Some unanswered questions regarding a Carputer

**phuz** · 12-13-2007, 10:15 AM

So being an Electro-Mechanical Engineer, I have quite a bit of know-how when it comes to electronics, however...I am very new to car-computing. I know the basics but I have a few questions.

I will be looking for a display which is both a monitor and receiver, because I want the unit to handle my audio, not my PC. So far I have only seen motorized units (Xenarc), whereas I am looking for a full double-din in-dash unit.

So how do these units (like the Xenarc) work exactly? I assume the "Front-End" I have been reading about is a type of firmware that is integrated into the monitor/receiver where you load your skins for Main-Menu control? Do these Front-Ends get modified for personalized control of various functions? (GPS, Audio, Video, PC, OBDII) ??

**kegbus** · 12-13-2007, 11:21 AM

Mp3car has a double DIN solution that runs windows and Streetdeck by default. You could run any front end on this HW though. I think its called the G4... Lilliput also makes units that fit that form factor as well.

**phuz** · 12-13-2007, 11:33 AM

Do you customize the Front End to run different programs on the PC?

Is this something I could download on my PC awhile to get familiar with the interface?

**Bildonia** · 12-13-2007, 12:25 PM

You can customize the front ends. RoadRunner is completely free so you could mess around with it on your desktop PC first, it doesnt have to be loaded onto a computer with a touchscreen.

**phuz** · 12-13-2007, 12:51 PM

Other than exiting the front end, is there another way to access the windows shell?

**v8 scimitar** · 12-13-2007, 01:01 PM

The front end is just a program that has been optimises for small screen. You could just as easily run windows xp mediacentre edition or windows media player for that matter that is skinned. Of course that lot assumes you just want media and not other stuff like gps. To gain access to windows its self you just have to minimise it just like any other full screen program.

**turbocad6** · 12-13-2007, 01:04 PM

the shell no, but you can embead most other programs to work within the front end. the front end is just a program that provides a gui interface, & can actually replace the shell really in many cases