Thoughts and feedback on my planned system?

**greenman100** · 03-21-2005, 05:44 PM

Hey guys,

I know a good bit about building computers and car audio systems, but not carputers. Please give me feedback and experience and just thoughts in general on my planned setup. Thanks.

$40 Pentium 4-M 1.7ghz Northwood
ASUS M48P-MX
$30 512MB PC2100 RAM
$40 80GB HD
$27 Chaintech CT-AV710 Sound Card
$30 Fingerprint reader
$40 USB GPS
$0 300w AC PSU
$0 400w inverter
$0 USB WIFI adapter

Screens...one of the following
$220 7" Tview
$250 7" Lilillput
$270 8" Liliput

Misc:
2 Arming Toggle Switches
4 relays
8 DS1631

Ports:
Serial temp circuit
Serial open
Parallel relay card
USB keyboard
USB touchscreen
USB GPS
USB fingerprint
USB WIFI
USB rearview camera
USB port for MP3 player/flashdrive

I don't really know which screen to get. Is it that difficult to get the 800x480 or whatever? Everyone talks so much about the 7" screens - is there something wrong with the 8"?

I'm sure you're wondering about the fingerprint reader - The plan is to have hte computer hibernate when I'm not in the car, then wake up from hibernation when I open a door. Use the fingerprint reader to log in, then a relay control program to fire the starter. I'd splice the ignition switch wiring, leaving the keyswitch operable but not needed. The "ON" position would be controlled by a dash mounted switch, but to start you'd have to turn the relay on through the computer and hten press a dash-mounted switch. THat way, if windows crashes, the engine will still run, and if the computer fires the relay at the wrong time, it won't grind the starter. If that doesn't make sense I can try to explain later.

I also plan to add 8 ds1631 sensors to monitor outside air temp, coolant temp, exhaust temp, A/C temp, amplifier temp, and whatever else I can come up with.

Any thought/ideas, especially on helping my pick out a screen? thanks

Pictures will be up after I am done.

**Shotty** · 03-22-2005, 03:48 AM

I am planning on building something very similar. However, I am sticking with a Celeron D (2.8Ghz). Do you think this will be alright with a massive heatsink and small fan?

I like the idea of the temp sensors, I might have to put some of them on mine as well!

Actually, how does this sound? GPS and Camera. Camera takes pictures every 5 seconds (and each one gets tagged with GPS co-ordinates).

You can actually go on a virtual tour of whichever city someone lives in!

**RedGTiVR6** · 03-22-2005, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by greenman100

Hey guys,

I know a good bit about building computers and car audio systems, but not carputers. Please give me feedback and experience and just thoughts in general on my planned setup. Thanks.

first off....welcome!

$40 Pentium 4-M 1.7ghz Northwood
ASUS M48P-MX
$30 512MB PC2100 RAM
$40 80GB HD
$27 Chaintech CT-AV710 Sound Card
$30 Fingerprint reader
$0 300w AC PSU
$0 400w inverter

one concern that I have is that the board/processor combo you have chosen might draw too much power.....but you appear to be interested in using an inverter....why is this? most people have found (myself included) that using an inverter is just an added headache and an added noise inducer....have you looked into the dc-dc psus? or is there a specific reason you are wanting to use an inverter?

Screens...one of the following
$220 7" Tview
$250 7" Lilillput
$270 8" Liliput

I don't really know which screen to get. Is it that difficult to get the 800x480 or whatever? Everyone talks so much about the 7" screens - is there something wrong with the 8"?

they are new - that's why most people don't have the 8", that and a lot of people simply can't fit the 8" in a factory location. They are also a bit more expensive.

I'm going to assume that you are trying to go teh cheap route here and that's why you are going with the lilliputs? Have you done your reading regarding the lilliputs? there are quite a few people who have had problems with them and quite a few who have really good luck with them. From what I have seen the Xenarc has a much better image and it better in sunlight....but they are a bit more $$$ (still a heck of a lot less than a car audio screen)

I'm sure you're wondering about the fingerprint reader - The plan is to have hte computer hibernate when I'm not in the car, then wake up from hibernation when I open a door. Use the fingerprint reader to log in, then a relay control program to fire the starter. I'd splice the ignition switch wiring, leaving the keyswitch operable but not needed. The "ON" position would be controlled by a dash mounted switch, but to start you'd have to turn the relay on through the computer and hten press a dash-mounted switch. THat way, if windows crashes, the engine will still run, and if the computer fires the relay at the wrong time, it won't grind the starter. If that doesn't make sense I can try to explain later.

might want to do a little searching on this - a few people have integrated the fingerprint readers in the same fashion, but maybe not as indepth.

**greenman100** · 03-22-2005, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

first off....welcome!

Thanks, it's nice to get a welcome. I'm a newb here, but over at www.ocforums.com I usually do the welcoming

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

one concern that I have is that the board/processor combo you have chosen might draw too much power.....but you appear to be interested in using an inverter....why is this? most people have found (myself included) that using an inverter is just an added headache and an added noise inducer....have you looked into the dc-dc psus? or is there a specific reason you are wanting to use an inverter?

DC-DC PSUs are expensive. I already have the AC PSU and inverter. I'm trying to save money. If it doesn't work, then I'll get a DC-DC PSU. SInce I already have the inverter, I'd might as well try it. Also, the P4-M should draw under 25w

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

they are new - that's why most people don't have the 8", that and a lot of people simply can't fit the 8" in a factory location. They are also a bit more expensive.

I'm going to assume that you are trying to go teh cheap route here and that's why you are going with the lilliputs? Have you done your reading regarding the lilliputs? there are quite a few people who have had problems with them and quite a few who have really good luck with them. From what I have seen the Xenarc has a much better image and it better in sunlight....but they are a bit more $$$ (still a heck of a lot less than a car audio screen)

I'm a college student, so money/value is an issue. Iv'e done a lot of searching, and have seen mixed reviews on the lilliput, but they seem to be ok

Also note that I've updated my original post.

**Scouse Monkey** · 03-22-2005, 12:52 PM

I couldnt seem to find the specs on your mobo and i am off to the pool so am in a rush but if it has onboard intel graphics or summit i am not sure you will be able to get the correct resolution for the 7" screens. (would be a shame to go to all that effort and have to run ar 800x600 on a 7")

check the brightness of the 8" lilliput - not sure if it is as good as a 7" one.

Sorry this is brief but...welcome and good luck

**Scouse Monkey** · 03-22-2005, 12:54 PM

Also, i don't know if the t-view you mention is the 400nit one (probably not). Take a looka t the mp3car.com store - should be more reliable customer service than off ebay.

**greenman100** · 03-22-2005, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Scouse Monkey

Also, i don't know if the t-view you mention is the 400nit one (probably not). Take a looka t the mp3car.com store - should be more reliable customer service than off ebay.

but like $50 more...

**RedGTiVR6** · 03-22-2005, 01:35 PM

I'd GLADLY pay $50 more for something from a known and respected source than hastle with ebay - I've had nothing but bad luck lately with ebay and paypal.....so that's not even a question to me.

As for the college student thing....welcome to the club - there are a ton of us who are college students on here - a TON....so saving money is well understood....

there are two schools of though IMO.

Spend less upfront and hope that it lasts and does what it needs you to. If not you will be spending more in the long run to replace it/fix it.

and...

Spend more upfront and never have to look back or worry about it.

I chose the second option, and have ad the results that I listed in the second option....both when I did the 7" screen and when I upgraded to the 8" screen.

just some food for thought.

**greenman100** · 03-22-2005, 06:13 PM

Is the Xenarc really worth $100 more?

I can realistically do the 7" or the 8"...price is more of a factor than size for me. any thoughts?

**jusatry** · 03-22-2005, 07:14 PM

[QUOTE=Red GTi VR6
As for the college student thing....welcome to the club - there are a ton of us who are college students on here - a TON....so saving money is well understood....
[/QUOTE]

Word....