Estima CarPC v2.0 build up pics

**mp3oplecarrier** · 10-24-2004, 04:06 PM

Here are some pics of the build for version 2 of my CarPC, not much to show yet, but I thought if I posted them it would make sure that I actually finished the damn project this time!

I had a boot install before but the box got too big and started getting in the way, and all those cables....

I also have the problem of my touchscreen not working, and if it did my seating position means I would have to lean forward to operate it, not cool at all.

This version fits between the front seats which keeps all the cables shorter and for control uses a hacked up Belkin Nostromo speedpad and mouse.

The 10 buttons can be programmed to do anything and can have different functions for each program, so as you change focus they will run different macros. The directional pad can also emulate the mouse pointer, which I have found to be the best way of moving the pointer in the car, as a 'left press' makes the pointer move in a straight line to the left at a fixed speed instead of 'jumping around' like a trackball does.

I have also mounted the scroll wheel from the mouse and momentary switches to operate the three mouse buttons the coloured switches on the right are for PC and GPS power.

The finished article will be carpeted to match the interior, and there will be a motorised cover for the control area, along with a slide out keyboard under the dash, and a stealth cover for the lilliput under the aircon grilles.

**brooksware2000** · 10-24-2004, 05:57 PM

Looks great, really good idea. I have a similar project but I am using a keyboard emulator programmed for the common buttons of play, pause, etc.. That way I can put them on my stearing wheel or on the driver/passenger door and use them in conjunction to the touch screen.

Keep up the good fight, procrastination is the killer of great ideas.

**mp3oplecarrier** · 10-24-2004, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by brooksware2000

Keep up the good fight, procrastination is the killer of great ideas.

Mmmmmm Finished projects gallery... one day eh?

Steve

**mp3oplecarrier** · 11-12-2004, 04:55 PM

Just some updated pics of my centre console fabrication project, the fun part is done now so seeing it on here might help me through the wiring and the construction of the sliding 'stealth' cover...

By the way the wrinkle finish was created like this: 'Plastic grain' paint effect

Steve

**Altimat** · 11-12-2004, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by mp3oplecarrier

I also have the problem of my touchscreen not working, and if it did my seating position means I would have to lean forward to operate it, not cool at all.

Same problem here mine is a mile away. I'm about to remove it altogether for better visibility.

**Cris** · 11-12-2004, 07:06 PM

Looks promising

**mp3oplecarrier** · 11-13-2004, 04:46 PM

I was dead happy with my work so far, and proudly sat the console in the car so I could look at it on the way to work and imagine everything was working....

25 miles in to a 30 mile trip to work, GRAUNCH! a front wheel bearing collapses at 70mph.. nightmare 5 hour trip home, big repair bill to come... Don't you just love cars?

Steve
(mighty ****ed off)

**mp3oplecarrier** · 11-29-2004, 09:30 AM

I was stuck at home today and thought I'd do some work on the CarPC even though the car's off the road. I managed to finish the mechanics of my stealth control pad cover, just the electronics to organise now so that it will open/ close fully on key on/off.

**TruckinMP3** · 11-29-2004, 11:03 AM

Very cool, where did you find the hardware for the slider?

**mp3oplecarrier** · 11-29-2004, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by TruckinMP3

Very cool, where did you find the hardware for the slider?

If you think this is cool, wait till you see the Aircon vents lift up in the middle of the dash to expose the screen! (next part of project!)

I made the slider out of some odd pieces of ally profile I had lying around my shed, some grained plastic sheet (cut from a DVD case!) and a 1/144 geared motor and gearset from a model shop.

When I have the electronics sorted, power on in the car will energise a relay which will turn the motor one way until the slider reaches a microswitch that stops the motor and reverses the polarity of the motor so that when the ignition is off the slider closes, there will be the same arrangement at the other end. Sorry, can't do a wiring diagram at the moment as I'm about to go out. I'll post some more detailed pics when I'm finished, but here is a (crappy) video filmed with my son's digicam...

>Edit< No there isn't I can't get the file smaller than 370k so I can't upload

Can anyone spare a bit of space to host it for me?