Thread: Seeking Guidance

Originally Posted by ahave

1)For my system I was looking to build a system that can run in low power mode 24/7 or on a timer, so I was considering to add an additional battery. I haven't seen much on these forums about adding extra batteries; i.e. bigger alternator, trunk mounting - needed ventilation fans?, etc More details below on why i want a always on pc.

All you're wanting then is to run in Standby or hibernate. Many people do this. If you're wanting to access the CarPC remotely then you'll have to run in a full on state. Many people run multiple batteries, and many more people research it only to determine it's simply not worth it. Yes, you need to run additional fans and fully isolate the battery from the interior of the cabin because of the fumes that a battery puts off. Enough of them can kill you. This is why in competition it's required to seal the battery off and vent it to the outside air.

2)Remote control via web! I was thinking of putting in an access point in the trunk so that I can always broadcast a wifi signal to ensure remote access. Has anyone tried such a task? I would also use a kismet-esk program to utilize free hot spots whenever possible.

I'd research in this forum: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/wire...ommunications/

It's full of people who have done the same thing in various different ways.

3)Remote control via web of power windows, locks, ignition, etc. What is the better way of going about this? I have seen a few commercial products (Clifford G5) that advertise this, but I kinda want to attempt this one myself. I can see how I could use a I/O parallel board to control the windows/locks but for the ignition - would it be best to purchase a remote starter then piggy back on top of that, or to simply 'hot wire' it myself. I have no clue of how my car's ignition system works, so I am leaning towards the piggy back method, unless someone can link me to a nice tutorial.

You will want to look at the Fusion Brain (sub forum in the hardware forum) and will have to write your own application to access your PC via the web and not via RDP or VNC.

4)I am not wanting to do major cosmetics to my car, so I am planning on installing the touch screen in the lower CD holder bin with the door. I want to purchase a spare part so that I can work on it while my car remains intact, but I don't know what it is called to search for it in junkyards, any help?

Go to the dealership and talk to the parts guys. They will give you the technical name and the part number. With that you can research all you want. They won't charge you for that information at all and it will save you a bunch of time.

5)I want to go ahead and start buying major components this weekend, ie motherboard, hd, ram, wifi cards, etc. In respect to motherboards, any pointers you can spare me? are all-in-one's the best route? I plan on trunk mounting this setup so size is not the up most importance, however low power consumption and expandability is. (ie, 2 wifi cards, bluetooth, and necessary ports for PICs)

Check out the FAQ in the nav bar up above. There are a number of tutorials in there to help you determine which mobo to buy. Because this is a very individualize hobby, you would be best served to reaserch based on your needs and pick the best mobo for your situation...because no matter what, it's going to be different from everyone else on this forum...no one has the same needs as someone else on here.

6)as far as touch screens, xenarc vs lilliput?, coke vs pepsi? anything I should know about? I will have to make my own frame to fit it in the CD tray.

There is an entire sub-forum dedicated to screens ad there are a ton of stickies to help you along the way. Your best bet is to read them and make up your mind on your own based on how much you want to spend and how important quality is to you.