Thread: Complete car'puter Novice needing help in here !!!

Mase5-

All of your questions could be answered via the search function. I know it is difficult, and getting a direct response seems much better for you get that one-on-one advice; I still recomend the search function. I am still considered "new" as well, but ultimately in what I found via my "search" was not only the answer to my questions (sometimes), but a bunch of OTHER information which I didn't even consider which made all the difference in my purchase / install. So, besides the standard "GO SEARCH" statement many people get, there is useful information there. More than you expect.

Anyways.. To your questions.

1)

is it possible to get these small computers already made up or do i need to build one myself

Of course it is possible. Otherwise they wouldn't make them! Rather, it all comes down to YOU. What functionality are you wanting? What type of install are you looking for with the CPU/LCD? If you plan on all kinds of different modules inside the box, then most likely the small prefabbed stuff wont be for you. Why? Because the lack of integration. The Casetronic C134 is an awesome little box. Yet, it doesn't offer any option to expand (outside of USB/COM connection). So if you find the onboard video lacking, you are out of luck. Determine your goals and needs, then find the right equipment for that job. How to find the right equipment? Search. Use this website, or use google.com. Search for "mini-itx" or what you need.

2) [quote]if i was to use a program like MediaCar, how do i get the radio thing to work through my computer/laptop [quote] From what I have read, there are a few options. Many people have purchased the D-Link (which is now discontinued) FM radio adapter. Other people just use the MediaCars external application option to open up some app to do the job. With that in mind, check out XM Radio for the PC. Not sure if it would be available for you in the UK though. But read it anyways. It will give you ideas.

3)

is how do i get all this to play through my current sony headunit

This question lacks an answer for the simple fact of lack of information. Many people either use the AUX input from the back of the head unit, or use an AMP and FM card and throw the head unit out all together. Give some more details.

i've got a sony head unit with 2 phono or RCA outputs. Can i connect this to the laptop then and get full sound through the car speakers ?? Someone mentioned an FM modulator, not sure wot it does, but apparently i can go down that route as well. The only thing is that when i press the source button on me head unit it only comes up with tuner and CD ?? does another appear when i connect the phono/RCA leads ??

cheers for the reply red-rx7 !!

well if it means out that means out. does it have inputs? say from the laptop to head unit. your head unit would act as reciever and amp for speakers.

i'll have to check sometime, but it's a right bugger to do cos theres no room behind the headunit for the standard ISO cables, so it's kinda crammed in !!! What about this FM modulator, does this act like an input, cos surely the aerial is an input into the head unit ?? how do these work ?? do they just give you another input then ???? as you can tell i'm not the sharpest when it comes to all this computer stuff !!!

Originally Posted by mase5

i'll have to check sometime, but it's a right bugger to do cos theres no room behind the headunit for the standard ISO cables, so it's kinda crammed in !!! What about this FM modulator, does this act like an input, cos surely the aerial is an input into the head unit ?? how do these work ?? do they just give you another input then ???? as you can tell i'm not the sharpest when it comes to all this computer stuff !!!

I have a different head unit than you, but when I put in an aux source to it, I had to change a setting to make the aux source available. Check your manual.

The FM modulator is like a radio for your computer. If you don't use the head unit, the modulator will let your PC tune into the radio. If you put the pc into the head unit, you won't need a modulator.

If you throw out the head unit, you would plug the pc right into your amp. (You do have an amp, right? )