MP3Car.com - Hardware Development

arduino to read car sensors

settra — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:46:35 GMT

ok after allot of search, i have decided that i will go with arduino , to read my car speed/rpm etc... the problem is, that my dashboard is completely ruined, so my only way would be to read the signals from the car sensors directly. i know that most of them wilgive 0-12v signal, and arduino reads only up to 5, but that can be solved. could anyone point me to a direction, at what signals do the sensors produce?? (i'm driving an audi 80 , b4 1990 , and i am corently interested, only in rpm,speed,temp,fuel sensors!!)

Chevrolet RGB LED Grill Badge

tempgp — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:37:04 GMT

Ok so forum member "redheadedrod" was asking me if we can make RGB LED badge for Chevy to make it light up in all color and possibly do some animations to it (like logo changing colors or lines running, simulated shine?) Anyway I spend some time making metal shell for casting and PCB larout for LED placement. Here see photos for progress. So far we got 40 LEDs quite bright once for small scale RGBs.

So far everything looks doable, just a bit costly to produce as we will need to make packaging, electronics and some sort of firmware/soft to control it. Maybe USB interface so you can manage animations from car PC :)

Anyway lets see what you think about it ;)

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CANBUS library?

heavymetals — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:43:13 GMT

Has anyone started a CANBUS library of "hacks" to operate radios that require CANBUS outside of the car?

It is a real PITA to try to work on an OEM "entertainment system" outside of the car without a CANBUS simulator.

BMW Style LED Corner Turn Light - Plexiglass LaserCut

tempgp — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 03:05:13 GMT

hey all!
just recovered my brain from hurricane Sandy expanses and got this little project created.
What we have is BMW like corner light module, which is pretty bright for daylight and looks nice and consumes only 40mA.
I have regular bulb in the car and it east 2A each and emits too much heat so this replacement will save me energy and makes it cooler in both meaning of that word. Will do more laser cutting to adjust whole thing to the shape of the headlight lense to have more impressive visual effects!

If you like an idea let me know i can lase cut parts for you too :)

I posted project here:
http://www.tempgp.com/dynamic/?page=31

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XMD1000 no audio out.....

turbochris — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:34:34 GMT

I have an XMD1000 that was hooked to a head unit. It's been on the shelf for a year and I found the subscription was still active so i made a serial cable and hooked it up to COM1 on my computer. it seems everything is working as I get my channel list and I tested it w XMTest, SatAmp and RR. The problem is no audio out. it worked fine on the head unit before I pulled it out.

Any ideas on how to wake this thing up?

ALL-in-ONE in mini-ITX form-factor

amadeus — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 09:27:04 GMT

Hi, everybody!
Sorry for my bad english.

There is an idea to develop a board of a mini-ITX form-factor with the integrated subsystems:
1. Diagnostics (OBD2)
2. GPS-receiver with Dead Reckoning
3. Ultrasonic device (PDC) on 16 channels
4. TPMS
5. Video capture on 8 channels for parking assistant and video registration
6. Wireless communications from GSM, GPRS to LTE
7. Digital Radio and TV

Such product is interesting to somebody?
What else there are ideas and requirements?

LED Headlight Module

tempgp — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:04:20 GMT

Hey all, just finished designing our LED headlight module for LED matrix of 800-2500 LM. Just wanted to share the progress :)
Lens is 40mm, fan base is 50x50mm, this is small enough to fit in may places yet provide as much light as HID kits

Tell me what you think? ;)

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DAB DAB+ FM Digital Radio Development Board

Mickz — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:06:50 GMT

.
NOTE: This first and second post will be updated on a regular basis as changes are made or more information comes to light.

New PRO board with KeyStone 8650 module will soon be available. This module supports SlideShow. The new board will be around AUD $86, and CarTFT in Germany, and Cool Components UK will be the first two companies to carry them.

www.monkeyboard.org-dab-fm-digital-radio-development-board

Quote:

Originally Posted by mspw

Have any of you good chaps examined the MonkeyBoard? DAB, DAB+ and FM using a Keystone IC. Couldn't find any reference to it on a site search.

Link is here
http://www.monkeyboard.org/products/...elopment-board

It has VB.NET frontend software and source code and looks pretty damn nice

AND

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabbler

To me this looks much better than any of the Frontier Silicon solutions. For a start it is supported with documentation. :dance:
The hardware is 'Open', the Eagle schematic and board files are available.
The API is available with example source code, in VB.Net but hey at least its there.

It uses serial control as previous solutions, but without the horrible restriction of emulating a 2 by 16 display and keypad.
Data isn't just squirted out, you ask for it. None of that painfully scrolling text. You can tune FM frequencies directly.
Query signal strength, status etc....etc

Wish this was out a year ago! :Cry:

I mentioned that I have one of the Last CB � Ultimate DAB-FM modules released and this has been running fine with my own interface software and FE. There are problems with the implementation of the firmware in these and you can read all about that in the other thread. However as I have a CB-DAB-FM unit and will soon have this new device, the first thing I want to compare are the sensitivity and the audio quality.

First impressions are:

1. Really nice PCB.
2. Audio quality is great on the initial listening tests.
3. Around 1.5 seconds changing stored DAB channels.
4. Instant changing of FM stations.
5. Scan next/previous station on DAB is good at around 1.5 seconds.
6. DAB to FM is quick.
7. Sig strength bit rates and most info are displayed quickly on station selection.
8. Station and song information are very quick with some stations.

After bench and in vehicle testing IMHO this DAB-FM module is perfect for a quality Car PC system.

Finally, when looking at the code I found a bug in the software where the DLL does not return if a call to openport is made to a port that has nothing connected. Essentially the program hangs. I emailed my findings to the site and got a reply back shortly after that. The problem was identified and a fix to the DLL has been implemented and the new SW is already available for download, so really great service and support right off the Bat.

The current DLL interface has everything I need, so I may not even bother with interfacing straight to the radio module. Hopefully others who go that way will post their results within the limitations of the Non disclosure agreement for the device.

Just to clarify for some readers, the Radio module that can be bought separately is the Green Keystone T1_L4A_8290C circuit board shown in the picture above.

Advised as of 21/08/2012:

DAB+ FM Digital Radio Development Board � AUD $79 each

Keystone T1_L4A_8290C (module only, user need to make their own PCB) � AUD $25 each

Shipping within Australia using flat rate 500g satchels � AUD $6.45 (with tracking)

Shipping to rest of the world using Australia Post Registered & Insured flat rate 500g satchel � AUD $28 (non tracking)

The Demo Application

Getting Started, Schematic & PCB and Software.

keystone-dab-fm-module-programming-api

User manual can be downloaded from here.

Eagle PCB & Schematic.

VB.NEW demo software and source code as its updated from here

PIC18F14K50 C firmware (USB interface)

My Application:

Features:

1. Direct frequency input on FM via Keypad.

2. DAB 1 to DAB 5 selection for up to 50 DAB presets.

3. Buttons for full DAB scanned station list selection.

4. Presets for FM1, FM2, FM3 and FM4 = up to 40 FM presets.

5. FM Presets can show an FM stations Name if applicable

6. Big DAB station rescan button � saves trying to double touch a tiny text heading on a car pc screen.

7. When you RESCAN the Radio ALL 90 presets from DAB and FM are kept.

8. Any Preset not in a new scan will show as a place marker - You know exactly which Presets are active after a new scan.

9. Preset clearing: Drag the Power on button to a preset to clear it.

10. Drag and Drop from the Station name or DAB station List buttons to a preset without waiting for a station to tune.

11. Resizes to anything from 453 X 340 @ 4:3, 540 X 340 @ 16:1 and 502 x 340 @ 16:9 formats.

12. Adjustable slider to fine tune application Font Size.

13. Separate Setup menu.

14. Removable Window heading (name) for Standalone application.

15. Auto-ON Enable/Disable.

16. Station list dimming for previously allocated Presets.

17. Selectable Start and Finish Scan Channels for Station Rescan to reduce scan times by up to 60%.

18. Close / open port with Hibernate/Sleep added.

19. Setup screen for setting individual font, font size, style and colour.

20. DAB module Auto communication port detection added.

21. PID now shown and editing of full PID added. (Just in case it�s ever needed).

22. SLIDE SHOW with the new PRO module.

23. BBE - EQ
______________________________________________

Application Download **** Last update: 26-12-2012 @ 10:00 AM

1. Constantly updated as I find any annoyances, bugs or a better way of doing something.

Complete application directory - DABFMSa1App.zip

Latest EXE File only - DabFmSa1.zip

As per the original application and due to the DLL requirement of .NET Framework 3.5, my application for the DAB+ FM Development Board also requires this to be installed.

lane keeper

eliofall — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:05:36 GMT

Ibam wanting to make a lane keeper. I have been wanting to do this ffor a while with an arduino or FB but i am unsure what type of sencer to use. The only thing i can ome up with is something hiw a line following robot works. But that type of light sencer has problems when its not right on tom of the line its trying to follow.

So any ideas??

Note: a lane keeper is a system that displays how centered you are in the lane. Not all that useful but it would be cool.

Volvo Hu-803 Upgrade: DAB+, hands-free, aux

Phreak Show — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:26:15 GMT

Hi guys,

I drive a 2004 V70R with the stock HU-603 unit. During the last month I was installing some updates, such as the PA-300 (4-channel amplifier) and the subwoofer. I also changed the speakers in the doors. It sounds quite nice now.

I bought a HU-803 on ebay, which offers surround sound. This HU would be the basis of this project. As you can see in the attached photo, I already reverse-engineered the interface to the display.
So now I'm able to display anything I want on the stock radio display. Furthermore, I can ready all of the buttons (they all use a single pin and different resistors for an ADC).

My idea is, to remove the cd-changer which is integrated into to HU, and plant my pcb with a PIC18F4680 there. The Pic will handle the output to the display. I may also grab the buttons on the frontpanel to control my pcb.
I can switch between my view and the stock HU view by switch the 12 data lines to and from the microcontrollers by relay.

So the remaining problems would be: Stripping a DAB+ radio and adding it to my pcb, like piggyback. The biggest problem here will be the output of the station's name, or the frequency. My Pic would have to read the signals from the DAB+ unit.
So far, I don't have an idea how to do this easily.

The second problem might be the different frequencies, used in DAB+ standard. As my stock antennae are designed for like 100MHz, and DAB+ using frequencies around ~200MHz, there might be some trouble receiving something at all.

And the third problem would be finding a nice hands-free unit. At first I thought of a Parrot 9100, but again, how do I grab the outputs from the display and route it to the HU's display. Especially when the Parrot uses some graphic lcd.

Do you know a hands-free unit which has a bus for output purposes so that I can tap into there? I also would appreciate some brainstorming on my idea :)

cheers phreak

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3D All-Around-View-View 360 by Fujitsu

protools_operat — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 15:42:10 GMT

Hey, I'm visiting this forum for about 7 years now but not writing much.
I planning on implementing around view 360 view in my car (like on Infinity, BMW and such, Alpine TopView system, 360Vue etc,.).
I'm not sure it have been talked about before but the most feature rich technology I found comes from Fujitsu, It simulates a 3D car on the monitor and it's able to see a lot of views, It's very good for lane-to-lane movement safety, parking and going out of park, also what I want to implement is a 360 degrees full 24/7 survillance in the car for proofs in case of in accidents and recording bad habits of policemen, to seeing who scratched my car or worse - broke in.

I already bought a few wide angle cameras and waiting for my new carpc parts to get to Israel so I can play with them with my Geovision Card and maybe some broken high end PTZ cameras I got.
Geovision has the option of defish so the wide angle lens can be seen how I want them to be seen.

Anyways I just found that maybe there's another option to implement this, fujitsu are making evaluation boards with their 3D chip. I'm not a programmer but this thing is amazing and I guess with some help from forum members and all the contribution I can offer myself, maybe we can make it work.

Link to their site:
http://www.fujitsu.com/emea/services/microelectronics/gdc/gdcdevices/mb86r12-emerald-p.html

Here's a video that shows what it can do in early stages:

What do you think?:)

-Noam

connect CarPC to pioneer HU instead of Navigation device

ggogishv — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:39:02 GMT

Hello,
I have Pioneer AVH-P2400BT as the HU in my car. External Navigation unit can be connected there with proprietary interface. As i have checked that interface have the RGB video signal,
Audio input and communication lines. Idea is to connect CarPC to that Head Unit instead of navigation box.
Main advantages:
Use FM/AM/HD Radio of the HU (No need to have additional hardware on CarPC)
No need to have any Front End Software on CarPC like Centrafuse, RoadRunner e.t.c
No need to spend money on touch screen.
You can convert the HU to carPC by simple push the Navi button on HU.

I have one serious problem that i could not find description of communication protocol between HU and NAVI unit.

Any help will be appreciated.

And sorry for my English

Panasonic dvd receiver Navigation RGB input pin out ??

dogislav — Tue, 29 May 2012 19:48:41 GMT

Did any one manage to connect their Panasonic dvd player to a car pc over this navi RGB input?
This is the player I have
panasonic cq-vd7005n
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/260230/index.html

I found a navigation box for sale
http://gsmserver.com/shop/car/cs9200...gation_box.php
that uses that navi RGB input, for display and touch screen on this Panasonic and many other car dvd receivers.

So it must be a way to make a cable to connect car pc to display picture over VGA?

They also sell
http://gsmserver.com/shop/car/usb_touch_controller.php

I dont know if this can be connected to the touch panel in the Panasonic?

hardware based cd emulator

uglyoldbob — Sun, 06 May 2012 05:37:55 GMT

I have been developing a hardware based cd emulator device as part of a senior design project and have reached a stage where it is now partially usable. It is a usb 2.0 (480 mbit/s) device that operates as an external usb cd drive, and currently uses iso images. It can read at 6MB/s or 40x in cd speed terminology. It has a 20x4 character lcd and 4 buttons (those aren't programmed yet).

I developed this to overcome limitations of software based cd emulation.

Car Security...

Carl Kempe — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:07:15 GMT

Im Thinking to get a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria as my first car soon. Since I will be getting it i've been researching so much about CarPC's, Multiple LED Projects, And a big rare project and that is... installing a Xbox 360 and/or NES console. But Im not so much the key type guy, and im kinda in a situation were I got a choice to make.

TS Biometric Fingerprint Immobiliser
http://www.transportsupport.co.uk/vehicle-safety-products?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage .tpl&product_id=136&category_id=46
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl6k7LyjHbA

Or...

Asianwolf Smart Combination Digital Starter Disable
http://www.asianwolf.com/car-alarm-spsmartkpl.html
http://www.digitalguarddog.com/mm5/m...Code=DGD-NZN-1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_0ObDR-CaI

Can you guys help me out? Do you think I should go Finger or Keypad/button? Off-Topic By the way I plan to upload daily Vlogs on my Ford Crown Victoria. (Only on the days That Im working on the car.)

Open-source car gauge and HUD based on Arduino

stanleyhuang — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:35:33 GMT

The VirtuDash project aims to provide car lovers a low-cost, customizable and programmable car gauge with open-source hardware and software. The hardware is based on Arduino, the open source electronics prototyping platform and a modified ELM327 compatible adapter which connects cars’ OBD-II (standard interface for most cars manufactured after 2000) and the Arduino board.

SourceForge page:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/virtudash

Project homepage:
http://www.virtudash.com/

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Radio Help

Rill — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:51:26 GMT

Good morning,

I am in need af a radio for my CarPc I need FM and ideally DAB for UK use. I did try to purchase the CraigBias system but it never turnned up and I had no communication with them at all.

All the Google searchs I run find out dated and not sold hardware. I need a working radio please help!

Cheers,
Tom

My home-brew Arduino OBD-II connection kit

stanleyhuang — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:49:27 GMT

After many attempts to connect an Arduino with my car through the OBD-II port and having some success, I’ve finally made a kit which enables those who want to playing with Arduino and their cars to jump start quicky.

My Arduino OBD-II Connection Kit consists of a modified ELM327-compatible adapter which can be wired with Arduino or other MCU boards. The adapter also provides 5V power supply, which is ignition controlled (put through when engine starts and cut off when engine stops). This can provides power (up to 500mhA current, with reverse protection) for Arduino board, shields or some other attached devices, so a wire getting power from somewhere else is not needed. This helps to make the gadget you made looks tidy. The only interface to the car of the adapter is the OBD-II connector.

I also developed an Arduino library for the adapter as an open-source project. It provides Arduino developers an easy-to-use APIs to connect to and retrieve realtime data from a vehicle. The data includes:

Vehicle ID number
Vehicle speed
Engine RPM
Throttle position
Calculated/absolute Engine load
Engine coolant temperature
Intake temperature
Intake pressure
MAF flow pressure
Fuel pressure
Barometric pressure
Ignition timing advance
Engine running time
Vehicle running distance
Boost value (estimated)

By having access to these data, the Arduino can compute, store or show the realtime vehicle status in any unique way. Here is a fancy dashboard gadget I made for my car (with video).

If you are interested in my Arduino OBD-II connection kit, please see here for more details.

Android IBus interface board

TunaCanyon — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:23:42 GMT

About a year ago, my friends bluetooth OBDII reader inspired me to replace the stock head unit in my M3 with a tablet. Progress has been sporadic but has picked up lately. Here's a brief overview:

Components: Samsung Galaxy Tab (Wifi only), Sparkfun IOIO board, Tab dock, Custom power and I/O circuit board, e46 BMW M3
Summary: The tablet plugs into the dock which I'm using to breakout the USB and audio connections. The USB data is split off into the IOIO board and audio to a single ended to differential IC amp. The IOIO is basically a microcontroller breakout for android devices. When used in conjunction with the IOIO library, you can write apps that make use of digial I/O, PWM, UARTs, etc. Pretty awesome. And theres a 3A 5V regulator powering everything. This plugs directly into the stock wiring harness which contains power, audio, and IBus.

New here so hopefully they let me post pics...

And video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBdQnFnXtgQ

Comments welcome...they'll give me a chance to respond and get my post count up so not everything needs moderator approval.

RFID-Based Auto-lock/unlock System

Ryven — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:51:29 GMT

I'm looking to build a standalone system to use RFID with approx 2-3 meter range that will detect a RFID tag.
Upon detection of the proper RFID, I will have a OEM remote board wired into the system so it unlocks the doors.
When the RFID is no longer detected, I want it to lock the doors, then set the alarm (double button press of the 'lock' button)

The problem here is that I don't even know where to start. I've seen RFID kits but I don't know what to get. I don't want to bother with Bluetooth because the systems are crazy expensive. Once that is established I need a low-power intelligent system to make connections to correctly simulate a button press.

I'm not against a Fusion-brain for this, but I can't find any kind of RFID integration for it. Arduino might be better, but IIRC, PaulF had a very nice, arduino-based system that ended up drawing too much power at idle and killed his battery while his car was parked.

This will not be reading my factory keys' RFID chip, but this will be a separate system just to automatically hit the lock and unlock buttons for me using circuitry pulled from a spare remote. Existing remotes/keys will still operate normally, is the plan. So something that constantly sends a 'lock' signal while I'm away from the car is the wrong idea. Just need it to lock when detection first fails.

Any help on this project would be immensely appreciated. I know this is the community to get this kind of thing done.

2 din head unit w/ external gps hacked to get VGA and touch usb input

o07wray — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:30:48 GMT

Has enybody gotten the pinout for the GPS input to the head unit (eonon makes a G3001 external gps box ) I am hoping it has VGA signals and touch usb signals

That way I could have a motorized face w/ dvd player am/fm.. I'd use the GPS input to hook up my computer to it and use a windows based gps as well as other windows aps.

I was looking for a cid650 or invotek 633pc that has a vga monitor input and touch screen usb..

maybee this would be a soulition.

thanks,
Jeff

How to make an FM jammer?

Garbag3man117 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:35:18 GMT

I want to make an FM jammer so I can play whatever music I want through my school bus radio. (It's legal where I live :3)

Can someone help me with this? I'd like to make one that could fit into a small altoids can, with the functionality of one in this video. I need it to be able to take input from a 3.5mm headphone jack, an antenna, and have an adjustable FM frequency.

I have a basic knowledge of electronics, (I know what capacitors and resistors and circuit boards do, etc.), but not enough for something like this. I've found a circuit diagram here, but I do not know how to read it :P. If someone could explain to me what everything is, and how everything goes together, I would be thankful. In the diagram, it does not show how to hook up the headphone jack and antenna though, so if someone could tell me where to put those that would be great.

Really I just need an explanation of how to make this. I hope that building this will help me learn more about electronics, while still providing me with some fun lol. Any help would be great! Thanks.

Open Source Car entertainment system

sgrabar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:25:12 GMT

Hi,

Our company is converting "regular" cars to electric one.
http://www.smart-electro.net/

What we need is Car entertainment system, with some custom screens for air-con, motor and battery diagnostics. The communication is made via CAN bus.

Most "regular" of the shell double DIN entertainment system have appropriate hardware, but all I contacted replayed to me that minimum quantity for custom modifications of software is cca 500pcs, which is for the moment not acceptable for us, and none of them provide BSP so we could write our own software.

Has anyone any recommendations for it?

Regards,
Simon

Android based Infotainment development questions

DaveH28 — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:31 GMT

Hi,

I am intersted in doing a project for an infotainment system based on the Android platform,

Initially this is a development project so it doesnt have to be the most cutting edge hardware,
but what I cannot find and some of you guys may know is whether there are development kits
the incorporate a touchscreen and peripherals such as GPS, FM/AM tuner, Bluetooth, CAN etc,
that is able to run android.

My other dev idea is to buy a cheap android tablet which already has some of the peripherals and design a card that converts CAN to USB,
My profession is as a software engineer, so anything were I can cut out as much of the electronic engineering as possible is where I want to go for now.

Any ideas here would be much appreciated.

TIA
Cheers

RadioMAX - FM, AM, WB, RDS USB Car PC Radio + DAB/DAB+, HD Radio, GPS Loger

tempgp — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:53:55 GMT

Ok so i moved threat form Centrafuse to a more competitive battleground :)
We are currently developing TempGP RadioMAX - a universal radio platform specifically designed for CarPC use.
The idea of the project is to create main motherboard that can have plugin modules suitable for specific user needs. Main communication to CarPC is achived via USB 2.0

So far here the specks of main board that we will release shortly.

USB Radio

FM
AM
WB - Weather
RDS

Unlike many other radio units we decided to do more work and get AM +WB working. Why? Because those bands are used for announcement of traffic condition or in case of emergency at least in US, the WB band is the only one that can be relied upon :) So if we really have pimped out cars this should be required.

Next, after min RadioMAX board is released we will manufacture 2 add on radio chips that will enable following functionality:

DAB, DAB+ (All but USA)
HD Radio (USA)

Those are separate clip on modules that can be used based on your country.

On the main board audio will be delivered to CarPC either USB Audio or analog audio (headphone jack) so device can work in different scenarios.

GPS
Next besides Radio as Audio receivers we will have other radio modules available. Foe example more advanced board will have GPS + GLONASS on it so you can get good navigation even in Russia :) We will also add AUX battery to device to we can have hot start to reduce GPS seek time to 0 sec :) Basically GPS will be always on, no need to wait till we find satellites.

GPS Loger
We will have SD card port on the main board so if you hvae GPS module you can enable login feature. This can be used to prove where you have been and what speed you drive with. Of cause logging can be disabled or erased if need. Oh and yes loger can work without car PC as we have independent battery you can just turn log on and drop device to the car you want to spy on :eyebrows:

WiFi + Bluetooth
Module will be available to add support for WiFi and bluetooth. In most cases you don't really need it but if WiFi configured to automatically connect to any open network then you can have reasonably steady Internet connection on PC without figuring out how to do auto connect. With conjunction to GPS you can technically view your car location, just in case you forgot where you have parked. Or it can be used as lowjack ...but no insurance form us :)

EDGE / GPRS / 3G
Same as WiFi but more reliable option to connect your box to Internet.

GPIO - Relay Board + Remote Start + Sensors
Biggest toy of the project is to control your car remotely even when carPC is off. Well you turn on your carPC remotely. The board has low power consumption so it can run off our independent battery. So we can use EDGE/3G or WiFi network to send commands to the car. Ex trigger the relay and remote start your car + carpc. Or maybe sound horn or what ever you can come up with. We will have 4 independent relays they can be triggered remotely or locally through USB just like regular relay board. We might add few sensors or anything that is requested by a community to this add on part. Technically possibilities are limitless

Seams to be lots of text so let me recap road map:
1. Motherboard w/ FM, AM, WB, RDS [End of 2011]
2. Motherbard with Radio + GPS + SD Card [End of 2011]
3. DAB+ Module [Q1 2012]
4. HD Radio Module [Q2 2012]
5. WiFi + BT Module [Q3 2012]
6. EDGE / 3G Module [Q3 2012]
7. GPIO Module [Q4 2012]

If you want to hear sample audio that we did while testing dev board you can hear it on our website.
http://www.tempgp.com/dynamic/?page=24

If you want to speed up the development we will probably start selling preorders once design is finalized.

As to software, it will be GPL Open Source. We will write general windows program to control radio and we will do Centrafuse plugin. All will be open source so if you are developer you will be able to edit or modify or create your own plugins for different front ends.

Drivers: we are planing to release drivers for Win XP, Win 7, Linux, Mac ... maybe Win CE

Rough Price estimates:
RadioMAX basic AM/FM board ~$150-200 USD
RadioMAX GPS Loger borad ~ $250 UDS
RadioMAX DAB/DAB+ Module ~$50

I thin i described project well so if you have any questions comments, donations then let me know ;)

Here is diagram of device concept.

Attached Images

My New Project : HU replacement hardware

fraglez — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:07:54 GMT

Hi All,

BACKGROUND:
I was playing with carpc for a few years now. Recently I�ve changed my car so looking for new install. On my previous install I�ve used my Pioneer head unit to adjust all aspects of sound ( volume, Tone, Balance, High And Low Fq. Filters, SUB output etc. ) It as quite good as i prefer to use buttons of my steering wheel as playing with touch screen and going thru few screens of Centrafuse to change bass level is annoying. Downside was that it was not displaying song names on the HU display only �AUX� and it was quite bulky install. Rest of the futures of the car pc used to be controlled via 6.5� touch screen LCD. I would like to achieve something similar on my new car but without using head unit

IDEA:
So I want to get Arduino board connected to the PC via RS232 ( to read the song titles and to pass button presets to Centrafuse to change song, play, pause etc ). Arduino will have buttons connected ( ideally situated around the computers touch screen LCD, buttons from the steering wheel would be connected to the Arduino as well. Then I want to connect 4x40 character display ( or mono graphics 240x64) to the Arduino via RS232 to display song names, volume, menu for changing tone levels etc.

Everyone will ask why do I use Arduino board and not connect the LCD and buttons straight to the PC. Simple reason: I don�t want to relay on the PC to control audio. I hate when i have few seconds delay in changing volume because PC is calculating something at the moment. Or when it crashes i cannot change to volume what so ever. I want my Arduino board to control the audio output via TAS3103 + TAS5026. It will provide volume, tone, equaliser ( with 7 settings which i can program myself and use ), low and high pass filter ( via the equaliser which can be programmed per channel ), L/R and F/R balance. Audio will then output to 41hz.com 4 channel amplifier.

I've already purchased Arduino Mega board and got samples of the TAS3103. Now my next step is to find an LCD and then I can start programming. I�m struggling to find appropriate size LCD with the red backlight ( I want to match the rest of the dashboard ) I think I should have no problem programming Arduino but I will straggle on the PC side to talk to Centrafuse via RS232. I know it is simple and SDK is available but I�m a specialist in hardware not programming .

What do you think guys? Maybe someone else is interested in such hardware?

Fraglez

Where to buy newer version of HQCT USB Radio?

m2spring — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:48:37 GMT

The mp3car.com shop sells v1.0 of the HQCT radio module.
The manufacturer of the module lists on its Web site a v2.0 and v3.0.
Does anyone know where to buy the newer version?
Thanks!
-Max

Steering Wheel Controls through parallel or serial port

cwmaurer — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:31:20 GMT

So, let me start by saying that I haven't had a chance to pull apart my dash to look at the cable coming from the steering wheel yet, as I'd like to pull it apart as few times as possible, since it's pretty much a *****. That said, I have a 2007 Scion tC that I'm installing a CarPC into. I obviously want the five buttons on the wheel (vol +/-, track , mode) to work with my carpc. Before you refer me to the Joycon or Arduino thread, well, I'm trying to not spend too much money, and was hoping to make a parallel or serial cable to hook to them, and do it all in software. I was wondering if anyone has any information on:
Steering wheel wire harness pinouts
Programming for parallel or serial ports
Any idea of how feasible this his or if it would take more work than it's worth.
I basically want to wire them as a simple human interface device like the media keys on a keyboard. And since it has a mode button, if I could program that to be kind of like an alt+tab button, or switch between different screens in RR, that would be extra credit.

------------------------
Too long; didn't read
------------------------
OP wants to wire steering wheel controls to parallel or serial port instead of buying a joycon or arduino, and would appreciate all help in doing so. Possible payment for any exceptionally good help.

motorized potentiometer

scott_fx — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:10:05 GMT

so i am looking potentiometers and would love to be able to have the option of either sending an analog signal to a fb from my computer or by a dial on my dash.

I'd have the dial on the dash with a markings from say 1-10. when i turn the dial to '4', the computer would update it's display to '4' and my hydrofoil would go to position '4' via fusionbrain. but.. say i was in front of my tablet (win7 running my front end, fusion brain connected to the usb port) and i wanted to adjust the hydrofoil to '10'. well i'd select '10' on the tablet, the foil would move to 10.... but the pot would be out of sync.

it seems that the motorized pots just have a dc motor on them... are there any analog potentiometers with a servo or analog input that would turn the pot to a specific position?

AIO Carputer / Black Box Recorder what options do I have

MasterCATZ — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 06:25:03 GMT

Pretty much having a hard time finding a DVR that does what I want

http://www.gotrack.com.au/myview/index.php
has features I want , but i am not wanting something dash mountable / built in camera's
( I want to use my own camera's and where i want them )

pretty much this is my setup

2x camera's in Left Mirror facing FRNT / Rear
2x camera's in Right Mirror facing FRNT / Rear
Bonnet cam
Spoiler cam

Running through a 8 cam multiplexer

Reversing / using R/L indicators changes the camera config

I also have Visor Monitors / Rear View Mirror monitor and double DIN touch screen that ran the mp3 player ..

now what i am wanting to do is record all camera's in h.264 format along with speed / GPS / time data

and if possible broad case GPS location ( my android phone does this so it shouldn't be to hard )

I am thinking of building PC to sit under passenger front seat .. or Glove box as i am guessing i will have to hunt down an pci-e card for recording the camera's unless their is some usb thing out their ?

( car is Tripple Battery also .. and has a solar trickle charger ( only charges the 3rd Deep cycle battery which is the fail safe for the 2nd dry cell AUX battery that can also be used as the crank battery if needed 1st wet cell battery gets charged up via Alternator first )

o did I mention I wanted motion sensor based recording when when the car is turned off ( i know its possible but not having much luck finding the software :crazy:

Need NAV ( Augmented if possible ... )
Need DVR ( complete Black Box )
Need Multimedia Player
Need OBD 2 Tools ( also wanting to log all engine data alongside video / GPS location )
ie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHjD_U-VzWA

I am also wanting to change camera's to tuneable ones that I can adjust whilst driving but ,,, I can live with out I was hoping by now some motorized ones would be around

using an analog potentiometer to activate digital inputs?

scott_fx — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:23:23 GMT

Hey guys,

so i have 4 mjsgadgets usb-io-1's and im using all of the outputs which gives me 16 unused digital inputs.

i have a hydrofoil that rotates 90 degrees and i'd like to have a better idea of where it is at any moment. I plan on hooking up a waterproof potentiometer or a hall effect ic that can detect rotation and give a linear analog output.

i could always get a phidget 1011 but was thinking about reducing the amount of parts and cost of the project by utilizing the digital inputs.

i was wondering how i would convert the 90 degree sweep into 16 digital switches. could i do it with a resistor ladder type setup? For instance. if the hydrofoil rotates from 0 degrees to 10 degrees the pot (which is attached to at the pivot point) would rotate and therefor increase the voltage from 0 to say 1v. then when it went to 20 degrees it would go up to 2v. how would i toggle a digital input when it hit 1v and then a second one when it hit 2v and so on?

Stock navigation on Hyundai Genesis and Sonata Runs Windows CE

superart — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 05:30:56 GMT

I was reading this thread here:
http://www.gencoupe.com/electrical-w...-nav-hack.html

And it seems the new hyundai cars come "pre installed" with a car PC running Windows CE. It just needs to be unlocked. I figured you guys might be interested in this.

They have already started a bit of work on this, but it has gotten a bit stagnant as of late. Here is the project page for it:
http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawik...itle=Main_Page

The system runs on a TI OMAP 2430 chip which has an ARM1136 core and dedicated 2D/3D graphics.

The problem is, it seems to be a bit hard to unlock it far enough to install anything useful. My goal in posting this link here is that I think there is probably a lot more experienced people on this forum, and they might be able to help. I think it would be really cool to have system-level access to a machine that is already patched into the car's ECU and can show live gauges and record engine status along with video.

The other thing I would be interested in finding out is how feasible would it be to install linux or android on it?

Well, just thought I would share this little bit of info, I figured people on this forum would find it interesting. Hopefully it will be able to get developed into something useful.

Power Inverter to a truck battery (need help and ideas)

blk133 — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:14:20 GMT

Hey guys,

I bought a Roadpro RPPI-2500W 2000/5000 Watt DC to AC Power Inverter from Ama$on ($100 by the way) and would like to run a spot cooler of of it. Spot cooler is 690 watt 6 amps. My alternator is rated at 100 amps. Efficiency of an inverter is 87%. Do you think if truck will be running for 9-10 hours a day (FedEx truck) alternator will still be able to keep my batteries at above 50% state of charge so that they don't deteriorate?

I was calculating it like this: (690w/12v)/.87= 66.1 amp is required from my battery to run it.

so if an alternator rated to produce 100 amps it should be fine?

Your thoughts guys?

Thanks,
B.

Backup Camera - How to Mirror the image on my display

BugNuker — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:43:26 GMT

Lurker here.
I've done some fun things with my car.
One thing I can figure out is how to mirror the image of my backup camera.
I know it can be done via software, but I am trying to find a hardware solution.

any ideas, links, products?

thanks!

Ta-Da! Prototype DC-DC PSU

2k1Toaster — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:27:51 GMT

This is a new prototype for the FusionPSU! It is based off of the M2-ATX in size, and that's about it. The 5v rail is almost 2 times as powerful, the 12v rail 125% more powerful, and all rails are a minimum of 50% better regulated.

There is a big easily replaceable fuse next to the big easy to wire to screw terminals. The connectors are modularized, so if you only need the ATX cable and 1 HD, then you only need to connect that making it so that your mini case doesn't become a crowded mess.

It has the same footprint as the M2-ATX meaning it is a drop in replacement for cases like the VoomPC/VoomPC2. It also has a USB jack on it that will allow for programmable settings and monitoring if wanting. If not wanted, then you don't need it.

Code:

Output Rail         Current (Max)        Regulation

5V                 15A                 > 1%

3.3V                 8A                 > 1%

5VSB                 1.5A                 > 1%

-12V                 0.3A                 > 5%

12V                 10A                 > 1%

Passport QI45 Audio Output (or any radar detector)

PaulF — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 02:59:40 GMT

Last week I got the QI45 radar detector by passport. It's one of the discrete permanent-installed radar detectors. It's awesome and it's been working great. But there's one big problem: I play my music too loud and I can't hear it. I have to keep looking at the thing's screen and taking my eyes off the road.

The solution was obvious: play it through the car's speakers. How to accomplish it was not immediately obvious. Then my friend called me asking for help installing a subwoofer in his car without changing the stock speakers. I said "oh you just need a line output converter." That triggered me to remember my desire for external speakers for the QI45. This will work on any radar detector with a built-in speaker though.

What do you need?
-A soldering iron
-Solder
-A short length of speaker wire (maybe)
-Tape
-A line output converter
I used: http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-2-Chan...8192124&sr=1-1

Now it's painfully simple if you don't mind opening up an expensive product and soldering.

Pictures:

Step 0: Before installing

Step 1: Open it up.

Step 2: Solder a short length of speaker wire to the speaker's terminals

Step 3: Find a way to get the wire out of the closed box

Step 4: Attach it to the line driver
Note: Since the radar detector has a single speaker and I wanted to hear it out of both channels in the car, I just attached it to both of the line converter's speaker inputs

Step 5: Attach RCA cables!

Step 6:
I then routed the rca cable to the back of the car and attached it to the car pc's microphone input and turned the microphone volume up in windows xp's volume manager. Boom. Everything works. Easy mod.

Next I'd like to write a small program to check the volume of the microphone port and do something when the volume goes above x percent so I can perform an action when radar is in use.

Alternative to Phidgets for Temperature Sensing

EricE — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:03:03 GMT

On my old computer I ran a 4 sensor pic controller board that read 4 DS1820s. They were hyper accurate and I was very happy. The board interfaced to the computer through a D9 serial port. Along comes the new computer and D9 serial is obsolete and only has USBs. So I purchased a Phidgets 1051 (single) temperature sensor and wrote a custom plugin for RR. I am not happy with the accuracy though. It sucks. The calibration factor needs to change as it gets hotter/colder and you have to come up with the calibration factor yourself. Also, the accuracy is +-1.8C or +-3.2F. That is not accurate enough when you want to know if the road is frozen or not.

So I am looking for a USB solution that uses DS1820s or similar. Anyone know of anything?

---------- Post added at 10:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 AM ----------

Well, I did find a kit. I kinda wanted to purchase one this time rather than kit it but I'll keep looking.
http://electronics-diy.com/electroni...tic.php?id=696

---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 AM ----------

and this:
http://www.audon.co.uk/io8g.html

Need ideas on how to push physical button (relay) with computer

dhantiflag — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:09:30 GMT

So im working on a little project for my phone.. don't want to get into to many details yet about it as its just prototype... so im a C# developer with some java and im trying to find a way to trigger a relay... now i never have done any work with any physical hardware always just software... im looking for some sort of product i can connect usb that i can controller a relay or some sort of switch or button... thanks!

easiest way to build this circuit?

scott_fx — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:52:22 GMT

Im trying to use a single momentary button to cycle these two functions.

first press = momentary pulse 12v to contact A
second press = momentary pulse or latch 12v to contact B (if latching, it would have to reset/unlatch upon the next button press)
(rinse and repeat)

bonus points if there could be a delay on each button press. i.e. you have to hold the button for 2 seconds in order to reduce unintentional presses.

could this be done with relays and a simple resister capacitor circuit?

Need ideas to rig a thermostat to get inside/outside temp readings

Chronus72488 — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 07:57:29 GMT

(Posted this at Centrafuse forums too, but no reply, thought I'd try my luck here...)

For all you electrical and programming nuts out there, I call upon you for help.

I was thinking of wiring up an Arduino with a 16x2 LCD module and a SHT-21 humidity and temperature sensor so I can get outside and inside temp readings of my '06 Acura RSX Type-S (No my car did not come with one from the factory, damn you newer cars...).

Some problems I see with this is primarily mounting and wiring. I don't want a bunch of wires running all over the place, and I also don't want the module to placed in a spot that would give me inaccurate readings.

With that said, anyone mind helping me brainstorm a way to make this project as lightweight as possible but still get the same functionality out of it?

Rotary Switch to Variable Timing Circuit?

sdashiki — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:21:03 GMT

I need some EE help with a project I am trying.

What I need is a timing chip whose time(s) are set by rotating a dial.

Set the dial to 1sec. When you power the circuit (switch) you get a 1sec pulse of power to the output and then it stops.

Im looking to have a 10-12 position rotary dial connected to a timing chip. How the hell do I go about even starting this project? How does one get EXACT timed pulses from the chip...do I need to program it?

I need non-crazy times like 1s, 1/100th, 1/1000th etc.

So, to reiterate my ranting unintelligible self:

set dial to a certain time
power on the circuit
timing chip reads setting on dial and outputs appropriate amount of time in a power pulse

This will allow me to turn on/off a device with perfect timing I can set.

HELP!? Are there things already set up like this? Do I need to get a programmable chip and dev board?

Hacking a Ford OEM navigation HU

sredmyer — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 15:50:32 GMT

I am working on the factory OEM navigation system from Ford. This is the 2009-2011 unit manufactured by Clarion. All I am trying to do at this point is to simulate the required CAN BUS signals so that the unit can be powered up on the bench. Although I have so far done a considerable amount of reading I do not yet have a clear idea of what I need or how I would do this.

As mentioned previously these units are manufactured by Clarion for Ford. They are available in many Ford vehicles with various different features and controls. For instance when installed in a Ford Edge they may be configured to provide (via MS-CAN signals) control over the climate control system of the vehicle while the same unit installed in a Super Duty truck would not be configured for this option. The point is that the units have a large number of configuration settings that determine what user features and graphical elements are actually present. Ford has these devices locked down so that they can only be programmed (have the aforementioned configurations set) by an authorized Ford service center using a proprietary tool built by Ford. Currently there are only two companies in the USA that are authorized by Ford to do this.

Further these unit have a built in hard drive which stores the nav software and all of these configuration values and other device required files. This hard drive is a 40gb drive of which 10gb is available for the user to store pictures and media files. The only way for the user to get media files on the device is to load a CD and instruct the unit to rip it. The unit has a built in Gracenote metadata database that it uses to lookup the CD and tag the files so that the user interface can display the album art, track titles and the like when the user selects the internal jukebox as the media source. This is a neat feature but is virtually useless since there is no way to mass load media files. The only way to load the jukebox is to rip each CD individually into the unit. At approximately 6 minutes per CD a person could spend an entire weekend just loading a few CDs.

As I say all I am trying to do at this point is to "spoof" the required CAN signals to get this thing to power up on the bench. However eventually I would like to figure out how to manipulate the configuration values and find a way to mass load media files. Problem is I have no idea where to even start with this project. I am not exactly ignorant on electronics but it certainly is not my area of expertise. I am a software engineer who has worked in the corporate environment for many years. I mention this only to point out that I am experienced writing Windows desktop and client server applications using VB (both classic and .Net) and C# but have very little knowledge of embedded programming.

Can anyone here provide me with any direction as to how to get started on this project?

Thanks,
Steve

Vehicle speed converter

kirupa — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:10:54 GMT

Hi..

i want to design a vehicle speed converter for car which takes speed signal from ECU of car and convert it to digital format. i don't have car. i don't know what kind of speed signal come out from the ECU of car. I am an Electrical and Electronic engineer. i have experience developing electronic circuit. I want to know the voltage VS speed waveform diagram of the ECU speed out put. Can anybody help me?

Tracing the leads on my 2005 Accord head unit

Ryven — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 02:22:17 GMT

I'm just starting up this thread to track my progress with tracing the leads on my head unit main board. I'm isolating the climate controls so I need to verify which components it goes through and, if possible, see about mimicking the LCD as a pair of small temperature readouts. Pics to follow...

OBDII Arduino Shield

bwallen — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 01:19:19 GMT

Does such a thing exist? I've see how I can make my own, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel if I don't have to. I also saw a serial port shield. Would that work if my OBDII cable has a serial connector?

Recommendation for a SPDT relay

medampudi — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 18:00:01 GMT

Hi i am in search of a SPDT 1,2,4 - channel relay(comparatively cheaper in price) with small footprint like the SSR or the photomos.. i need it for a multiplexer and a de multiplexer circuitary

could any one suggest me any links for the same as i have tried a numerous times but was unsuccessful...

the device needs to
a. Minimum 5 V DC
b. Maximum 20 V DC
c. Maximum source current 150 mA
d. Maximum sink current 300mA (only for SHORT_TO_GROUND).

thanking you

Rajesh Medampudi...

hi

gaahmed — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:55:01 GMT

Hello .. I'm here I want to tell you about the idea to modify the player's songs to a parent cost MP3 Is it possible to give this idea to you and get a return
Thank you

Kworld 7134FM

theGuardian — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:28:51 GMT

hello,

is anybody still using these cards with the Phillips 7134 chip. I can't seem to get Radiator to work with my card, I can use the Original Kworld Hypermedia software and also i can use FLY2000TV to work with my card , but only using the "Use Generic WDM card (control via WDM driver) option selected, this in turn, disables the individual card selections, problem is, Radiator doesn't support using a WDM feature , and using the fly2000fm plugin that comes with FLY2000tv doesn't seem to work either, also, the developers seems to have given up on either of those 2 apps, as the last updates was in 2004/2005.

I'm using a trial edition of Centrafuse, and would really like to get it working...

Details :

chipset : saa7134HF (as seen on the pcboard)
crystal : 32100

any help please.

Regards,
:o

alcatel to rs232 ? (or any other cheap phone)

lez — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:19:36 GMT

Just acquired an alcatel ot 209

I'm wondering if anyone has come across anyway of getting it to communicate over rs232, NOT USB!

I know if you plug in a usb cable phones can emulate a virtual comport etc, but this is for a no-pc situation.

I'm looking at this phone as they free with a top up voucher from lots of companies and its to replace the t68i's i was building my original car-alarm controller out of, as t68i's are now harder to get, cost more than this, and have proved to have a firmware bug i cant get over.

so if anyone has seen / heard of a way to connect this phone up, heads up plz.

now off to take it to bits and see what chipset its got and if i can find anything out about it

If anyone else knows of a phone also on the 99p / free with a topup that may do rs232 let me know i wont mind changing phones if its gonna be a move forward

Best multitouch?

branded — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:58:57 GMT

Hello,

I've been researching a multitouch LCD for a few days.

I noticed a lot of people on here use Lilliput, and it appears that they have two multitouch solutions:

http://www.lilliput.cn/FA1011-NP.html
http://www.lilliput.cn/FA1012-NP.html

Does anyone have any other suggestions? My application is for music production along these lines: http://www.google.com/search?q=monotouchlive&tbs=vid:1

I came here because you all are very well versed in touch interfaces. Note that I will be using OSX Snow Leopard (10.6) (although I'm looking into Wine or a VM to provide an interface).

Thanks very much!

Matt

Wheel controls

channingst170 — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:51:08 GMT

Spent the evening ripping apart the steering wheel controls from my car and soldering it up to an cheap game controller i bought.

All finished and with the game controller calibration utility can see all the buttons are working properly now from the new control.

Question is what is the best software to use to easily configure it to work with Centarfuse.

I need to be able to change volume, skip track and mute if possible

Thanks.

SWI over bluetooth

ruspa — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:38:01 GMT

Hello I embedded a Samsung Galaxy Tab into the 2DIN space of my Alfa MiTO, it fits perfecty since the tablet is almost exact 2din size. 10 minutes dremel on a 2din aftermarket plastic frame and the job is done.

But I got 8 wheel buttons on the Mito I'd really like to let my talblet be aware of. I got no problems in doing the app to handle incoming stuff, the problem is that I can connect to the tablet only by Bluetooth or by WIFI. I need a SWI over bluetooth, so I can write an app to handle the stuff from the paired bluetooth transmitter.

Is there any SWI->bluetooth device I can purchase/build by myself? Does exist some bluetooth transmitter that may bridge that kind of signals?

I know I could just use a made in china bluetooth-whatever-device to disassemble it, reusing its buttons to replace the Mito's ones, but I prefer not to unscrew apart the wheel.
Thanks in advance. :ballchain:

iPod and iPhone support for all carPCs

justchat_1 — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:19:00 GMT

Gauging interest in a custom iPod/iPhone connector cable for carPCs. As many of you know, all the major headunits have special cables that allow them to control an ipod, playback songs (even protected ones) and browse your music collection. If theres interest this product would do exactly the same thing. It would feature RCA cables for left and right channel audio, a USB connector for power/charging and a serial connection for data transfer. There would also be a freely available library for interfacing with the iPod and plugins made available for all the major front ends.

Note: This would be configured as an automotive accessory connector so when power is turned off the device turns off and locks (could be useful for iPad installs).

So....whos interested?

Pulsing Switch?

danimal — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:27:43 GMT

How hard would it be to create a simple piece of hardware that would put out a adjustable pulse rate when a switch is turned on?

I would like to use something like this in my air ride setup to control the flow rate of air to lift or lower the vehicle by quickly pulsing the valve open and closed at an adjustable rate to speed up or slow down lift when the button is depresed.

Any Input would be Greatly appreciated.

3G Connected OBD2/GPS Device

ioi8 — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:51:59 GMT

In episode 2 of the Car Bytes podcast, I made reference to a 3G capable OBD2 device with GPS that connected to OSDash. I think a device like this might be possible to do.

What it must be capable of:

Be an always on device with minimal power draw
Connect to the OBD2 port and get current status and possibly send commands
Have a GPS module for telemtry
Have a 3G module for wireless connectivity
Provide 3G, GPS, and OBD2 over usb or bluetooth to the host carpc
Optional - Have a few DIO pins for control, possibly include small relays for more powerful control OR connect directly to fusion brain

Possible hardware list

ELM 327
OBD2 Connector
ELM 327 OR MicroOBD
GPS GSM/GPRS module OR GPS GSM/GPRS module for arduino
Arduino or some other ARM board

Possible issues

How do we allow pass through on all these devices? Are we going to need multiple ICs, controller chips, or some extreme programming. This is the one getting me stumped.
Arduino USB board only has 1x UART channel, while we require 3x: USB, 3G, and ODB2.

Going with the Arduino route, all we would need to dev is the OBD2 board, which shouldnt be hard at all. However, the Atmega only has 1x UART, and we have 3x devices that require UART for connectivity: 3G module, USB, and OBD2 ELM 327. We may need some sort of 4 port mux/demux switch or use a different arduino board.

Let me know what you guys think.

Interest Feeler: Simple Power Controller

boelle — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:31:33 GMT

I have a few PCB left from building my own power controller. I paid arround 90$ for 5 boards and about 20$ in parts for 2 of them, so bare price for one would be 28$ then shipping and a bit for soldering it, most is SMD to make it as small as possible.

They work rather simple: It's connected to perm 12V and ACC line. When ACC goes high there is a initial 3 sec delay to make sure that engine is running, should ACC be low after the 3 sec's the counter is reset and the controller waits for the ACC to go high again.

After 3 sec's the pc is powered up and then after another wait the amps. The times can be adjusted to whatever it should be.

When acc goes low the controller waits for a set period and then cuts the power.

In combination with the serial switch plugin this can be used to have the pc hibernate when you leave the car.

To make it practical, the best is if the bios can be set to power up after a powerloss.

They are controlled by a picaxe which are very simple to handle, instructions on how to reprogram the times will be provided.

Any interest to take any off my back?

OBD to serial adapter

raedbenz — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:37:52 GMT

Hello,

I am looking for an adapter that will have the communication bus converters chips (only), like L9637 for ISO9141, in a serial to OBD2 adapter and supports ISO9141 and CAN. I will be using it to connect the serial side to an embedded board i have and develop my own application.
I found this (alternative link), but supports only ISO9141.

Thanks

Unlock button from factory alarm to power on pc?

heoquay — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:32:46 GMT

don't if any1 here have already done this but i have not found the topic. any insight on how i could make this possible? unlock door from factory remote to power on pc and lock it to turn if off? possibly from relay kit that trigger a switch to turn on/off pc from locking/unlocking that tap into unlock/lock wire hardness? thanks

Backup camera

Brib3 — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:00:59 GMT

Hi. I need a solution for an USB backup camera. I'm using a netbook as my carpc, so there are no AV inputs.
1) USB backup camera with night vision
2) I want it to turn on the camera and display it when I put the car in reverse.

Thank you.

Fade in & out of interior lighting / dome lighting?

TheGuv — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:45:28 GMT

I need 4 simple boxes of magic that'll softly dim in and out LEDs in my doors (puddle lights and warning lights).

Anyone able to make something, link somewhere or draw something?

Thanks!

DIY self-powered USB hub... is it possible?

Chronus72488 — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:55:11 GMT

So I've finished the CarPC, tucked it away somewhere nice and hidden, did some pretty little fabrication to the Xenarc 700TSV frame so it looks factory sitting in my Double-DIN hole, when I realized...

I need more than the 6 USB ports my motherboard comes with -_-

Problem is, host-powered hubs won't work as I've tried them, and has been a waste of money.
7-port self-powered hubs cost about 20 bucks to buy, then the custom work to make em sit and look factory installed in my car is not worth the cost/work.

So why not just buy USB extension cables, wire them up to have independent power (coming from the radio harness) and just wire the D+ and D- cables together... It should work... Right?

The problem I'm running into is how will it differentiate the COM PORT data from say an iPhone and a WiFi adaptor if their D+ and D- wires are on the same line?

FYI: touchscreen HVAC controller for Pontiac G8/Holden Commodore

ianken — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:53:13 GMT

http://www.folcik.com/hi002.htm

Just ordered mine. Production is super limited, so they're probably all gone now.

One guy did this, not some big after market part vendor.

Anyway, there's more at g8board about this. Though folks here would be interested since it's quite in the spirit of mp3car.com.

-Ian

Latest Tech for HUD Development

bluespire — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:16:15 GMT

Hey everyone,

I thought it was time that a new HUD thread be opened, as the older two and almost dead, and I want this thread to focus on new technologies on the horizon. For instance, no one on the forum has mentioned using newest projectors available, those being the new laser-based pico projectors from Microvision and AXXA.

As I understand the current state of affairs, full color HUDs are not really feasible, because the requirement to back-light and LCD causes too much picture loss and distortion as the image reaches the windshield. Well, pico-projectors do not suffer from that problem. They also allow infinite focusing, which I remember one poster noting as an advantageous system for HUDs.

So, how about it? Can we get all the big thinkers back in this thread discussing this?

Lastly, I would like any source referenced to be included in your posts. The last two HUD threads made it very difficult to track down the films that people were talking about.

Pico Projectors for Sale
Amazon

Leading Companies Developing Pico Projectors
Microvision
AXXA
Optoma
Light Blue Optics (no products available at this time)

Pico Projector Enthusiast Sites
PicoProjector
PicoProjector-Info

HUD Projects
EHUD

HUD-related Useful Technologies
Electrochromic Glass

Anyone want a USB sound card + serial interface/Sirius interface in a box?

JKoltner — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:22:28 GMT

I've been thinking of making a board that consists of the following:

-- A USB hub chip
-- A sound IC, probably the TI PCM2903B. Note that this part has an SPDIF input and output, which is nice.
-- An RS232-type serial interface IC, probably the FTDI FT232R. Besides a regular old DB-9 connector (with the appropriate level converters), it'd also have a mini-DIN connector wired up such that you could directly plug in the various Sirius docks and radios that use that connector (e.g., SCVDOC1, the SCH1, etc.) with the serial lines going to the FT232R and the audio lines going to the PCM2903B.
-- Two standard USB A connectors (...since the USB hub will have 4 ports, and the sound IC and RS232 IC will use up two of them).

Note that all of the parts above were specifically chosen so that they're natively supported under both Windows and Linux. Also, the entire thing is powered via USB, although I'd probably have the option for additional power input if you wanted to hang full-power (500mA) devices off of the additional two USB ports.

There's really nothing new here -- this is actually just taking some of the stuff that, e.g., Mitch on rush2112.com and others have done and sticking it all on one board for the sake of making somewhat cleaner/smaller installations. Particularly for connection between a carputer and a Sirius dock, this seems like it'd be the bee's knees...

Does anyone else think this would be a useful device? Am I missing some really useful device that should also be part of such a board?

Thanks for looking... I'll certainly be rather more motivated to do this if it's not just going to be a one-off for myself!

---Joel

Interested in a USB Audio Amplifier?

2k1Toaster — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 07:15:44 GMT

Additional Information at End of Post

Original Post:
Well thanks to justchat_1, I have been hard at work on a new project. Now that I have concluded it is feasible, I want to know if it is something you guys (and gals) would be interested in.

What I am working on is a 4.1 (4 speakers and 1 sub, 5 channels) USB sound card and amplifier. So plug it into your PC via USB and you get 5 speaker level connection to connect directly to your car's speakers. Sound quality will be between 16bit and 24bit, so high def using high quality components. Should rival most standalones out there to begin with.

No startup thump because it is USB audio and will be somewhat programmable.

As for output power it would be in the low to mid range but at high quality. Meaning it will be extremely loud for mostly everyone if needed as well as keeping a normal/reasonable volume with great sound. Obviously you audiophiles will never go for anything where you can't control it, but the design thus far is a high quality Class D amplifier with between 88% and 94% efficiency and a SNR greater than 100dB.

So, what do you think? Would you be interested in something like this? Price I am not sure yet. In low volumes to begin with it will obviously be a bit higher.

Thoughts, opinions, whatever please post and let me know. If you have opinions on wanted power output, bit rate, bit depth, other features, please post as well!

Edit 29/08/2010:
If you guys can, I would appreciate some feedback on the following questions:

What sound resolution do you need? 16bit, 20bit, 24bit, or 32bit
What sampling rate do you need? Is 48KHz acceptable? Would 192KHz sampling frequency be worth a *substantial* price increase?
As for Form Factor and Installation Location, would a standard amplifier "look" be preferable to a single din or small hide-away unit?
Signal Channel Power Output: Is 4x40W acceptable output (generic headunit power output)? 100W per channel? 200W per channel? And I am talking actual power output to the speakers per channel, no BS wattages. If I say 100W, I mean 100W.
Subwoofer Channel Power Output: Desire for low level output in addition to high level output? Desired Subwoofer Power output: 40W, 100W, 200W, 400W, 600W, > 600W?
Price: How much is your ideal soundcard and amplifier worth ($USD): <$80, $80, $100, $200, $300, >$300USD

Also would like at least 2 people, at most 10 people willing to beta test probably around December 2010. Depending on final manufacturing cost, we may need to ask for a bit of cash as the cost to participate in being a beta tester, but that all depends on how much this costs. I would appreciate a little "why I should beta" blurb. Nothing too elaborate, but I would like these to go to people that can actually use the power and features for testing. :)

Remember this will be the second ever soundcard in the world with this number of channels at this resolution, and the first in the world to have an extremely powerful output stage as well. Not your average $10 feabay sound card...

Plugin for DAB tuner made by craigbass

boelle — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:20:37 GMT

How many would be interested in a RideRunner plugin for the tuner made by craigbass?

A thread about the tuner can be found here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/hard...ight=dab+works

Help needed radiosat6000 to tunerlist for Megane

mixaloliakos — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:22:14 GMT

Hi, I own a renault megane facelift (10/1999) that is equipped with a radio cassete player that is (according to other posts on the site) a radiosat6000 model (analog).
Apparently from 2000 onwards my car was equipped with a radio cd player (tunerlist - digital) that although it fits perfectly on my dash I cannot seem to make it work on the dashboard screen.

So I really REALLY need your help here...
So far I have cut the wiring from the radiosat plug and paired the colours with the tunerlist plug.
( yellow with yellow, blue with blue etc).
The only thing that I achieved though, is to hear some beeps when pressing the buttons on the tunerlist.
The dashboard screen just lighted up but showed nothing at all.
Apparently I am doing something wrong here, so I would really be gratefull if someone could help me out.

If this is impossible to be done after all, if I buy a used dash screen and steering controls from a wrecked 2001 megane equipped with tunerlist will they fit OK or will I experience further incopatibility issues?

Thank you very much in advance...

M350 case and TPMS

steven765 — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:08:44 GMT

So I want to mount the TPMS board in the front of the M350 case under the plastic so it gets reception, Sadly the stock one from Robby doesn't fit.

So hardware design skills to the rescue, I've rebuilt a new circuit board using Robby's prom that just extends the M350 one, well replaces it. I'm ordering the PCB next paycheck after I get a chance to once over it a few more times.

I added an extra USB slot on the end, figure i'll put a bluetooth receiver there.

I'll post a pic later.

improving Silabs USB Radio reception

frugmonkey — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:54:02 GMT

Hi
Got just about all of my CarPC installed now and all seems to be working pretty smoothly except for the Radio functions, Silabs is unfortunately about my only reasonably priced option available to me in uk, as its difficult to source hd radio units in uk, and seems a little pointless for just fm radio reception.

i have connected a length of antenna wire onto the board of the silabs where the original antenna wire was soldered on, and grounded the wires shielding to the board, the other end has a standard aerial socket connected, so i could join straight up to the original wiring behind the screen where the head unit used to be........ alas my reception still stinks!

the car is a vw bora (golf running gear and electrics) i believe it has an amplified antenna, but does the antenna power up when i switch on the ignition? or did the old head unit do it, there did seem to be more wires in the old iso conector than normal, has anyone else had a similar problem? i'm about to go out and see if i can access the aerial with vag-com and find out if its powered up in a min.

Cheap chinese in-dash dvd/usb/gps 7" info required

nikione — Sat, 29 May 2010 14:37:21 GMT

Hi,

I find really interesting the general concept of sourcing chinese cheap products and modding them (mainly sw-wise) to fit requirements.

I am trying to gather info on these cheap, usually double DIN, players that can be found on ebay and the such.

As usual there's a wide range with minor packaging and GUI differences, but mostly have the same internals and software. Common features are:
- RDS, AM/FM Radio
- 4 x 45 to 60W outputs
- DVD/CD-RW etc. etc. readers
- SD slot (usually max 8GB)
- USB (some support enough pwr for portable drives)
- iPod interface (** Not sure if this is the audio only supported by only some iPods models or the full "control" interface)
- Bluetooth (phone control / dial and A2DP)
- Analog TV Tuner
- 2x Video-outs
- 1x Video-in (Rear view camera)
- Interface for steering wheel ctrls, hand brake sensor, rear gear
- IR Remote

Some also have integrated GPS with ext port for the antenna.

Main issues: poor LCD resolution, slow interface, poor and buggy software/GUI, bad mfg quality.

Price range: 130 to 160 GBP from ShenZen / HK

I am interested in:
a) redoing the GUI
b) redoing the sw interface
c) expanding the feature set depending on memory/cpu and platform
d) Implement the use of Bluetooth GPS in the models without it (would be pretty easy if it's an embedded WinCE)

If anyone owns or has knowledge about these devices, or wants to point me in the right direction .. or provide feedback / get involved:

- Know what are the main ICs used, especially the CPU, memory size and rom size
- OS or platform for the interface
- Forum/sites with info on them and where to find schematics, sources, tools
- Someone who has already modded them

Example of one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-BLUETOOTH-...item3a5aa0680c

Tnx !!!

Door chime warning

sdyz — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:50:19 GMT

I want to create a device that will play the sound when you open the door. But not an ordinary buzzer, and tender sound. Can a device on the basis Atmel. Who can draw a wiring diagram and the firmware for the microcontroller?
Am deeply grateful.

What Can Be Done With BMW iBus?

Rex32 — Sun, 23 May 2010 05:40:10 GMT

Hey Guys,

I just got an 03 Range Rover and I am looking to build a CarPC for it. I have been doing some reading on iBus and how people tap into it.

Would it be possible to get information through the iBus system like tire pressure, interior temp, exterior temp, etc... and have a skin that displays that information on a little 3 or 4" screen? Kind of like an info center?

Or maybe even run it on the main CarPC have that be the default skin unless a movie is playing...

Is this or anything like this possible? Has it been done?

Thanks,

Mike

Power supply idea - auto shutdown and startup

BasketCaseTech — Fri, 21 May 2010 02:41:18 GMT

Long time lurker and amateur carpc tech, finally got around to making an account in hopes this may help some here if it turns out to work...

Could some of you experts take a look at this circuit and tell me if anything looks smoke worthy, or if it may have a chance of possibly working? Threw this together for my car system and hoping it will do the job. If this works out right i will be prototyping it when i get back home in 2 weeks.

Basic circuit description:

Line and load are isolated from the system and can handle switching any load the relays are capable of. This is a combination of the "Fake UPS" circuit and a kind of relay actuated latchning circuit.

Switch (ignition or toggle) provides signal to close R1 (Ignition circuit) and R3 (UPS circuit). Computer powers up via power (bios set to autostart after power failure) from R1 and activates power to "fake UPS" driver monitoring com port via R3. R2 is then closed which parallels the job of R1 except is being controlled by the 12v line of the computer power supply. When voltage from ignition or switch is removed R1 and R3 are then open, cutting the ignition circuit and telling the "fake UPS" to shutdown the system in the preset time. After computer shuts down, the PSU drops voltage from the 12v PSU circuit, opening R2 and cutting power from the circuit completely.

No drained batteries and no tank circuits necessary. Designed this to use parts readily available from a rat shack or even walmart. R1 and R2 are standard automotive relays (30amp continuous rated) and R3 can be any relay capable of being triggered by a 5v signal. This should be capable of switching anything that can be switched with a spst switch, even AC lines (ferites definitely recomended). Planning on adding debug LED's to the project also but didnt draw them in. I realize this can be done with switching transistors also but this is a circuit most anyone can do with spare parts (even from the junkyard). Hookup to computer is standard molex drive connector, com port is DB9 or even wired diretly to MB header. UPS driver via XP power control posted in many other threads>

Quote:

From Laidback website:
http://www.cynian.net/index?name=car...iddle=carputer
"No need for a shutdown controller if you use WinXP! Setup a generic UPS with a 'Negative Signal Polarity' in WinXP>Power Options, Then connect 5v from the PSU through a relay to pin 8 on the com port. Connect your 12v ACC line to activate the relay when your key is in the ingition. When you take your key out of the ignition, the ACC line drops to 0v which causes WinXP to close down. Simple!
For a quicker boot and shutdown enable Hibernation or STR/Standby."

(thanks to post from ducsi)

Any suggestions/concerns/fears on this?

BasketCaseTech

Oh... This entire project was created on my carpc while testing it in my truck (semi). Typing this all out on a touch screen really sucks! Time to get the laptop back out :P

EDIT: schematic was wrong. changes highlighted in red box, broken black is old and solid black is new. prototyped already and getting ready to connect up and test tomorrow. will update.

Attached Images

BMW Users!!! Controlling external devices through your iBus

LASean — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:27:09 GMT

I've successfully been able to program s microcontroller (MIC) to respond to our iBus messages. With this MIC, I�ve been able to program the Phone, Tape reverse, Clock, R/T and Talk buttons to activate relays momentarily (button push, On-Off) or behave as a toggle switch (button push, On. Button push again, Off). I can program many iBus messages to activate a relay Or a LED or anything else at this point. No plans to venture into sending iBus messages back to this system at this point.

What this will basically help you is to get rid of all those switches we mounted under the board monitor or next to the dimmer switch or center console, or any other goofy place we�ve mounted over the years.

I can program up to 11 functions at this point so plenty of options.

I've designed 2 boards:
1. Is a fully standalone unit, you'll have to attach to Ground, +12V and iBus.
2. Is a piggy back unit to Resler's interface. You'll have to send me your interface and I'll incorporate it into my box. Resler's interface will still be fully functional. This option is slightly less expensive in parts and easier to assemble.

thsi will work with later E38s, E39s, most of E46s and other models that use the iBus protocol.

Is there any interest in this? If so, what price range for either boards.

Thanks
Sean
shahens@gmail.com

OBD 1 not 2

leo_bergamo — Tue, 04 May 2010 01:37:35 GMT

Ok I am attempting to tap into the great mp3car hardware collective.

I have a 1994 Dodge Ram Van B250 360CI. It uses OBD 1 for it's engine management.

I have found the diagnostic connector under the cowl inside the engine compartment.

I have determined the pin out using my multi-meter and have determined the data feed seems to be serial.

I am versed in programming and serial interfacing.

What I am looking for is information on how to physically tie a PC into this diagnostic port and deciphering it's data.

I know it can be done but Google does not reveal much information on the subject.

Thanks in advance! Any insight will be appreciated! :nutz:

LCD lifter parts?

Rillee — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:14:13 GMT

Im trying build a lift for my LCD in my volvo s60.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_ctMCo1D_0[/media]
a little model build in lego :)

But where can i get parts to build a real lift?

Sell kit pressure sensor that can connect to USB

aveigal — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:50:15 GMT

This is not the place to advertise goods for sale.

Please use the classifieds

Este no es el lugar para anunciar productos en venta.

Por favor, utilice los clasificados

Analog to USB Controller possible MIDI

pmankow — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:27:28 GMT

I am only writing this because I saw a similar post that did not quite cover everything I need.

I am looking for some basic information on how to get 16 potentiometers interfaced to USB. I believe that I will need and A/D converter chip and then an USB interface chip. The purpose is to eventually have a 4x4 knob box that can control MIDI software on a computer.

I understand that some USB interface IC's already have drivers etc... so I assume that this may help me skip the driver writing portion of this endeavor.

I do not need step by step instructions for this project. I just need information such as "you could use an A/D converter such as this "*" and an USB interface IC such as "*", with code/no code... whatever...

If this is not something that I should be posting please ignore this post and I am sorry. Like I said, I saw a post similar to this and needed more info, so I figured that this is something acceptable.

No, I do not want to "hack" a mouse or video game controller. I want to learn how to do this. I am an Electrical Engineering Technology major but I am only in my first year but cannot wait to start on this project.

Thank you for you help.

in car usb stock radio

nadforever — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:38:59 GMT

ok here goes ill explain it best i can. in my GMC Terrain i have under the arm rest a USB port. which accepts thumb drives with MP3's on it or an ipod with the usb to ipod cable. and all of that gets controled threw teh stock radio i can change tracks even see the names on LCD in front. and all that threw the stock unit. now my question is...... is anybody working on a driver so that i can plug on end of a usb cable to that usb port in my car and the other and into my CARPC. so i can one see the song names on the display, 2 use the controls on my car to skip and play/pause track. and threw route the audio threw there?

is this possible???

CONTEST: Xbox Chatpad Driver Challenge

trader007 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:47:07 GMT

ANNOUNCEMENT!- We have our first set of drivers posted!

Gafblizzard has been working feverishly on making drivers that fit above and beyond the criteria of this contest. There is still some polishing to do, and only wired controllers are supposed for now, but this is by far the best set of drivers that have ever been available for the xbox chatpad inside windows.

We plan on a week or two more of testing and polishing, and then hopefully put this to a vote. If we, the participants, agree by majority that these drivers are fit enough to stand as a practical option to use the xbox chatpad in windows, then GafBlizzard will be the winner.

Here is the Getting Started page he wrote. Please read this first before installing. http://code.google.com/p/chatpad-sup...GettingStarted

Here is the driver download page- http://code.google.com/p/chatpad-super-driver/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORIGINAL THREAD

This is the official thread to the MP3Car.com Xbox Chatpad Driver Challenge. While MP3Car is not responsible for any liabilities that might occur, they have authorized this event to take place and we are all extremely excited that they have done so.

TOTAL PURSE AS OF 11/10/2010- $595
Thanks to: mp3Car ($25 and paypal fees), Nick Yankaitis ($50), Kevin Bradshaw ($50), Paul Rimmer ($25), Scribelife ($25), Kevinmind88 ($25), Miyagin ($20), Tidder ($100), in order of donation. Rosa ($20) Gazbit ($125) Naylia (25) Churchill Navigation ($100)

The Goal- To create an open-souce, fully functional set of drivers for the Xbox 360 Controller to utilize the Chatpad peripheral accurately to work on Windows computers. There is a Paypal donation link provided, and the winner of this contest will get the full purse. MP3Car has voluntarily gestured to start the bank with $25, and they have pledged to pay any associated paypal fees; this ensures the winner will get the entire donated amount.

The Rules -

1. Driver must be open source.
2. Driver must install in windows XP, Vista OR Win7 (support for only ONE operating system is now OK).
3. Xbox Chatpad must work like a regular keyboard in Windows.
4. Driver must install along with or completely replace the original Xbox drivers, and must not effect the original function of the controller in any way. This can be accomplished by re-writing the original drivers, or having a one-click accessible add-on activate on top of the working original drivers when wanted.
5. The first member to post their own original working drivers in this thread will be the winner. This winner must be accepted by the majority of the participants, for quality of product and authenticity of workmanship.

This is the end-all when it comes to getting the Xbox chatpad to work in windows- as intended! Donation totals will be posted regularly as incentive. In event of the unknown, for any reason the winner cannot be claimed (or microsoft themselves magically release working drivers) the proceeds of this contest will go to a charity to be named at a later date. This said charity will likely be voted upon the contest participants. This is a game where everyone wins if the goal is accomplished!

DONATE at Paypal.com with this address- paypal@mp3car.com please put "Xbox Chatpad Challenge" in the memo section!

History- The Xbox chatpad has been out for years now, with no support for Windows even though it has the vista logo on the box. This is also with seemingly no intention on Microsoft's part to help at all. It has been a struggle to get any type of functionality.. see the original thread where this all started.

Will this work?

Ryann — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:32:07 GMT

Gday evryone, just a quick sort of overview of what im planning on doing. im going ahead with this, but would like a few experianced eyes just seeing over this sketch to see what i can maybe do better.. or if this will even work.

Basically want to control 12v relays with a old nes controller im going to hack. i was basicly thinking i could run 5v through the controller to trigger relays as ive shown below... problem is im not sure how i can get the 12v down to 5v to run through the controller.

Anyways im sure everyone hates on me for not knowing what im talking about, i know a little logically but dont know the nitty gritty that all you guys have the knowledge off. anyways have a look if you like.. thanks Ryann

FM/DAB digital radio - THAT WORKS!!

nrgizerbunny — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:55:30 GMT

If you would like to purchase one or for more info please click here

Button interface to Bordmonitor on BMW E39 and E46

bes51659 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:07:12 GMT

Button interface to Bordmonitor on BMW E39 and E46
This thread will be used as communication channel as well as documentation of common project originally started on hacktheibus.

I will edit this initial post so that latest info always will be found here.

Code, schematics, gerber files etc will be shared. Maybe with copywrite.

Objective
By removing these connectors from the E39 and placing them onto own pcb to interface the buttons on the BM there will be room to do a screen upgrade since there is no use for original BMW electronics anymore. Goal is also to make it fit the E46 as the buttons in that BM are designed in a similar fashion.

Art has reversed enginered the button pcb's of the E39
Drawing over E39 button pcb here

I have reverese engineered button pcb's of the E46
Pictures and pinout of right pcb here
Pictures and pinout of left pcb here
Pictures and pinout of knobs here
Eagle files of BMW button pcb's here

E39 and E46 button pcb's are very similar
Originating from E46 I have added E39 specifics into Eagle project here

There are some differences in electronics between the E39 and E46
1) E39 has diodes on all inputs, E46 has it only on some.
2) There is one extra LED on E39 for FAN
3) The eject button is connected to GND on E39
4) The common wire for Phone and Clock has no series resistor on E39
5) Button layout differ
6) LED series resistor values differ. Probably different supply voltage.

In order to interface them both onto the same pc. Design suggestion and schematics
- Remove all diodes on button pcb's.
- Add zero resistor or jumper to set cpu in E39 or E46 mode. This is the only way I have come up with to change behaviour of INFO-DISPLAY-MODE buttons.
- Use analogue inputs for buttons that has parallel resistor ladder. Will save IO, and the switches have 250-1000ohm resistors.
- "Digital" IO input for eject button on E39
- Add digital logic to decode knob pulses into pulses according to direction

I have made an initial design with Eagle here.

It is not complete, but size of board, position of holes and connectors are correct.

Art schematics
schematics one here
schematics two here

Eagle symbols
The propriatory BMW Connectors
Milexis ibus chip here TH3122here

E46 BM button codes
here

PCB
Made as one piece to make it cheaper.

Assembled

Now there is room for the LCD interface board! You can see the flat cable that interconnects the two pcb's, and the interface cables. 12V, 0V and IBus.

E46
I had to make a new pcb for the E46, as holes overlaped. I also added a connector for the original buttons on the LCD panel (select input, brightness etc) so that I could throw those buttons away, and simulate them by propriatory ibus messages from the PC. What I will do is to add a menu to the front end. As you can see, I have also cut away the mid piece from the frame to make it easier to fit the LCD panel. 3 wire interface is not on picture. (12V, GND and iBus) Left and right pcb are connected with 20 pole flatcable (on picture)

C# application for test. One tab for E46 and E39, and a tab for simulating LCD panel button presses.

LED backlight conversion. Downloadable gerber files

bes51659 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:26:14 GMT

shutdown.

Garage Door Open/Close sensor

PaulF — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:59:08 GMT

I'm working on making my garage doors automatically open/close when I pull up to them.

What kind of sensor would I use to determine whether a garage door is opened or closed?

Making megane aux ?

caglayan — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:25:46 GMT

I have a megane 1 spacecraft. No aux input .. Can entry in cd changer audio input? Rxi original cassette deck 2001 model
?

Starter turns, but flywheel won't engage

PaulF — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:24:37 GMT

I'm working on getting my carputer to start/stop my engine. I'm using an arduino to do the job, but that's not important.

I've never installed a remote start system before so I'm probably missing something. I've just been reverse engineering this thing. I used a multimeter to check what all the ignition wires were doing at every stage of the key turn. To get around the immobilizer, I zip-tied a key to it.

What I'm at now is: the starter will spin, but the engine never starts. Putting a key in the ignition doesn't fix this. If I put the key in, and turn it past position 2, but not far enough to give the starter power and then I use the arduino, the arduino starts it just fine.

There is a black tube coming out of the ignition which looks like it could have some kind of pull cord in it. I really think that's what's stopping me. If it is, then what the heck to I do? Any other ideas?

Remote GSM control

IHateMayonnaise — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:14:21 GMT

Heya,

I looked but wasn't able to find much on this topic. I am interested in controlling a number of things on my car remotely using my cell phone. There are many instances in which this has been done to start the car remotely, using a prepaid cell phone and such. This is exactly what I want, except for it to be able to control multiple functions.

There is a device over at gsm-auto.com which does exactly this, but it only has two relays. It includes security, etc., but again, only two devices. Can anyone thing of a way to mimick this device, but for many different relays? I.e. call the number, press 1 to start the car, press 2 to unlock it, press 3 to initiate auto destruct sequence etc..

Does this make sense? This can be easily done with a FOB, but with a cell phone I feel like it would be trickier. Has anyone done anything like this?

Thanks

IHateMayonnaise

custom o.s.

ez_ — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:01:33 GMT

i have the AVIC-X910BT an am considering selling it to make a carpc. i want the simple interface of the pioneer but i want a carpc. i want it to b more like a car stero rather than a pc at first. like this

http://www.navigadget.com/wp-content...-3-300x223.jpg

but wen i go to lets say video 2 its the pc n i can use the touchscreen with my fully functional pc

Steering-Wheel Integration for VW GTI MkV (Prototype)

GTI_Fahrenheit — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:29:52 GMT

FOR MkV (2006-2008) VW GTI's:

Just wanted to let anyone that is interested know, wireb on the GolfMkV.com forums has created a board that detects signals on the Infotainment Can-Bus for steering wheel button presses, and outputs the button presses to a serial port for future integration into various front-ends.

We currently need a few more people to place an order for the first batch. Take a read here: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showth...47#post2236747

For anyone else interested, we have our progress posted in that thread of the various can-bus messages we have decoded so far.

Quote:

Supported firmware (so far):
general snoop (Dumps what ever is on the bus out the serial port in raw hex)
button decode (watches for just button presses and sends out "Bx" where x = the button number when a button is pressed)
Other stuff:
Example perl code and a firmware update utility (yes you can swap firmware on the fly.)

[resolved] timed relay.... keeping voltage when origional connection broken....

wayneox — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:26:40 GMT

hi guys...

i am located in the uk, so if suggesting places to buy what i need please bear this in mind.

i am hooking up a cheap alarm system to my car doors.. [if doors open when central locking locked siren goes off - for say five mins...

i achieve this by grounding the siren power....

so. i can do a simple If door opens then door circuit grounds. however, this means siren stops if door is closed. no good if a fast robber....

i need a way, that if it grounds, it stay grounded until i break the coil power wire [second ground connection on remote central locking - when locked]

basically,

siren positive = battery poss...
siren neg = grounded via some relay... = loud noise
for said relay to be able to ground, it needs to ground via remote central lockin "starter kill" ground [in my case i have built in immobiliser, since i just bought a newish car - so this grounding point is now free]

so door opens, relay will ground via door circuit... and open the grounding for siren, door closes, relay stays open... until rcl is unlocked, [relay power ground on second relay maybe?] or a timed delay is reached...

im sure somebody has done something simular before... so if possible... :P i was thinking of getting a light dimmer, which fades out the light, but this would last say 30 seconds or so...

if someone got links etc..

thnks in advanced.

Wake-on-Link

adruss85 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:14:26 GMT

Hi,

I'm trying to setup a Car-PC using and Acer aspire 3100 laptop. At the moment i'm on the remote turn on stage, and so far have checked out using a set of relays wired across the power button (cant solder that small!), and am now onto what i think is the last option - wake-on-link.

I've read through THIS thread, got it working, then have come across the same problem faced by many of the eeepc users - when the laptop goes to battery power (i.e. ign is switched off) the NIC loses power and loses WOLink capability, even when the mains power is restored.

My question is does anyone know of a way to turn this off (or on), or maybe using the laptop battery, fool the MB into thinking it has a 19v supply? (battery is 14.8v).

Cheers!

custom high-end car pc case

nimikipod — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:43:28 GMT

hey you guyz,

after building my first carpc a year ago, i'm now building a prototype of a high end solution (now that i'm aware of all the high-end carpc's needs and difficulties)

i started with the case. i had contacted a firm that manufacture custom cases and we designed an aluminium case that can hold a zotac 9300d-e mini-itx motherboard and an asus xonar deluxe 1.3 hdav soundcard. the case also got a special area for the m4-atx power supply:

so here you go, first picture:

any thoughts ? idea's ? ( i personally can't wait to get some red led's inside it like it was a zalman gt case..)

Modify Old Keyboard

Delta101 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:44:46 GMT

Ok this may sound kinda crazy, but i have an old keyboard so might as well try.
I want to make the keyboard smaller, like remove all the keys except maybe 10 of them. then put them 10 keys into a custom surround and assign them different functions, pause, play, mute etc.

I have taken they keyboard apart before (i was bored) and they have to thin bits of plastic running under each key, im assuming when u press a key these bit of plastic touch and it works out what key is pressed from that.

So does anyone have an idea how to make this smaller so i can be mounted how i want or if that isnt possible (highly likley) know of a way to get keyboard input to the PC with a custom button setup? (kinda like them Jukebox things u can rent do).

Aux inputs for Saturn Delco Radio

saturninin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:46:43 GMT

I have a 1998 Saturn Delco Radio with EQ and want to add aux inputs can someone please help me

Smart 24/7 PC/Car Startup Controller

ioi8 — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:47:29 GMT

Many of you here may have seen the progress with using the Plug Computer (aka Sheeva) as the second-tier low-power computer that stays on 24/7. This secondary computer stays on 24/7 to wake up the main PC, offline BT, WIFI, GPS, etc... and more. However, it has been noted that even though the Sheeva uses only 1-2 W of power, it can still drain a standard car battery in less than 24 hours.

My idea is to use an embedded board to replace the Sheeva as the secondary PC module. Using the existing usb arduino (aka Arduino Duemilanove), we should be able to replace all functionality of the Sheeva with this device. Due to the embedded nature of this device, it can be left running in full power mode for weeks or in reduced power sleep states for months.

Estimated functionality of the proposed unit:

Use any control line to power the IGN line-in of smart DC/DC controller PSUs
Turn on the car from any wireless signal (with appropriate external HW)
Turn on the PC/car at specified times and dates
Enable 24/7 logging of GPS/WIFI/BT/3G to sense if the car is stolen or moved
Enable digital/analog input/out via USB/WIFI/BT/3G
High-power control using external relays

Numbers 1,3, and 5 can all be accomplished with minimal additional HW. The only things needed would be an arduino shield and minimal amount of ICs. The others would require embedded BT/WIFI/3G which would require extra coding and expensive HW to implement.

Any thoughts on this?

Using audio fiber optical cable to lightning - need advice

528i_tourer — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:10:38 GMT

Well i need to know some info about optical fiber cable for lightning...i wanna use some type of fiber optical cable like Toslink ones and use them to lightning, using a led i already have and have also experimented with some Toslink cable already but i need to know if there are any cables which are better or not so thin to make something with 5 mm in diameter

Seat belt warning system for rear seats - for safety precautions - how can i do this?

528i_tourer — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:36:12 GMT

Well guys i need to know how can i achieve these:

i would like to have a seat belt warning system for my rear seats....ok ok ok...its not that i like the warning sounds from those systems but i really need these for safety reasons for my rear passengers....they are too younger....and know how to remove the seat belt.....so i need to monitor that thing....

So i guess i would just want to make a scheme like this:

- using a sensor (dont know which one....is it really needed a sensor or another thing ?...i guess pressure and force sensor....or other one...) on the lower belt part and then using some kind of led light or speaker to check if seat belt is being used or not, just need to know when seat belt is on or off, there is no need for more than this.
I would put that warning speaker or led light on dash and would know when someone removes the seat belt just by listening or looking at that warning!

How would be this circuitry...i mean....for example a led would lit when the sensor is activated and would need to get power from my battery (i have some 12 volts sockets on my car already installed) or using another kind of power supply ?

How can i achieve this guys ? Its a safety matter more than another thing and i guess its worth the effort i can put to do it

Thanks

Extreeme cold and IBUS

Crinos — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:55:39 GMT

I have tried to find information on this both by searching here and on Google...

Now.. the thing is... There have been like -25 C around here lately and ofcourse original equipment is lagged... Mostly in the LCD displays but, CD player will not play untill its been heated up a little while buy listening to radio. So all this is OK, and no.. The question is NOT about display or harddrives...

The question is...
How do/can/does it? cold weather effect the IBUS device. What I am afraid of, is that it will throw out random signals on the bus, making all kinds of weird issues.
I do know that the signals are sent in hex, so the actual chance for a "miscode" would be small, but still.. Could it happen?
Would hate driving home and all of a sudden loose my headlights....

PS: for you non-metric folks... minus 25 Celsius is 248 Kelvin, or minus 13 Fahrenheit.

Looking for help with coding for a pic

natemart — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 04:14:40 GMT

i just got my picaxe starter kit (the 08M, 4 mhz, 256 lines of code and 1 inter, 5 input/outputs) and was toying around with creating a startup/shutdown controller. i have some real simple code that i am playing with and was looking for someone who may give some input to this. my thought was to control an inverter through relay control and the pulse for the start and shutdown on the pc case by .

Looking for ideas to make this better. I really am just a beginner and have just been looking at the online tutorials and building the simple stuff.

the code right now is just:

main:
wait 4 ;wait about 4 sec for crank after the power on
if pin2 = 1 then startup
goto main

startup:
low 3
pause 100
high 3
wait 3 ;time for inverter to click on
low 4
pause 100
high 4
pause 500
low 4
goto car_on

car_on:
sleep 12 ;low power mode for 30 sec
if pin2 = 0 then turnoff
if pin2 = 1 then car_on ;checks every ~30 sec to see if the car is still on

turnoff:
high 4
pause 500
low 4
wait 50
low 3
end

i know that this is beginner stuff, that is why i am asking for input. making this better? situations i haven't thought of?
thanks in advance

forgot to add,
pin2 will be high when the car turns on, and low when it turns off (will also have a toggle switch to stop computer boot up)
pin3 is to relay for inverter
pin4 is to relay to computer power
555 timer will give power to circuit for 110 sec as a one shot

Auto ON inverter

alvin986 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 03:55:19 GMT

Hi,

What do i need to make a auto ON future on power inverter ? The idea is :
when i turn the ignition key to "acc" to power it on, by default it powers on via switch.

maybe a relay of somekind?

thanks

BMW owners... Controlling external devices through your iBus

LASean — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:21:47 GMT

After years of wondering how to do the hardware, months of how to program the software, I was finally able to get a working microcontroller (MIC) to respond to our iBus messages. At this point, its piggy backed on Rolf Resler�s iBus interface but I�m trying to make it a standalone unit. With this MIC, I�ve been able to program the Phone, Tape reverse, Clock, R/T and Talk buttons to activate relays momentarily (button push, On-Off) or behave as a toggle switch (button push, On. Button push again, Off). I can program many IBus messages to activate a relay Or a LED or anything else at this point (5V max). No plans to venture into sending iBus messages back to this system.

What this will basically help you is to get rid of all those switches we mounted under the board monitor or next to the dimmer switch or center console, or any other goofy place we�ve mounted over the years.

Though many large companies that have ipod integration products to plug and play, I don't recall seeing any "open source" solutions with terminals available to connect to whatever you want to control externally.

I can program up to 11 functions at this point so plenty of options.

Is there any interest in this?

Auto turn-on for 10.4" lilliput

smartass365 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:53:38 GMT

Here's a little timer circuit I built. It uses two monostable 555 timers and a relay to "push" the power button about 10 seconds after it gets power.

I know the 7" had a code to get into the factory menu, but I couldn't dig up anything on the 10.4". That, and tech support rarely speaks english.

Attached Images

using a wireless drill motor to motorize my camera ? USB power supply at 4,5 Volts?

528i_tourer — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:54:34 GMT

I have some ideas to make a motorized camera to my car...but almost have no hardware to try....

I would like to use a motor from a small wireless drill, the ones that work at 4,5 Volt.....well i was wondering if i can control the motor with an USB socket...since USB sockets work at 5 volts....is this possible ? and would i be able to control the motor from some distance....wiring the button at some 3 meters distance

Is it possible to Use a PIR sensor to help on blind spot issue ?

528i_tourer — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:00:37 GMT

I was thining of doing something that would help me on the blind spot issue.
So i would like to know if using a PIR sensor (from presence detection stuff) that would light up a led light on my side mirror would be an option.
Is it possible to use something like these to do what i am talking about ?
If not, since i dont have a radar, what would could be done ?
Thanks!

keypad

krillik — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:49:49 GMT

Alright i searched and read alot of threads on this idea. but there were so many pages i didnt read them all >.<. basically... i wanted to see what u guys thought about this.

a keypad from an access control system or one of these with a mobile os such as android or even winblows CE. with a simple app designed for a certain passcode which when entered correctly, would disengage a killswitch(somehow im not sure how i would do this seeing if i used a relay i would need a constant charge from the device , i think) which would in turn let me start my car. do you think its reliable?

like i said before.. yes i did :search:

Girder Help

barnyard — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:34:59 GMT

Girder newbie... I just got this remote:

Works good, except the top 3 buttons all send the same "code" to Girder. Is there any way around this?

Attached Images

Need Project Idea for an Embedded Design Class

2k1Toaster — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:52:33 GMT

Ok, I am in a high level class where I need to come up with something as a final project. Figured I would ask you guys (and the few gals around here too) what you want.

Has there been something that you feel like the market should have but doesnt? I have a few ideas, but threads are usually good or generating something substantial. Who knows, if it works it might be possible to make more!

So throw in your $0.02 (or �0.02 or whatever else) below...

usb hub diy

trader007 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:33:32 GMT

i got sick of being out of usb ports, 9 is just not enough and i could only add maybe 4 more. but even though i dont have any more physical openings, i think the amount of power they all accumulate also causes problems.

so i bought this- http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...oductId=175662

and these- http://cgi.ebay.com/Portable-High-Sp...item3ca4333bd9

and it should pair up to make a solid 14-port usb dongle, half and half split over 2 usb ports... all using the same power source. ill have it switched from the 5vsb on the m2atx power supply- just use the 5v from the m2's power line to click on a relay. that way it will turn on and off at the right times. (edit- a 12v relay being signaled by the 12v line on a molex connector works fine. your usb ports dont stay powered on while hibernating, but that is a good thing anyway). just under $50 total shipped for the parts... they also have larger power supplies, for not much more. i felt 5a is enough.

Lilliput power button

Skuzzle — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:41:23 GMT

I've bought a lilliput (widescreen) and was wondering if anyone knew of a circuit to make the powerbutton from the lilli also trigger a relay or simulate the press of the pc power button.
My carpc uses a laptop powersupply but to save having to press the pc on and monitor on i was hoping to press just the one.. but the screen one as it looks like its meant to be there..

I remember back in the days using an old lilli someone built a circuit to make it turn on when the ignition was on.. Maybe the same person may be who i need to talk to.
Cheers in advance
and sorry if this has been done.. search facility sucks when ou dont really know what to search other than lilli hack, power button etc.

COMPLETE OnStar integration

jake5253 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:32:14 GMT

I know that you can hack the GPS feature of the OnStar units, but has anyone thought about integrating the OnStar mic into the CarPC for voice control? (Program execution, playlists, etc.)

Building a custom cable for a Xenarc 706TSV... impendance question

Pseudo Nim — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:43:34 GMT

Hi all,

I need to build a custom cable for a Xenarc 706TSV - the reason being that the stock one won't fit anywhere in my dash. I absolutely MUST use a flat cable.

I got my hands on a pair of male-male connectors (female connectors for this cable, a 20-pin D-sub variation are IMPOSSIBLE to get). So I can't build a short 1ft extension - I _must_ build a whole bloody cable.

Stock cable impedance is around 1.5 Ohms over the ~18ft cable that they provide. My cable is getting around 2.4 Ohms over the 25ft length that I have.

Anybody figure that I would have huge signal loss if I used it? Should I cut it, or is this cable hopeless and I should go shopping for a fancier one?

Thanks for any hints.

-pN

Custom Sound when Arming/Disarming

wrek — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:53:43 GMT

I want to play a custom sound when I arm my car alarm and a different sound when I disarm it. I realize I'll need to add a speaker/siren to play the sound but I'm wondering if there are any products like this on the market already or if it would be difficult to create one?

Laptop power button schematic?

atrixstars — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:52:14 GMT

Does anyone know was is the schematic for these pins?

The ultimate carpc controller !!

nimikipod — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:23:15 GMT

Hey,

here again, bringing you new idea's..

now how about custumizing this as a CARPC controller:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Antec-Multimedia...d=p3286.c0.m14

it cost nothing compared to what you can get out of it..

looky here also:

http://www.techwarelabs.com/reviews/.../index_5.shtml

it's fully customable, we can make it control just about anything we want..

most important thing - it gives us volume control and jog control and system data and everything we could possiblly want.

bare in mind that it is basiclly very thin so it can be built into any setup (much like the alpine h701 proccesor if you know what i mean..)

has a NAD look also don't you think ??

glad to help

over and out.

peace ! :peace:

OE message LCD CAN interface

theshadow27 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:59:42 GMT

My car (2005 Volvo S40) has an LCD in the gauge cluster (see top screen)which displays messages from the various computer modules in the car (like the door module, which sends a "passenger door open" message when you open the door) via a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. I'd be willing to help develop a interface like connect but rather than outputting via RS232, outputs messages to the CAN bus.

Many cars these days have similar screens, and they almost exclusively use CAN, however the protocols are probably different across makes, and even models. So the challenge is:

1) Develop a CAN hardware platform that can automatically determine vehicle network speed and monitor messages.
2) Create a USB interface that can log messages from the CAN bus.
3) For each make/model, have the user log a bunch of messages while triggering things that show up on the LCD
4) Start an online CAN message database/forum where CAN logs can be posted and us techies can figure out a "driver" for each vehicle
5) Once there's a driver, allow it to be loaded in the device and connected to the V1

I picked up two of these kits:
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/id...t=MCP2515DM-BM
And will play around when they show up. The order has been pushed back until 30-October though :/

Cutting off redundant parts of a 1394 PCI card??

bigEcruiser — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 06:21:52 GMT

This may be a horribly silly question, but I'm trying to get the lowest profile firewire card in a custom case I've built. The mobo only has a standard PCI slot so I'm limited to it. There are several manufacturers that make a pretty small card, but it has 2-4 firewire ports and really, all I need is one. I am looking at the Rosewill RC-501, and am wondering if I could, quite literally "cut along the dotted line":

Would the one internal port (and the card as a whole) function normally if I cut the rest off??
I'm a software guy, so I know nothing when it comes to hardware at this level, so this may be a very easy question to answer...

If different angles would help, the newegg page has a few more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-002-_-Product

Also, this is a different manufacturer but still looks like the same guts and has higher-res shots: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-020-_-Product

Anyway, I'd just like to run it by a few of you experts before I go shredding $15.... :p

thanks guys!

proposed single wire and connector standard for CarPC

tempgp — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 16:32:26 GMT

Hey all, I keep upgrading wiring for my car pc and it sems that thare are some problms w. regular comp conectors ex: USB and especially USB mini on a road as if you drive like crazy they get loose :) Also not all cakves are shileded so you may see some interferance. (sure you can get milco screwon usb and good shielded cables for everything. U probably will spend 200-300 on them alone + no gurantee you get good ones from the first try.

So im thinking to start pushing soething like unified pre made cables that are spesifically designed for car pc needs + modular + easy to disconnect + 1 cable for all.

Ex: you have PC in the trunk, most likely you will neeed those wires up front:
1. +12V (for monitor and etc, strabilized power, not from main bus)
2. +5V (for your USB hubs)
3. -Rail (Just in case you dont have access to it up front + to eliminate noise)
4. USB Cable for touch screen (4 separate wires inside)
5. USB Cable for perefireals (since it is not recomended to use same cable w. touchscreen)
6. Reset Swiitch for your PC
7. Start Switch for PC (non nessesary but if u got regular PSU u will need it)
8. VGA Cable (6 - 9 wires inside depands wethere VGA or XVGA)
9. DVI (Just in case you have good monitor, I dont know wire count for this)
10. Microphone Extra shielded
11. Audio Wires (this is questionable if it is smatt to wire them up front + other things, dont compfront me on audio, we just drop few fhileded wires there just in case to deliver 2 stereo channels, thats 6 wires)
12.Remote or Ignition (to start you smart PSU, if you remote wires are in front of the car)

So at this point I came up with 12 categories of wires that can be used for CarPC needs to conect your back to front of the car. You can run then induvidually but I think It is much better to have well made special cable that will include all of them, gonna be a thick one but guranteed to work. Will have military circular screw on connector that will not fall off if you drive roughly, + proper shileding everyehere, 1 shiled for category + 1 shiled for whole cable.

Then you can use pigtail cables on you PC box to wire out all your single milco connector. Use soft epoxy to secure conectors on PC. Thne use premade cable and drop it to the front of the car, there connect it to premade cable header to output and convert your connectors for useful way.

So if you doing you own car you can ensuire you get cabling right from the first time and dont waste too much money on exprermenting. If you are an installer you will speed up your install time and will have easy way to troubleshout the onnection.

What do you guys think? Should I push this project? Any commnts? :bathbaby:

Is a 3 in 1 Wireless keyboard PS3 remote control any good for CarPC use

nimikipod — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:42:07 GMT

behold:

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-in-1-Wireless-...d=p3286.c0.m14

could this be made to control our car pc via bluetooth ???

i think this is the bomb !! would make everyone's life much easier and its cheap !!

My $15 12v Automotive 7-port USB hub

colin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 02:32:35 GMT

With all the talk around here regarding automotive USB hubs and all that, I decided to take everyone's advice and build one. Here's how it came out:

As you can see, there are 7 ports and it clips right into the radio harness to grab power, ign, and ground. Tomorrow I'm going to hot glue it all so that it's a bit more sturdy and add some terminals so I can use the output from my IGN relay.