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Hi,
I am new to this forum. My current project is a 1973 Louts Europa that will have a Ford Zetec engine and I would like to add a full carPC system (tire monitors, boost control, music, Blu-Ray quality video, ect.). I am looking for input/help on the computer side of this project as my hardware knowledge is somewhat limited. Any thoughts?
Jake
you've come to the right place, though, i'm not sure what to add-- try looking through the members ride area to get a idea of what others are running for a similar setup, or try searching for similar builds.
Okay, I think I might be a little in over my head, but I'm up for the challenge. Here are my goals for my build;
1. GPS nav systemThings that would be cool :happy: (secondary / future goals)
2. Phone integration
3. Mobile wifi hotspot (built into the car)
4. Games / Movies / Music
5. Dual monitors
6. Fully digital dashboard (no gauges at all)
7. Ability to re-tune a MegaSquirt ECU on the fly
8. Accelerometer
1. A 26-32" HDTV mounted in the trunk (its a mid-engined car so heat could be a problem)
2. Hook my PS3 to the trunk mounted HDTV
3. Power the car from a standard 120-volt outlet
4. Have a exterior Ethernet jack (to hardwire the car to my home network when the car is in the garage)
5. Prompt for a password before starting the car
Note: This car is going to be custom built, striped to the frame and rebuilt by me for me.
don't know much about either, though haven't heard very much positive stuff about the current solutions.Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
it might be easiest to install one of those 3g/4g internet boxes from a local cell phone companyQuote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
that one's easy ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
so you want dual screens for media, as well as some screens for the gauges? that is kind of reaching the limits if my knowledge, but you might want to look at hardware with at least 2-3 outputs for the media screens, and then consider using either usb screen(s) for the gauges, or the route i see heavily recommended-- build a separate dedicated pc for gauges that is isolated from everything to minimize the chance of it crashing or having issues.Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
the way i understand it, megasquirt needs a pc, so that requirement is pretty easy to meet. not sure where the gauge data can come from..Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
i have seriously considered this myself-- recently, there are a couple of new tv's hitting the market--usually the super-thin ones, that use 19v power-- all that is required for one of those is a carnetix psu..Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
this is best to locate in industrial parts suppliers-- like digikey, mouser, newark, allied, etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
not impossible, but highly recommended to keep independent of the carpc to prevent issues regarding boot times or software crashes.Quote:
Originally Posted by BoyRacer0013
Have you decided on which from end you want to use as this will help in guiding you.
I plan to use TunerStudio or something like it to control the MegaSquirt, and to display the gages. As far as screens go, I want one for the gauges ( mounted where the gauges would normally sit - 7" to 9" ) and one in the center console ( around 10" ). Should I be thinking about having two computers, one for TunerStudio and, one for everything else?
that would be a better question for the engine management section-- while i am familiar with the basic concepts, i just don't know enough about it to provide any solid advice.
Okay, I have also started a thread here on the MegaSquirt / dashboard end of things.
So you want to replace the actual speedo etc. with a screen as there has been a few attempts at this type of thing but I would remember that computers do not always behave like they should and to rely on one all the time for critical infomation could have repercussions.
I am aware of the possible reliability issues inherent with this type of setup, I intend to thoroughly test and debug the system before I rely totally on it. I am aware of the main problems with what I am doing, I try not to do things like this without a lot of research and having all my questions answered before I start spending money. That said I am still in the planning / discussion / question asking phase of the project.