Requesting advice on anything Carputer related...

**SuperAJ** · 04-03-2003, 08:54 PM

Originally posted by Loftus
okay, browse through a lot of old posts to get the audio question figured out. There's too many options from tape adapters, to fm modulators, to cd changer adapters etc....

-use a keyboard for your "1st attempt" install first, then if every thing works out you might want to splurge for the touch screen,(you'll be surprised at how much some things can add up too.)
Maybe put the keyboard in your visor and use a good Macro program to help out with multiple keystrokes.
-GPS, unless that is your main reason for this computer, put it in later.
-PS2, put it in later.

Do a lot of reading in the old posts to get a really good feel of what your about to undertake here because this type of project is a labour of love for most of us. You'll spend way more time researching old and new ideas than actually spending money.

Not really. Having audio input in your deck would be perfect.

**SuperAJ** · 04-03-2003, 08:56 PM

Originally posted by Raekwon
About the Opus, what are you referring to? I went to the site and saw the 150Watt SFX DC-DC Vehicle Power Supply for ATX, but didn't see any prices listed. Unless you were talking about the Workstation computers. In that case, which one?

Touch screen is what I want (very helpful for inputting GPS information), but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. What's a good price range to look in? I don't need the best, just something that will be nice and work for what I need it to. I already have a PS2, so putting it in the car was just something I might do later down the road.

The main problem I'm going to be facing is the electronic work... as in how to get everything powered. I know a lot about computers (How to build computers, etc...) but virtually nothing about electrical systems.

What materials would be good for making a custom case? Legos? j/k

One more question, for the time being... would I be better off making a custom enclosure for the lCD (ex: ripping it out of whatever they send it to me in)? I'll put up a picture of my dash later this evening and have where I want to put it circled. Thanks for the quick responses!

Oh man that is SWEET!

**Raekwon** · 04-03-2003, 10:18 PM

-use a keyboard for your "1st attempt" install first, then if every thing works out you might want to splurge for the touch screen,(you'll be surprised at how much some things can add up too.)
Maybe put the keyboard in your visor and use a good Macro program to help out with multiple keystrokes.
I plan on installing Linux (If I choose to go the Linux route) and all the apps with a keyboard of course. DigitalWW has a 7" TFT LCD (with Touch Screen) for $320, and that's really in my price rande. I could go higher I guess but I don't want to. I actually thought I'd have to pay more than $320, lol. The touch screen would be almost a necessity for a GPS... unless you guys can prove me wrong.

-GPS, unless that is your main reason for this computer, put it in later.
I probably will, if it'll cost on the upward of 400 bones. But I'd like to plan ahead and make sure I can add it easily later and have no conflicts (with software and such).

-PS2, put it in later.
Definately the last thing to go in, if it goes in at all. I'm thinking connect it to a TV card in the computer and it'll go through that to the monitor, unless there's an easier way.

Do a lot of reading in the old posts to get a really good feel of what your about to undertake here because this type of project is a labour of love for most of us. You'll spend way more time researching old and new ideas than actually spending money.
That's why this is a Summer project, I'm not gonna have time/money until mid-May or early-June. I plan on spending a lot of time until then researching and a lot of time getting the kinks sorted out.

Thanks to everyone who's responded so far, you've all been very helpful.

SuperAJ - What's sweet? lol... and audio input into my deck may not be an option, I'm gonna have to remove it to put the LCD in.

That FM modulator sounds like a good idea but would the sound quality be good? And then I'd need to keep my deck in the car... hrm.

**samc** · 04-04-2003, 11:24 AM

Just a note on Fm modulators. My friend has one in his 01 vw GTI. He uses it for his cd changer. And I must say it sounds very crisp for a modulator. I suppose the more you pay for one the better it is?

**Raekwon** · 04-04-2003, 11:27 AM

The more I hear about FM modulators the more I want to use one... they seem easy as hell to set up. But I'm removing my head unit to put the LCD in... so that's a problem. Unless I can get the radio on my computer through something...

**Rob Withey** · 04-04-2003, 11:47 AM

Aaaaarrrgh. Definition of recursion - see recursion.

You could go mp3 player->fm modulator->pc radio->fm modulator->pc radio->fm modulator->pc radio->fm modulator->...

<head explodes>

Rob

**bosstone74** · 04-04-2003, 01:38 PM

I would NEVER and I MEAN NEVER use a modulator again, I made that mistake the first time I put together a system, I hooked it all up, listened to the CRAPPY sound, and then went right to the shop and bought a head unit with aux. in....if you are going to do it....do it right, even if it means waiting a bit longer by saving up for it....save....

**Raekwon** · 04-04-2003, 04:25 PM

My head unit has an aux input I believe (Pioneer 4400), I'd have to relocate it somewhere.

**Raekwon** · 04-05-2003, 02:22 AM

Anyone know what the adapter is called that allows you to hook up a 2.5" HD to a standard EIDE port? Or where I can get one? I've been searching NewEgg with no luck. Thanks!

**bosstone74** · 04-05-2003, 02:48 AM

EBAY is great source
here

Thread: Requesting advice on anything Carputer related...

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