Thread: Carputer Project!

Originally Posted by Hermanator

I have also posted this on another forum specific to my car but would like your input. I have just purchased a 2004 Mazda 6GT, and want to put in a carputer similar what people have do here. I would like to ask the group for best recommendations. Here is what I have been thinking about...

AMD Sempron 2400 w/256K Cache
Asus Motherboard w/6 ch. audio, lan, video, USB2.0
Micron Orig. 256MB PC2100 DDR
Computer Case w/350W AC power supply
Seagate 40GB 7200 RPM HD
USB External Case for HD to mount in GLOVE BOX
LiteOn 16x(48x cd rom)DVD-ROM
Asus TV/FM Card w/SLIM REMOTE
Wireless G-Card
7" Lilliput Touchscreen Monitor
Elite Illuminated Multimedia Keyboard w/vol, and media controls
Probably Microsoft's GPS antenna w/software
Some sort of AC/DC inverter

Have the sound system from previous car. My thoughts were to connect my 4-channel amp to the FRONTS & REAR outs of the computer and my SUB amp to the sub channel, and use a phantom center. Problem is how do I control the volume when I am completely bypassing the factory stereo? I would like to run it through the stereo however if I want 5.1 I won't be able too. Can use the touchscreen or keyboard but prefer "STEERING WHEEL" control or even "REMOTE".

The other problem is will the inverter be ok with the computer or should I go with a DC-DC power supply? The Opus Solutions one won't fit a REGULAR motherboard. Is it better to go with a ITX board or mini computer? I have a quote for the above mentioned for under $700.00 Canadian, not including the monitor. Is it worth going a different route?

Anyways that should be enough to get things started on this post. Any help you can be or options would be great!

Thanx

There are many options just like you said, "touchscreen or keyboard but prefer "STEERING WHEEL" control or even "REMOTE""".
all depends on your prefs and finances, look around the threads and see what others are doing. The touchscreen on a Liliput is not very consistent (mine isn't anyway). Maybe check out the Xenarc (more $$). Deffinately go with an Opus if you can, instead of an inverter. (more $$) I use an Opus 90W (very small) and a mini ATX board.
The MS GPS software sucks for in vehicle use, May want to consider Routis, Destinator, iGuidence..
Just my 2c worth.

Have you thought about using an Athlon Mobile? - they are very popular. Don't know much about the Sempron except its their budget processor. The mobile ones are specifically chosen and have nice low power consuption for their power and are generally found unlocked so you can underclock them to keep em even cooler.

Muldrick,

See that you use a opus 90watt.... How is it...
does it power good and no battery drain... I will be running Mini-itx epia 1000 and slim DVD/CDRW and a full size HDD and a couple of USB devices.... what do you think....

I've got my Opus to shutdown after 10 minutes (from ignition off)
Powers great, running a mini atx (from a gateway desktop pc), powering: usb keyboard, usb gps antenna, usb mouse, wifi card, MXD 1000 XM radio, had 2 (now 1) full size HDD's. So far no powering problems, and survives engine crank fine. Soon I'll be adding the DVD Rom. No drain on the battery, my pc goes into hybernate when the Opus shuts off after 10 minutes. I think you'd be fine using that.

Muldrick,

You're right, this site gives you everything, thats why I wanted to post here. I had budgeted $1000.00 CDN for this project. So far by the time I get the LILLIPUT in to Canada, full total should be around $1300.00 CDN. So I would love to go with the Xenarc but too much $$$, maybe later upgrade.

What REALLY is the difference between the EPIA m10000 and a full size mother board w/Semprom chip? From what I can see and a few of the posts out there, full size gets you more expandabilty(options). If I go with a M10000 with a 3688 case, doesn't it have it's own PSU? Then all I would need would be a ITPS correct? If I go this route it will be about $1400.00 CDN.

Scouse Monkey...I have but again too $$$. Trying to justify spending more money, I understand it's better, but maybe I can upgrade later as by the time I finish with install, carputer, accessories for car, etc, I will be about $2000.00 CDN. Which is about $500.00 US(Just kidding). I know that amount is nothing compared to some of the posts on this site( F**K'n AWESOME) but just can't do it right now.

Again, all your input is gratefully appreciated as I want buy the componts THIS WEEK! Just want to do it right, but not too $$$.

Thanx again.....

i'd like to give you only one piece of advice... GO WITH THE XENARC!!!

Don't but the lilliput, eventhough many ppl don't have probles with it, a lot (including me) do have problems... It's not worth the headache to be cheap on this end... I regreted many times during my journey not buying a xenarc... it's way worth the extra $$...

BoyNextDoor....I see you're using an inverter. I read your thread, doesn't it drain your battery fairly quickly? Have you had any issues with you inverter? Is Lilliput that bad?

I did once forget to turn it off actually today while going to downtown to have a lookaround and such. After two and a half hours i had no problem cranking the car. Although it's bought at walmart (the battery) i had no problem meybe it;s too new (bout a week old).

Yes, you have to be very lucky to have a Lilli w/o problems. I had a couple. regreted buying it, should have gone the xenarc way. I had bad finances at that time, and thought could save a couple of bucks... NOT WORTH IT! on my oppinion. I highly recomend you getting the Xenarc and maybe skim down on some other part, because i read a lot that xenarcs are for life... ( and my personal experience with Lilli.)

sorry for the long post.

Attila