Newb that needs some guidance...in a bind and time crunch... HELP!

**Driven1** · 08-04-2008, 10:15 PM

Im new to the forum here...only b/c Im having serious issues with my CarPC set-up and didn't research to find this existed.Sorry guys (and gals) I know...Search first... but I don't have alot of time right now.

Me and some buddies jumped into this...quickly discovering that it's above our knowledge basis customizing cars (engines, fabrication, and EMS). Unfotunately I haven't had the time to get too involved but now I am forced to and ask you guys for your help as Im in a serious time crunch and haven't had ANY luck with support techs.

This car is competing in the AKA Rally in 2 weeks from NY to Las Vegas and nothing seems to be operating properly. We had a few ideas we wanted to try but have gone back to the basics and need just Navigation and Music. We wanted to be able to access our Autronic SM-4 EMS (via a Verizon Broadband card) remotely but thats not necessary at this point and a laptop will suffice at times.

We have installed and running a Mobile Computing Solutions (M.C.S) Car PC w/ a Lilliput 7" touch screen in the dash wireless mouse and keybord on Windows XP. We're runnning the Centrafuse interface and one issue is the nav wont even calibrate. We're not sure where to go yet but I have discovered this is ALL about programming which I have not a clue honestly. New software? Wipe the system and start from scratch? Better interface?

We were told the system is top of the line but we can't all these goodies to work for crap.

A couple of the issues....

As soon as I start the car it SCREAMS! 98.7 FM until I load windows.

The nav has no calibration...I was in upstate NY this weekend doing higher speed test pulls for tuning purposes with a buddy and it said I was still in College Park MD where the system was installed.

Only will play CD's and read software CD's. No movies.

Ipod interface is about as slow as a hybrid car(sorry but they are slow) and nearly unusable with the lack of organization for artists and categories.

What are the good nav options? Any with the POI speed camera recognition? Is Centrafuse a decent interface? This is what they recommended...and we're beginning to wonder.

**DarquePervert** · 08-05-2008, 06:17 AM

What GPS unit are you using?
What COM port settings do you have for your GPS unit? Typical settings are 4800bps, no parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit.

If that's all set correctly, try using GPSInfo. It's free and will tell you whether or not your GPS is functioning.

Also, where is your GPS unit located? Does it have a clear view of the sky?

**Driven1** · 08-05-2008, 12:29 PM

The car is currently at the shop that installed it and will be coming home tonight or tomorrow. I will get ALL the info I can ASAP. Thanks in advance for your help guys. I wish I was more computer savvy and had more info for you guys right now.

Just stressing out right now with the rally departure date in less than 2 weeks. :0/ And this thing is not running properly at all.

I am going to wipe the system and start from scratch. Apparently they deleted some programs (I don't know what) right after install.

Im shooting from the hip right now...don't know much about these programs...and have decided to pretty much take a shot at this myself b/c they can't get it working right even after hours of trying and talking to the different tech supports.. Unfortunately I know a little more about computers than they do...which doesn't say very much.

**Driven1** · 08-05-2008, 08:49 PM

Have it working. Spent quite a bit more time with tech support (hours) and had some help with some more computer savvy friends. Nav still doesn't work. Just waiting on the nav update from them and new maps. Should be done tomorrow.