Beta testing for Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Car PC integration interface

jbors · 01-27-2007, 05:25 PM

Guys,
Now I've almost finished interface for the new Ford/Lincoln/Mercury OEM radios. The cables will be hear in about 3 weeks ( mid February ) and I'd like to ask you to participate in beta testing for these units.

What is it ?
CAR2PC interface allows PC to "communicate" with the stock headunit.
It will play sound through the stock speakers, you will get control over your digital data and can display track information on your stock display.
You will be able to assign any program/action on your PC when HU buttons are pressed.

Why ?
CAR2PC allows you to use your CarPC in a blind fashion without even using the touchscreen saving you time and money for installation. You still can have touchscreen but just use it for visual things like GPS or search only.
You can place PC anywhere you want and "talk" to it from the very ergonomic and slick headunit keybord.

Can I see the demo ?
See the demo for VW Car2PC adapter: movie on my test bench (3Mb).

Which frontend can use it ?
Car2PC adapter has support for WinAmp, Windows Media Player, MWI and RR
Here you can download these plugins/links:

For all interested the CAR2PC interface library for Windows/Linux available in sf.net CVS. Just askk me if you're interested.

Which HU it supports ?
Ford Crown Victoria 1998-2002
Ford Econoline 1998-2003
Ford Escape 2001-2003
Ford Excursion 2000-2003
Ford Expedition 1999-2003
Ford Explorer 1998-2003
Ford F Series Pick Up 1998-2004 (NOT compatible w/2004 F-150)
Ford Mustang 2001-2003
Ford Ranger 1998-2003
Ford Sport-Trac 2000-2003
Ford Thunderbird 2002-2003
Ford Windstar 1999-2003

Lincoln Continental 1998-2002
Lincoln LS 2000-2002
Lincoln Navigator 1999-2003
Lincoln Town Car 1998-2002

Mercury Grand Marquis 1998-2002
Mercury Mountaineer 1998-2003
Mercury Villager 1999-2002 (w/o factory Video)

How to install ?
3 steps only:
1. Place laptop, car PC or even Mac anywhere in a car. Secure and power it.
2. Attach the adapter to your stock headunit (or CD changer cable in the trunk) and PC. Most original harness are included !
3. Run the PC and get the sound from it on your speakers instantly after you switch you HU in CD changer mode !

Can it serve as a AUX adapter ?
Yes it can. You can connect your favourite MP3 player directly to your car's HU !

What it look like ?
I decided to make board looking good along with the enсlosure. Pics here:

How to get it ?
It is available only for beta testing purpose. Please sign up here:
http://car2pc.com/ford_beta.html
It is only for US testers. Sorry for inconvenience

Units will be $39 for US testers (includes $20 refund)

Current status ?
Beta testing is just started.
Get your hands on one here: http://car2pc.com/ford_beta.html

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

durwood · 01-29-2007, 07:36 AM

Will this work for Mazda (I.e. Ford)? I have a 06 mazda6. Let me know I am interested.

Edit: Nevermind. Only goes up to 03 fords anyway. Do you have on that works for Mazda?

jbors · 01-29-2007, 07:54 PM

Mazda will be available for beta later in February...

durwood · 01-29-2007, 08:08 PM

Excellent! Count me in for Feb.

oogie · 02-12-2007, 01:15 AM

Hi, this is a great news. Will it work for Ford 2003 F-150 with in-dash 6 cd changer? It seems like there are NO OTHER WAYm unless I use terrible FM Tranmitter. THanks!

rembo666 · 02-12-2007, 01:18 AM

What about '07 Focus, I believe that it's the same as '04+ F-150 and Mustang too? Any plans for those?

I know there's an AUX in adapter for it on Crutchfield, but it doesn't interface with computer.

david69leonard · 02-12-2007, 10:32 AM

thats pretty bad A$$, i could have definately used that in my 98 explorer back in the day, good job!!!

jbors · 02-13-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by rembo666

What about '07 Focus, I believe that it's the same as '04+ F-150 and Mustang too? Any plans for those?

I know there's an AUX in adapter for it on Crutchfield, but it doesn't interface with computer.

I think newer Ford use CAN bus. We will work on it. I think April is a timeframe for it.

jbors · 02-13-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by oogie

Hi, this is a great news. Will it work for Ford 2003 F-150 with in-dash 6 cd changer? It seems like there are NO OTHER WAYm unless I use terrible FM Tranmitter. THanks!

Can you post a pic of the stereo ?

jbors · 02-17-2007, 07:53 PM

Anyone else want to join ? We are about to sent it out...

oogie · 02-18-2007, 09:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jbors

Can you post a pic of the stereo ?

I am posting from cell phone so I can't upload pic to my server but its same as one on this random listing on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...spagenameZWDVW

jbors · 02-18-2007, 11:10 AM

It should work fine.

STR8TECH · 06-13-2007, 12:57 AM

Wish There Was One For A 98 Expedition

monkeyracer · 06-13-2007, 01:26 PM

@jbors, I would PM you, but a lot of people are sensitive about it.

i have a Pioneer DEH-P590IB and want this:

http://indashpc.org/new/adapters/car2pc-pio.html

I'm assuming this will work with my deck (or any pio p-bus deck) since the 5800 and all other p-bus decks that year are supported.

Question though about it: (sorry if this is the wrong post btw)

Quote:

Choose different plugins with different behavior for WinAmp...

What does this mean? Just that audio control (prev, next, etc) can control winamp (through RoadRunner) or are there other goodies it's capable of.

My deck will view this as a CD changer then, I'm assuming, so prev, next, pause, play, etc. will work. How many characters will the track info show?

Thanks in advance for the info...

jbors · 06-15-2007, 03:00 PM

Yes it will work.
You will get regular commands that CD changer supports.
The text is max 12 chars.

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