Thread: E46 - CarPC Work Log

I am speechless! Incredible work!
I have a question regarding the start-up / shut-down feature. This will work parallel to my start-up/shut-down controller (M2ATX) correct? What it will will do is control when the monitor goes on and turns off?
I was trying to find the eval kit and I can't seem to. I found some other Developlment Kits, but they are over $300. Can you point me in the right direction?
How would you control the brightness? This feature is very helpful especially after reading a lot of people complaining how bright the LCD is at night.

Thanks

Thanks, Kraimer

I have an M2ATX myself, but it is set in dumb mode. Its configuration options regarding timing etc is a dull tool. The M2ATX inbuilt shutdown at undervoltage etc is great to have though. Deepgrey pointed me in this direction. "why not implement your own smart power control that can operate with any powersupply?". Said and done.

It is not so easy to explain how it operates. But you can run my winapp in demo mode. http://web.comhem.se/bengt-olof.swin...trolwinapp.htm

You will find the development kit at https://www.silabs.com/products/mcu/...051F005DK.aspx. Press "click to buy". Product name is C8051F005DK

From what I understand from Deepgrays kit, it is just a matter of sourcing 100mA-600mA leaving the voltage at what it may. (about 9V) So that is what I will do, and I will make it configurable so that a "dark" level can be set as well as a "light" level. Levels in between will then be interpolated. As input it the red/grey cable in the dash for the radio that goes from the LCM (Light Control Module) and from what I have been told gives 0V to max out the coupe lights, and increases the voltage up to VBatt to turn them off. Note: This will only work with LED backlights!!!

Ok?

mmm sounds good.
I might finally be able to get my CarPC into my car for good,once I get this hardware haha

After doing some homework, I finally understand what you are talking about
you are basically incorporating your Powercontrol module with an addition of DC motor control and LED brightness? I was interested in that Powercontrol when I was browsing your site a while back, but I don't know how I "forgot" about it. I apologize in advance for what may be a silly question, but with the eval kit you say I will be able to update/change code. Is that the code for IBus controls where I will be able to assign specific buttons to a specific task? Also, winapp will be used to program the board? (timing)
p.s. I think I either need to get a video card or a new motherboard...I get no video signal from pc when it sounds like its booting. I figure it's the on board video. Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by kraimer21

After doing some homework, I finally understand what you are talking about
you are basically incorporating your Powercontrol module with an addition of DC motor control and LED brightness?

More or less correct.

with the eval kit you say I will be able to update/change code. Is that the code for IBus controls where I will be able to assign specific buttons to a specific task? Also, winapp will be used to program the board? (timing)

The eval kit is only to download application to Flash memory. But to just assign different IBus messages for different task is not too difficult. Have a look at the C-code.

About timing, some late changes has made it most of the timing settings unessessary. For instance is "shutdown complete" detected by absence of mobo FAN power. So in that case timining set with window app is more like max timing. Whatever comes first.

p.s. I think I either need to get a video card or a new motherboard...I get no video signal from pc when it sounds like its booting. I figure it's the on board video. Any thoughts?

Apart from trying differnet screens and different pc's... Have you got VNC or alike installed on it? Then you can check display setting.
Or pressing F8 / F5 when booting to enter safe mode? Good luck!

I am now happy with the design and has ordered the parts for 5 units. There are two components I have problem getting hold off, and that may cause for minor design change if I have to find other ones.

I have also bought a better licens to Eagle el-cad so that I can make a longer pcb. It will be delivered next week.

I hope to assemble the units two weekends from now, but it might be three.

And then I have to finish the sw. But I'll get there :-)

Soo after a lot of head scratching and actually going to my local computer store to buy the new mobo, I decided to bring the one I already have so they guys could also take a look at it. After a few minutes, of looking at it, he takes out the ram and puts it back in...guess what. The damn thing works!!! I wasn't sure what to say...
The DVD drive came in, but I haven't had a chance to pick it up from UPS yet. Will do it tonight and test fit it - see how it goes and let you know about that piece.
Now that I finally resolved the issue with the pc, I can finally move on!
Keep me updated and I hope those two parts won't give you any problems.

Good news! I wish I had a computer shop like that next door!

Some progress. I have received the Eagle Cad licens, so now I can put the layout onto the full length of the pcb.

I changed the design for the two missing parts and got more easily obtainable parts.

And for those of us who does not have SLA at hand, cardboard will have to do :-) (pcb and front)



If you look closely, you can see three nylon pieces. They are made from a kitchen cutting board (?). Together with a beam (not on pic) that will go beneth the DVD, and the pcb itself, this will hold the DVD in place. I will put press-in-nuts in under the BM beam just where the yellow LED's are so that the package can be assembled with screws from below.

In the back the DVD will just be held in correct vertical position with a simple 9V battery clip.

So I am very close to order the pcb's, but the autorouter still leaves a few unresolved nets.

Edit-> Oh yes, I have added up the costs of the parts in excel. 102.19€. It is expensive to buy parts for just 5 units.
And I have in fact spend a considerable amount on p&p from Digikey, Eagle licence etc, so I will definitely not be rich on this :-)
I hope the cost does not scare you off.

WE HAVE A PULSE!!!



So after the first attempt at installing the OS on my new HD failed, I went out and bought yet another HD, but this time I decided to do it right and get an SSD. Second attempt also began with a bunch of problems (missing files, corrupt files, etc.) I realized something is wrong other than the HD. I changed the CD-Rom and guess what - everything went as smooth as possible! Installed all the drivers/software I need - now its time for an install.
I tried fitting the pc under the front seat, but I knew from the beginning there is not enough room. I stripped the mobo from the case and it fits sooo nicely into the glove box that I am sticking to that location. Any concerns/comments about installing mobo in that location? Heat should not be a problem as I will using an SSD HD and setting up two fans to circulate air in/out of the glove box.
I also have question about wiring for power - I am planning on running a seperate BAT+ line from the battery, however I am not sure where to draw the ACC+ from? Is the fusebox a good choice? And if so how to do it safely?

I will post more picture this week of the progress as I am really psyched now and should get a lot of work done!

Price does not scare me at all, I would really love to see a video once you get it set up and I think I know the answer, but would you guide me through the install/set-up portion?