computer and sound?

**cnelson** · 01-17-2007, 09:57 PM

Ok, i've read and searched but i still don't understand how it works. I want the computer sound to play though my speakers. I have a head unit with an AUX input. But i always want to use the radio? But i want to hook up a computer radio this way i don't have to go to the head unit every time i change the station. so i can just change it on the touch screen. So heres how i think it works? Get a Y-spliter from the sound card. run those cables to a AUX adapter plug the AUX adpater to the headunit. The keep the headunit on AUX? The buy like a USB radio card? So i can play the radio though the PC then just have it come out of the speakers? Thanks for any help. -cnelson.

**DarquePervert** · 01-18-2007, 07:39 AM

The computer's audio goes into the Aux input of yoour headunit.
Want to listen to the radio? Select it with the headunit.
Want to listen to a CD? Select it with the headunit.
Want to listen to the computer's audio? Select it with the headunit.

You're seriously over-thinking this...

And USB radio cards/dongles aren't designed to be used while going 60 down the freeway or dealing with buildings and such. Their reception is usually poor.
If you want PC radio, the best solution is the HQCT (Hi Quality Computer Tuner, I believe). Information here: http://xtronic.be/?id=91&lang=2
I believe the mp3car.com store has or had them available for purchase.

If you're going to go that route, there is really no reason to retain the headunit. The PC's audio can go straight to the amp or amps. That's how my system is/will be.

**cnelson** · 01-18-2007, 12:10 PM

Ok, so if i do keep my head unit in case i want to listin to the radio or something, but i'd also have a differant screen for the computer so would it go something like this; Is this a pretty easy way to do it?

**scott_fx** · 01-18-2007, 12:23 PM

you got it. but the ground for you computer will be attatched to the 'box to have the pc power on, and power off the right way' aka.. 'psu with shutdown controller'

**cnelson** · 01-18-2007, 02:59 PM

what does psu stand for? and i've searched but couldn't come up with a answer. how to you hook up those shut down controllers? Do you have to tap into the motherboard? Also if i used a laptop how would i run wires to? Like, how would i run a postive and negitive line from it? And if i used the touch screen that would only controll the volume for the computer not for the speakers correct? I would use the head unit to controll the volume for the speakers? Thanks for any help. -cnelson.

**scott_fx** · 01-18-2007, 03:03 PM

please read the faq emporium

**DarquePervert** · 01-18-2007, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by cnelson

Ok, so if i do keep my head unit in case i want to listin to the radio or something, but i'd also have a differant screen for the computer so would it go something like this; Is this a pretty easy way to do it?

Eerything in the blue circle is a DC-DC PSU. There are several models in the store here: http://store.mp3car.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2
They are specifically designed to power a PC, as well as startup/shutdown a PC with the vehicle's ignition.

Another option is the box to have PC power on. and power off the right way, also known as a startup/shutdown controller, or SSDC.

**RedGTiVR6** · 01-18-2007, 04:10 PM

I really think you should spend some time reading here: New to CarPCs? Don't know where to start?

and then here: Attention Newbies! A FAQ to the FAQs

All of your questions should be answered in those two threads.

**cnelson** · 01-18-2007, 04:58 PM

Ok, i've read up on everything but i don't really understand one last thing; Do i wire the shutdown/start up contoller right to the bettery? Or the igition? Also does this controll my monitor or just the computer? I think if i'm correct i can set it to turn on boy with the car and off with the car rgiht? -cnelson.

**RedGTiVR6** · 01-18-2007, 05:08 PM

wire it to both. It has to have a constant and it has to have an ignition source so it knows how to turn on.

it can control the monitor if you wire it up as such.

most DC-DC PSUs have start-up and shut-down controllers built in.