laptop, touchscreen, GPS, lotta fun!!

**adidas445** · 11-27-2004, 10:45 PM

ok, heres the deal, im new to in car computers and such but in no way am i new to car audio OR fabrication. i know how to fiberglass with no problems. but ive got an idea of what i do i just dont know how to do it. Heres the idea: custom console with a touchscreen, connected to a laptop that has GPS capability with DVD capability as well. what i want to do is construct the console with the touchscreen in it. heres the start of the questions: 1. is there USB touchscreen hookups? 2. is there a USB GPS system? 3. how do i run the laptop in the native 12v system. i know i could do an inverten but id rather have constant power, just get in the car, hook up the power and one usb switch going to the touchscreen and GPS nav, and get going. MP3 audio isnt a big deal, i will just hook up the laptop to the HU for audio for dvds. ive already got the laptop, the HU (pioneer 7600mp) and speakers and such. can anyone help me, suggest products, or show examples? please include websites and if ANYONE can show me a console tutorial, i would be much obliged. sorry for the long post and thanks for the help in advance. feel free to email me, adidas445@hotmail.com if you need to ask anything or suggest anything.

**NiN^_^NiN** · 11-27-2004, 11:39 PM

There are touchscreens with USB

7" is the standard you can get a lilput or a Xentec (not sure if thats the right word) they both just use a normal monitor cable to plug into the monitor out on the laptop then usb for the touch screen.

There are USB GPS available they are mostly a mouse looking GPS they most popular is a BU-303 altho it has problems.

You could either take the DVD drive out of the laptop and use a USB cable to hook it um to the laptop is under the seat and the dvd drive is in the dash etc.

There are adapters that take the 12v from the car and push it up to 20v or whatever the laptop needs. No need for an inverter.

**adidas445** · 11-28-2004, 12:54 AM

ok...ive found some information....

still nothing on touch screens, i cant figure how to spell liliput and xentec is wrong spelling as well...

GPS ive found 'earthmate' as a good option

now more questions...
1. how easy it is to add bluetooth to the laptop? i can use it for a mouse, keyboard, and the GPS data thing and it would be alot better than wires everywhere

2. do most screens (if i go the bluetooth route and just get a regular screen) have an s video input?

3. where can i get raw screens, not ones with a case and such

4. where are these adapters for 12v power to my laptop?

thanks guys

**Nic** · 11-28-2004, 01:19 AM

1. usb bluetooth dongle
2. s-video sucks get vga
3. get one in a case, then you are sure to get a controller board, often raw lcds come without a controller board plus its easier to fibreglass a case into something than make your own
4. search for laptop car power supply or wait for the new 19v carnetix (www.carnetix.com) it will survive crank and have startup/shutdown features whereas most other laptop car power supplys will not

**Dominik** · 11-28-2004, 01:50 AM

By the way, the other screen mentioned should be Xenarc. Lilliput are generally sold on Ebay (look up Touchscreen LCD). Both Lilliput and Xenarc do actual VGA display instead of blurry S-Video or Composite audio. Xenarc supposedly has better reliability, though i've had neither so i cant comment.

Armen at DigitalWW has alot of info about screens (www.digitalww.com), if you dont want to go through ebay

If i were you i'd spend some time searching this site (i know its big, but as a starting point, check out 'show off your project' and see examples of integrating screens into dashes etc

You can connect the gps, kb/mouse, even your phone to your PC by Bluetooth.

**muldrick** · 11-28-2004, 08:15 PM

You can get the Lilliput here: http://www.mp3car.com/store/index.ph...d47903b3a1e4ba (Best place to get it)
Don't get one from eBay, if it's bad you will be possibly screwed.

There's talk here: LinITX 7" Widescreen Touchscreen Monitor Review about a new screen called "Linitx", sounds pretty good.
(http://linitx.com/product_info.php?c...roducts_id=553)

Search in these forums a little (lot) more though, most basic questions like your have allready been answered.

Oh yeah...welcome to the threads Adidas.

**NiN^_^NiN** · 11-28-2004, 08:27 PM

If your laptop supports poweroff on battery power then all u need to do is hook it up to the cig lighter then when the car turns off the Laptop goes to battery mode then starts to shutdown

**adidas445** · 11-29-2004, 02:52 AM

thanks for the help guys, ive got a great idea of where i want to go now...
looks like im gonna build a console with a pocket for my laptop, when i get in the car i put the laptop in the pocket and hook up power and a usb hub. the hub will have the bluetooth adapter and USB for the touchscreen. it will also have a sound card attachment that will be wired into the AUX on my HU. the console will have the linitx screen with a switch to turn it on and off (since there is no auto on and no auto off with no signal) there will also be switches for my amps and leds in the car...i also want a voltmeter and a temp gauge...has anyone here heard or peltiers? (anyone that overclocks should have heard of them) i have an idea involving peltiers and cup holders

this could turn out well...thanks for the help guys, ill be around for a while.

**Dominik** · 11-29-2004, 07:30 AM

I think the general consensus on Peltiers is that the condensation it causes makes it impractical for a DIY project. Better off with water cooling or air cooling...