Durango install - I have 3 ways to proceed but need advice

Thunderknight · 07-01-2005, 01:51 AM

I have a 2000 Dodge Durango. I am trying to decide what path to take for my car computer.
What I would like it to do (in order of importance)

1) Realtime mapping with GPS support. I have this setup working on a laptop that I use on my seat from time to time. So this is no problem. I will be doing pre-trip planning inside and then using a USB pen drive or WiFi to get my routes on the car.

2) Data access with my cell phone. I use this quite a bit, but never before in the car. I want to be able to check email or weather on long trips (not while actually driving).

3) Download of my digital camera for upload via WiFi when near a hotspot.

4) TV tuner for watching TV when taking travel breaks (or for my passenger to watch TV while I'm driving). Being able to watch local newscasts from the car is important.

5) USB video camera on dash for "in flight" video recording.

6) Reprogramming of two-way radios in the field (I am a member of a wilderness search and rescue group and in any search, communications are usually a major issue).

I have some concern over the security of having the computer in the car. The ability to easily remove the visible parts when not in use is a big plus. (My regular commute is only 15 minutes, so the PC will probably not be in the car for my regular drive. But would be heavily used on longer trips).

I have 3 ways to proceed:

1) Install my current laptop in the car on a laptop stand (purchase or make). Advantage is cost: I have the laptop and most accessories (including inverter). Disadvantage is that it is bulky up front (I used to work on police cars, so I know all about laptops mounted in the center) and taking it in and out for security is a pain due to all the various connections.

2) Install the laptop under a seat and then use an LCD display up front. This has the advantage of keeping all the connections "hidden" and I can just remove the display with a few quick connections when I need to disguise the fact I have a computer in there. This is also less cluttered and allows me to use a touchscreen for my mapping needs (the majority of what I will be doing) and pull out a compact keyboard only as needed. Disadvantage is cost (for the LCD).

3) Same as #2, but use a desktop PC in a custom box in the rear (to hide it). I already have a well equipped Dell Dimension that I could use for the project. The advantage here is that the Dell is more powerful than my laptop, and can use PCI slots, regular drives, etc. Additional disadvantage is the size, need to extend all cables and the need to solve the power supply issue.

I would like to mount my display/controls in a mannor that it is useful to both the driver and front seat pass. They don't have to use it at the same time, but I am thinking some kind of swivel arm type mount coming up from the floor/hump for the display or laptop. I do not want to block the AM/FM radio.

I feel comfortable with the technical aspects of doing any of above. My biggest problem is what choice to make!

Cost is somewhat of a concern, but I think if it's the best solution, I can justify the cost of the LCD for the project.
I would need to purchase a USB or PCMCIA 802.11 card with an external antenna connector if I use the laptop - these seem hard to come by. I have such a card in PCI form for the desktop. Same goes for the TV tuner - I have a PCI TV card, I do not have a USB TV tuner (but I know they are available).

I am a little confused over the various displays available. I understand the difference between displays meant for DVD video vs. VGA displays for PCs. I like ("on paper") the 7" Lilliput's with touchscreen (EDIT: Am I better using an 8" for the extra money?). I see various ones pictures and descriptions of what appears to be the same thing (black case). Are all Lilliput 7" VGA screens out there the same thing? In addition, looking on eBay, it seems like most of the sellers are not in the US. I see one who is (9thwondra in N.C. - any experience?). I know that the screens are sold through the mp3car.com store for a similar price, but I have a PayPal coupon good for eBay auctions that I'd like to be able to use to help defer some of the cost. The screen is probably going to be the biggest cost for me.

Thanks for any suggestions on my line of thinking here. This site is very

!

alti · 07-01-2005, 05:15 AM

hello and welcome to the forums.

I personally think option 2 above would work best in your situation since you stated that you are only planning on using the computer for long trips and not your everyday drive. By useing the laptop you are saving a bundle on a dedicated computer for the car. If you get a docking station for the laptop you might be able to rig a power switch for it.

For all of your other questions including waht screen would work best for you, I highly recommend you stop by the NY area meet on July 10th in westchester.
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/mp3car-gatherings/52395-ny-area-meet-july-10-a.html

everyone has an opinion on what is better, and there are a bizillion threads on it. Probibly be better if you just see have others have done.

d_sellers1 · 07-01-2005, 05:20 PM

I think that's got to be one of the longest posts I've read by a new member. Normally a generic two line post is all most write. I like the fact that you've mapped out your options already instead of asking someone what they would do.

Here's my opinions on your topic:
Option 1 is not as big of a pain than you may imagine. The way I would install this option is with the use of a USB hub. Your camera, GPS, WiFi, etc. would all be plugged in to the hub and be permanently installed along with the inverter. Bring your laptop out to your truck and all you have to do is place the laptop on its stand and attach the power and USB cables. With all the other stuff permanently mounted and cables hidden, cable clutter and installation would be a minimum. An advantage (and also disadvantage) about this setup would be the use of a larger screen but one that is not touch-capable.

Option 2 is good because you may decide later to go with option 3. The screen is one of the single most expensive purchases (an OPUS being second). Once you get your screen, its pretty much smooth sailing from there.

Option 3 is the best bet but requires the most money and work. The powersupply issue is not really an issue as long as you stick with a DC-DC powersupply such as the OPUS. Extended cables are not that bad and I would not really call that a disadvantage. You can get a 15' VGA/USB cable for about $15 if you shop around. Run that from the computer to the screen and a hub up from if you want a keyboard and easy access to USB ports (plug the screen's USB into the hub). The only other cable you would really need would be to run from your battery to the powersupply. Given the length of your truck, I'd got with an 8ga cable. You can get an amp installation kit with 25' of 8-ga for probably about $25. Check Wal-Mart. Not the highest of quality stuff but will definitely get the job done.

You commented on WiFi with the ability for an external antenna. To the best of my knowledge, there are no PCMCIA cards that support an external antenna (maybe one, can't remember). What I recommend to you is the Buffalo WLI2-USB2-G54 which is a USB2 802.11g adapter that can support an external antenna. Last I looked it was going for $45 on NewEgg.

You asked about EBay'ers from other countries. I purchased my 8" Lilliput from a seller in China. Shipping was fast and arrived just as described. The key thing is to look at everyone's feedback before bidding (regardless of what you're bidding on). I'm more likely to bid on something from a user that has been around for a while with 1000 feedback at 96% than I would a new EBay'er with >50 feedback at 100%. You would think that the person with the 100% has been doing a better job but, in my opinion, the guy with 1000 is still the better bet. Look at the feedback and see what some of the buyers have said and determine what they may have had problems with (slow shipping, never receiving, wrong item, defective items, etc). The way I look at it is "***** happens and not everyone can be satisified." If in doubt, don't place the bid.

Okay. I'm done typing for now.

Derek