Thread: Please explain a few carputer basic features...

Oh.... that calls for some serious revenge:



naughty boy!

Sorry, sorry, i should have been more clear.
I have been searching the forums, but since i'm a mac user, and not very technical, i'm having problem finding clear answers to these questions. It seems everybody have different opinions and systems.
I know about software like Mediacar, but i can't find full documentation even on their website. I know that most of you guys start and shut down your PC, but why?

Oh well, point taken, i will continue searching the forums, but any thread or link tips would be much appreciated.

/ Bubbalito

Originally Posted by bubbalito

I know that most of you guys start and shut down your PC, but why?

Because our car batteries will go flat if we don't!!!!!

My advice would be to read lots of stuff about PC shutdown controllers etc in the Newbie section.

Are you building a MAC or a PC for your car.

If it is a MAC:
Then after you have read everything in the Newbie section go read stuff in the MAC section - which is pretty new. Maybe after you understand the basics then ask some questions on the MAC section about how people are finding using shutdown controllers with thier MACs.

If it is a PC:
All the answers are out there - they have been for ages and you are just gonna hve to read. Personally i can't believe your initial question as they are so basic and elementary you shoudl be able to answer them yourself in 5 minutes of looking at this site.

• In a well configured PC system, do you start the computer and shut it down everytime you start or shut down the car? If so, how long does it take to start it up? Or do you put it too sleep?

30 seconds is an on par start up time from pressing the power button to a functional desktop.

• Is there a system that can start and shut down the computer when i press the remote power lock button?

Yes

• Is there a touch screen based front software that takes care of playing MP3's, movies, FM radio and navigation from the same interface?

There are several, pick your flavor.

• If i don't mind paying extra to buy a full system from a carputer company, are they really complete, and wich one is the best?

Thats personal preference. If you "don't mind paying a little extra" I vote you go for an extremm, watercooled (ok maybe not depends where you live) x86-64 system.

Thanks! More questions to come...

More to do.

everything you ask for is here if you would read before posting.
looks like somebody lost their hooked on phonics tape in the mail......

Originally Posted by bubbalito

Ok, ok, i'm a newbie, so here we go: A few things i haven't figured out concerning PC based carputers...

Since you post in the newbie section so I am not going to slap you with the thinggy, but if you have time search for the topic you want and start reading.

• In a well configured PC system, do you start the computer and shut it down everytime you start or shut down the car? If so, how long does it take to start it up? Or do you put it too sleep?

Cold boot take longer than boot from hibernation or standby. It is also depend on hardware configuration. But can be somewhere between 15-30 second. There are device (SDC) to control the shutdown sequence so that a short stop for refuel or liquior doesn't require a shutdown and restart.

• Is there a system that can start and shut down the computer when i press the remote power lock button?

There is no such system. Basic carPC is very much independent to the operational of your car. But to your question, yes, it is doable with a relay and diodes. Basically when you press a button on your remote, the receiver module (alarm) send and (-) pulse. With a relay and diodes, you can convert that signal in to (+) to trigger the SDC mention above.

• Is there a touch screen based front software that takes care of playing MP3's, movies, FM radio and navigation from the same interface?

There are a fews so pick your flavor.

• If i don't mind paying extra to buy a full system from a carputer company, are they really complete, and wich one is the best?

I don't know, but usually what you paid is what you get. Or sometime, you won't get for what you paid. You get fxxxxxk

Thanks! More questions to come...

/ Bubbalito

You are welcome

EBFoxbat and MatrixPC, thankyou.

And trust me on this one: I will search the forums like an american border patrol man would a bearded frenchman before i post any more questions. (Spent another few hours searching for answers today without finding what i'm looking for, so i guess i'm just slow. On a members website however, http://www.gormanly.com/Carputer/Carputer.htm, things got a bit clearer...)

get a Mac Mini

Look here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/41548-newbies-guide.html#post368878