New Project. Trucker Portable.

**KB5WID** · 01-21-2008, 10:43 AM

I am begining work on a project. This system will be used in a Kenworth truck. Here are the objectives:
Must be portable. (THe truck is a company owned and changed out every year or so.)
Hardened case
15" daylight readable touch screen
ITX hardware
Laptop Harddrive
Removable Keyboard with Touchpad
12V
Builtin Speakers
Audio Out(to connect to stereo)
GPS
XMradio
Wifi
DVD
HDTV Tuner

Most of the equipment has been identified. The one Item I am trying to find is the 15" screen. Looking to keep the cost of the screen under $800 (if possible). I want to keep the entire project under $2500.00

Dont say Use a laptop, Laptops last a year or less. The DVD drives faill due to dust and polution. The hinges fail in about 6 months. Repairs are too expensive.

**billmee** · 01-21-2008, 09:50 PM

I've seen Planar 15" touch screens on process equipment that would do ok. Not sure how bright they are though. But I think they run on regulated 12v.

**dyne** · 01-22-2008, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by KB5WID

Dont say Use a laptop, Laptops last a year or less. The DVD drives faill due to dust and polution. The hinges fail in about 6 months. Repairs are too expensive.

What are you basing this off of? I've been tossing my T41 around for 4 years with no trouble. A panasonic toughbook would be even more hearty.

A laptop would be easier, probably more portable, and a lot less than $2500

**Crawdaddy** · 01-22-2008, 09:23 AM

It's great to see a trucker putting a computer in their truck, especially a real nice K-Whop.

If you had the access to tools and such, I'm sure you could fit a real nice case that could fit in the storage under the bunk (I'm assuming it's a sleeper if you're putting a 'puter in). Alternativley, there may be enough space in the overhead console behind the CB where you could stick it (unless of course you have a linear amp hiding back there from the FCC

). I don't have any ideas as to where to source the touchscreen from. I'm sure you could slap this together pretty easily and make this work. Good luck!

**KB5WID** · 01-22-2008, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by dyne

What are you basing this off of? I've been tossing my T41 around for 4 years with no trouble. A panasonic toughbook would be even more hearty.

A laptop would be easier, probably more portable, and a lot less than $2500

Based on the three my brother-inlaw has gone through

He is the one I am building this for.

**KB5WID** · 01-22-2008, 04:51 PM

I decided on the M150HB as the screen. Total on the system so far is $2100. Some of the things my brother-inlaw wanted do not come in a laptop. I.E. Removable Screen, Sat Radio, Upgradable/repairable with off-the-shelf parts.

**redls1bird** · 01-22-2008, 10:11 PM

I know you dont like the idea, but a toughbook is a good fit for it. Its got tablet function, and a touchscreen so he would just need a mount. You could use a usb dvd drive. THere cheap and easy to replace obviosly. Other than that, everthing gonna either be cluttered or horrible looking with wires everywhere and what not if you want it to be that "portable".

**KB5WID** · 01-22-2008, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by redls1bird

I know you dont like the idea, but a toughbook is a good fit for it. Its got tablet function, and a touchscreen so he would just need a mount. You could use a usb dvd drive. THere cheap and easy to replace obviosly. Other than that, everthing gonna either be cluttered or horrible looking with wires everywhere and what not if you want it to be that "portable".

A toughbook was one of the laptops that quit on him...

As for cluttered\wires everywhere, It depends on how you design it. I have built custom communication "Crash Kits" Cutting the panels correctly, Lacing wires, Proper mounting in the case it will look good. It might be big for most, but in this application it fits the need.

Mounting stands are not an option, This is a company truck, You cannot just drill holes. All modifications to the truck miust be approved. The system must "mount" using clamps and such.

This system could be compared more to something like this system. Without the external connections to the hard drives.

Specs of the project.
1GB DDR2 Memory
Jetway J7F2WE2G Mini-ITX Motherboard
M2-ATX-HV
200GB SATA 2.5in Notebook Hard Drive
DVD Burner
Mini USB Keyboard with Built-in Touchpad
D-Link DWA-142 Network
RR-1814-9FMS Case
M150HB Monitor (Built in Speakers)
BU-353 GPS Receiver
PCI to PCMCIA Adapter and riser cable
Truckers Helper Software
Sirius Radio
External Connections:
Quad USB 2.0
VGA
PS2 Mouse and Keyboard
Audio Out/Headphone & Mic