Do I really want to build a truck PC ?

elmerfud · 10-13-2009, 09:13 PM

I've got a 2000 Superduty. Its a great truck. Its got a Pioneer 1.5 DIN CD player and stock speakers. No Nav. No USB or MP3 capabilities. FM reception is OK, AM is a bit weak.

I'm driving it a lot these days on long trips. I need a nav system. I want MP3 / USB capability. I want a backup camera.

I'm a linux power user and occassional programmer. I've built lots of computers over the years.

I want to do something with the audio system in my truck, but what ? I always come on this site all excited about building a truck PC. I always get stuck trying to solve the AM FM radio problem and finding a large touchscreen that won't suck in bright sun. (I can hardly see the display on my Pioneer deck.)

And then there is the cost... A small laptop which would have everything built into it and run on 12V or so will cost $400 or so. Plus the GPS receiver. Plus the amp. Plus the radio receiver. Plus a bright touchscreen.

Someone give me some guidance. Should I just buy one of those crappy all in one Nav/CD/radio combos or should I give this truck PC thing a go ?

soundman98 · 10-13-2009, 10:46 PM

That is more a personal decision that would depend on if you have the time, and the money to create and maintain such a system.

If you don't have the time to constantly maintain a carpc, or the finances to be buying replacement parts, and would prefer it to "just work every time you jump in", than a nav hu might be a better idea

kross · 10-13-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by elmerfud

I always get stuck trying to solve the AM FM radio problem and finding a large touchscreen that won't suck in bright sun. (I can hardly see the display on my Pioneer deck.)

Actually those two problems are quite easy to solve.

For radio, get the Directed or Visteon HD Radio unit off eBay for around $60-$80, plus mitchjs's serial cable to control it. It works out of the box with all the popular front ends. The audio loops through your sound card.

For sunlight readable LCD, get one of the transflective units, either from the mp3car store, or from mo-co-so.com. They are in the $600-$700 price range. I said it was an easy problem to solve, I didn't say it was cheap.

elmerfud · 10-14-2009, 04:00 AM

Which models of Visteon HD radios work ? (Sorry... I really did search... the amount of information on this site is overwhelming...)

Can any of the monitors on aftermarket in dash video receivers be hacked to just be a touchscreen LCD for a carputer ?

Thanks

kross · 10-14-2009, 01:28 PM

Visteon HDZ300 or the Directed DMHD1000

Bugbyte · 10-14-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by elmerfud

Can any of the monitors on aftermarket in dash video receivers be hacked to just be a touchscreen LCD for a carputer ?

No.

Word of advice - if it sounds like a lot of effort then don't do it. Buy an all-in-one HU.

DaveDog · 10-14-2009, 03:17 PM

I've put a system in my 2001 Superduty, I have a standard (non transflective) in the dash, which is dim on sunny days, but it does work (I have a transflective in the boat). GPS with Iguidance, Visteon AM/FM, XM radio, backup cam and forward cam, and OBDII. Win7 using Ride Runner as the frontend and DFX4 for the skin (hoping DFX5 comes soon). Using an Acer L1000 mini with a 30G SSD and a Carnetix 2140 for power. Two amplifiers (which I could reduce to a single 5 channel amp) for the 4 speakers and the sub box. I hope to soon have cell phone integration as well as voice control.

This is a hobby, you must have a lot of spare time, and a fair amount of $$ to get things into a state where ti can be a replacement for a standard head unit. I still can't get everything right and use hibernation to speed boot up times, and must cold boot, so I don't even bother for a trip to the store.

Research before you leap, there is a lot of helpful info on this forum, but you have to put the time in to get the rewards.

When showing the system, guys think its too cool, chicks aren't as impressed, and my girlfriend can't believe how much effort I put into it just to play music, she's happy with her CD player and Lady Gaga.

Good Luck!

CMOS1138 · 10-14-2009, 03:27 PM

Car pc's rock for someone who spends a good deal of time in the car, but they require a level of dedication that will lead your friends and loved ones to question your sanity. The general consensus on this board seems to be that if you have to ask than it probably isn't for you.

DarquePervert · 10-14-2009, 06:09 PM

I you are asking if installing a PC in your ride is worth it, then ultimately it is not.

Ron_Vegas · 10-15-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by CMOS1138

Car pc's rock for someone who spends a good deal of time in the car, but they require a level of dedication that will lead your friends and loved ones to question your sanity. The general consensus on this board seems to be that if you have to ask than it probably isn't for you.

Pretty much.....

trader007 · 10-15-2009, 07:53 PM

i would go with a garmin nuvi 850 in op's case...

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