Thread: So, checklist of everything I need...

what kind of amp? most connections between sound card and amp go from a 3.5mm to dual/more RCA connectors. i'm sure if you search around, you'll find plenty of examples. here's one thread i found where someone asks about a soundblaster 5.1 to a 4ch amp:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/car-...dcard-amp.html

and as for additional wires to run, don't forget:

opus -> lilliput
opus -> pc

Here's what I have to work with, dash-wise. Should definitely fit a 7" screen, think it could fit a slim DVD drive as well?

Originally Posted by NaveAdair

I'm putting together a list...

Hardware:
Motherboard (w/ CPU & Video card): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121342
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146580
Sound Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829271001
Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136314
Optical Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118017
Monitor: http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...N-016&CartID=1
GPS Receiver: http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...S-002&CartID=2
PSU: http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...R-024&CartID=5

Software:
iGuidance: http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...F-020&CartID=4
RoadRunner
Digital FX 4.0

Several questions.

One, does RR/DFX support cameras? (http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...M-003&CartID=3) I want to get one or two if so.

Two, is there any hardware or software I'm missing? Will all the stuff I have listed be good enough for the purposes of my CarPC? And does RR include a media player, use WMP, or use something else?

Also, if I'm putting both the Carputer and my Amp in my trunk, and the screen up front, am I correct that these are all the wires that need to be run?

Computer Video -> Screen
Screen USB -> Computer
Computer -> Amp
Amp -> Speakers

And what kind of cable connects the computer sound card to the amp? Is it a cable or converter?

That's all for now. Thanks.

For Videos - download the K-lite codes - this include Media Player Classis (look in the DFX 4.0 thread, I asked the same question - and it handels all the vids I throw at it.)

Search for connecting your line out to your amps. There are some detailed instructions on that.

I am using the same mobo as you - but its the dual core version. My 3.5 to RCA cable goes right into an EQ - which then sends RCA's to my 4 channel amp and Sub - look at the Ford Fusion 2007 install by Fusion Fantastic - you might get some good ideas from him as well. (I actually modeled my setup after his, and it works great).

Figure out what case you want to mount in your trunk - again, Fusion had a good example in his thread. For your Touchscreen, I have the 706 TSA - so I only run 1 cable between the input box in my trunk and my TS in the Dash (I got the 5 metre interconnect cable) - so you need to figure out what Touchscreen you are going with and plan accordingly.

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

1 - You're going to need a laptop-to-IDE adapter such as this one for the hard drive.

2 - I suggest a slot-load drive instead of a tray-load. Hit a bump while loading a disc, and you're likely buying a new drive. Also, you're going to need a laptop-to-IDE adapter like this.

3 - Do you really need the external sound card? It will make your install more problematic as far as fitment goes. My suggestion is to try out the onboard audio first, then get the PCI card if it doesn't meet your needs.

4 - The Opus320 will work, but is definitely overkill. M2ATX is more than adequate, and far cheaper. It would also allow for an Ampie style case, assuming you forgo the PCI sound card. The Opus unit won't fit in one of these cases. Not certain a case was a consideration, since one was never mentioned.

5 - You're missing an operating system. It may be something you already own, but you're going to need one. WinXP is the most popular.

6 - A 3.5mm headphone -> RCAs is for sound card > amp. Couldn't locate a quick & easy link to one.

1. Alright, but that leaves the problem that I think my motherboard only has one (1) IDE input, while having two (2) SATA inputs. This makes me wonder if I can't just use the SATA connections built into the HDD/ODD.

2. I hadn't realized that was a tray-load drive. Newegg only appears to have one, which is rated low... are the any elsewhere you'd recommend?

3. I guess the onboard sound might suffice for the car audio, but I have that car in my desktop computer and the upgrade over onboard is pretty noticeable. I'll consider this, though.

4. The M2-ATX sounds like a good choice to me (I build computers, but know jack**** about carputers. :P)


5. I have Windows XP for OS.

6. Alright, I'll try to find such a cord.

Originally Posted by Minoritydan

For Videos - download the K-lite codes - this include Media Player Classis (look in the DFX 4.0 thread, I asked the same question - and it handels all the vids I throw at it.)

Search for connecting your line out to your amps. There are some detailed instructions on that.

I am using the same mobo as you - but its the dual core version. My 3.5 to RCA cable goes right into an EQ - which then sends RCA's to my 4 channel amp and Sub - look at the Ford Fusion 2007 install by Fusion Fantastic - you might get some good ideas from him as well. (I actually modeled my setup after his, and it works great).

Figure out what case you want to mount in your trunk - again, Fusion had a good example in his thread. For your Touchscreen, I have the 706 TSA - so I only run 1 cable between the input box in my trunk and my TS in the Dash (I got the 5 metre interconnect cable) - so you need to figure out what Touchscreen you are going with and plan accordingly.

Alright, K-Lite it is.

I was thinking software EQ would be fine, you think a hardware EQ is worth it?

For the case, I'm building my own case using a motherboard tray and stuff from a cheap Coolermaster case I picked up.

EDIT: Why are some of my posts instantaneous, and some are reviewed by a moderator? >_>

Originally Posted by NaveAdair

Alright, K-Lite it is.

I was thinking software EQ would be fine, you think a hardware EQ is worth it?

For the case, I'm building my own case using a motherboard tray and stuff from a cheap Coolermaster case I picked up.

EDIT: Why are some of my posts instantaneous, and some are reviewed by a moderator? >_>

I love the EQ.

Its just like the feel of a regular radio, so you can turn down the volume without goofing with the screen.

I think its safer while driving, you don't take your eyes off the road at all. I like it. Did you check out fusions thread for his pics of his setup?

Originally Posted by Minoritydan

I love the EQ.

Its just like the feel of a regular radio, so you can turn down the volume without goofing with the screen.

I think its safer while driving, you don't take your eyes off the road at all. I like it. Did you check out fusions thread for his pics of his setup?

I'll keep that in mind.

And yeah, I've looked at every project on the first page. :P

Is there a topic or something that shows how the M2-ATX works and how to wire it? I'm guessing it uses most of the same wires as a regular power supply, but I'd like to make sure I know how it works before I go any further in this.