Toyota/Honda Car2PC adapter beta testing

jbors · 11-04-2005, 03:15 PM

Guys,
Based on a feedback for PC integration it was voted for Toyota/Honda.
I'm gong to build a limited number of boards for beta testing. Please sign up so I know how many boards I should build for that ( make sure you register first)

What is it ?
USB adapter allows PC to "communicate" with the stock headunit from: Toyota 1997-2005, Lexus 1998-2005, Honda 03-05, Acura 03-05.
It will play sound through the stock speakers, you will get control over your digital data and can display track information on your stock display.
You will be able to assign any program/action on your PC when HU buttons are pressed.
Right now WinAmp, WMP9+ and MWI have native support for the adapter which can be used with almost _any_ frontend including RR, FP etc.

Why ?
In many cases PC can replace CD Changer with many more functions. Like playing MP3, OGG, video or even voice guided GPS on a long road. Why bother with very limited CD Changer if you can afford PC for almost the same price ?
It will not require changing your car's dashboard. Not even a bit !
You can place PC anywhere you want and "talk" to it from the very ergonomic and slick headunit keybord.

Can I see the demo ?
See the demo for VW Car2PC adapter: movie on my test bench (3Mb).

Can WinAmp or any other frontend use it ?
Car2PC adapter has support for WinAmp and Windows Media Player which allow almost any frontend to be compitable with the adapter.
Here you can download these plugins:

Here is the source for the library. It has simple interface and can be compiled under VC6. The lib file included.
WinAmp plugin source will be available later.

Car2PC adapter fully compatible with Linux and appropriate distro will be out by end of March.

Which HU it supports ?
I'll name car models/years: Toyota 1997-2005, Lexus 1998-2005, Honda 2003-2005, Acura 203-2005

How to install ?
3 steps only:
1. Place laptop, car PC or even Mac anywhere in a car. Secure and power it.
2. Attach the adapter to your stock headunit (or CD changer cable in the trunk) and PC. Most original harness are included !
3. Run the PC and get the sound from it on your speakers instantly after you switch you HU in CD changer mode !

Can it serve as a AUX adapter ?
Yes it can. You can connect your favourite MP3 player directly to your car's HU !

What it look like ?
I decided to make board looking good along with the enсlosure. Pics here:

How to get it ?
Please expect adapters to be available in 3 weeks.

Current status ?
Beta testing is in process.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns,
Dmitry/

SnyperBob · 11-07-2005, 01:55 PM

I'm interested in beta testing. In regards to this Honda/Toyota model

You say above:

Quote:

3. Run the PC and get the sound from it on your speakers instantly after you switch you HU in CD changer mode !

That'll be about exactly the same as your VW/Audi cables, correct?

iam · 11-07-2005, 03:11 PM

I'd absolutly love to beta test this thing!! can't stand that fm modulator anymore.
but for some reason your forum dosen't work...

ITL · 11-07-2005, 03:27 PM

I'll beta test for Acura. I have an 04 TL and know several others that would purchase if this works.

RoyN · 11-07-2005, 03:29 PM

jbors, I might be interested in your BMW adapter, but tell me something, is it possible to get anything more than 2 channels of audio?I'm concerned for DVDs, subwoofer, etc.... or is it a limitation of the BMW hardware about how many channels come from the CD Changer(2chans)?

jbors · 11-07-2005, 03:43 PM

BMW allows 2 channels through analog lines. DSP may offer more channels though.

Goofus · 11-07-2005, 03:49 PM

WTF???? No Nissan????? Damn you!!!!!! Damn you to heck!!!!!!

thanatos106 · 11-07-2005, 04:10 PM

Jbors YGPM.

Thanatos.

jbors · 11-07-2005, 05:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Goofus

WTF???? No Nissan????? Damn you!!!!!! Damn you to heck!!!!!!

Sorry, it is quite different from both Honda and Toyota and it cannot fit the same board. It will be the very next one. Mid Jan. Sorry for that.

aoLhaTer · 11-07-2005, 05:40 PM

Arghhh wheres the Nissan??!
I thought Nissan won the poll

camolas · 11-09-2005, 04:20 AM

I will do it for a LandCruizer 97 3.0 Diesel if you want of corse

jbors · 11-09-2005, 10:36 AM

Yes, please.

tejesh83 · 11-09-2005, 04:09 PM

2005 Acura TL w/ Nav

I'm very interested in beta testing.

You already have a couple TLs, but the nav and non-nav units are a little different. I beleive there is a CD-Changer screen built into to the NAV software, but by defaults its disabled until you have a CD changer plugged in or tricked by a blitzsafe adapter.

Plus, I'd like to see if you can use the same hardware to decode the rest of the data on the BUS. For example, info from the bluetooth HFL (cellphone), xm, voice controls, touchscreen etc so you can access//control all the car/nav features from a carpc. I'm also a programmer, so I don't mind playing around with the raw data and library to figure out if its possible.

-TJ

saletel · 11-10-2005, 09:58 PM

got a 97 toyota headunit i can test with.

jbors · 11-11-2005, 12:44 AM

Guys, thank you for all the info you shared.
Just to let you know. For the first release there won't be any text supported. I'm going to work on that in Jan and hope by end of Jan-06 the text firmware upgrade will be completed.