Ideas for CarMP3 system manager

jjohnson · 12-23-1999, 04:44 PM

I'm going to develop a Windows 9x-based CarMP3 system management tool and need everyone's feedback.

Here are the basic features it will include:

1. Startup/shutdown app execution
This will allow you to add as many apps as you want to get executed at Windows startup and shutdown. This is useful for having startup/shutdown messages sent to your text LCD saying the computer is ready, etc.

2. Global keypad control interface
This will allow you to assign functions to the keys on a keypad. Any keypad key can be assigned to do the following:
- Launch a given application
- Shutdown & turn off the PC
- Suspend the PC
- Control functions in WinAMP

The software, when finished, will be FREEWARE. I will place it in the "software" section of my website at www.m2pc.com for anyone to download for free.

I am doing this as a favor to all of you who need such a program and to answer the many requests I have received for such software.

This thread is the feature wish-list. Post any and all features you'd like to see incorporated into the program.

Thanks,
Jason [www.m2pc.com]

jjohnson · 12-23-1999, 04:46 PM

BTW: The software will be distributed under the GPL and the source code (Borland Delphi & C++) will be available for download as well.

--Jason

ZyKlon X · 12-23-1999, 05:05 PM

Wow, what can I say sounds great
Will I be able to put it as my Shell
shell=(program name)

I guess the only next step is making its own O/S

jjohnson · 12-23-1999, 05:59 PM

Yes, the program is being designed to replace EXPLORER.EXE as the shell in the system.ini file.

When you install the program, it will change the entry in system.ini for you.

I may also add code to adjust the Windows Registry to do things like turn on/off auto-scandisk, etc.

--Jason
www.m2pc.com

jjohnson · 12-23-1999, 06:00 PM

Actually I'm working with several other people to develop a car PC OS. It will be Linux based and be custom built for in-car PC applications.

But it's far from finalized... we're still brainstorming and building the design spec at the moment.

--Jason
www.m2pc.com

mp3ford · 12-23-1999, 06:05 PM

Jason:

These are my suggestions, kudo's to you for volunteering to take this on, there is a fair amount of hardware out there though, so it might be a HUGE task to undertake.

1. if involving a charactor lcd interface, i suggest you build on the other-than mp3 related options, ie the lcdproc type utils for the interface.. i've included the source for the NT port of the LCDProc util (originally meant for linux) .. it does not function well in Win9*. http://www.2morrow.com for the Windows Port site. This author has pretty well ceased to work on the code, and was kind enough to send the code to debug or build upon.

2. MPXF software - DOS LCD driver addon for MPXPlay Dos Mp3 software .. http://mpxf.mp3car.com/

I've fiddled with this using a CrystalFontz 20x4 serial LCD, very nicely coded, and works a helluva lot better than the gen_serialcontrol.dll plugin for winamp. This is what a winamp plugin should look like, and how it should work. Too bad i am using Win9* rather than Dos.

3. For graphical LCD screens, i have always liked the Winamp interface 'jukebox' found at http://www.bullseye.echidna.id.au/jukebox/ ... for those with graphical LCD users, this could be built upon in terms of features and options ie. scaleable fonts, data display options, non winamp/mp3 related system data, etc.

So that you aren't reinventing the wheel, i have included all of the source code that you may or may not have related to the LCD's, it may be found at http://mp3ford.mp3car.com/LCDSource.zip

Good luck, and if you need someone to put the software you develop through it's paces for the crystalfontz lcd, icq me at 1876792 or email me at mp3ford@mp3car.com

AVGeek · 12-23-1999, 10:00 PM

I agree, awesome task in front of you though. The other function I am considering incorporating into my onboard computer is the code reader for my truck. I have had the Service Engine Soon light pop on too many times since I got it, and I would like to be able to read the code without having to go to the dealer. I know Clarion's AutoPC has this feature. As far as software, the simpler it is, the more useful it will be.

mp3ford · 12-23-1999, 10:15 PM

AVGeek:

If it is a Ford, thats normal. Start worrying if the lights calm down and no longer appear... that means something has gone horribly wrong. Sort of like a Harley Davidson, if it stops leaking oil, you've run outta oil...

jjohnson · 12-24-1999, 12:12 AM

Thankx for the info -- I'll take all of it into consideration when I start coding

Some background on myself:

I've done a lot of hardware and software projects for individuals and companies in the past, including a control board for a 3D modeling object scanner. I have worked with LCD modules at a low level including writing C++ and Delphi code to control all LCD functions, and I have designed hardware to handle a keypad and LCD over just 4 control lines.

I'm not sure at this point whether the software I'm planning will control all aspects of an in-car PC, but I'm considering that as well.

My M²PC project ( www.m2pc.com ) will be the test bed for this software. I am in the process of finalizing the design for hardware and software for a multichannel analog & digital data acquisition board to mount inside my unit to monitor various vehicle sensors.

Connecting to the car's onboard computer is fairly straightforward -- there are a few common interfaces depending on the make and year of the vehicle, most which can be read over a PC serial port.

That's all for now,
Jason

www.m2pc.com

AVGeek · 12-24-1999, 10:06 PM

Mp3ford, LMAO, but its a GMC, think I got a lemon.
JJohnson, if you need any help with hardware or software. let me know. I'm just down the road in Orange.