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Old 02-21-2007, 07:57 AM   #1
long.1
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Vehicle: 2006 Ford Territory Ghia RWD
Posts: 132
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Worklog: Project TezzaPuta - 2006 Ford Territory Ghia (Melbourne, Australia)

G'day All,

The Car:
2006 Ford Territory Ghia RWD with 7 Seats


The Project:
TezzaPuta (CarPC / Carputer in 2006 Ford Territory Ghia) - Melbourne, Australia

The Goals:
A) To implement a carputer that caters to the following "minimum" requirements:
- Play MP3's
- Play DVD's & Video through Rear Headrest screens
- Wireless connection to household PC
- Wireless Internet
- Touchscreen Implementation

B) To implement a carputer that caters to the following "discretionary/optional" requirements:
- Integrated Bluetooth functionality for Mobile Phone
- Personalized Front End "skin" for the car
- OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics)
- Satellite Navigation Integration
- Television Integration

The Plan:
Phase 1: Research & Planning (commenced Jul, 2006)
Phase 2: Design & Estimate (commenced Jan, 2007)
Phase 3: Component Acquisition & Purchasing (commenced Feb, 2007)
Phase 4: PC Construction & Software (commenced Mar, 2007)
Phase 5: Proof of Concept
Phase 6: In-Car Installation of PC
Phase 7: In-Car Fabrication (if required)

The Documentation:
Through my 8+ months of "addicted" mp3car forum reading so far, I have certainly come to appreciate the detailed documentation, discussion and problem solving contained in the squillions of threads. I too hope to contribute by documenting my experiences/issues/solutions/etc including photos.

The Main Concerns:
1) Cost. I'm definitely not a cheapskate, and when I do something I like it done well, but living in Australia certainly makes this kind of project expensive. If buying new, it's tough to source reasonably priced components over here, and when buying from overseas, there's the USD->AUD conversion, international shipping, and potential duty charges. Not really complaining, but it is a reality.

2) Time. Always a factor. With a full time job, two kids and other community based commitments, I'm just hopeful that the TezzaPuta will be 99% finished sometime in 2007. Hopefully I’ll have enough parts together to start work in March.

3) SAPOC (Spouse Approves Proof of Concept). Approval from my wife may be an effort, and that's why I've included a "Proof of Concept" phase. Basically, I want to show off the carputer in as complete a state as I can get it, before I even touch the car. I reckon this is my best chance of SAPOC and at that point the in-car implementation will begin. God I sound soft.

4) Skill Set. I reckon I can handle most things on the PC, software, peripheral and wiring sides, but I'm pretty well intimidated by any potential dash fabrication work that might be required. As such, I'm virtually treating the dash fabrication phase as optional. We'll see how adventurous I get towards the end.


I know it’s been a long winded start, so thanks for sticking it out. Wish me luck - I'll need it. And thanks to all who contribute here as these forums will be my Soul Mate right throughout project TezzaPuta.

Cheers,

Long.1

Last edited by long.1 : 05-24-2007 at 02:16 AM.
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