New here

nycking23 · 10-09-2007, 02:14 PM

I am currently attempting to build my first carpc. its not going to be a great setup, but i hope it will be better than nothing

currently i have:
7" xenarc touchscreen already molded into the bezel
used laptop (compaq presario v2000 laptop with a 40gb hard drive, intel pentium M processor 1.50 GHZ, 736 MB of RAM)
USB BU-353 GPS receiver from the store
iguidance 3.0
extended usb and VGA cables
various RCA cables, splitters, Y adapters, etc (was told i have all the audio cables i need)

waiting on:
xm package from the store

i know i still need to buy a sound card, and i am currently researching to see which one is for me. i also know i am going to need a power supply, and that will be addressed shortly as well.

my question is, for the basic carpc, is there anything obvious that i am forgetting about

i have done my research and feel that i am a lot stronger in my knowledge of how to get this running, but im still a noob at heart

meddler · 10-09-2007, 04:16 PM

nycking23 · 10-09-2007, 05:58 PM

also, there is one thing i havent been able to figure out

i dont want to dissamble the laptop, i would like to mount the entire thing in my trunk. however, i cant figure out a way to keep the VGA cable connected to the laptop since there are no holes for the screws to screw into. is my best bet possibly drilling small holes so those screws have something to grip, or is it inevitable that i will have to open it up.

and i know i will need to open up for the power, but i was hoping that would be the extent of it

DodgeCummins · 10-09-2007, 06:36 PM

Hot glue will attach your cable to the laptop.

If you bolt your laptop down to something...and bolt the plugged in VGA cable down to the same thing, right next to the plug...then it won't go anywhere.

You will need to open it up to put extensions on your power button etc.

nycking23 · 10-09-2007, 06:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DodgeCummins

Hot glue will attach your cable to the laptop.

If you bolt your laptop down to something...and bolt the plugged in VGA cable down to the same thing, right next to the plug...then it won't go anywhere.

You will need to open it up to put extensions on your power button etc.

that works, hadnt thought of that

yea, i know i will need to open it to extend the wires for the power, but i wanted to limit it to just that, and luckily it looks like i can.

KryptonianJorel · 10-10-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by nycking23

that works, hadnt thought of that

yea, i know i will need to open it to extend the wires for the power, but i wanted to limit it to just that, and luckily it looks like i can.

You might not have to open it for power (if you're lucky) Since its a laptop, i assume you have a battery. You can set the laptop to go into standby when you shut off the car, and you can use a USB device to turn it back on. Sorry for the vagueness, as I don't know much about doing it, I just know it can be done

Since this is an older laptop, and you're going to be using a USB soundcard, may I request the P1900 (or p2140) with the additional 5v regulator. The P1900 has a primary output of 18v, 19v, and 20v options for the laptop, 5v or 12v for the screen (since it's a xenarc, it'll need 12v) and with the add-on 5v regulator, you can power a USB hub, which will most likely be needed for the soundcard and additional USB accessories

Hope this helps