Thread: Carputer behind dash

Originally Posted by rich_bell20

The in dash touch screen has replaced my existing headunit. I was therefore wondering how i would control sound from my soundcard. the soundcard would be hooked up to an amp, but with no headunit with volume control, how could the volume be controlled??

thanks in advance

rich_bell20

Most people who go straight from the soundcard output to the amp just use frodoplayer's (or whatever the front end is) volume control to control the levels. Personally, though, I'd wire in a kill switch in-case it froze in the middle of a song or something.

Originally Posted by rich_bell20

2 quick questions from someone new to this scene please.

firstly is it possible to install a carputer behind the dash of a fiat punto? Ive noticed most people seem to be installing theirs in the boot. I have a 7inch in dash motorized touch screen so it would seem easier to install the carputer just behind this, inside the dash?

The in dash touch screen has replaced my existing headunit. I was therefore wondering how i would control sound from my soundcard. the soundcard would be hooked up to an amp, but with no headunit with volume control, how could the volume be controlled??

thanks in advance

rich_bell20

1) If it fit in there, why not? But heat will be the problem.

2) Read the FAQ

Here

Originally Posted by RS3RS

Most people who go straight from the soundcard output to the amp just use frodoplayer's (or whatever the front end is) volume control to control the levels. Personally, though, I'd wire in a kill switch in-case it froze in the middle of a song or something.

Thanks for the replys, but ive already read that FAQ before. What it says there is u need a headunit with aux in. What if u don't have a head unit at all. I havent got a head unit, simply an lcd screen with 2 video ins, and a left/right audio out. there are no audio ins.??

Originally Posted by rich_bell20

Thanks for the replys, but ive already read that FAQ before. What it says there is u need a headunit with aux in. What if u don't have a head unit at all. I havent got a head unit, simply an lcd screen with 2 video ins, and a left/right audio out. there are no audio ins.??

No it doesn't. It gives you an example of how to hook up your soundcard output to your amplifier. That was your question.

What hasn't been answered was your additional question of how you would control the volume. You do that by varying the volume on the computer. For example, Frodoplayer volume controls the output level of the computer to the amp and makes it louder or softer.

Lots of people use the Griffin Powermate to control the volume.

Not an answer to your question, but an opinion, since I had my carputer mounted behind the screen for a while. Though there may be room, it will probably be tight - most likely very tight. What killed it for me was not the heat (I had ducted the AC), but rather the maintenance of the system. Carefully consider how, and how often you will be needing to remove the system for maintenance. If it will take an hour each time to pull it out and another to put it back, it may be better to spend a couple extra hours initially and mount it where you can easily remove it for upgrades, or maintenance.

Originally Posted by rich_bell20

firstly is it possible to install a carputer behind the dash of a fiat punto? Ive noticed most people seem to be installing theirs in the boot. I have a 7inch in dash motorized touch screen so it would seem easier to install the carputer just behind this, inside the dash?

If you've got room behind the dash, it's certainly possible.
This was my original plan,b ut upon doing research into it, there's simply not enough room behind my dash. Granted, my ride is different from yours.
Test, measure, and investigate. It's the only way you'll know if you've got the room.
Whatever you do, make sure you've got adequate cooling for the PC (a couple of 80mm case fans should be more than sufficient), since the computer is going to be right behind the firewall and will likely get warmer than if it was under your seat or in a center console.

I'm not saying anything that hasn't already be said, have I? Does that make me a post whore?

Seriously, good luck and make sure to show us the finished project!

cheers for the replys guys. ive instead opted to build my own lcd into the dashboard as opposed to a motorized tray dash lcd, its cheaper and more rewarding! (the cool beetle inspired me!) cheers bugbite. Bugbite you may also be able to help me with this one. what did u use when supplying power to the motherboard? i planned on just using a desktop pc motherboard with a standard power supply, then buying a power inverter that connects to the car battery, and just ahving a normal plug socket on the inverter. any better ways. Also i noticed thats yours auto started up and shutdown upon turning engine on/off. how did u do this if you wouldn't mind sharing your knowledge.

thanks

Rich_bell20, there's a crapstorm coming your way. I suggest you avoid it by going and reading the power supply area of this board.