Triple-checking my list! Am I missing anything?

**Morgon** · 10-12-2004, 09:58 AM

Half of me wants to apologize for this post, and the other half knows that this is what this forum is all about.

So - I want to give a -full- list of all the items I'm wanting to buy/use, and make sure that I'm not missing anything, so expect to see some 'duh' components:

* VIA EPIA (Probably the MII10K - I like the CF/PCMCIA slots)
* Slimline Slot-load CDROM (Newegg has 'em for $71 (compared to Logic's $109) - no stock, but expecting shipment today)
* Lilliput 7" Touchscreen
* RAM/HD (Specs clearly defined, no feedback needed, just here for completion's sake)
* Powered by OPUS 90W Power Supply

* Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS - I'll just leave the cable connected, and perhaps mount the interface somewhere permanantly useful
* XP Media Center. Undecided on front-end software, or if I will use any.
* Maybe a USB controller or two? Shouldn't be too much issue running an Emu along with say, GPS software on a 1 GHz CPU.
* (For more completion) Amp, to allow computer audio to come through car speakers

I'm going for an integrated, auto-on/auto-off solution. I turn the key, I get a computer. I turn it off, it doesn't suck up my battery.
I'm aware of the Lilliput mod to connect it to the Opus, and will most likely do so, once I'm able uncross my eyes at it.

Having a 94 Sunbird, with its craptastic square-ish radio, it doesn't have any sort of aux-in, so I will need to jack directly into the audio system, hence the amp. Does anyone else have a Sunbird, or are intimately aquainted with them? I work from home so I haven't been in my car lately - any suggestions on component placement?

Other than that, am I missing anything - ANYTHING?
The Opus is designed to be auto-on/auto-off, yes? I don't need an ITPS or anything else to make this work, correct?
If I were to add a USB Hub, I'm assuming it could be wired to the power supply? Are there any internal hubs that use the standard internal power (what're they called? - the square ones that connect to drives, etc)?

Basically, I want to do this right the first time.
If anyone has any questions or suggestions, I openly welcome them.

Thanks for your help, in advance

**Confused** · 10-12-2004, 10:33 AM

All things look good, apart that I would get a Xenarc screen rather than a Lilliput. The Xenarc is built better, feels better, and looks better. This is through experience of using both.

The Opus does control everything power related, nothing extra is needed.

I'm using a powered USB 2.0 hub that (normally) runs from a 6v AC-DC adapter, however it has been working fine using 5v supplied by the Opus for almost a year.

As for software, i haven't used XP MCE, but i can't imagine it being better than any of the front ends being provided for free here on the forums. Add that to the fact that you can't buy XP MCE on it's own, it is only sold with specific combinations of hardware direct from a manufacturer.

Garry

**bluemagic** · 10-12-2004, 10:36 AM

i think maybe a GPS receiver? cos carputer without GPS ...its not a complete carputer =)......

also...plan how you are gonna install everything, run/hide the wire,etc etc will help you big time when you do the actual installation...know exactly what you need...
cos for me.....i went back to forth to audio store, pc store and walmart for alot of little parts as i was doing the installation.....if u get everything at once it'll save u a lot of hassle

**Morgon** · 10-12-2004, 11:27 AM

Well, I already do have XP MCE, so obtaining it is no longer an issue

I've heard good and bad things about both Lilliput and Xenarc. The Lilliput is brighter, I hear... and seems to be a little more documented - most of the hacks I've seen on the site are for Lilliput (I'd like it to power on/power off with the Opus. Does the Xenarc have a native interface for this?)

----

I already do have a GPS and silly me for not including it. It's a Garmin eTrex that connects to the serial port. Was thinking of getting a Serial-to-USB device (since I really want to upgrade to the EPIA N when it is released next year).. but after spending all this money, it might just be worth to keep the MII10K and use the serial device for the GPS.

What sorts of 'little parts' did you find yourself getting? I really think everything's just gonna be up front (i.e. no cable runs to the trunk), since all of this stuff is so small as it is. But if you have a small top-of-the-head list of things you found yourself getting (mounting items? etc), I'd certainly be interested.

Thanks a bunch to you two so far

**Confused** · 10-12-2004, 11:33 AM

The brightness between the Lilliputs and the Xenarcs is almost negligible. I have seen both side-by-side, and the Xenarc IS better. The ONLY thing that the Lilliput has to it's advantage is very slightly better colour representation, but it was only noticable when the two were side-by-side.

The Xenarc also auto powers on, so powering it from the Opus is easy (it's what I do)

Garry

**joebagodoe** · 10-12-2004, 02:17 PM

Woopee get the "Xenarc High Bright Upgrade" for $190 more (only).
http://store.karpc.com/item-Xenarc-7...een--700ts.htm
Little much?

**Morgon** · 10-12-2004, 03:11 PM

Hate to be an ***, but I was hoping that you could give me a little bit of a breakdown as to why spending $150 more on the Xenarc is worth it?

I will say that I have seen the thread regarding a bunch of broken Lilli's, but there were some Xen's in there, too. To be fair, the MP3Car store lists the Lilli as the most widely used display, making an argument similar to "which car crashes more" - I think that fact by itself just comes down to how many people are using it.

At the risk of blowing this thread totally offtopic:
What about the Xenarc that warrants the 50% increase in cost?

I don't want to be cheap, but I don't want to be excessive. We're talking over $500 US just without the screen (I don't have the RAM laying around currently

).

But to save it from total derailment:
How are you running the Xenarc from the Opus? Anything special?

If anyone has any Pro-Lilli arguments, by all means post (with the flames on 'low' please). I'd like to have a serious point-of-view discussion before I shell out between $279 and $419.

**IntellaWorks** · 10-12-2004, 03:25 PM

Hey Morgon, I only read the post quickly so it may have been covered.

- Mini-itx case unles you have some solution already.

- IPTS voltage regulation, (This will also power on/off your PC with ignition)
and regulate voltage comming into your power supply.

**SnyperBob** · 10-12-2004, 03:33 PM

I recommend an IRMan and steering wheel mounted control. If you decide on not getting a touchscreen, these two inexpensive items will be just as good (close, but not really). Not having to reach to change the song and stuff makes it easier to drive.

Just a suggestion

**Morgon** · 10-12-2004, 04:14 PM

I do plan on getting a touchscreen (read previous post on Xen vs. Lilli), although I still do like the idea of wheel-mounted controls.

The only bad thing about an IR solution is line of sight - something I may not have. I really don't want wires hanging down everywhere. The dash on the Sunbird is a beast, not really looking forward to tearing it open just to run a USB or other cable for IR control.

Is anyone aware of any RF-based controls that I could mount? Or perhaps better still, a site where popular wheel-mounted controls are sold?

---

As for cases, I honestly haven't thought of getting one at all, I was just going to let it 'all hang out' -- If nothing else, I'll just grab some scrap wood or something - I'm not intending for the unit to be seen, and ITX cases are just way too damn expensive for what they do (sit there - no coffeemaker, no hot-chick-phone-number database.. .nothin'!)

Now you say ITPS... but I had thought the Opus does this already. Did you skim too fast, or am I truly missing something?