Which Front End

**znelbok** · 07-30-2008, 08:08 AM

Hey all. New here.

I have been reading for a couple of days straight now going through all the posts on various subjects and I have now decided that I need some help as there is a huge amount of info here to try and digest.

I am looking for a front end to run on an in-dash PC (something like the Infill G4). The problem is that there is so many to look at and read through that I wont be able to make a decision for about a year if I have to read it all.
I have read this thread (which just made it worse)
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/soft...eful-apps.html

So what I am asking for is your opinion on what I should use and why.

Some of the features I want are pretty simple, such as
MP3, DIVX, DVD support.
Navigation (Australia)
Skinnable
Radio
ODBII
Windows OS

I also want something that has good support from the community. Looking at the Road Runner section of the forum, I was very impressed by the work done with the TPMS and reversing system. Centrafuse seems to get a similar following (it does appear to follow RR).
This is the sort of stuff that makes a front end even better.

Just a bit about me - I have a fully automated house and I work professionally as an industrial automation engineer, I have automated homes for others as well. My life is automation so I am keen to move it into my new car (and integrate them together as well).

So if you don't mind telling me what's good and what's not and why, it would be greatly appreciated.

PS - If this has already been asked elsewhere, then just point me in the direction and I apologise for time wasting.

Mick

**tripzero** · 07-31-2008, 10:01 AM

since:

Windows OS

is one of your requirements, and there is no convincing you otherwise, Centrafuse or RR or ones with big followings and more complete feature sets. Others are good also. Your best bet is to try a bunch, and pic the one that suites you best.

off-topic: what company do you use to automate your house? Home automation is cool.

cheers

**znelbok** · 08-01-2008, 04:49 AM

Windows because I have next to no experience with Linux, and with my professional role requiring Windows experience and close to 16 years experience with windows I don't have the time to re-learn an OS. If it breaks I have to be able to fix it quick - got to keep the handbrake happy.

I automated my home - its my job and hobby.
The major systems that I have are Clipsal C-bus, Advantage Air A/C, Elk M1 and CQC (Charmed Quark) as the HMI. CQC is the glue that brings them all together. Think of CQC as something similar to RR and CF with an interface, but in the back is a server connected to all the devices (using drivers - akin to plugins) in the house. Some driver I wrote myself, others were already done. Its a never ending story - TV's, curtains, water pumps, water tanks, it goes on and on.

**tripzero** · 08-01-2008, 12:32 PM

I was in the same position you were about 2 yrs ago. But as it seemed, the lack of affordable development tools, and the premise that my software would run faster under Linux pushed me to give the penguin a try. I wasn't disappointed at the speed, and wealth of available free software.

Anywayz, I don't blame you for sticking with what you know.

as for home automation, I'm planning on using control4's stuff to deck out the house. With the MGM CityCenter and a bunch of other hotels are using them to automate their hotels, i figure they must be doing something right eh?