer files from your driveway? Does the printer mount in the glove box?
Buy a GPS if that's what you want and spend the rest of the money on something you can actually use without having to park your car.
Why do you need a pc in your car??? So you can transfer files from your driveway? Does the printer mount in the glove box?
Buy a GPS if that's what you want and spend the rest of the money on something you can actually use without having to park your car.
u can download X rated movies and check what gas station has the cheapest prices in the area ...... you can put the printer under the seat if you like - lol
#8
Originally posted by 95emeraldgxe
u can download X rated movies and check what gas station has the cheapest prices in the area ...... you can put the printer under the seat if you like - lol
u can download X rated movies and check what gas station has the cheapest prices in the area ...... you can put the printer under the seat if you like - lol
im alll for the Xrated movies!!
eric
#9
I'm not buying its being given to me, but engine management is one of the things already in development he is planning on having a programable eprom built into the power supply and maybey some relays, to control door locks among other things. Being a former partner he asked me to help with research and development. It will replace my head unit and play cds, mp3s, video, dvd, tv.... maybey do internet searches , it can run headrest screens. It has a touchscreen that eliminates the need for a mouse, you can use an mini infra red keyboard to type if you find your self in need. I think its going to be pretty cool.
#11
this 7" screen doesnt happen to be a xenarc monitor?
theres all kinds of cool stuff like this on the www.mp3car.com forums
and arent the ppl who made conzult trying to adapt it to work on max's? if engine management is that important, maybe you should wait for those guys to get done, i mean they got it working on the Z's already
theres all kinds of cool stuff like this on the www.mp3car.com forums
and arent the ppl who made conzult trying to adapt it to work on max's? if engine management is that important, maybe you should wait for those guys to get done, i mean they got it working on the Z's already
#12
psu max
I don't think he has any intention of providing programming for engine managment, but he's just developing an interface for customizable I/o and relays that could be developed to do that.
I don't think he has any intention of providing programming for engine managment, but he's just developing an interface for customizable I/o and relays that could be developed to do that.
#13
I see *lots* of potential uses for a PC, but not to be hella negative or anything, but this has been done MANY times before. The only unique thing I can see is the screen being 1600x1200. Personally I think that's nice as it's what I use on my 14" laptop screen and my 21" desktop monitor, but on a 7" screen, stuff is going to be WAY to small, and if you blow up the size of fonts and stuff, it will in no way will take advantage of being so hi-res. Furthermore, there are plenty of car PC DC->DC power systems available for running car PC's, including ones that run in-dash.
That being said, congrats on a nice addition to the car! I hope it works out well!
That being said, congrats on a nice addition to the car! I hope it works out well!
#14
hakk97se
Yes when in 1600 x 1200 it would be difficult to read text but if set to be 800 x 600 for most applications and kicked up to a higher resolution for dvds you can get the most out of it. My friend already has a deal to do fleet vehicles for a large A/C company here in Florida. They will be able to use gps to locate customers home, print invoices, access parts databases and with high speed wireless internet getting cheaper could be tracked from a central location. When I get mine installed it will replace my stock sound system so I can play cd and mp3, provide navigation, I could play a video for my kids or catch the Bucs game if I'm away from home. I have a large collection of music and to be able to have my entire music database available at the touch of my finger is going to be sweet. I've seen other places how it has been done, but I think the advantgage here will be that that main unit is hardly larger than a cd case 6" x 5.75" x 2.25" with all the power of a desktop with a touch screen. Most software is visually scalable so it will be easier to see. Winamp is scalable and I plant on making a maxima skin for it and a desktop eviroment that fits the car. Theres all kinds of stuff you could do.
Yes when in 1600 x 1200 it would be difficult to read text but if set to be 800 x 600 for most applications and kicked up to a higher resolution for dvds you can get the most out of it. My friend already has a deal to do fleet vehicles for a large A/C company here in Florida. They will be able to use gps to locate customers home, print invoices, access parts databases and with high speed wireless internet getting cheaper could be tracked from a central location. When I get mine installed it will replace my stock sound system so I can play cd and mp3, provide navigation, I could play a video for my kids or catch the Bucs game if I'm away from home. I have a large collection of music and to be able to have my entire music database available at the touch of my finger is going to be sweet. I've seen other places how it has been done, but I think the advantgage here will be that that main unit is hardly larger than a cd case 6" x 5.75" x 2.25" with all the power of a desktop with a touch screen. Most software is visually scalable so it will be easier to see. Winamp is scalable and I plant on making a maxima skin for it and a desktop eviroment that fits the car. Theres all kinds of stuff you could do.
#15
#16
Www.thinkgeek.com seels those PCs, called the Capachino. Bad *** little box, plus you can get it with a DVD player instead of a CDRom. I've toyed with using one of those. Good luck!!!!
#18
Originally posted by drjohnnyfever
They are going to come with a 1.1 ghz Pentium IV and dvd player but you can upgrade to a dvd/cdrw, 20 gig HD with upgrades available up to 80 gig
They are going to come with a 1.1 ghz Pentium IV and dvd player but you can upgrade to a dvd/cdrw, 20 gig HD with upgrades available up to 80 gig
#19
Like I said bud, this has been done many times before. There are litterally dozens of machines you could buy to do this. And back to the 1600x1200 issue, this does absolutely nothing for DVD's as they are 720x480 at absolute highest quality (which many of them are not). Personally, I would be happier with the option of having a 1600x1200 screen in my car, simply for the capability, but I really can't see when it would be practical except in the most extreme, temporary cases. As such, I would definitely not be willing to pay a higher price for the screen than others.
Not trying to be an *******, just objective. Regardless, I'm sure you will enjoy the system a lot!
Not trying to be an *******, just objective. Regardless, I'm sure you will enjoy the system a lot!
#20
i'm gonna have to agree with hakk on this one ... nothing bad about what you are doing, but this is a pretty standard version of a computer install for a car
good luck with your computer and post some pics with everything installed
also, do you kno if your xenarc monitor has vga inputs or is it rca inputs only
btw, i really doubt you need something as powerful as a p3 1.1 for in car computing needs ... there isnt much multitasking purposes that would require high powered cpus
good luck with your computer and post some pics with everything installed
also, do you kno if your xenarc monitor has vga inputs or is it rca inputs only
btw, i really doubt you need something as powerful as a p3 1.1 for in car computing needs ... there isnt much multitasking purposes that would require high powered cpus
#21
I have to disagree about the pIII, I plan to be able to decode mp3, display visualization and toggle to gps among other things. To display dvd and run other apps takes a little power. I don't want to have to buffer. This unit is going to be prime for expansion. The biggest advantage about the display is that is touchscreen the resolution is just a bonus. Yes the screen takes vga and composite input. The touch is rs-232 so it leaves the ps2 ports free for gyromouse or keyboard if you choose. It is obvious that it has been done many times before, I've done tons of research. But when this package gets put together no one will be able to touch the power, price or upgradability (is that a word?) Yeah its a geek mod but I think its going to be hella cool I comute to work everyday and being able to choose from my entire music database at the touch of a finger is going to be sweet.
#22
Originally posted by drjohnnyfever
I have to disagree about the pIII, I plan to be able to decode mp3, display visualization and toggle to gps among other things. To display dvd and run other apps takes a little power. I don't want to have to buffer. This unit is going to be prime for expansion. The biggest advantage about the display is that is touchscreen the resolution is just a bonus. Yes the screen takes vga and composite input. The touch is rs-232 so it leaves the ps2 ports free for gyromouse or keyboard if you choose. It is obvious that it has been done many times before, I've done tons of research. But when this package gets put together no one will be able to touch the power, price or upgradability (is that a word?) Yeah its a geek mod but I think its going to be hella cool I comute to work everyday and being able to choose from my entire music database at the touch of a finger is going to be sweet.
I have to disagree about the pIII, I plan to be able to decode mp3, display visualization and toggle to gps among other things. To display dvd and run other apps takes a little power. I don't want to have to buffer. This unit is going to be prime for expansion. The biggest advantage about the display is that is touchscreen the resolution is just a bonus. Yes the screen takes vga and composite input. The touch is rs-232 so it leaves the ps2 ports free for gyromouse or keyboard if you choose. It is obvious that it has been done many times before, I've done tons of research. But when this package gets put together no one will be able to touch the power, price or upgradability (is that a word?) Yeah its a geek mod but I think its going to be hella cool I comute to work everyday and being able to choose from my entire music database at the touch of a finger is going to be sweet.
#23
tampamax
Hey brother whats up, I live in Clearwater. Yes you can get up to get 80 gig HD in these machines that would easily handle 5000 mp3 at 192 or vbr and be very close to the fidelity of a cd. Plus can be set up to be sorted in any way imaginable and playlisted. How about instead of playing just the song but have the video playing o your screen at the same time. On top of utilizing touch screen, voice recognition is easily adaptable. I have a lot ideas on how to max out this unit that why I was given an oportunity to work on the project. I would really appreciate input on how you guys could put a pc to work in your car.
Hey brother whats up, I live in Clearwater. Yes you can get up to get 80 gig HD in these machines that would easily handle 5000 mp3 at 192 or vbr and be very close to the fidelity of a cd. Plus can be set up to be sorted in any way imaginable and playlisted. How about instead of playing just the song but have the video playing o your screen at the same time. On top of utilizing touch screen, voice recognition is easily adaptable. I have a lot ideas on how to max out this unit that why I was given an oportunity to work on the project. I would really appreciate input on how you guys could put a pc to work in your car.
#24
Originally posted by tampamax
Bro, I think what you and your friend are trying to do is very cool. Im in St Pete and it would be neat to learn first hand what's involved and how it's all put together. Man, just imagine having over 5,000 songs all at your finger tips. UM...can the pc store that many?
Bro, I think what you and your friend are trying to do is very cool. Im in St Pete and it would be neat to learn first hand what's involved and how it's all put together. Man, just imagine having over 5,000 songs all at your finger tips. UM...can the pc store that many?
#26
You should read about the xenarc on mp3car forums. The i815 chipset on that miniPC and powerstrip (for the custom resolution) don't always play nice. I would have bought this setup last year if people werent having some trouble. I was actually in on a great group buy but I backed out when the initial reports came in.
I would also read up because there are some power issues that could fry the Xenarc.
On paper, that setup will rock. I hope it works out well for you.
I would also read up because there are some power issues that could fry the Xenarc.
On paper, that setup will rock. I hope it works out well for you.
#27
oh, I see.. you are getting one of the newer Xenarcs.
http://www.xenarc.com/news/news-011503.html
problem solved perhaps. I might have to take another look at that project
http://www.xenarc.com/news/news-011503.html
problem solved perhaps. I might have to take another look at that project
#28
you guys should take a look at the via epia series, check out www.mini-itx.com - up to 933 mhz w/ only passive cooling, and onboard mpeg2 decoding (dvd wont eat resources!) plus the cpu (933) draws 7.5 watts, vs. p4 at 75+ watts- very cool technology, they sell cases that are about the size of a stack of 5 magazines w/ power supply - check it out- plus, you could get gps and 802.11 and drive around with netstumbler (www.netstumbler.com) and it will map out all the acessible wireless networks around- then, if you need to check email, whatever, you just drive into a hot zone on your map, and log on.. very interesting. i do this with my laptop, but worry about running a pc in my car, mainly due to power issues (power on/off so frequently)
#29
Originally posted by fierostetz
you guys should take a look at the via epia series, check out www.mini-itx.com - up to 933 mhz w/ only passive cooling, and onboard mpeg2 decoding (dvd wont eat resources!) plus the cpu (933) draws 7.5 watts, vs. p4 at 75+ watts- very cool technology, they sell cases that are about the size of a stack of 5 magazines w/ power supply - check it out- plus, you could get gps and 802.11 and drive around with netstumbler (www.netstumbler.com) and it will map out all the acessible wireless networks around- then, if you need to check email, whatever, you just drive into a hot zone on your map, and log on.. very interesting. i do this with my laptop, but worry about running a pc in my car, mainly due to power issues (power on/off so frequently)
you guys should take a look at the via epia series, check out www.mini-itx.com - up to 933 mhz w/ only passive cooling, and onboard mpeg2 decoding (dvd wont eat resources!) plus the cpu (933) draws 7.5 watts, vs. p4 at 75+ watts- very cool technology, they sell cases that are about the size of a stack of 5 magazines w/ power supply - check it out- plus, you could get gps and 802.11 and drive around with netstumbler (www.netstumbler.com) and it will map out all the acessible wireless networks around- then, if you need to check email, whatever, you just drive into a hot zone on your map, and log on.. very interesting. i do this with my laptop, but worry about running a pc in my car, mainly due to power issues (power on/off so frequently)
Peace.
#30
We have a circuit designer that is going to add a circuit that monitor battery power an put the system in standby and if battery power reachs a certain point it will shutdown the pc. The monitor is already power sensing so it may be possible to have the computer booted up for most of the day and just shut it down when it will be sitting for a long time. Boy hak you seem to have it all covered, wheres your linux based system and show me more that handfull of people who would be able to use it.
#31
Hak, what I don't think you understand about this project is they aren't trying to do something that is so ground breaking. they are trying to be able to provide in one well tested package an mobile computing solution that is affordable to anyone. The accessorys that are going to be available is what is going to make it stand apart. In production version there is going to be an ODB2 interface built into the power supply along with I/o ports and relays, and yes there is free open source software available for most apps, thats one reason we are going to able to make the package so affordable. I've seen where they are selling the same main unit we will be offering for $949.99 - $1,029.99 and the screens go somewhere in the $700 - $900 range. The system is going to come ready to install with OS, power supply,odb2 interface, touchscreen, software bundle, gps antenna, 128-256mb thumbdrive and it think there is going to be a few more things thrown in there for under $2000. A decent GPS navigation system with a 3.25 x 2.25" Color TFT display, 320 X 240 pixel resolution with up to 260,000 colors displayed will run you 900 bucks. These touchscreens will 24 bit color, can take a 1200 x 600 high def input. As more high def equipment is available I won't have to get a new screen.
#32
this is sweeeeeet
I prefer linux of course. especially being that you can embed the entire OS on an EPROM or something, and prevent yourself from having to worry about operating system corruption from sudden power loss. I would also suggest the via epia board as it's a very low power consumption, low heat, and LOW NOISE option. the c3 processor is good for most applications, not really for mp3 encoding/decoding, but as an audio system and simple networking, it won't break a sweat.
I did a search on conzult, and it looks friggin awesome! would be a great app to run on this system. (windoze only) Best of all the website says they will have an app that will work with maximas in early 2003!!
I pondered putting my shuttle mini-barebones in my car a bit, but decided I would just destroy it with my driving habits.
I prefer linux of course. especially being that you can embed the entire OS on an EPROM or something, and prevent yourself from having to worry about operating system corruption from sudden power loss. I would also suggest the via epia board as it's a very low power consumption, low heat, and LOW NOISE option. the c3 processor is good for most applications, not really for mp3 encoding/decoding, but as an audio system and simple networking, it won't break a sweat.
I did a search on conzult, and it looks friggin awesome! would be a great app to run on this system. (windoze only) Best of all the website says they will have an app that will work with maximas in early 2003!!
I pondered putting my shuttle mini-barebones in my car a bit, but decided I would just destroy it with my driving habits.
#33
Theres nothing stopping you from running linux on the machine, probably be able to get the package cheaper when it is available. We looked at the Via epia board, the problem is that it is a prototype board and would require more development to provide what the current unit can. Not to mention it is larger. This unit will be more geared to a computer savy user and will be able to be offered much cheaper than the prototype units on mini-itx.com I really appreciate all this feedback it excactly what I hoped would come from this thread.
#34
This is sooo cool, I cant wait Count me in!! the apps are endless, just think with that OBDII interface you could set up a whole set of digital guages and vehicle monitoring. This is definetly the next step in mobile computing, I mean laptops are cool, but these are less clumsy and with voice recogniton in combonation with the touchscreen makes operation a snap. the wireless technology is the most exciting, however check out some of these press releases http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinv...tel-wifi_x.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/20...-verizon_x.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/20...-verizon_x.htm
#35
Ah, finally some real information. The OBDII interface will be an excelent addition, especially if there is a standard API around for using it. Option to come without an OS is also good. As you mentioned, most people are not familiar with how to use Linux (compared to windoze), however this is an embedded system for the most part (ie, GPS, mp3, obd2 info, dvd, etc) which means that as long as the interface is easy enough, you can do whatever you want without having to know the OS itself (the way it should be). If you want more ideas, search google for "linux car computer" or "car mp3 player" or something like that. You will find hundreds of pages where people describe the systems they've bought, or built in as little as a weekend. Good stuff!
#36
just a couple of things
you havent done your research if you believe this lcd is going for 700-900
http://www.spysupply007.com/LCD_Scre...rc/700TSV.html
$580
care to explain how the epia boards are prototypes? maybe the first 2 posts on mini-itx.com shows pictures of prototypes, but there plenty of full production, easily available epia boards out there
(http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3571534)
also, just out of curiosity, how is the computer you are getting supposed to be geared for more computer savvy users?
i'm assuming you are gonna run windows, so are you planning on using a front end to run everything, or are you going to use each app seperatly
post some pics once it is installed, and let us know how it goes.
im very curious about the obdII interface as well as the power supply, care to shed any light on the specs of it? or who makes ?
or is this a ground up power supply the circuit builder is doing
you havent done your research if you believe this lcd is going for 700-900
http://www.spysupply007.com/LCD_Scre...rc/700TSV.html
$580
care to explain how the epia boards are prototypes? maybe the first 2 posts on mini-itx.com shows pictures of prototypes, but there plenty of full production, easily available epia boards out there
(http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3571534)
also, just out of curiosity, how is the computer you are getting supposed to be geared for more computer savvy users?
i'm assuming you are gonna run windows, so are you planning on using a front end to run everything, or are you going to use each app seperatly
post some pics once it is installed, and let us know how it goes.
im very curious about the obdII interface as well as the power supply, care to shed any light on the specs of it? or who makes ?
or is this a ground up power supply the circuit builder is doing
#37
Originally posted by drjohnnyfever
We have a circuit designer that is going to add a circuit that monitor battery power an put the system in standby and if battery power reachs a certain point it will shutdown the pc.
We have a circuit designer that is going to add a circuit that monitor battery power an put the system in standby and if battery power reachs a certain point it will shutdown the pc.
if not, wouldnt a battery monitor be useless if you shut the computer down each time you shut the car off?
i've always been leery of leaving the computer in standby, even if it doesnt draw much, its just not worth the boot time to have a dead battery. but hey if this circuit works well, i might have to look into one
#38
you havent done your research if you believe this lcd is going for 700-900
care to explain how the epia boards are prototypes? maybe the first 2 posts on mini-itx.com shows pictures of prototypes, but there plenty of full production, easily available epia boards out there
also, just out of curiosity, how is the computer you are getting supposed to be geared for more computer savvy users?
i'm assuming you are gonna run windows, so are you planning on using a front end to run everything, or are you going to use each app seperatly
im very curious about the obdII interface as well as the power supply, care to shed any light on the specs of it? or who makes ?
I'm really just going to help them test it and looked at this as a way to get involved with this forum and get lots of input. I plan on posting plenty pics
Please keep it coming
Peace
#39
Psumax
You got to Penn State huh? I grew up valley Forge and when went to school outside Hershey. I had a lot of friends who went to school up there. Had a blast in State College, beautiful town.
You got to Penn State huh? I grew up valley Forge and when went to school outside Hershey. I had a lot of friends who went to school up there. Had a blast in State College, beautiful town.
#40
Originally posted by drjohnnyfever
seperate apps as far as I know, I don't think they are planning on doing any software development.
seperate apps as far as I know, I don't think they are planning on doing any software development.