Thread: What are the basic supplies needed for a complete car PC?

I am mainly going to use the Car PC for Mp3 and Navigation.. does navigation require to purchase one of those GPS receivers?

I'm sure there are some more experienced people here who can fill you in on all the details regarding what is necessary to run a computer from your car. I'm still in the early stages of my first job.

I can answer the navigation question for you: yes you need to buy a GPS receiver to find the satelites (sp?).

thanx, what gps receiver is good, or at least decent?

if you are new to audio installations and PC's you have a lot of research ahead of you before attempting something like this, i browsed the forums for a couple of months before i went ahead, and that is with a decent knowledge of computers and car stereo installations. $425 isnt enough add up all the prices for youself, power supply, motherboard, RAM, (CPU if you dont buy a via epia mini) HDD, cdrom/dvd, LCD, GPS dongle, then you have to work out which approach you are taking to play the music through your speakers.

if you already have a few of the major parts then 425 is enough to at least get you started.

but from scratch, no.
you will need at least a grand.

i was lucky and i almost had everything needed to build my setup. all i needed was a screen and wires. i had a laptop and powersupply etc.

do a lot of research. just plan everything out carefully.

well... i already have my own sound system installed.. also a stronger car battery put in.. does that help in any way?

yes it does.

you need at least a screen and a cpu to get started.

okay, ill get back to this thread after i buy an lcd screen + thin cpu that fits under my seat.

Maybe you could look into some palm solutions or so.
But if you are planning on taking this seriously, you will probably need a bigger budget. Unless you already have a lot of computerparts laying around.

So if you are going to take it seriously, plan the whole build and do a lot of reading first. Otherwise you might regret having made some purchases. And eventually the project will cost you even more.

for a basic install you need:

Power source:
- special DC-DC power solutions for in the car (most power efficient)
like an OPUS, Carnetix or PW + ITPS combo

- or power inverter + regular PSU

PC
You will need a complete PC.
Best would be if it is low-power (easier on your battery)
This is one of the main reasons why a lot of people on this forum use VIA EPIA mobo.

Screen

Input
Keyboards and mouse are no good in a car, so you'll need something else, one of these things:
- touchpad
- touchscreen
- keypad
- remote
- ...

Software

Wiring

Audio setup
- you can hook up your PC straight to an AMP

- or you can hook it up to your HU
- directly via an AUX on your HU
- if you have no AUX, you can use a FM modulator

So if you add it all up, you'll be over that $425 very quickly.