Help finalizing/tweaking choices

**UnsanePyro** · 05-23-2005, 07:59 PM

Well, I am new here, but not completely new to the carputer idea. I have built a fair share of desktops before, but never a carputer or even a laptop. I have been trying to get together a list of parts for my proposed setupd, and here is what I have.

Motherboard: ECS 741GX-M, SocketA AMD, 4 USB ports
Processor: AthlonXP 2600+ Barton (1.9 Ghz)
RAM: Crucial 512 PC2700
Hard Drive: Undecided, I am thinking of finding a laptop drive though, 20/30/40 GB
Screen: Lilliput 7" VGA Touchscreen
Power Supply: OPUS 120W DC-DC
GPS: Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005 with Rikaline 6010
OBDII: Not sure, it seems like there are a couple getting developed on the forums, and I'm not sure about software.
DVD Drive: A possibility, but I just bought a new headunit that will play DVDs along with CDs and mp3s. I may just hook up a drive for installing windows and the like.

Overall it comes out to ~$675, without a hard drive or OBDII connection/software.

I have a pertty good sized spot in the dash, and from what I hear there is another TLer going with a 7" Lilliput moniter in there with just a small amount of trimming. I don't want to have a huge amount of custom work going into my first install.

I am planning on making myself a case out of plexiglass at work, leaving me infinate options for cooling fans and the like. Mounting it, will probably be underneith the passanger seat. There is a heat vent there that I am sort of worried about though, does anyone think it will be a huge problem? I usually don't use the floor heat, but do sometimes when needed. Knowing there is a computer down there, I can use it sparingly.

The OPUS power supply only needs three wires connected to the car, correct? And I have heard of a calculator to find out what is/is not sufficiant, but have not been able to find one yet. If someone could point me in the right direction that would be awesome.

Does anyone see any immediate problems with this system in regards to things functioning together? Also, any room for improvement? I may switch the motherboard, it is ~9.5"x9.5" and I haven't measure under my seat yet.

**DarquePervert** · 05-23-2005, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by UnsanePyro

Well, I am new here, but not completely new to the carputer idea. I have built a fair share of desktops before, but never a carputer or even a laptop. I have been trying to get together a list of parts for my proposed setupd, and here is what I have.

Motherboard: ECS 741GX-M, SocketA AMD, 4 USB ports
Processor: AthlonXP 2600+ Barton (1.9 Ghz)
RAM: Crucial 512 PC2700
Hard Drive: Undecided, I am thinking of finding a laptop drive though, 20/30/40 GB
Screen: Lilliput 7" VGA Touchscreen
Power Supply: OPUS 120W DC-DC
GPS: Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005 with Rikaline 6010
OBDII: Not sure, it seems like there are a couple getting developed on the forums, and I'm not sure about software.
DVD Drive: A possibility, but I just bought a new headunit that will play DVDs along with CDs and mp3s. I may just hook up a drive for installing windows and the like.

Overall it comes out to ~$675, without a hard drive or OBDII connection/software.

I have a pertty good sized spot in the dash, and from what I hear there is another TLer going with a 7" Lilliput moniter in there with just a small amount of trimming. I don't want to have a huge amount of custom work going into my first install.

I am planning on making myself a case out of plexiglass at work, leaving me infinate options for cooling fans and the like. Mounting it, will probably be underneith the passanger seat. There is a heat vent there that I am sort of worried about though, does anyone think it will be a huge problem? I usually don't use the floor heat, but do sometimes when needed. Knowing there is a computer down there, I can use it sparingly.

The OPUS power supply only needs three wires connected to the car, correct? And I have heard of a calculator to find out what is/is not sufficiant, but have not been able to find one yet. If someone could point me in the right direction that would be awesome.

Does anyone see any immediate problems with this system in regards to things functioning together? Also, any room for improvement? I may switch the motherboard, it is ~9.5"x9.5" and I haven't measure under my seat yet.

The CPU choice may be too much. I'd go with the 150w Opus to be certain, and even then you may need to underclock the processor.

And you can search the forums for POWER CALCULATOR to find what you need. I recall seeing at least three different ones.

You're going to learn to hate Streets & Trips for GPS navigation very quickly. You might want to look at iGuidance or MapMonkey or CoPilot (if you can afford it), as they all have far superior navigation than S&T.

**hanzacra** · 05-23-2005, 10:42 PM

http://resources.mini-box.com/online...simulator.html

**Bugbyte** · 05-23-2005, 10:43 PM

Yeah, Streets and Trips isn't what you want. Check out thread for info on GPS software.this

DarquePervert, you're killing me. It's like dealing with someone who's born again...

**UnsanePyro** · 05-24-2005, 02:14 PM

Thanks for the input guys.

The processor, I have a 1.2ghz athlon hanging out in one of the computers here, I may put that in the carputer, and the new one in the PC for a little bit of a boost, or just go with something in that range to start.

I may jsut bit the bullet and go for the 150W supply too, its in another few dollars in the scheme of things, and it would be safer/leave me more room in the future.

Streets and Trips I found on Amazon bundled with the Rikaline 6010, so I figured I would just pick up the package, but if it isn't a suggested piece of software, I will probably switch it.

Planning planning planning.

**DarquePervert** · 05-24-2005, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by Bugbyte

DarquePervert, you're killing me. It's like dealing with someone who's born again...

I'm staying under the radar. I don't want to suffer the fate of the Scouse Monkey. Unlike him, I can't live without my daily MP3car.com fix.

**shizzle** · 05-24-2005, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I'm staying under the radar. I don't want to suffer the fate of the Scouse Monkey. Unlike him, I can't live without my daily MP3car.com fix.

After reading Bugbyte's comment and yours, I had an image of you (dark and perverted looking) sitting at a table spoon feeding an infant, looking cautiously out of the corner of your eye at the parents, who look incredulous of your efforts, not wanting to go out having seen the likes of their newly commissioned baby sitter.
Watch it, I think he's got some dribbling down his chin!