Since I last posted, I've reached a stage of my life called unemployment. I've got some liquid cash, so I'm going to go into my mobile PC project.
And now, it's project
S, as my wife now wants a PC in her car as well. She especially likes the GPS navigation, as she sucks with directions.
So OK.
Here's my idea for my truck, a 2003 Toyota Tacoma:
I want something that will fit behind/in/under the main dash console:
I'm losing the stock double-DIN stereo, and not having any traditional car stereo. I think I'll lose AM radio capability, but I'll live.
For the base of the PC, I was thinking about taking a Shuttle unit:
http://us.shuttle.com/specs_access.asp?pro_id=284
The harsh part comes in fabrication: I'd probably junk the stock PSU and use an Opus 150. I could cout the Shuttle case WAY down (so the only drive bay left is the 3.5" HDD bay), use a slim CPU cooler and mount a couple 80mm fans on the front for cooling. That would leave the Opus OUTSIDE the case.
(Shuttle pic for reference and visualization: Picture it cut down so there are no drive bays!)
That front-mount board could be handy, with the USB and lights. I have studied one of these things in my local
Fry's and I believe I can cut the silicon board so I can use the parts I want (lights, USB) and leave the parts I don't care about (Power button, audio jacks). I'm thinking a dash-mounted reset button might be a handy thing, as well.
One thing that this unit has that is truly appealing is the dual video outs. I want to have an overhead monitor for larger maps in GPS, DVD output, Visualizations from WinAmp, as well as being able to comfortably do system maintenance, burn CDs, game, etc. It would also allow for ****loads of RAM (1.5GB), since the onboard video shares system RAM. For that, the mroe RAM the better.
The LCD (Xenarc, probably) will be in the stock case and post-mounted to the front of the dash, above the key to disable the passenger airbag, so I'll be able to easily see it while driving. The second monitor would be an overhead flip-down LCD. Finding one with SVGA inputs is a *****. Anyone with any leads for one, let me know!
The stock double-DIN opening would be filled with:
Slim, slot-loading DVD/CDRW combo (IDE, cince it will be so close to the M/B)
Matrix Orbital LCD display (to show track titles, computer vitals (temps, speeds, etc.), and possibly ODB-II diagnostics)
Power & IDE lights
Two (or more) USB 2.0 ports (to attach MP3 player, digital camera, etc.)
Possibly the Opus P/S (since it would be outside the case anyway)
Another option for the power lights & USB are on the lower portion of the console, next to the two aux 12v power connectors. Losing the ashtray & cigarette lighter is no big deal to me, so that's potentially more space for stuffing components.
If I put the power/IDE lights & USB there, then I could POSSIBLY put a 1-DIN chassis with the touchscreen (
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm) and have the LCD under that. It would also mean finding a new place for the Opus.
Also, the audio would be running 5.1 surround:
Front L/R & Rear L/R running to a single four-channel amp, driving front components (upgraded from stock) & rear 3-ways.
The mono/sub running to a single mono amp powering a single sub, prolly 10". I like quality sound, not glass-shattering bass. I figure if I get good amps, with RMS power that falls in the RMS range for the speakers I choose, I should be fine. I'm not a car-stereo-phile. If I'm wrong, please let me know how to optimize the system.
Ok. 4.1 surround.
But I think I've got a plan here, if nothing else.
If anyone has any feedback about my plan as it stands, I welcome them. Please, if there's something in my plan that you think sucks or whatever, tell me why you think it sucks. Constructive criticism is welcomed. Assholes are mocked into submission.
Looking around for ideas.... (longish & dull photo)
not everyone has a garter on the gearstick!
Linear Mode
