Need some guidance from the experts

**Maverick52GZ** · 02-07-2007, 10:34 PM

So I would like to install a laptop remotely into my 2001 Ford Taurus.

What I want to do is fabricate a "mount" for my laptop, under the passenger seat using the existing studs and nuts for the seat. The laptop will be mounted on a sliding tray (think keyboard tray on a computer desk) that will be able to be locked in place for driving, but will allow easy access to remove or work on. Since I'm using the laptop, I figured I would just use a inverter to supply the power.

I plan on making a custom dash panel and molding a 7" touchscreen into where the factory radio/HVAC would go. The custom dash panel will keep the HVAC controls.

The computer will be used mostly for GPS and audio. I havn't decided what GPS to get yet(opinions welcome)

Now all this is based off what I know of automotive electronics and computers, but what I really need some guidance on, is how to all make this work in the car. I realise that somehow I'm going to have to wire up the screen/computer to the ignition, but I don't know how to do this safely(so i dont damage the computer). Also, since I'm removing the stock radio, I'm wondering if there is anyway to control the AM/FM radio w/ the laptop? I plan on listening to the laptop and MP3's most of the time, but I do enjoy listening to the football game when that time comes around.

I havn't researched too much yet, so I don't know the specifics of this whole project, but from what I have researched and decided upon, I hope all this can work

**d_sellers1** · 02-07-2007, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by Maverick52GZ

So I would like to install a laptop remotely into my 2001 Ford Taurus.

Another Taurus owner. Welcome. Click the link in my sig to see some of what I had planned for my Taurus (putting everything is a Focus now but still have the Taurus).

What I want to do is fabricate a "mount" for my laptop, under the passenger seat using the existing studs and nuts for the seat. The laptop will be mounted on a sliding tray (think keyboard tray on a computer desk) that will be able to be locked in place for driving, but will allow easy access to remove or work on. Since I'm using the laptop, I figured I would just use a inverter to supply the power.

Sounds like a good idea. But instead of a calling it a "mount", think more of a "dock". It really only needs three connections to the laptop: power, video and USB. Slide the laptop in and the power and video connections are made along with the USB connection that has your touchscreen, GPS, and whatever else connected to it. So think about incorporating a USB hub in to your dock. Consider a USB soundcard so your audio connections will remain plugged in to the USB. This will also allow you to utilize 4.1 sound instead of stereo which only consists of right/left audio. Speaking of audio, you will be needing an amp to drive your speakers if you remove the stock head unit. You just need a small four channel amp. Nothing very big or special is needed.

I plan on making a custom dash panel and molding a 7" touchscreen into where the factory radio/HVAC would go. The custom dash panel will keep the HVAC controls.

This may or may not work. The easiest thing to do is get a stereo installation kit for the Taurus (it's so you can install an aftermarket stereo). This way you can cut that up and mold your screen in and you won't have to worry about HVAC controls (unless you have digital then forget about it...). Before you buy your screen, ensure that you get the dimensions to see if you will really have room. I was going to use an 8" 4:3 screen and relocate the HVAC controls. The only problem with the is the HVAC controls run off of vacuum lines would not be easy to extend and relocate. I scrubbed that part of the idea and went with an indash screen.

The computer will be used mostly for GPS and audio. I havn't decided what GPS to get yet(opinions welcome)

Now all this is based off what I know of automotive electronics and computers, but what I really need some guidance on, is how to all make this work in the car. I realise that somehow I'm going to have to wire up the screen/computer to the ignition, but I don't know how to do this safely(so i dont damage the computer). Also, since I'm removing the stock radio, I'm wondering if there is anyway to control the AM/FM radio w/ the laptop? I plan on listening to the laptop and MP3's most of the time, but I do enjoy listening to the football game when that time comes around.

Take a look in the GPS section to get information for that. Personally, I have the older style Delorme Earthmate USB GPS and use the serial drivers so I can use it with iGuidance. Not many people seem to like the Earthmate and I don't know why; it works fine for me. But do your own research to see if there are better/newer ones out there. Since I already have mine, I don't do much looking to see what's new out there. There are also a few AM/FM USB devices out there (which I cannot remember any names for at the moment) that you would want to get in order to be able to listen to AM/FM stations. You can find all that information here on MP3Car.

I havn't researched too much yet, so I don't know the specifics of this whole project, but from what I have researched and decided upon, I hope all this can work

This is definitely the place to do your research.

Derek

**d_sellers1** · 02-07-2007, 11:22 PM

Forgot to mention, ignition. The inverter and screen can be connected to the ignition line (preferrably with the use of a relay which I'm not going to get in to right now...) but you need to ensure that your screen will be able to turn on immediately when power is applied or is there some sort of setting for it so then you will not have to hit the power button each time. You could get fancy and wire in to the power switch on the LCD but if you mess up... bye-bye LCD.
I'd recommend modifying your inverter. Wire in a relay to when the ignition wire is hot (car running) the connection is made between both side of the inverter's power switch. (Remove the power switch and run to two wires to the inverter.) Now you have an automatic power switch for your inverter. DO NOT LEAVE THE INVERTER RUNNING. The inverter must be turned off or removed from the circuit when your car is turned off. It still continues to draw juice and will drain your battery within a few hours (ie. overnight).
As far as powering off the laptop, I'm sure something can be devised. Perhaps some sort of UPS hack via USB... (start looking in the power section). You're not the only one to have asked these questions.

Derek

**Maverick52GZ** · 02-08-2007, 06:06 PM

Well my original plan is to use a laptop, but unless I can find a used one powerful enough, and cheap enough, I might just build something instead.

I've been scanning ebay and the prices some of those laptops go for is crazy.

My plan w/ the dash panel is to get one of those stereo kits and adapt it into my own panel, using the bolt holes behind the stereo. I'm currently using one of those holes to hold up my mp3 players stand, and I think it will work well. And there should be no problems fitting a 7" into there, that stereo is huge. Also, I thought that the amp was in the trunk on the taurus? I know the 96-99 w/ Mach audio have a factory amp in the trunk...

The ignition wiring sounds simple enough. I goto school for automotive technology and we've covered basic electrical so far, but if i have any questions w/ that I can always take it to school and get some help

Right now I'm thinking the best Idea would be to mount a mini computer under the seat, just motherboard, HDD, CPU, RAM, and sound & video cards, then mount the dvd drive elsewhere(for ease of use), and obviously mount the screen in the dash

Just need a good place to look up parts to build it, I've searched Newegg breifly but havn't turned up much...

Thanks for the help and for reassuring me I'm not totally going about this wrong

**HDTechnology** · 02-10-2007, 10:00 AM

inverter????

Laptops only use 19VDC, why go from 12 volts DC to 240VAC back down to 19VDC.

for a laptop, you can buy a power converter. basically you take the power supply, (that black box on your power cable) and replace it with a 12VDC to 19VDC power converter.

You see the power supply on your cable converts 240VAC down to 19VDC
This way you will Convert 12VDC up to 19VDC.

Saves a hell of a lot of power, plus you dont get dodgy inverted sine waves.

Doing it this way will solve a hell of a lot of problems, i never ever trust inverters. they can potentially damage your components. the only time you should use one is when your putting a fridge or some crap in your car.

Take your laptop into a local electrical store tell them what you are doing and they will hook you up. they cost about AU$100, but very worth it.

Check the back of the AC power supply you are using now, make sure it's 19V because some use 15V. it will look like this:
INPUT= 100 - 240VAC
OUTPUT= 19VDC

im writing this a bit late at night so if you dont understand just write back fella. have fun

**GoHybrid** · 02-10-2007, 10:09 AM

i tend to agree with HD on the power issue. I think the mac mini runs on 18-19VDC... so you might look into the carnetix P1900, or their new one (2140?) as a power supply instead of an inverter. if you wire that one up properly then you've got everything taken care of.

**DodgeCummins** · 02-11-2007, 03:26 PM

A docking station for your laptop, powered by the 12vcd auto power adapter for your laptop would be perfect in this case.

As far as software goes...just install it to the laptop and see what you like.

The power on part will be the only hard issue.

I didn't do this in my installs...but my Dell's docking station has a separate power button near the front...it could be EASILY tapped into.

I personally manually power up the computer and turn it off (but I do have the OPUS power supply so it will shut down if I forget to shut it off and battery voltage drops too far).

**Maverick52GZ** · 02-12-2007, 07:23 PM

I'm actually thinking about just building a microATX machine instead of a laptop. The laptops I've been seeing on ebay are way too underpowered for my price range, but i can build the microATX machine in my price range w/ more power.

This is the case I would get, and this is the mobo i'd get. I have RAM and a HDD laying around here so those are freebies, even though I might buy some RAM once it actually goes in...

Now, how would I power this? Cause I really have no clue.

Also, as far as a amp for sound... I'm no audiophile, so I was thinking of getting this because the price is right...

Let me know if you think it will work.

Thanks.

**Maverick52GZ** · 02-16-2007, 10:11 PM

I've figured out a way to keep my stock radio and still integrate the TS, so i no longer need a amp either

Does anyone have any comments on the system and what else I would need?

**DodgeCummins** · 02-17-2007, 09:55 AM

Very open ended question.

you need...
some kind of computer
a way to supply power
a way to control the computer
a way to get feedback on what the computer is doing
--if your feedback method is video, then you need a screen and a way to power it
--if it is sound, then tou need a way to hear it

The kinds of tasks you want this computer to do will determine the type of computer...and the kind of software you will need