MP3Car.com - Newbie http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/ New to the hobby? This is the place for you. More advanced topics may be moved to the respective forum below at the moderator’s discretion. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:58:41 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/images/misc/rss.jpg MP3Car.com - Newbie http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/ back at it http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137435-back.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:38 GMT So I put my screen mount in then got ready to start again...and...well...we bought a house so everything was put on hold. I have my amp in and I am still running a Zune into that.

I have been watching other installs and catching idea's for little things I want to do.

Now I have a question that is going to be a silly one maybe but i have searched the forums and can't seem to find anyone that has asked it. I see in the FAQ's it says do it this way and basically its better but never says why.

Why is it better to use the amp set up rather than a head unit? I have seen stereo compition videos with people doing mini macs and such but they all have head units. Is there a reson behind going to the amp over having a head unit?

While randomly checking out YouTube I found this guy with 20,000 watts of stereo which he just put in a mini mac with a head unit also...

Here is a video of his install

click here to watch the video
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]]> Newbie DracoPCGuy http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137435-back.html What do I do with an LCD monitor with a 6 pin DIN output? http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137403-what-do-i-do-lcd-monitor-6-pin-din-output.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:34:20 GMT Ok I bought these headrest monitors off ebay but they only have a s-video cable coming out the back and no other wires!So I'm looking for mayb a wiring diagram so I could cut the 6 pin off and connect the power and the video or an adapter to make life easier!Thanx

MA AUDIO Model # am-050pn/pp-c ]]> Newbie navy911 http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137403-what-do-i-do-lcd-monitor-6-pin-din-output.html software recommendations http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137389-software-recommendations.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:35:34 GMT hi, im almost ready to start fitting my carpc into my van and am wondering what software everyone uses and where to get them, i have a trial of centrafuse auto but i really dont think its work the money as every thing it does u can do via windows. any sugestions would be great. hi, im almost ready to start fitting my carpc into my van and am wondering what software everyone uses and where to get them,
i have a trial of centrafuse auto but i really dont think its work the money as every thing it does u can do via windows.

any sugestions would be great. ]]> Newbie ice203 http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137389-software-recommendations.html Programmer looking for elegant, complete carPC in Canada, need help http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137380-programmer-looking-elegant-complete-carpc-canada-need-help.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:46:33 GMT Hi there,

I've got a Toyota Camry 2003, and I want a carPC.
I'm great with programming PCs, building software for custom hardware such as AVRs, servos.
HOWEVER, I have basically no car knowledge, and no knowledge about power or power systems.

What I want:
- A nice looking CarPC. I'd like a kit I can install for a reasonable price, so I can focus on the software customization. Anyone know of someone in Toronto/Waterloo/Kitchener who does this? I had a convo with a guy from FutureShop who puts in remote starters/stereos- I don't know if that's a good idea.

Also, IDEA: Using a NetBook as the "meat":
- Install a nice, integrated LCD touchscreen into the dash.
- Have the screen adapter, sound and any other plugs go into the glove compartment.
- When you go into the car, you just slide your Netbook into the glove compartment and attach the cables. Ideally it will keep the netbook charged too.
- Could I get data like fuel left, speed, battery, other such things?

What do you think? ]]> Newbie cyman http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137380-programmer-looking-elegant-complete-carpc-canada-need-help.html My first cap pc attempt http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137370-my-first-cap-pc-attempt.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:57:00 GMT hi all. im thinking about putting a car pc in my ford transit van. first of all i want to know if i have to have a car pc designed for a car or can i use a small desktop pc as i have an old hp small factor pc gathering dust in my draw, its 2.8ghz 1gig ram and the psu is 160watts. in my van... hi all.
im thinking about putting a car pc in my ford transit van.
first of all i want to know if i have to have a car pc designed for a car or can i use a small desktop pc as i have an old hp small factor pc gathering dust in my draw, its 2.8ghz 1gig ram and the psu is 160watts.

in my van i have 2 car batterys, one in the engine bay and another rigged up in the back with an isolator switch, also a 600 watt invertor, so would this do to power a pc.

also have 8" touch screen in the front, and a jbl amp.

and can the pc audio connect to the amp?

i also have a 200W DC-DC 12v Mini Power Supply PW-200V if thats any good to use,

any info / help would be great. ]]> Newbie ice203 http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137370-my-first-cap-pc-attempt.html Laptop screen interface http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137366-laptop-screen-interface.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:47:16 GMT Hi, I was thinking about using a laptop screen in a set-up. Is it possible to interface the laptop screen with my computer? What would be required etc? Any information/help given would be greatly appreciated. Hi,

I was thinking about using a laptop screen in a set-up.
Is it possible to interface the laptop screen with my computer?

What would be required etc?

Any information/help given would be greatly appreciated. ]]> Newbie Moysie http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137366-laptop-screen-interface.html GM DIC and Carputer Interface http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137359-gm-dic-carputer-interface.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:52:28 GMT Hi, Relatively new to the Carputer scene. I have an 06 Pontiac G6 that I would like to install a car computer in. My question is related to the DIC. Is there any kind of interface for a CarPC to retain the functionality of the DIC? I have seen the aftermarket kits with the extra LCD but they... Hi,

Relatively new to the Carputer scene. I have an 06 Pontiac G6 that I would like to install a car computer in. My question is related to the DIC. Is there any kind of interface for a CarPC to retain the functionality of the DIC? I have seen the aftermarket kits with the extra LCD but they are honestly ugly.

Any ideas? ]]> Newbie booya http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137359-gm-dic-carputer-interface.html AMD Socket 754 MOBO+CPU? http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137310-amd-socket-754-mobo-cpu.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:09:50 GMT Can This Motherboard be useed for a carputer? found it for sale and the seller is only askin 10 bucks?can i M2 ATX PSU be hooked up to this to make it run in car? thx, Mike Can This Motherboard be useed for a carputer? found it for sale and the seller is only askin 10 bucks?can i M2 ATX PSU be hooked up to this to make it run in car?


thx,

Mike ]]> Newbie SQGuy http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137310-amd-socket-754-mobo-cpu.html First carputer - MacMini in Toyota Matrix http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137288-first-carputer-macmini-toyota-matrix.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:43:24 GMT Hello All -

About 3 years ago, I was directed to this site via gizmodo or something similar. I think it was in regards to user MatrixPC's at then installed mac mini. That day, I fell in love and started thinking about doing this thing. Regardless, life got busy, etc, etc and I didn't start to replicate the mac mini in the matrix setup that I had seen (maybe it wasn't MatrixPC, I can't really remember...). Well times have recently changed and I now am in possession of a Mac Mini ready to fulfill said dream, but I have a few questions.

The ideal setup for me would be as cost effective (read: cheap) as possible. I figure, the mini is already $0 to me, so now all I'll need to get is a screen (I'm looking at the lilliput 7" touch, with maybe a double din mounting bracket), and a carnetix p1900 to handle power/shutdown and bootup. As far as I can discern from lurking here for some time, these are the essential components to running a carputer.

In my case, I have a factory stereo, that I am not necessarily too attached to, so that leaves me with one looming question that I can't seem to find the answer to. If I pull the stereo, I should be left with the factory harness, however, how do I translate all those wires into something such as a 1/8" phone jack that can be recognized by the mac? Or does audio run through the lilliput to the computer, therefore still requiring me to convert the wires into something like rca cables? I'd like to do without an amp or buying a different head unit, so would it be possible to run the factory speakers to the computer? Should I look into those wire harnesses/aux input things you can get from somewhere such as crutchfield?

I guess this is really the only thing I think I'm missing. If you have any further inputs or suggestions, please feel free to let me know. ]]> Newbie redbeardedninja http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137288-first-carputer-macmini-toyota-matrix.html Suggestions / Opinions for Car Computer Setup http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137278-suggestions-opinions-car-computer-setup.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:56:14 GMT So I am planning on building a car computer to put into my 1998 Ford Ranger (ikr). I have decided to keep the factory radio and run the computer audio via aux in. I am going to mount the screen on the dash so that it is removable and the computer will either be hidden in the center dash or glove... So I am planning on building a car computer to put into my 1998 Ford Ranger (ikr). I have decided to keep the factory radio and run the computer audio via aux in. I am going to mount the screen on the dash so that it is removable and the computer will either be hidden in the center dash or glove box.

The components I am planning on using for the computer are:
M1-ATX (power supply)
4th Gen Mini ITX Case for Carputer Car PC (from mo-co-so.com)
OCZ Agility Series 30Gb SSD
4GB Corsair DDR2 800MHz RAM
ASUS AT3N7A-I Motherboard with Intel atom 330

Monitor:
Lilliput EBY701-NP/C/T 7" VGA Touch Screen

Other:
OBDCOM (obd II usb connection w/software)
BU-353 Weather-proof GPS Receiver

Software:
Undecided

I also am unsure on exactly how to go about attaching the power supply to the 12V, there is a 12V cigarette plug and a cigarette lighter, the plug seems to be made for actual use, not sure if it could handle it though. I am estimating Max power usage at 60W (probably a high estimate from specs I have read). Trying to design it so that there is little permanent changes to the vehicle, and so that I will be able to remove it one day.

Anyhow I would like to see what thoughts you guys have on this. ]]> Newbie arsads http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137278-suggestions-opinions-car-computer-setup.html Newbie VGA touchscreen questions.... http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137277-newbie-vga-touchscreen-questions.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:29:48 GMT Ok, if the CPU I plan to to run has a VGA port for use with a monitor, is VGA touchscreen compatible? Or only for non-touchscreen monitors? Ok, if the CPU I plan to to run has a VGA port for use with a monitor, is VGA touchscreen compatible? Or only for non-touchscreen monitors?:confused: ]]> Newbie ptcary http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137277-newbie-vga-touchscreen-questions.html Car PC in a 2001 S500 http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137275-car-pc-2001-s500.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:22:13 GMT Ok...I've been wanting to do one of these for years...and now I have the chance. I'm trying to install a Car PC into the s500(duh topic lol). I have an Alpine PDX5 for sound. What type of computer do I need? I would like to buy it assembled, I can install windows myself. Um, any information on how to not let computer cut off and on every time I crank car & cut the car off etc....links to items would help greatly...I have $1500 budget. Also, would like GPS software and any other great software recommended. I want it flushed completely...Thanks for looking. ]]> Newbie iMaknificent http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137275-car-pc-2001-s500.html Need help with a 4 channel amp | chA is louder than chB http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137260-need-help-4-channel-amp-cha-louder-than-chb.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:21:58 GMT Hello,
I just have few quick questions about this amplifier I got from a friend.
Since I don't have a manual, I thought i would ask here.

Here is my problem:
I've connected the amp just like I have my other amp connected and when I connect a sub to chA its moving just a little bit (its only 40 watts). So, what I wanted to do is to bridge chA and chB to get 80 watts. The problem is that when I connect them, it doesn't increase the power. The sub seems to be moving the exact same way as it was on chA only. Then I connected the sub to chB only and I can barely hear the sub, does this mean that channel B is blown or not working? OR Can I somehow adjust it or something?


It looks like this:
]]> Newbie andruha1123 http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137260-need-help-4-channel-amp-cha-louder-than-chb.html Trying to get started... http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137243-trying-get-started.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:55:58 GMT Alright - sorry for making a new thread just to ask questions about my build but I'm planning on making postings logging my build as well so I'm figuring the thread can just be moved when the time comes.

Anyway, great site ;) lots of info. I read through a whole bunch of topics and I'm trying to figure out exactly what equipment (and, especially, what software) I'm going to need to make this thing work and make it look "baller".

I own an 02 Acura RSX Type-S (black if anybody's curious). I've done a handful of mods across the spectrum - performance, vanity, and of course my stereo. Most recently I had my ECU modified for USB programmability (the other Honda guys will know it was Hondata KPro). I won't go into the fine-grained details but this thing lets the user alter just about any ECU setting and monitor any sensor.

My other purposes will be to play my MP3 library and I'd like to integrate a GPS so I can get rid of the Tomtom that's suction cupped to my windshield. It makes it a pain to keep the windshield clean. I'd like to build a low-power system - minimal specs to run what I want to run without having the system sit there and chug, that way it's not drawing too much off the battery/alternator and ruining my mileage (or my battery).

That's what spurred me to get this idea into the planning phase. There's another feature that allows you to make a gauge display (with a form designer similar to a Visual Basic or .NET GUI designer), and I don't really like having to look over at my laptop on the passenger seat to see them, I'd rather be able to still see the road out of my peripherals when I glance down for a second.

I've been trying to put together a list of what exactly I'm going to need for this. I'll have a double DIN space available to me - I've read that the Lilliput 7" screens fit almost perfectly and I saw a couple builds that made them look pretty much perfect with a $24 dashboard mounting kit for the RSX. So I've got that covered.

Everything else I'm a bit confused on, though. I'm very familiar with computers and building, so I've got a pretty good idea of what I need, specifications-wise - I'll be running XP, so probably half a gig to a gig of memory and a 1.5-1.8GHz processor, and probably a 32gig SATA SSD for quick startup.

But that leads me to further questions...for my purpose, what would be recommended as far as the actual parts? My first inclination was to use Nano-ITX, but trying to comb through their site and figure out what I need really ended up fruitless.

I'm also not really sure how to get the speakers hooked up - everybody's said to use amplifiers, but I'd like to avoid having another device drawing power. I've already got an aftermarket head unit, and as a result, a wire harness adapter - would it be possible to use 1/8" -> RCA adapters, and then behead the other end of the RCA wires and solder them to the harness adapter's wires? In addition to computers I do a lot of low-level A/V stuff for work, and in my experience these analog A/V signals are generally all compatible with one another.

Anyway, sorry for leaving this novel here...extra props to anybody who reads it >.> ]]> Newbie Floppie http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137243-trying-get-started.html Questions about new installation http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137200-questions-about-new-installation.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:29:52 GMT I just received my "Above the Basics" carputer system from the mp3car store and I have a few questions about getting started. I have a moderate understanding of automotive wiring and computers -- more than someone off the street, but probably not as knowledgeable as many in this forum. Anyway, I want to make sure I get the carputer installed correctly without crossing any wires or messing anything up.

Question #1: Power Wiring -- my system came with an M2-ATX Car PC 160W DC-DC power supply. This was already installed in the case, and there's an eight pin connector on the back of the case. There's another connector in the box that connects to this with seven wires that wire to the car. The thing is there wasn't anything that describes which color wires to what. There's one thick red wire which I'm assuming is positive always powered from the battery. There's a big black wire which I'm assuming is ground. I expect one of the wires goes to a positive that comes on with the ignition. And I expect one goes for the boom control on an amplifier. I'm not entirely sure about the other three wires. Anyway, I don't want to assume which wire is which. I did see the circuit board diagram for the power supply, and I suppose I could open the case and trace the wires, but I'd rather not open the case yet and potentially void my warranty at least until I have the carputer wired up so that I know it works. Can someone let me know which wire is which or point me to a wiring diagram of the power connectors on this system? Also, which of these connections would fuses be recommended for and what size?

Question #2: Optical Drive -- I also purchased the Panasonic Slot Load CW-8124 DVD-Rom / CD-RW Combo Drive and enclosure. I didn't find a manual for it on the extended information page for it in the MP3car store. It did come with a very basic manual that didn't say much, except that if I have problems with its performance I should consider applying external power to it. The drive has one USB data connector and one USB power adapter that plugs into the power port. Does anyone know if the drive can be powered directly from the USB port (like most external hard drives and baring performance issues) or do I still need to run power to the power adapter port regardless. If so is it better to run it to a USB port on the carputer or would I be better off powering from the car itself? If from the car itself, what is the best way to do this.

Question #3: Installing XP from the optical drive -- I may discover this on my own when I get to this point, but I'll ask anyway. Would I just need to make sure the bios boots from USB and make sure the CD drive is connected, powered, and with the XP CD in the drive? I can install XP, but I'm used to the idea of the idea of the CD drive being already connected inside the case. Installing from a USB connected drive is new to me.

Question #4: I'm probably goind to spend alot more time in the forums looking for info on optimizing the system and so forth, but any hints regarding Windows XP optimization and hibernation settings that are a must or at least that are strongly recommended would be appreciated.

At the moment I'm going to use a standard LCD monitor, keyboard, and mouse to get the system up and running, but within the next month or so I'm going to go ahead and order the Lilliput 629 LCD Touchscreen. I'll probably also add additional USB ports. I'm planning to get the Radio Shark AM/FM tuner and a Wifi USB connector from Radio Shack once I get the basic system running. One by one I'll get the Centrafuse front end, GPS receiver, Bluetooth, OBE-II, and so on. I'm also likely to add a deep cycle battery at some point, and I'm sure I'll want to install an amplifier once I'm ready to replace my factory radio with the Lilliput. Really, I'll just take things one step at a time as time and budget permits. Oh, and I'm installing in a 2005 Mustang.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any assistance. ]]> Newbie lkn4ahero http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/137200-questions-about-new-installation.html