Paper carputer system, how's it look?

**badfish25** · 07-25-2005, 01:23 PM

Ok, I've been lurking on this forum for weeks now. And I've learned a ton. I've put together a system on paper I think will work well for my needs. Need some advice though before I drop ~$2000. Questions/concerns are in bold.

Goals - Smooth operation of the following
1. Mp3 playback
2. Dvd
3. Wireless Internet
4. Bluetooth
5. GPS
6. reverse and front mounted camera's
7. OBDII interface

Here's how I plan to acheive these abilities.

1. the carputer - bought here from mp3car store
MP3Car Custom Car Computer (3688)
- Build Build & Test
- Motherboard VIA EPIA MII12000 Mini-ITX Mainboard Q1 - does this include 2 or 4 USB ports?
- Hard Drive 2.5" Hard Drive 80GB Samsung 5400rpm
- CD/DVD Drive Teac 24x Notebook CD-ROM (refurb)
- Memory Ultra Low Profile 256MB DDR RAM
- Bluetooth Linksys USB Bluetooth
- Operating System None (I have xp here at home)
- Keyboard None
- Monitor Xenarc 700TSV (Black) Q2 - can I just hook this up off my Headunit's power, or does this require a regulated power supply?
- Sound Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS (/w MII12000 only)
- Wireless Linksys USB Wireless G

2. upgrades
- P1900 140 watt power supply + P5v module to power computer, usb hub and external dvd drive. Q3 - how does this connect to the computer? soldering involved? will it be compatable?
- 1 gig Ram Q4 - Is this overkill? would 512 be enough?
- external dvd/cd drive
*Q5 - if anyone has a suggestion of what dvd drive to get, please post, I'd prefer it's dimensions to be 6"x6"x2" to fit under the headunit
- USB hub- number of ports to be determined when I know how many usb ports come with the computer.

3. GPS
- BU - 303 USB GPS receiver
- IGuidance seems to be the best program for me as it has voice recognition

4. as far as the OBDII and camera options. I just need to know that my base system will be upgradeable in the future to add these.

5. I still need to do a little more research as to what front end I want to use.

6. Various Cables
- Mic to RCA connection to headunit
- Lots of USB extension cables.

Q6 - If the computer only comes with 2 USB ports, Should I scrap it and go with something else. I don't think up to 8 devices connected via USB to 2 ports will be very smooth.

how's it look? any suggestions to improve the system? Anything I'm overlooking or not doing right?

Thanks in advance

**frodobaggins** · 07-25-2005, 01:56 PM

Well even if you print it out real big, and use some paper mache to make it look ok,
I'm not real sure it's going to work. I suggest using real components and not just paper.

**xBrady** · 07-25-2005, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by frodobaggins

Well even if you print it out real big, and use some paper mache to make it look ok,
I'm not real sure it's going to work. I suggest using real components and not just paper.

Hmm, I think if you use card stock or some firmer type of paper you might have more luck. Although cardboard may possibly be the best option for you.

**WiCKeD 5.9L** · 07-25-2005, 02:01 PM

1. I don't know. Check their web-site. You can get an expander if needed.
2. You can, but the 13.8v is not recommended for LCD life.
3. Carnex uses an ATX connector, I believe. Solder into your power line.
4. For an EPIA, yes 512MB would be enough.
5. Whatever is cheapest
6. If they're USB 2.0 ports, I don't think you would have a problem. Where are you getting 8 devices from? I don't see that.

**frodobaggins** · 07-25-2005, 02:01 PM

Ok, back on topic guys

**kruben** · 07-25-2005, 02:09 PM

Badfish25, the MKII12000 comes with only 2 USB ports, but it does have the optionof adding 2 more on the motherboard. I have one and have 2 usb in the rear and 2 in front.

**badfish25** · 07-25-2005, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by WiCKeD 5.9L

1. I don't know. Check their web-site. You can get an expander if needed.
2. You can, but the 13.8v is not recommended for LCD life.
3. Carnex uses an ATX connector, I believe. Solder into your power line.
4. For an EPIA, yes 512MB would be enough.
5. Whatever is cheapest
6. If they're USB 2.0 ports, I don't think you would have a problem. Where are you getting 8 devices from? I don't see that.

1. Being a newb I don't know alot of the techno jargon I found about it here. http://www.logicsupply.com/product_i...roducts_id/209
Backpanel I/O has 2 usb's
Onboard I/O Connectors "1 USB connector for 2 additional USB 2.0 ports" No clue what that means
2. So I guess I'll try to find the cheapest regulator i can for the screen
6. well, I was figuring Xenarc, wifi, gps, bluetooth, 2 cams, obdII, and external dvdrom

Kruben, what do I need to add the 2 additional USB's?

**Zebelkhan** · 07-25-2005, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by xBrady

Hmm, I think if you use card stock or some firmer type of paper you might have more luck. Although cardboard may possibly be the best option for you.

lol...give the guy a break...!

If you don't have a space limitation for the PC I recommend using something other than a 3688. That is what I have but if I had the room I would go with a bigger box so I could add PCI cards and/or not have to use a via board.

I would also go with Opus 150. I know I don't have it but believe me, there is no better feeling than knowing you are not underpowered.

1 gig ram is overkill in a carputer. 512 is enough.

iguidance does not have voice recognition, unless you add navivoice or simillar software to your setup.

Good luck...

Edit: If you stay with 3688, it comes with two front USB ports and hardware to connect to the motherboard. So you will have 4 ports all together.

**badfish25** · 07-25-2005, 02:24 PM

Sweet on the 4 ports
How many outputs and at what voltages can be hooked up to the opus?
As far as screen power, Am I to assume this can work? http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...roducts_id=138 12V, the xenarc won't need more than 15w