Mrbmw99

I will use this area to post updates to the progress of the design.

Current Status:
Oct 14th, 2007
We've had a few rough bumps lately with a prototype board. I'm working on the bug it had, and we will need to do another prototype run before production.

Effective June 13th, we are no longer estimating the release date of this product. Please read Page #19, Post #280 for more information.

There is a first-come first-serve waiting list available on our website. It will fill up quickly! Please visit CT650 Series Double-Din Information & Waiting List to sign yourself up.

Enclosure CAD Design (Completed)
Sourcing of key components for the design (Completed)
LCD Controller Prototyping (Under Way - Almost Completed)
USB Audio Line-In Circuitry (Waiting for CT650B)
Microcontroller Programming/Interfacing (Under Way)
IR Receiver Integration (for steering wheel controls) (Canceled)
Front Panel Button Configurations (Part of the CAD)
Rotary Encoder Knob (Canceled)
AM/FM/RDS Radio Tuner (Waiting for CT650B)
(I'm sure there's more I forgot to mention...)

A LOT of R&D has been done on every single one of these areas, but some have not been implemented yet. Don't let "Pending" throw you off.

Important Posts:
Old - Teaser Pix! (CAD Renderings) Post #61
Old - Some Updated CAD Renderings Post #102

Original Thread Starter:
We are working on developing the next generation double-din VGA touchscreen for the CarPC market. Based on feedback from the DL065A model that came out a few months back, this model should be what everyone wants - and more! It should have full USB control of the LCD and audio electronics, among many other neat/usefull features. See the link to the DL065A thread for more information on how the project in progressing.

Here's the current situation:
The SHARP 6.5" WVGA LCD panel that was used in the DL065A's are VERY expensive and hard to come by. If we were to design around this, our unit would be the standard 7"x4" DIN size. However, I am looking into using a 7" display instead for cost savings and brightness purposes. If our design incorporates the 7" LCD I'm looking at, the monitor will be 7"x4.25", which is 1/4" taller than the DIN standard.
Compare:
SHARP 6.5": 250nits ( I believe! )
7.0" LCD Panel: 600nits (dual CCFL)

Here's the question:
I need to know how this will effect those who have a double-din opening in their dash. For the $100+ savings on the price tag and doubled brightness, would the extra 1/4" tall enclosure work for you/in your vehicle? This might involve trimming a 1/4" of your dash to make it fit properly. Some people will use a double-din installation kit, in which case trimming is not a problem. So please send some feedback. I'd like to know what type of modification or trimming would be necessary to install a 4.25" tall radio in your car.
Also, please include information on your vehicle. List what model/make/year your vehicle is. (Pictures of the dash are nice too! )


Original DL065A thread
Wikipedia DIN Standard Info

- Brett

MP3Car.com

 

2k1Toaster

The biggest benefit of the other unit is its ability to fit in the dash no modifications. For most people this "feature" alone would be worth $100 to $200 dollars.

Compare a 7" regualar screen at $200 and a 7" flip out screen at $250 and an indash for $450. The indash is the same thing just easily put in the dash. And the price reflects that. So I would go with a 6.5" screen. You probably can find a better screen at 6.5". Maybe even 6", but that would push the low side.

If you are doing a large scale, then maybe contact samsung or a similar manufacturer directly and see if they currently make any 6.5" screens for some application that could be easily adapted to VGA. Assume they want a large batch order upfront though!

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Tedp

Hello,

I'm sure 1/4" can be adjusted for, especially by people in this community, although there's clearly a value to not having to make any mods. My vehicle is a '98 Toyota 4Runner. I had modded the dash for my EMPEG before it got stolen. I'm enclosing some pics (before & after the break-in). Of course, I'd gladly pay an extra $100 if it would mean getting a transflective screen.

Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
Cheers
-Ted

Attached Images

  

2k1Toaster

Yes it could be adjusted for, but then what would the advantage be to buy this over another 7" screen. If it requries modifcation no matter what, then why buy an expensive all in one?

I vote for double din native.

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Tedp

Maybe I misunderstood the tradeoff.
I thought it was:
Option 1: Lower brightness, More Expensive, Fits right in
Option 2: Higher brightness, Less Expensive, Might have to make some mods.

Different strokes for different folks, but I'd rather save a bit and have a brighter screen given that I feel confident modifying my dash. I realize others might have different preferences.

2k1Toaster

Me too. That is why I did. I bought a $200 screen and put it in. why would I spend $600 or so for this? What woulds the benefits be if I could buy all the same parts seperately?

not trying to knock the idea or anything, just trying to get a feel around btw.

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99bravada

Please make it to double-din standard if possible. I would gladly pay the extra money to make it look as stock as possible (and assure revertability) because my vehicle (2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser) has a factory double-din opening as do most new vehicles.

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Current:
2007 Black Diamond Toyota FJ Cruiser | Mac Mini (in dash) | Carnetix P1900 (in dash) | Apple Bluetooth Keyboard | Kicker KX350.4 amp | Pair Polk Audio 6.5"s in front
Coming soon:
12.1" touchscreen LCD (in dash) | US GlobalSat USB GPS receiver

thepurser

Hi there,
I would not mind the extra 1/4 inch as long as the screen section sat just infront of the dash and hung low at the bottom edge. This would actually work exceptionally well for my set up!!

rsxtypes

I would make the 1/4" adjustment for an extra for an extra half an inch of screen. I am using a dash kit and I have plenty of room for the modification. Pictures of the dash in the worklog.

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My Worklog
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/worklogs/91327-2002-rsx-type-s-will-i-ever-done.html

speedy_parker

I will not cut my dash. There are just too many variables to know if I'll have this car forever, or I'll have this HU forever, etc... I need to be able to revert back or go with another double-din unit in the future wihtout the fuss/mess of dash modifications.

And for clarity, I'll be the first to build something from scratch (and enjoy every second of it), but if what I want is pre-packaged, off-the-shelf-double-din, and has support - I'll wait months to save my pennies to afford it. I 'm with every one us who go for the "I did it myself" gratification, I am just not about re-inventing the wheel.

I'd rather spend my creative efforts on cool stuff down the line, like a total integration into the lighting/heat/air cond. systems/etc that can be controlled via the touch screen. Those are the projects no one ever gets too because they're 'spent' after getting the HU working.

just my 2 cents..
mike

Aaaron16

If I could get a unit with the following options, I would pounce on an order of over 100 units almost immediately.

REQUIRED:
1. Software accessible buttons with BACKLIGHT (at least 6 please). Something such as this: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/ecat/gs/graphics/pfd.jpg (notice how the buttons are positioned so the on-screen menus can line up with them). Here’s another decent looking design: http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/405567...1156943447.jpg
2. >= 400 nits brightness (or transflective option)*
3. Double DIN compatibility - no need for dash modification.

Nice to have:
1. Black finish.
2. Windows CE with available BSP as done by VIA.
3. SD or CF slot to allow easy upgrading/maintenance.
4. Non-motorized.
5. Built-in USB port.

Will you be running Windows CE? Do you have a processor in mind? Have you considered creating your own LCD backlight using white LEDs? I'd imagine the power consumption would be reduced somewhat.

As background info, I would be using this for a custom software application in emergency vehicles (ambulances mainly – 95% of which are Ford E or F series). For this reason, brightness and durability have the most weight of all my needs. Being able to navigate my application's menu using the buttons will prevent the LCD from being poked at 24/7, so it's important to have this feature.

Also, if it's possible, I'd like to have the ability to run my application on the device itself, as opposed to using an external PC (save a bit on total costs).

I must say I'm quite excited to finally come across a device that meets my needs. Based on the trends and requirements of my field, this device will be in demand for not only the car enthusiasts, but also for industrial/commercial applications. I look forward to seeing what you have to offer.

pim

I can't cut my dash. My car is leased and has to be returned in factory condition in two and a half years.

Pim

vrwired

NO NO NO.. That was the beauty of this sytem.. it just fits right in.. There is no way I am cutting my dash. No way No way. This is not cool at all.

Don't do it. Go native Double Din.
I think you will lose many customers.

Man WOW, I can't even believe you are even thinking of doing this.. I wouldnt even consider it an option.

DON'T DO IT

vrwired

Remember stick with the least common denominator. If you stay Native Double din.. everyone can use/buy it.. If you ad a quarter inch.. not everyone can or will buy it. Simple math.. And to the people who say it is alright.... understand that that decision disables the use of the system for people that can't or won't cut the dash... remember the dash mod may be OK in the car you have now, but think about the future, you may get a car that you can't mod your dash, and then you would not even be able to use the system...

If it stays native than EVERYONE can use it.. All over the world..

The world works because of standards....
Stick to them... and we can all work on keepin our tolerances tight and clean...

Please... Seriously...

2k1Toaster

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MP3Car.com