Carputer

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Overview

OK, so maybe the Carputer thing isn't so "maybe" after all. I'm not sure I'm going to go the whole touchscreen, full blown route, because I want to have functionality without the PC, in case Becky or someone else is driving. To that end, I'm going to be keeping my factory Monsoon system in it's entirety, and hacking my audio via the CD Changer interface. I'm not quite sure where I'm going to jam a display, but the idea is to remain as stock-looking as possible.

The System Unit

I'm planning on using a laptop; I've got a pair of units in stock:

  • An HP Celery 700
  • A similar Toshiba that once found a wall. (Thanks Joe!)

Alternatively, given some cheap Mini-ITX boards pointed out by Ron, I might use one of the following:

While not really hardware, I found this article about multiple resumes on one hibernate in WinXP Link

GPS

I'm planning on using (for the moment) my existing Garmin GPS, with a serial cable, and some kind of hack to power it... Either via the pins on the connector, a battery door hack or an added connector. Eventually, I'd probably want a USB solution (especially if I go Mini-ITX, I might not have serial port:

Video

I've basically totally decided that even though my headunit interface doesn't provide CD-TEXT, I wont be swapping it for an in-dash screen. I may, however, bury a screen somewhere else for configuration purposes. I currently own a 14" MAG Technologies (not touchscreen) LCD that takes 12v power, and supports up to 1024x768. If I could find someplace to install that, I'd be in heaven.

Failing that, I'd consider doing a smaller (probably non-touch) on the backside of the driver's visor, in place of the vanity mirror. I've had that apart before and it seems like getting wire down it wouldn't be too bad. Plus, there's already power up there for the mirror lights.

If I were to do that, I'd try to find a Widescreen SVGA+ resolution monitor, to fit the available space. If I could find this Phylon without the touchscreen, that'd be perfect, and about $149 total. Phylon, if you're listening, please send me this touchscreen. I'd love to showcase it in my auto.

Power

2 major issues here... I have to provide crank (And glow...) safe power to the laptop. I also have to find a way to poke the button to turn the laptop on and off with the ignition.

If I end up going the Mini-ITX route, I'd definitely go "Funk", but would then need an ATXish power supply:

As noted, I've basically decided that I won't be using a sequencer, just because of the way I want to control the system.

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