Newbie guide to an MP3 Car

[wysiwyg]

It would be nice if you guys would write a newbie guide explaining the basics of creating a MP3 Car and what you can expect to tackle in the way of common issues when building it. Just my 2 cents. If there is already a really good newbie guide could you post a link.

[Stavros]

the problem with a newbie guide is that every car is a custom job. So there is no "newbie" setup trial and error, plus its more fun that way, remember its a hobby, not a job, enjoy the quest to complete your car.

[albysure]

a car computer is capable of doing anything your home computer is. you need to decide what you want it to do in YOUR car. then, search around for those things. read the forums as far back as you can. i have been here for 2 years as a member and longer just reading posts. you're lucky now because when i joined there were some guys that didnt like new people and gave them grief for asking questions. but i guess they didnt realize that they were new at some point too. its a pretty cool place to be right now.

just dont be afraid to ask questions...but not like "how do i power my car computer?"

so good luck!

[Ivar]

think it used to be faq.mp3car.com

[MP3DUB]

I might just be too much of a computer tech for my own good (its happened before), but really, a car pc at its basic level isn't very complicated, and shouldn't require elaborate blueprints. Now its very easy to make it complicated, and a lot of components are somewhat uncommon, but thats what this board is for, and the search function, as you can find most anything discussed here.

[ShinkunoNamida]

I don't see much point in a newbie guide. an mp3car system is basically a computer hooked up to some sort of visual interface, with an input device of your chosing.

The selection of interfaces and input devices is discussed in depth, but the simplest level would probably be some cheap TFT and a keypad or basic remote.. or even a keyboard.

I would think it to be a prerequisite to this type of project that one has fairly indepth knowledge of computer archetecture.. or at least how to assemble their own pc. If not then it's really time to do some learning before thinking about undertaking such a project.

[CA 3000GT]

A Frequently Asked Questions page would be great! I mean, the people on this board are awesome and its great they are willing to answer questions for the 4'th, 5'th 10'th time...... but....

I think there could be a list of common Questions & answers like


Q: What are some reasons to get a car computer ?
A: mp3's... thousands, gps, play dvds, play divx movies, and they are more configurable, more upgradable then any boxed system sold.

Q: Is rca worse then VGA
A: yes, its RCA is standard TV resolution, displaying text its blurry.

Q: What motherboard should I get?
A1: if you can deal with a computer about 500mhz equiv strong:
go for the EPIA boards, its not a full multimedia system, but they are good for basically everything else, go [some link] for more info
A2: If you need a high power system:
Go with an DC -> AC inverter, and a regualer system.


Q: What is a good basic "starter" unit get?
A:
VIA Mini ITX mainboard w/ C3 800MHZ CPU built in: $105.00
http://servercase.com/cgi-bin/miva.c...e=Motherboards
DC-DC power converter 60W $35
http://www.dc2dc.com/store/store.html
7" http://www.etronics.com
This will fill most peoples needs most of the time.

Q: What are some lcds I should consider if my price range is $100? what if it were $200? $3-400? $5-700
A: $100, this will most likely be a 5" tv quality LCD, there are a couple good places to get them. www.digitalww.com is one.

Q: What manufacturers should I know to be wary of?
A: Datalux... not that they make bad lcds... but look at the threads in this group and you will see some people have had some issues with them.