General help and advice

wiked_phatz · 09-06-2005, 11:49 AM

I have read through many posts here and found a lot of useful information. I was in the process of trying to get some information on how to get an MP3 player in my wifes car. Our youngest thought the CD player was a place to put quarters.... and has shorted the radio and CD player.

Anyways, I think building a new carputer would be the best thing for this project. Here is some of the supplies I already have:

P4 2.8Ghz proc
ASUS P4P800-VM (mini-atx - onboard video, 5.1 snd)
1GB PC3200 Memory
Toshiba Ultra Slim DVD/CDRW
OS (SuSE Linux 9.3 or Windows XP)

As for the display, I have several laptops that I can use. I know that there have been several posts saying that the LCD's are usable, but can you convert from an LCD display to plug into a VGA.

Dell Latitude C600
Toshiba Tecra 8000

Any recommendations on whether I should use these parts or whether or not to go to the mini-itx? I am not sure of the difference. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Our van is a Honda Odyssey.

Thanks

wiked_phatz · 09-06-2005, 01:40 PM

So I have been doing some more reading. I am looking at doing the DC-DC power, but can my motherboard that I have use DC-DC power - or is that not dependent upon the MB?

And... would using such a processor and MB create too much heat to place behind the console?

edrex · 09-06-2005, 02:15 PM

The mobo will be fine with a DC-DC power supply. You may want to look into a different processor though. Keep in mind you will have limited power from the available power supplies that are out there. A lot of people will use mobile processors because they use less power. I have an AMD mobile in mine that I run at 1.5Ghz. It only uses 35W of power.
For screens, I'm not sure what you are looking for to convert them. The LCD's that people use are VGA screens so they have good resolution and are very usable. 7" or 8" touchscreens like the xenarc or lilliput are the most popular.

wiked_phatz · 09-06-2005, 03:29 PM

Edrex,

Thanks for info. I know I am new and this probably seems simple answer / questions to you guys!

So for my MOBO / Power I am okay. The processor I have is socket 478, is there a mobile version that is 478 also and usable in my MOBO? I would love to get that instead, I know these proc run hot. Also not wanting to add in the huge heatsink/fan that goes along with them.

As for my LCD I do want to get a 7" - 8" touchscreen for the dash board and then have the 12.1" LCD display from the laptop hang from ceiling. Giving dual monitor but being able to have the same display on each. I noticed in one of the forums someone mentioned using a Y connector, but I am not sure how to get the cable from the LCD in the laptop to connect to the VGA connector.

I have read through and found lots of info on it, but since I am new - yeah I am very questionable in my ability and also looking for some advice and direction.

All help is appreciated!!

wiked_phatz · 09-06-2005, 03:35 PM

cool - little more research and I found the P4 M socket 478 processors.

Thanks - did not know I could do that!

Escalade182 · 09-06-2005, 03:40 PM

you should see what kind of wires are running to that 12" before you get too excited.

wiked_phatz · 09-06-2005, 04:33 PM

Okay - WOW!

There is a s**t load of information - I am getting more confused as I look through different sites and reading. So now that I know I want to basically scrap my existing equipment (going to use for a server in my house anyway) I am thinking about the following:

http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/ca...it.A/id.280/.f

It says this has a 1.0 ghz core. So with this I do not need to worry about processor. How does this compare to an intel processor, reliability?

I am looking at the VOOM Mini-ITX case also.

I am also looking at the 90W M1-atx DC-DC power. Would this be better than the OPUS 120W? I am hoping to run this carputer as a MP3 player, TV/FM tuner, DVD player, eventually add in GPS. I have software that will autosync files between laptop, and desktop, I am assuming this would also be able to sync - basically because it runs Windows OS (or Linux) I would also like to add in a printer, I have a BJC 85 mobile printer with its own battery.

I chose this MOBO because it has Proc and PCMCIA (already have wireless card).

so yeah I have read a whole crap load and am just wanting to know the basics of a good reliable system.....

Any thoughts on this setup?

wiked_phatz · 09-06-2005, 04:36 PM

oh yes - Escalade - I am starting to rethink the laptop display after reading the nightmare others have gone through..... it may be easier to just get 2 lilliputs or xentac and get long cables to run to the ceiling display.

Thanks again all !!!

HHdesign · 09-06-2005, 05:13 PM

1GHz should be fine for carputing application. Afterall, you just listening to music, and other things like GPS, OBD-II interfacting. You dont need anything too fast for this. I like the Voom case (aka ampie), really depends on what your personal needs are that detirmines the case. I think the Opus power supply is superior to the M1-ATX, not that its bad, but I preferf OPUS.