New skin.......(somewhat long post, w/pics) - Page 4

lazy_g · 11-16-2005, 03:27 PM

is there going to be a update to this skin? or is it dead?

I hope someone will pick it up, because i really like it...

dragonjo8 · 11-18-2005, 01:43 AM

Hello Lazy:

Actually, I have been playing around, changing/adding graphics to the original version I posted a couple of months ago. I'm not really a graphic artist, therefore, a lot of the images were gleaned elsewhere and combined/modified to fit what I personally find appealing. I think the version I have now is pretty much going to be final.

Keep in mind, I don't have a lot of time to devote to this. It is very time consuming (especially the XML stuff). In light of the fact the Centrafuse people changed the XML for 1.5, I spent a lot of time tweaking it to fit with my current graphics (I'm still not finished doing this as I still use the old media manager layout). Couple this with the fact they will be changing the skin XML again (I'm sure you've seen the thread with the preview of the 'new' skin layout) I'm not sure I want to invest the time.

With regard to the new layout, like a lot of people have remarked, I'm not all that impressed. Don't get me wrong, I think the graphics are very nice, certainly better than the orginal 'Blue Ice', however, the layout looks too much like Frodo or Road Runner (as many have said). One of the reasons I chose CF is because of the layout. I like having the buttons always available on the left side. I don't like the proposed drop down menu idea. I think it might be a little cumbersome to use while driving. Oh well...we'll see.

Here are a couple of pics of what I have so far. If CF proceeds with their changes, I just might have to jump ship and go with Road Runner. Proximo (the guy that gave me the inspiration for the skin I've been working on) has already made a version for that platform.

lazy_g · 11-28-2005, 09:17 AM

well i actually finneshed the skin!!!

but it is for the CF1.4 version.

Since i have some problem with the gps plugin in 1.5, i'm forced to use the 1.4...

Does anybody have some space where i can upload the files? because i don't have any....

I will post some pics tonight!!

sycotic_reject · 11-29-2005, 10:04 PM

wow, awsome skins, love how everyone has put a custom touch to it. hopefully once i start my CarPC i'll have one of these skins. great thread!

proximo · 12-01-2005, 08:36 PM

Hey!

I've puzzled around with the skin trying some fancy icons and stuff..
What do you guys think?

I'm a bit unsure about what the icons on the lower right actually do, can anyone help me with this so that i can find icons that match the actions better?

Here's the pic!

proximo · 12-02-2005, 12:28 PM

EDIT: Tuned the day skin, added night skin. Not dark enough maybe?
------------------------------------------------------------------
And another update

As I said, I'm just trying some ideas, looking for other people's opinions..
So gimme!

mercury7 · 12-02-2005, 12:56 PM

I really like that version Proximo! It distinguishes itself from all the clones that have come up, as well. It would be a great day skin.

I believe the buttons are from left to right - Gamma adjust, Visualization, and Microphone

dragonjo8 · 12-02-2005, 10:51 PM

Nice update!! I've been meaning to ask you....how do you get the text to display in all caps using LCD DISPLAY GRID? Are you using a different font or is there a special tag in the XML? Or are all your MP3s already in caps? Please advise.

proximo · 12-03-2005, 06:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by dragonjo8

Nice update!! I've been meaning to ask you....how do you get the text to display in all caps using LCD DISPLAY GRID? Are you using a different font or is there a special tag in the XML? Or are all your MP3s already in caps? Please advise.

My secret is that the skin is not finished, will probobly never make it a "skin" either. At the time its just a project in Photoshop, and i dont think i will be doing the xml part.. because thats not my thing, photoshop is my thing

And lastly, the images are saved images, not screenshots

The text is just added in Photoshop. I will be finishing the images for the skin in time.. Maybe, just maybe if i start thinking of my own carputer project, i will try do do some xml and finish it...

mercury7 · 12-04-2005, 02:53 PM

You can use a font that just has caps, which is what most 'lcd' fonts do.

dragonjo8 · 05-29-2006, 03:58 AM

Hello gang:

It's been a while since I've played around with anything related to carputing. Changing jobs and other outside influences have kind of kept me pretty busy lately.

As I had indicated previously, I was contemplating taking the plunge and installing an in-dash carputer to replace my current PDA based system. Although this system has served me well, it does have it's limitations (like having to switch between applications to access functions, rather than having the functions "touchable" at the same time).

My hesitation with the in-dash solution has always been having to hack up my interior. Well...with the recent release of UMPCs (like the Samsung Q1) I will be moving in that direction as there would be no need to cut into my precious dash. The platform looks very promising, however, not at it's current price point (about a grand). I think I'll wait a few months until the price comes down a bit.

In the meantime, I got to thinking (again) about software to run the frontend. I, of course, have taken a look at the latest versions of Centrafuse, however, it's not really moving in the direction I had hoped. While I still think, technology-wise, it is probably the best front-end out there, I really don't need anything as "fancy" or as integrated as Centrafuse (no need for radio controls as I will be keeping my stock radio). I have taken a hard look at Road Runner (RR) and have found that it will suit my needs just fine (plus, it is a lot easier to skin).

Here are a few screenies of my updated version of the "Corvette" skin. I hope to have a finished version in a couple of weeks.

As you can see, I finally have the track display in the format that I prefer. Something, I believe, Centrafuse still doesn't do.

You might be wondering why I'm posting this here (since the skin will be an RR skin). Well...when the skin is posted I will also include the PSD (yes...I have finally figured out how to deal with layers in Photoshop). This will allow anyone who might be interested in porting the skin over to a Centrafuse format to easily manipulate the graphics. I rec'd a lot of PMs with requests to put out versions with different car logos. The included PSD will make placing whatever car logo you want very simple (the PSD already contains logos for a Nissan 350Z...it's what my brother drives).

Look for the release soon.

ramez75 · 12-18-2006, 08:36 PM

Dragonjo8, nice work and i really like the work u did and actually thats exactly what I had in mind. I have installed a car PC in my 01 corvette, i can send you some pics if you are interested, I ofcourse cut my dashboard, etccc but it all came up to be the way I want except right now I am using Windows XP and have icons until I saw ur screens, I was looking into RR also for the past 2 weeks now. I have an XM, FM/TV tuner, GPS (Mic Street & Trips 2007), Wireless interner, bluetooth but like i said i am using windows and its a pain in A$$.

Is there a way I can download what you have, i program in FORTRAN and C++ so i have the concept of coding.

So are u using RR or centrafuse

Let me know if it is possible to download

Thank you

Ramez

lifestyle · 12-20-2006, 06:09 AM

COOOOOOOOOL! Man can you please share it! Pleaaaseee!
Thank You!!

lifestyle · 12-22-2006, 10:41 AM

Anyone around here?

ramez75 · 12-22-2006, 10:51 AM

I dunno it seems like the thread is deserted, been keeping my eye on it. Thats a cool skin.