newbie Qs

Griffin · 06-18-2001, 03:39 AM

Hi folks I just found this site and hope I can learn a lot here. I am not real computer literate when it comes to talking specs and numbers but I am very mechanicaly/technicaly inclined so think I can handle building a pc for the car. Here is the help I need I currently have a '86 Fiero GT project car and want to put a pc in that will play mp3s,dvds, have GPS, be able to control my Eclipse 6 disc in dash changer, amps, etc., be able to control my a/c/heater controls, monitor gas mileage, and maybe hook a PS1 up in the future. Also I would like to have some reminder of when to do maint. like oil changes. I am making a custom fiberglass dash that I would like to mount a touch screen in. Could I get a list of parts needed to make a system to handle the functions I mentioned. Prices and websites would be helpful with this too. My father in-law works on PCs all the time but is clueless on this branch, but said if he had parts lists he would try to help me with assembly. Sorry this is so long.Thanks in advance!!!

Raas · 06-18-2001, 07:47 AM

Instead of giving you concrete answers (which there aren't any in this 'car-puter' case, 'cause no 2 setups are the same) you should do your own research.

Quote:

..want to put a pc in that will play mp3s,dvds, have GPS, be able to control my Eclipse 6 disc in dash changer, amps, etc., be able to control my a/c/heater controls, monitor gas mileage, and maybe hook a PS1 up in the future. Also I would like to have some reminder of when to do maint. like oil changes.

First Determine what you want the computer to do: Playing mp3's/DVD's won't be too dificult. The same goes for GPS

You will find a lot of trouble when you want to control the CD-Changer, and also with the A/C-Controls

Do some research yourself in this BB or you might check out
Examples Pages from MP3car.com

If you get a little deeper into this, you will find out that not a single setup is the same as the setup from someone else. Therefore it's not possible to give you an "out-of-the-box" solution.

I'm sure you will be getting enough Idea's by just looking at the sample pages. e.g. You read something, and you think it might apply to you, Write it down or something.

I'm sure when you read a lot of this stuff, the 'total' picture of YOUR Carputer will become much clearer.

Hope this helps you out !

Arby · 06-18-2001, 10:15 AM

A/C Controls, gas mileage, and mantinence reminders? Wow! You've got one hell of a project on your hands

Griffin · 06-18-2001, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the reply. I do have a pretty good idea of what I want I'm just not sure if what I am looking at will be sufficient. I have access to several laptops that I can use for parts as well as numerous parts for a dessktop pc. Here is an idea of the setup I am considering. I know there is no one answer I just wanted ideas on good mp3 programs and soundcards that I could use to work with my stereo and good GPS programs.

PII 333
laptop touch pad mounted in console
12-13 in. laptop TFT Vega screen
laptop keyboard mounted in glovebox

I know this basic setup is solid but I really have no idea which programs will be best suited for my intentions. Please let me here ideas esp. for soundcards GPS and mp3 programs. Thanks

tapper1999 · 06-19-2001, 01:21 AM

I like the Idea of a/c controls, Question Does you car have a cable controlled climate system or is is electical switches, My Car 89 Beretta has the electronic switches and I have seen an option that would convert it to an lcd format but I am having trouble trying to get the inputs to a computer.

Griffin · 06-19-2001, 03:26 AM

it is the mech. slide style but I was thinking of using servos and my father in-law was going to try to write a Vbasic prgram to run it similar to what is described on a website I saw a while back.

Raas · 06-19-2001, 05:42 AM

Quote:

PII 333
laptop touch pad mounted in console
12-13 in. laptop TFT Vega screen
laptop keyboard mounted in glovebox

Is this PII 333 an old laptop or just a desktop PC. I suppose you don't know that you just can't hook-up a TFT-screen to your computer. (you WILL need a TFT controller, and wheter It's a combined graphic-card/controller, or some inverter from the analog signal that your normal desktop video-card outputs to the Digital signal the TFT NEEDS)

As for your about which software to use, I suppose you didn't check out the examples pages numerous people have made. You will find the answers there on what software to use.

Good Luck

Griffin · 06-19-2001, 03:19 PM

thanks that is the kind of response I was looking for. The PII 333 is from a desktop and I didn't know about the controler you mentioned. that is something I'll have to ad dto the list. Anymore suggestions to make this work well are highly appreciated. And I've been looking at the MP3 webring pages but not many have indepth info but I'll keep looking. Thanks again!

Raas · 06-20-2001, 04:14 AM

null mp3car.com search examples pages
There's more info inhere than the webring contains..
Do a search for Full-Screen installations, and you should be able to find enough info.
Also read the LCD-discussion group, even more information there.

Greetz

Griffin · 06-20-2001, 05:05 AM

Hey thanks Raas!