Do I even need to build a CarPC?

**filmjay** · 11-21-2009, 02:33 AM

Okay, so I just got a new car. An '08 C6 Corvette. And of course I'm all excited and am already looking for ways to modify it.

And being a pretty experienced PC builder already, I'm thinking CarPC.

I've got HUD but no factory nav (and an OEM install requires the expensive, hard to find, and difficult to retrofit Bose system).

I've been looking at the aftermarket nav/multimedia stations like the Clarion NX409 and the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT.
They have everything I want in what I'd build a CarPC for except one thing...as far as I know...the ability to run 3rd party programs (I want to run EFI Live tuning software from the dash via a USB -> OBDII cable.)

Are there any hacks/mods for existing sytems that would allow me to do this? Or for the ability to tune the engine and get OBDII info, am I going to have to build another PC, fit a touchscreen, run cables for antennas, wire, solder, and configure a suite of new software for various things like FM radio, CD/DVD playback, Nav, and browser and figure out how to tie it all together with a front end client?

I wouldn't mind just having a Windows desktop with a touchscreen and using something like Objectdock for each module. But I'm not quite understanding how to incorporate FM radio or Nav into an otherwise standard PC setup.

**2k1Toaster** · 11-21-2009, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by filmjay

Okay, so I just got a new car. An '08 C6 Corvette. And of course I'm all excited and am already looking for ways to modify it.

And being a pretty experienced PC builder already, I'm thinking CarPC.

I've got HUD but no factory nav (and an OEM install requires the expensive, hard to find, and difficult to retrofit Bose system).

I've been looking at the aftermarket nav/multimedia stations like the Clarion NX409 and the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT.
They have everything I want in what I'd build a CarPC for except one thing...as far as I know...the ability to run 3rd party programs (I want to run EFI Live tuning software from the dash via a USB -> OBDII cable.)

Are there any hacks/mods for existing sytems that would allow me to do this? Or for the ability to tune the engine and get OBDII info, am I going to have to build another PC, fit a touchscreen, run cables for antennas, wire, solder, and configure a suite of new software for various things like FM radio, CD/DVD playback, Nav, and browser and figure out how to tie it all together with a front end client?

I wouldn't mind just having a Windows desktop with a touchscreen and using something like Objectdock for each module. But I'm not quite understanding how to incorporate FM radio or Nav into an otherwise standard PC setup.

Read the FAQ and you will be amazed...

If you want third party apps, you need a PC. Those aftermarket units usually run on CE or something else embedded and cant be changed without some assembly (programming language) hacking.

To answer the desktop hiding thing, just look in the "frontend" part of the FAQs, primarily RoadRunner/RideRunner, Centrafuse, and Streetdeck.

**filmjay** · 11-21-2009, 07:08 AM

Thanks. Trust me, I have been poring over every letter in the FAQ. That's what lead me to start thinking on whether or not I even needed to build. I was all gung ho to start pulling parts out of the closet and building a custom enclosure. But after reading for a day and thinking about it for a day or so I know I really would rather have everything integrated into one package.

I want FM radio, CD/mp3/DVD, nav, bluetooth, wifi, multiple USB ports, and Windows capability for Win-based OBDII telemetry and EFI Live.
Honestly, something like the RevoSys X400 seems just about perfect. Any alternatives? That looks to be about the best bet for the features vs price for an all-in-one that I can find.

**2k1Toaster** · 11-21-2009, 07:09 AM

Check out the G4 then. And there are people here that make itx systems into all in ones behind the dash with the screen... Just need to look.

**robhur** · 11-24-2009, 08:13 AM

you could try one of the more powerful mini-net books. Theyre small enough to hide away and easy to mod if you can solder a lick lol. but as stated before all of that can be done its just a matter of knowing what ALL you want before geting started gathering parts and ripin up ur panels and dash.

**filmjay** · 11-24-2009, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by robhur

you could try one of the more powerful mini-net books. Theyre small enough to hide away and easy to mod if you can solder a lick lol. but as stated before all of that can be done its just a matter of knowing what ALL you want before geting started gathering parts and ripin up ur panels and dash.

Hey thanks.
I've been looking at the possibility of going the netbook route. Plenty of computing power and USB slots for upgrades. All I'd need is a touchscreen and whatever front-end I want to use.
And since it's all going in a C6 Corvette, space is at a bit of a premium.

I do know what I require and what it takes to build a CarPC. But since almost everything I want is offered by aftermarket Pioneer, Clarion, or Kenwood units, with the exception of a Windows environment that I could run OBDII telemetry and tuning software. I was on the fence about doing a full blown integrated all-in-one in dash unit.
And since I would like the CD/DVD drive to be in-dash too, a pre-built seemed appropriate since I can't seem to find just the motorized enclosure/monitor w/ included CD or DVD drive...without all the other components included.

....and yes I know how to use the search function.

**trader007** · 11-24-2009, 12:29 PM

youll either go with an allinone and compromise some things you want to do, or built a real pc and compromise your sanity from time to time...

**JasonMK** · 12-31-2009, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Check out the G4 then. And there are people here that make itx systems into all in ones behind the dash with the screen... Just need to look.

That was one of the reasons I went with the G4 two and half years ago, easy to install and great to use... then it died and has been impossible to revive. I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried the revo sys double din.

**marci** · 02-05-2010, 06:48 PM

hehe, i´m interested too. How longer I look to the revosys x400 system, I think that revosys is not the manufacturer. Sometimes I have a look to WinCE doubleDIn devices on alibaba (see: http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?...roduct_en&sq=y and I see same devices with other name and different features.

Perfect is a 2DIN CarPC build with:

- Core2Duo ULV /SU /P Processor (small TPU)
-GPS (RS232) Receiver
- Bluetooth
- additional external VGA
- 4 Channel 50W Power Amplifier
- high sensitive Radio with RDS and TMC out (RS232)
- CAN BUS Interface (maybe optional)
- 2 USB Outs
- Changeable Colors of illumination
- SATA2 (for cheap SSD use)
- 6.95" Wide screen TFT 800x480 LED Backlight (maybe autodimmer)

Do you have other Ideas ? :-)

**justchat_1** · 02-05-2010, 07:56 PM

Two things to keep in mind with the revosys...
* The radio is not integrated into the PC which means there is no way to mute the radio for nav instructions, or change stations from the touch screen.
* It's also a 1.5Ghz celeron which means don't count on getting any performance for that price.

See here:
http://forums.fluxmedia.net/all-one-...din-carpc.html