Range Rover CarPC - for all Range owners

RoyN · 03-01-2005, 06:07 AM

Hi,

I own a 1999 4.6HSE, and I am putting all the stuff in my car... I currently use OBDII from scantool.net with the OBDMaster software (only one I could get to interface correctly) for basic stuff... My car had the clarion HU with cd changer in the back, I had to pull it out though cause it crapped out on me and Clarion wanted like 500U$ to fix a 5yr old device...

Anyways, I started this thread after semi-jacking a thread in the Road Runner Skins forum... The purpose is to gather information about specific CarPuter developments in these cars... Below is my original thread-jacking questions, originally aimed at user "cyberlancer", but anyone can feel free to join in!

Quote:

What scan hardware are you using for OBDII? what about BeCM integration? I have a 1999 4.6HSE with the scantool.net interface, if you ever go into making another skin, I'd ask if you would make something that fits in well with a kind of Original look...

Have you seen anyway of extracting information and adjusting things like air suspension ecu, air conditioning faults, etc? (stuff that only the LR testbook had access?) please write more about ur setup, maybe we can start a range-rover specific discussion thread?

cyberlancer · 03-01-2005, 11:41 AM

well, the poblem is i really don't have so much time, but i definitively want to share infos about our (think u too feel the same) "dream car" (u know, i'm completely fond of my Range).
Since i started my carputer project (a couple of mounths ago) i saw the possibilities of integrate obd-ii in the sw used as front end. my intention is to find the possibilities to use something like rovacom sw in order to be able to read all error messages, clear them and also make some tweaking (suspension height on the fly, for example) but even (not for faint-hearted) change engine settings while needed if it's possible. This part of the project is still in an early stage, however, since now i'm only trying to fix the most easy things (multimedia and gps capabilities with Road Runner). When i'll have all the stuff ready and functional i'll apply for the more difficult part of the job.
If you have any hints please tell me, i'll appreciate a bunch.
cheers.

RoyN · 03-01-2005, 11:48 AM

How is your setup currently?

I have my xenarc hanging outside the dash, bascically, I attached the support for it in that "stuff-holder" next to the watch in the center console above the radio... It covers that space, but doesnt cover the radio or buttons on top...

I had to have my HU removed because it crapped out, and I had the speakers upgraded and an amp installed.... what about you?

RoyN · 03-01-2005, 11:49 AM

I'll get some pics soon!

Have you upgraded other stuff around your car? I got the 2003+ headlights on their way to facelift it... I've seen pics and it look SO MUCH like the 2003 the front....

Phythorian · 03-01-2005, 12:42 PM

Great, A range rover thread!

About my car, Range Rover P38a 1995 4.0SE, it's still completely original, but I'm planning on upgrade the lights and wheels, but RoYn you have to post the pics of the 2003 headlights, and where to get, 'cause I've been looking for them and never found it available.

About the PC,

EpiaM10000, audigyNX, ITX 7" touch,gps, etc...
Would like to have the OBDII but my car is from '95 and I'm wondering what scanner to use with it.

Progress:
right now I'm ready to install, and I'm gonna do the dash at first.
The screen will be located in the stuff holder, the HU will be replaced with an 5 1/4 DVD-rom player. This should fit just right!!

The pc comes in the backin the gap above the wheels, and the amp (6channel) at the otherside along with the subwoofer.

Pics of the car and the dash as I want it to change.

RoyN · 03-01-2005, 01:06 PM

Do u have a pic of where the pc is?

I thought about molding the screen, but the xenarc wont fit without removign the watch and more.....plus I'd have to have someone do that and I just dont wanna risk it...

Phythorian · 03-01-2005, 01:58 PM

This is an old pic of the pc in it's case, this fits perfect in the side of the trunk.
Make you a new one, installed, when I have my cam back, friend borrowed it...
three weeks ago....

cyberlancer · 03-02-2005, 12:21 PM

well, i started the project a couple of mounths ago (i never heard about carputer before) and i'm in the "wotk in progress" phase.

the project is based on:
- epia MII 1.2Ghz, 512Mb
- DVD
- 60 gb HD
- Xenarc LCD
- Cinergy 600 TV/FM card (with RDS)
- rear view cam
- opus PSU

.... + ROAD RUNNER front end.

1. LCD. I'll integrate the screen in the glove box over the radio (i'll keep it and use aux-in to connect the audio out of the carputer). In order to do so i'll get rid of the control buttons of LCD (i will either relocate them or use the IR remote provided with LCD, not decided yet). This way the LCD will fit perfectly in the free space (after a long job of cutting and bonding and sanding and painting .... but i want the install to look as much oem as possible).

2. CPU. i'll make a custom enclosure (don't need hide it .... i plan to realize something like "Sonus Faber" loudspeaker, for those who don't know them, some MDF covered in black thick rugged leather plus a polished wood top with steel trim... don't know if i succeded to describe well what i plan to do, but i assure it'll be really beautyful....).

3. Anti-Shock base. the CPU enclosure will be linked to an heavy shock/vibration-proof base made by 2 pieces of steel with 4 specifically designed dampers (think it's better to make the whole chassis vibration-proof instead of trying to isolate each single components).

4. antenna. i found a suitable antenna that gives signal for FM, TV and GPS all in one.

5. PROBLEMS. i oredered all the HW in the USA a couple of week ago, but i'm still waiting for it to be delivered here in Italy ..... hope i'll receive it.

RoyN · 03-02-2005, 12:38 PM

hmmm looking good... keep us updatde!

Where did you get that antenna from? I have GPS reception problems, and I'd be really interested in that antenna so I only need one antenna...

Can you post a link?

cyberlancer · 03-03-2005, 11:30 AM

just do a web search for "calearo" antennas. it shold be an italian firm but i think it exports products worldwide.
the main link is http://www.calearoam.com/a_39_IT_143_1.html

for the gps reception, i use gps for work and there's nothing better than an external antenna ....

Phythorian · 03-04-2005, 04:17 PM

RoYn, could you give a link to those headlights? Are there 2003 lookalike rearlights aswell?

Robbick · 08-29-2005, 01:37 PM

Hi Guys,

I have put an order down for a Range Rover Sport. I decided not to spend £2,000 on the SatNav option since I would rather spend that money on a Carputer and have much more functionality.

I don't get the car for a few months yet so I have time to start planning how to do a Carputer BUT I am a complete newbie.

Have read many posts on this and other forums yet still don't know how or where to start.

Should a purchase an 'off the shelf' PC or put togther myself.

Since I don't have the car yet I am not sure where I would put it but I am hopeing that the place where the optional SatNav screen would go will be good for a screen.

You guys have a Range Rover......any suggestions, info etc.

Regards
Rob

Psychobiker · 09-07-2005, 10:33 PM

Whip out thestock screen and build a new hood for it.
Depends on the budget - with a new RR sport, that wouldn't be you anyway! *jealous*
I, for the laugh, sourced mine from electronics recyclers for....€80. Mobo, processor..everything. Overclocked and invested in some fannery and now i have 1GHZ w/264MB RAM...works better than my normal desktop. Screen moulding in progress...sand prime sand prime, you know?
It's probably easier to buy comps in parts, that way you can build your own box, if you're handy with tools. And get more bang for your buck

L

jthiani · 09-15-2005, 08:39 PM

I just found this thread....LOL !!!!!!!!!!

Deba · 09-28-2005, 04:49 PM

Some great installs here guys!!. Especially now there's some Range Rover installs!. I have recently bought a Range Rover 4.6HSE '95 and would like to install a carpc, so far I have :-

Lilliput 7" TS
Epia-M10000
512mb ram
40gb 2.5 HD
DVD Rom

All of the above where oringally for my wifes VW but she now has PDA satnav system and is happy, so i get to keep the goodies

I need to get a power supply, but i also have a 300w car inverter.
I have seen pics of jthiani's install which looks great!. Any other Range rover install pics to look for more install ideas, like where's the best place for pc? in dash, boot or under passenger seat?. Any thoughts or ideas are welcome.