Where do I start?

**j282** · 06-15-2006, 12:14 AM

This is my first post here and would really appreciate any feedback. With that said this sounds like a really fun project, but I have no idea where to start. Basically, I want to install a computer in my car for these purposes:
1) Listen to music and movies from a hard drive
2) GPS (Possibly)
3) Cellphone integrated into audio and computer (I dont know if this possible)

Those are main concerns I was also curious if you can somehow access tv from a moving car or internet.

So here is what I have:
Car 2000 A4 2.8

Extra computer
Amd 3000 939 processor
Biostar micro motherboard onboard video
80gig hard drive (will get more)
PVR 150 tv tuner
Power Supply 450watt
1gig ram
cd/dvd burner
Windows XP

Things I think I need
Touch screen

Basic questions
How do you power the computer from your car and how do you start it up using the ignition?

Do they make dashboard adapters for monitors for an audi? Or do I have to make this myself?

How hard is it to wire an Audi using its original speakers, and how much of the car needs to be dismantled?

These are only a few of my questions and I would really like some help for anyone hear that has some good advice. My biggest fear is screwing up my car. Anyhow thanks for any ideas.

**PURDooM** · 06-15-2006, 12:19 AM

My god! Where do you start? Maybe you should read the stickey that says "WHERE DO I START!"

*slap*

**b8bboi** · 06-15-2006, 12:25 AM

Purdoom,

**j282** · 06-15-2006, 12:27 AM

Well your clearly more observant than me and also more of an ***. I apologize for missing that thread, but it always amazes me when someone who's on a forum goes after someone else. If you don't want to help then why don't you just, not help. People act as if it is so time consuming to glance at a post that may be redundant and then proceed to spend another five or ten minutes creating a post to belittle them. Personally, if I could help someone or answer there questions I would, then maybe suggest they take a look at the "Where to start" post, but you're clearly to busy being a jerk to answer questions. Also if this post is creating confusion because of the title I apologize that was not my intention.

**PURDooM** · 06-15-2006, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by j282

Well your clearly more observant than me and also more of an ***. I apologize for missing that thread, but it always amazes me when someone who's on a forum goes after someone else. If you don't want to help then why don't you just, not help. People act as if it is so time consuming to glance at a post that may be redundant and then proceed to spend another five or ten minutes creating a post to belittle them. Personally, if I could help someone or answer there questions I would, then maybe suggest they take a look at the "Where to start" post, but you're clearly to busy being a jerk to answer questions. Also if this post is creating confusion because of the title I apologize that was not my intention.

**Sidewalksalvage** · 06-15-2006, 12:46 AM

Purdoom isnt trying to dishearten you....
LOL
see people dont liek to spoon feed information and many will tell you to search and such as well

I suggest, browse, search, browse repeat

Then after you have a nice clear cut idea on what the heck you want to do then post questions......

as for the cell connection into your audio system. Yes its possible, especially with a phone that uses bluetooth technology... thats alll i know so now you must

!

**j282** · 06-15-2006, 12:59 AM

Thanks I appreciate that. I understand it can get hard to reply to a lot of similar beginner posts and I apologize for flooding the forum with a little more of that. I've already started reading and there is a lot of good info here. However, if I can get the answer to one question it would be really nice. The parts I listed are not like computer parts that are recommended for a car (processor and mb) because of the power they consume. Will it be cost effective for me to build a car pc with what I have now or will have to spend a lot more because of those parts? I just want to understand the cost that will go into this process before I get to far ahead of myself. Thanks again

**Sidewalksalvage** · 06-15-2006, 01:02 AM

my first 3 systems used standard desktop boards. No mobile units at all. They all worked fine in the car. I suggest reading up on the PSU's. Many support 150w and up. These numbers are equivilant to those of a basic AC PSU. you souldnt have much of a problem nor a huge pocket draw

**PURDooM** · 06-15-2006, 01:13 AM

An m2-atx should power all that fine, and I personally endorse the product as being a piece of cake to set up and quite reliable. Solves the shutdown controler part of the equation too.

However, some people have reported overheating and breaking of m2-atx units, so don't stress them too hard. They say they can provide 160 watts of power, but I wouldn't try to use more than 100.

**Sidewalksalvage** · 06-15-2006, 01:23 AM

Well if the M2 is as good or better than the M1 then its a great piece of electronics. I have used an M1 for a long time now without any problem! and yeah its an excellent shutdown start up unit!