Thread: Carputer and Regular AM/FM Radio

Originally Posted by nunz

When you install a carputer with an LCD display in the dash that replaces a factory AM/FM radio, how would I then listen to AM/FM? Is there, say, a USB module that can connect to the computer that enable AM/FM reception?

Please advise.

You didnt research!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are a few ways, i will go over the 2 most popular. The first is to use a USB type radio, Silabs seems to be the most popular I have read about. In my opinion though USB radio are flacky in moving enviroments, I could never get it to work. The best solution is to go with a HD radio built for the car. I person named Mitch designed a cable to interface the HD radio with the PC via a Serial Cable. This is by far the most stable setup. If your area does not have HD the radio will automatically switch to analog mode.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

You didnt research!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are a few ways, i will go over the 2 most popular. The first is to use a USB type radio, Silabs seems to be the most popular I have read about. In my opinion though USB radio are flacky in moving enviroments, I could never get it to work. The best solution is to go with a HD radio built for the car. I person named Mitch designed a cable to interface the HD radio with the PC via a Serial Cable. This is by far the most stable setup. If your area does not have HD the radio will automatically switch to analog mode.

There is also the HQCT module. But a bit pricy. If you want to go that route, drop me a line. I bought one I probably won't be using. Cards and cables run about $200 new. For comparison, the Visteon HD unit runs about $50 on e-bay and the cable is about $30 more.

Originally Posted by danielkh

There is also the HQCT module. But a bit pricy. If you want to go that route, drop me a line. I bought one I probably won't be using. Cards and cables run about $200 new. For comparison, the Visteon HD unit runs about $50 on e-bay and the cable is about $30 more.

not to go off topic, but Dan, do you have a worklog? I wanted to see how you have your car setup.

On the other note........ Dan is right, there is the HQCT, I didnt mention it because I dont really see to much on it, except that its pricey, not sure how it works compared to the HD solution, but I assume the HD is better and most def cheaper. If you are a very aggressive Ebayer, you can actually find the HD Unit for about $30.00, but only a few have got lucky with that, I paid the $50.00. The cable is about $27.00 with shipping included.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

not to go off topic, but Dan, do you have a worklog? I wanted to see how you have your car setup.

On the other note........ Dan is right, there is the HQCT, I didnt mention it because I dont really see to much on it, except that its pricey, not sure how it works compared to the HD solution, but I assume the HD is better and most def cheaper. If you are a very aggressive Ebayer, you can actually find the HD Unit for about $30.00, but only a few have got lucky with that, I paid the $50.00. The cable is about $27.00 with shipping included.

Not right now. I am completely changing my original build. ( 2004 350Z Enthusiast Install ) and I would be done if I didn't try using one of those pesky riser cards. The good news is that it allowed me to get the motherboard I really wanted. With the MSI, I shouldn't need any risers or PCI cards.

The only thing being kept from the original build is the GPS sensor, the XM radio setup, and the touchscreen. I have both the HQCT and the Visteon HD, but haven't decided which I am going with as my internal car antennae has a problem (think I cut the power wire on my first install). Since I had to replace a pretty pricey motherboard, I'll probably go with the Visteon and sell the HQCT to recoupe some losses. Everything is subject to change though.

Originally Posted by danielkh

Not right now. I am completely changing my original build. ( 2004 350Z Enthusiast Install ) and I would be done if I didn't try using one of those pesky riser cards. The good news is that it allowed me to get the motherboard I really wanted. With the MSI, I shouldn't need any risers or PCI cards.

The only thing being kept from the original build is the GPS sensor, the XM radio setup, and the touchscreen. I have both the HQCT and the Visteon HD, but haven't decided which I am going with as my internal car antennae has a problem (think I cut the power wire on my first install). Since I had to replace a pretty pricey motherboard, I'll probably go with the Visteon and sell the HQCT to recoupe some losses. Everything is subject to change though.

I agree, that is why i went with a overkill MoBo also.... I didnt want to have any riser cards at all! In my opinion I think the HD radio is a much better solution. I hear you on devices, I have changed mine so much. Just be thankfull you dont have all the room like me, you will most likely go crazy and add so much $h!t like me, lol.....

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

I agree, that is why i went with a overkill MoBo also.... I didnt want to have any riser cards at all! In my opinion I think the HD radio is a much better solution. I hear you on devices, I have changed mine so much. Just be thankfull you dont have all the room like me, you will most likely go crazy and add so much $h!t like me, lol.....

I saw the rig you are building. I would have gone broke 6 months ago (been in the hobby 8 months). If I hadn't won that slingbox contest, I wouldn't be able to improve anything.

Fortunately, I am going to have enough "stuff" to build two pretty decent systems (I'm replacing the original J7F2WE2G with the upgraded J7F5M2G board that supports S3 suspend and double the video RAM), so I should be able to recoupe some costs. But I am sure you know as well as I do.......any money that comes in just means UPGRADE!

Well I owe it all to my mom, lol. When i moved back with her, she let me stay rent free. She just recently complained how i spend so much on my car, but its already towards the end of the build. She has kind of stopped though since I took over most of her bills including her car and insurance.