Carputer | n00b | 91' Subaru Legacy RS

bones · 07-10-2005, 07:35 AM

Hey guys. I am a n00b to all this, but I have always wanted to put a computer into my car.
Anyways i live in new zealand, and have been looking around and found nothing, say i think i might have to import from the us.
Here are my Specs I would like:
7" motorised fold out vga touchscreen moniter
P4 2.4 - 2.8Ghz or Athlon XP 64+ 2800+
512 MB RAM
40-60 GB hard drive
Win XP Pro
DVD/CD Playback (multidisc changer)
GPS Tracking System.
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Questions:
Can I have a separate battery that runs the carputer?
GPS Tracking - Is it available in New Zealand?
GPS Tracking - Does it cost?
Sounds - Do they work just as good running through carputer than a head unit?
Can I set up a system that controls my airbags through the carputer?
Can I set up a system that controls the boost controller through the carputer?
What would be an average cost on the above in US $
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Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have spent enough time doing my engine up, now I want the looks.
Also I may come over to US to have a look at some systems.

Cheers Bones

alti · 07-10-2005, 07:52 AM

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Questions:
Can I have a separate battery that runs the carputer?

yes it is refered to as a tank circuit, there is probibly a FAQ about it but otherwise search for tank circuit.

GPS Tracking - Is it available in New Zealand?

Too my knowledge the satilites cover the whole globe. I do not know what software is availible in NZ

GPS Tracking - Does it cost?

Whatever the software costs and the receiver (they can often be bought as a package)

Sounds - Do they work just as good running through carputer than a head unit?

Depends on your soundcard. some say yes some say no.

Can I set up a system that controls my airbags through the carputer?

Why? that does not sound like a good idea to me. I dont trust my carputer that much.

Can I set up a system that controls the boost controller through the carputer?

check around I am sure it is possible if the boost controller supports it but would like take ALOT of work

What would be an average cost on the above in US $

I am going to venture a guess that most people spend between 500-1500 USD some more, some less most fall into that median.
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Hope that helps

bones · 07-10-2005, 07:58 AM

Yeah, Thanks helped alot. Will keep you guys updated

Bugbyte · 07-10-2005, 12:58 PM

You probably don't need a P4 for your system. Car PC applications don't usually require bleeding edge processor speeds. P3's take less power and are often cheaper. Many use the Via Epia M10000 or similar for the low power consumption. They are quite slow from a processor standpoint but will often do the job just fine.

bones · 07-10-2005, 11:09 PM

Thanks BugByte. I've just been reading various threads and have been taking note on what users are on average using.

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