help finding a system?

**BillInColumbia** · 03-22-2006, 12:04 PM

Hi,

I've been looking at the site for a day or so and I must say I am impressed with some of the systems I've seen. I'm totally new to this but think I now what functionality I want from my (to be developed) system. Can you all take a look at these requirements and tell me if there is anything out there that might satisfy them?

I'm looking for an in-dash din or 1.5 din sized head unit that looks like any other head unit. However, I would like to have this head unit connected to a large harddrive and be able to play music files off this hard drive. Also, I would like the head unit to act as a CD ripper such that I could place a normal CD into the drive and have the songs ripped to my collection on the hard drive. Hopefully I would be able to parse through the music library using a knob/buttons on the head unit or (ideally) via some voice recognition software.

The hard drive can be located either in the head unit or somewhere else in the vehicle. It should have a USB interface so I can upload and download music files.

Has anyone heard/seen/built a system like this before? I've seen some things approaching this but haven't found one that satisfy's all the specs.

Anyway, thanks for reading this long post. Let me know if I can be more clear about anything.

**InHoc** · 03-22-2006, 12:52 PM

Give us an example of one that was "approaching" this. Most of the systems on this forum consist of a fully functional computer, with a keyboard, or Touch screen monitor for input. You seem to want a quasi-computer - basically a head-unit with storage capabilities. I think some companies are starting to make such a piece, but it would be hella $$$.

**BillInColumbia** · 03-22-2006, 01:15 PM

Well, here's something that has the storage and USB drives, also fits in a DIN spot, but doesn't have a display or a radio tuner.

http://www.cartft.com/catalog/il/50

A good solution would be a HU that I could plug a flash drive (or USB HD) into but I haven't been able to find anything like this.

Most of the in-dash systems I've seen on this site are larger (double din?) than I would like. Do they make din or 1.5 din sized touch screen displays?

**InHoc** · 03-22-2006, 01:39 PM

Your best bet is to go with a motorized touch screen monitor (in dash, single-din) and install the PC elsewhere.

Here is one example, check the MP3Car.com store for others. Xenarc 700IDT. Also, check digitalww.com - They have a wide selection of motorized TS, and Armen (associated with the company) has good rep on this forum.

Search through the "Show off your Project" and "Worklogs" sub-forum for people who have done a project in a car like yours. Get some ideas from them, and start planning. Everyone here is glad to help, but your best friend will be the

button.

-Daniel

**BillInColumbia** · 03-22-2006, 01:51 PM

Great! Thanks for all of your help.

**scott_fx** · 03-22-2006, 03:10 PM

i forgot the member's name, i think its spyder or something like that... he has an mr2 spyder. do a search in the 'show off your projects' thread for an mr2 (it's a blue one) he hacked up a headunit and uses it as a controller for his computer. pretty cool if you ask me.