Hey, I'm new here, but i'm pretty experianced with computers, i've read loads of rate this articles getting some ideas, I have come up with some ideas of my own, i just wanted to know whether they would work well or not.
Ok, i'm pretty strapped for cash. I'm hopefully getting a old'ish pc to start with, and i hopefully will be getting some xmas money to crack on with.
Things i want to be able to do:
- Have WiFi capabilities: allowing me to connect to wireless points and use it just like a networked computer on my drive. Thus, being able to load it full of music, without being actually in the car.
- Play Mp3's: Either by having a USB port in the Glovebox and plugging my iPod into it, or having it all on-board
- Use my phone as a modem: Either use my Nokia 6600 or my Motorola L7 as a modem, for emergency internet, such as no WiFi hotspots.
- Have Global Postioning (Sat Nav): Using my CarPc to tell me my exact location, and direct me to where i want to go
- Have easy navigation: Use something like RoadRunner, MediaCar or MediaEngine to navigate easier around my programs.
Setup
I'm only 16, so there's not much i can get my hands on fabrication-wise. Although, i can use my Metal works skills to fabricate my own case. I will use sheet metal, then score and fold, and spot weld. With a hinged top, i will be able to access any vital hardware.
With a touchscreen upfront and with the aid of the on-screen-keyboard, default with windows, i should be well setup. This is a ongoing project, so i'm not expecting to get everything together and set up in a few days.
The screen with mounted on a swinging mechanism, with the pivot on the left, and the clicker on the right. Allowing use of the original stereo and AC controls. The clicker will allow it to clip into place, and provide secure lock, for pressing the touchscreen. The screen must be able to detach within 1 minute (for security reasons).
Hardware
I will hopefully use as much stuff from the donor pc as possible, thus reducing the amount of cash needed to fund this project.
Update: I am going to have to hack into the connections on the back of the Headunit, to connect the CarPC into the stereo. I could get a cheap FM modulator, and if i get scared about cutting up wires, i will invest in a cheap one.
I've done some
-ing and some ebay-ing, and found some possible solutions to my wanted section
*Please note that this list is by far not complete*
External Antenna -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Wi-Fi-WiFi-Boo...QQcmdZViewItem
Wireless PCI Card -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Wireless-WI-FI...ayphotohosting
Bluetooth Adapter -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FAST-100m-USB-...QQcmdZViewItem
Screen -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/8-Monitor-w-TV...QQcmdZViewItem
USB Extention Cable -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-2-0-A-to-A...QQcmdZViewItem
Temperature Display -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LCD-Temperatur...QQcmdZViewItem
DVD Drive -
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-2-0-Extern...QQcmdZViewItem
As you can see, i will mount my WiFi antenna on the roof, locate 1 USB port on the dash, or in the glovebox. Also, for computer health reasons, i will add a temperature display on the front. I will need to locate a small hub in the glove to allow me to plug my DVD drive in, which will be stuck to the top of the glovebox.
There will be 2 fans included in this build, one motherboard (heatsink mounted), and another case mounted. One of those cool looking ones, those with the LED's in. Also, i'm pretty handy with the soldering iron, so i will rip apart the light config on the front of the box, and change the LED's to Blue, and make them perfectly sit on top of the box, along with the temperature display.
Oh another thing, with me not having the donor PC yet, it's fairly hard to plan the case, tell you my config or show you my PC stats yet. I should have it in about a week.
The Case
This has been mentioned further up, but the width and length is judged by the size of the motherboard. The smaller the better, as this is being mounted in the boot (Trunk for you American's), and with my dog being in there quite a lot (3 times a month?) i need to make sure there is still loads of room, and make sure that there is not too many places for doggy hairs to get in. With a huge CarPC, it's going to take over my boot, so with the DVD/CD drive being in the glovebox, this should save space.
With me being 16, i lurv LED's, i will hopefully incorporate a on light, a HDD light and a solid light. The solid light is a strip light about 2 inches long, which with be situated behind a plastic shield.
The CarPC must be able to be detached from the car easily, for when cold nights are documented and i can take the unit in, to prevent HDD damage.
Along with the port in the glove box, and the port on the back of the CarPC, i will need to have one inside, to prevent me having to have bluetooth adapter on the outside.
Finish!
Well that's it really, from looking at other people's Rate This articles, i think i have a good chance (Motherboard Cardboard Box, lol). And frankly, if this goes tit's up, i can flog all of the non-modified items, on eBay. Hopefully only making a small loss. I've seen loads of other CarPC's and i can't wait to make it! If i go ahead (95% Certianty), i will make sure to take plently of pictures, and make a little website/blog showing step-by-step how i did it!
Oh and by the way, this CarPC will be mounted in a Citroen Xsara 2.0 SX 16V. Admittedly not my car, it's my dad's but he seems pretty ok with my adding this to his car! Btw, i'm in the UK
Sorry if i wrote to much, i will use this as a bit of a checklist lol!
I'll check out you guyz remarks tomorrow! Feel free to express your true opinions, just be constructive!
UPDATE: Some drawings for all of you to have peak at... Remember, I'm **** at PROdesktop
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1...olabelsuf4.png
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/612...ctcarpcnm8.png
UPDATE: I'm now going to be using this DVD/CD drive... Although it will be painted black to match the case. It will look cooler that way!
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/7...1061948ct1.jpg
UPDATE: I'm going to add one of these into my CarPC;
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/1...1061949dp3.jpg :
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/1...1061950bl1.jpg, but rather than using the custom metal thingy, i'm going to fit it directly to the side of the CarPC
Would this work?
Somebody's swearin?
Linear Mode
