Few wiring/software questions

**Esona** · 03-16-2008, 09:34 AM

Hey guys, I figured now's as good of time as any... I'm getting into the expensive hobby of car computers (Carputing?)... but I need some input here, if you guys don't mind...

First off, I'm thinking my computer will get molded into my trunk... That being said, had anyone had any problems with VGA & USB cables going from the front of their car, to the back? and if so, any particular fix you used? I've heard from a few people that using a 10 foot, or longer, usb cable can cause a few problems with signal decay.. and I've never used a VGA cable longer than the standard.. 8 feet or something.

Software! woo!
Have any of you setup your computer to display how your car performs, in terms of HP @ x RPM, possibly even the speed being recorded, etc... As well, what about such setups as using the GPS and recording the location every x minutes/hours, or whatever, and then storing it and uploading to the web when connected to the internet next? I'm thinking for something like if my car were to get stolen, I'd be able to track it down sorta thing. Long shot, I know

That's all I can think of for the moment... afterall, it's 6:30AM right now, and I'm at work. hooray! -_-

Thanks all

**FusionFanatic** · 03-16-2008, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Esona

Hey guys, I figured now's as good of time as any... I'm getting into the expensive hobby of car computers (Carputing?)...

welcome

Originally Posted by Esona

First off, I'm thinking my computer will get molded into my trunk

"molded" into your trunk? many people mold the monitors into their dashboards for a clean look, but I have never heard of anybody molding the computer into the trunk. most people just have it bolted in

Originally Posted by Esona

had anyone had any problems with VGA & USB cables going from the front of their car, to the back?

I use 10ft extension cables for both VGA and USB and I've never had any issues with it. the total cable length in my install is about are about 16ft each.

Originally Posted by Esona

Have any of you setup your computer to display how your car performs, in terms of HP @ x RPM, possibly even the speed being recorded, etc...

yes, many of us do that too. you can buy an OBDII > USB/serial module to read the car's diagnostic/sensor data.

Originally Posted by Esona

what about such setups as using the GPS and recording the location every x minutes/hours, or whatever, and then storing it and uploading to the web when connected to the internet next?

I've never done it, but I think a few people do it with google maps.

Originally Posted by Esona

I'm thinking for something like if my car were to get stolen, I'd be able to track it down sorta thing. Long shot, I know

that would require a constant internet connection. it would only be practical if you install a dedicated wireless broadband card (as well as pay for the expensive monthly service).

**Esona** · 03-16-2008, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by FusionFanatic

welcome

"molded" into your trunk? many people mold the monitors into their dashboards for a clean look, but I have never heard of anybody molding the computer into the trunk. most people just have it bolted in

I use 10ft extension cables for both VGA and USB and I've never had any issues with it. the total cable length in my install is about are about 16ft each.

yes, many of us do that too. you can buy an OBDII > USB/serial module to read the car's diagnostic/sensor data.

I've never done it, but I think a few people do it with google maps.

that would require a constant internet connection. it would only be practical if you install a dedicated wireless broadband card (as well as pay for the expensive monthly service).

Hey Fusion, thanks for the reply
Yeah, I guess I could've said bolted, I just like "molded" more, haha... I've got an idea in the works of building a case that connects onto my sub, with fancy LED lights and all that.. make it look a little better than just a little grey metal box screwed onto the back seat, lol

That's good to know about the extension cables... It's probably just a marketing scam to get you to buy the more expensive cables, haha

With the OBDII- How expensive does that generally run? Plus the software... or can you get open source programs or somethin?

As for the dedicated internet thing- I was thinking about that.. But I'm thinking more along the lines of now, to hold onto the information until next connected to the net- kinda like Windows Updates is scheduled to check at 3AM, but if the computer isn't on at that time, it'll do it next time it can do it

Any sorta tips you can provide that n00bs usually mess up on? lol

**Esona** · 03-16-2008, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by FusionFanatic

welcome

"molded" into your trunk? many people mold the monitors into their dashboards for a clean look, but I have never heard of anybody molding the computer into the trunk. most people just have it bolted in

I use 10ft extension cables for both VGA and USB and I've never had any issues with it. the total cable length in my install is about are about 16ft each.

yes, many of us do that too. you can buy an OBDII > USB/serial module to read the car's diagnostic/sensor data.

I've never done it, but I think a few people do it with google maps.

that would require a constant internet connection. it would only be practical if you install a dedicated wireless broadband card (as well as pay for the expensive monthly service).

Shh.. I like the word "molded" more... it sounds like I know what I'm doing!... I've got a pretty cool idea in my head for a case for the computer though, with flashey lights and everything! haha

That's good to know about the cables... I think it's more of a scare than anything about the length of cable. How did you wire yours in? under the center console, or under the matt by the doors?

For the constant connection.. I got thinking more along the lines of next time you're connected.. kinda like Windows Updates, they'll go next time you're online, if you aren't when they're suppose to check

**FusionFanatic** · 03-16-2008, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Esona

With the OBDII- How expensive does that generally run? Plus the software... or can you get open source programs or somethin?

I bought a cheap adapter off eBay for about ~$40 and it came with free software. it works fine but it's nothing special, you can get better adapters and better software if you don't mind paying more $$$ for it.

Originally Posted by Esona

As for the dedicated internet thing- I was thinking about that.. But I'm thinking more along the lines of now, to hold onto the information until next connected to the net- kinda like Windows Updates is scheduled to check at 3AM, but if the computer isn't on at that time, it'll do it next time it can do it

when I said it would require a constant internet connection, I was specifically responding to your earlier statement of tracking down your potentially stolen car. if somebody stole your do car then you would never get the opportunity to connect to the internet and upload the data.

Originally Posted by Esona

Any sorta tips you can provide

sure...

1. read through the FAQ section. it will answer most "noob-ish" questions (as they have all been asked many times before).

2. browse through the worklogs and completed projects sections to get ideas for your install. do a search for your car for examples of other members installations that you can apply to your car.

3. there is no need to quote the entire post above you. it only creates a long, boring, and cluttered thread. if you want to respond to a specific section of an earlier post then edit out the irrelevant parts to keep the post short and clean.

3a. if you're just responding in general, then don't use the quote button at all. just type in the quick response box at the bottom of the page