Headunit (Linux/Windows CarPC frontend) + initial screenshots

**Simy** · 07-01-2006, 07:35 AM

So is the project still going er?

**NoPistonPC** · 07-02-2006, 01:17 AM

A few people have contacted me about taking over the project, but no one has followed through on it. So, for the moment, the project is on hold.

**studio4master** · 07-02-2006, 12:13 PM

Hi
My CarPC hardware is already installed. But there is no frontend under linux, witch makes me lucky.

Now, I started to change the source code from headunit and use it as base.
Until the first release, please give me a little bit time. I'm working on it

Here some interesting things, i plan to do in the next time:
- Project name "studio4car"
- Cleanup headunit code
- Porting to QT4
- Configs (skins) with XML
- Add support for audio CD's
- Add navigation screen (support for different gps software as plugins)

In the future:
- Add car communications screen (mobile phone, internet, bluetooth, wireless, ...)
- Add service screen (ODB-II, settings, car status infos, ...)

**Simy** · 07-02-2006, 11:50 PM

I know a little C++ (learned cpp, then went to php, but never actually used cpp) So possibly with a helping hand i can help, Im waiting to exchange keyboards with my friend (i only have 1 usb port, and a usb keyboard, hes got the ps/2? style keyboard. then ill be using my dell L400(which is going to be my carputer) for whatever helps if thats ok with you (Realisticly ill probibly just use it as a platform for testing, probibly program on my new laptop (dell B130)

But like i said, i may need a helping hand, I've never coded anything really complex, and ive never coded with other people, But ild love to try for this project.

All i need to put this in my car (entry level if you will) is:
gps/navigation
mp3 support
tuner-card support

Then ill tear out my head unit, and use this instead. Or else i have to find a way to install the screen and keep the headunit (for the equalizer (Which i can buy a stand alone model, I just dont see the point) and for the am/fm support

**Simy** · 07-14-2006, 12:14 AM

NoPistonPC, I would be more then happy to take over the project, however at this moment I'm not... Capable of doing it justice.

So im going to ask you this just like I've asked in the PM, but more direct and specificly. What is a good book to teach me how to use Qt, I found this book:

C++ GUI Programming with Qt 3

By Jasmin Blanchette and Mark Summerfield
ISBN: ISBN 0-13-124072-2
C++ GUI Programming with Qt 3 Jasmin Blanchette and Mark Summerfield

This is the first official Qt book, written by two veteran Trolls: Jasmin Blanchette and Mark Summerfield. The book is now available from online bookstores.

And I'll use this as a reference if I have to. I like to make things, And having a program that does what I want because I wrote it... Well I like that feeling, and yeah I may have to read a book, But if anybody takes over the project before I'm done, then I'll just help them when I am done.

I've got the time to contribute to this project. I've got the intrest, and Soon hopefully the ability.

Please help me help this project, and tell me what if anything you did to know Qt.

Thank you for your time. I just dont understand why a reply hasnt been sent previously.

-Simy

**NoPistonPC** · 07-15-2006, 03:15 PM

Hey simy, sorry I never saw a PM from you. But, the real challenge if you want to help out is not really Qt, but rather C++. You should probably get comfortable with C++ before diving into Qt. However, if you feel like you are up to speed on C++, then you can probably learn all you need to know about Qt by following some of the online tutorials at trolltech's site. Go to this page: http://doc.trolltech.com/3.3/index.html and go through the links in the "Getting Started" section. That's pretty much what I did.

Hope this helps.

**Simy** · 07-15-2006, 06:56 PM

I think im ok with c++ it seems pretty basic to me, variables, if/and/then statments, and while/infinite;P loops, functions etc.

The most difficult thing to me is it seams its mostly about the librarys that are included, yaknow?

I'll definitly look through the tutorial though

I may still get that book too hehe

While im at it, do you happen to have a link to explain what exactly frame buffer is (i assumed it was a way to not use x window, but apparently, its part of it or somthing? im just really confused on this subject, If its an avenue worth pursuing, I'll use that only, and make sure it runs on that, and not worry to much about X, which it should run on anways from what i understand. Its just all confusing to me, Thanks in advance.

**stevelaz** · 08-24-2006, 10:21 AM

NoPCListen, Simy and studio4master..
instead of everyone doing their own thing.. lets work together on it.
NoPCListen, as i understand it nobody has really taken over this right?

i know c++ and I'd like to work on this project as i'm wanting to build a frontend for my linux carpc, as everyone else here does.

studio4master, your website, it doesn't seem to have updates on what you've accomplished so far..? would you like to work together on this?

Simy, what about you?

I just downloaded the source code last night and built it.

How about we come up with a list of tasks to be done, and split them up?
We can start from the tasklist that studio4master has..?

i also suggest we don't fork headunit, rather we enhance it. no need for another name/project...etc...

what do you guys think?

Originally Posted by Simy

I think im ok with c++ it seems pretty basic to me, variables, if/and/then statments, and while/infinite;P loops, functions etc.

The most difficult thing to me is it seams its mostly about the librarys that are included, yaknow?

I'll definitly look through the tutorial though

I may still get that book too hehe

While im at it, do you happen to have a link to explain what exactly frame buffer is (i assumed it was a way to not use x window, but apparently, its part of it or somthing? im just really confused on this subject, If its an avenue worth pursuing, I'll use that only, and make sure it runs on that, and not worry to much about X, which it should run on anways from what i understand. Its just all confusing to me, Thanks in advance.

**nasa** · 08-24-2006, 10:52 AM

Hi guys,

I do agree with stevelaz, as in it would be nice to work on one single project. I surely could add my support to the effort as I do know some C++. I am presently involved (in a very minor way) in a couple of other projects and I am moving into my new home, but once I am settled I look forward to helping out.

Nasa