First off, the FAQ Emporium subforum is for
INFORMATIONAL POSTS ONLY.
This is clearly stated in the RULES sticky at the top of the forum. Please read them and abide by them. As such, your post has been relocated to teh newbie forum.
Quote: Originally Posted by
CoupeE46 
Hey guys new to the board here.. now i did some searching before this post of the thread, and found some great knowledge, I have experience and a Degree with Computer Science, so i can catch on pretty quick.. anyhow here is my question basically.
But not enough searching to read and comprehend the rules....
Quote:
Well I am fairly new to the whole mini-tx mobo's as i have not really touch base with this type of product, so i need some help/suggestions from you guru's of these carputer..
It's no different than any other motherboard, save for the size.
Quote:
I went to my local Fryz electronics today to see if they have any minboards , well they dont really have much of an array of mini mobo's to select from, they actually have a mini. mobo, 1.0ghz with a1 PCI slot, 1 DDR slot, for $179.. So i am thinking on purchasing this for the core start of the carputer.. Is this a good buy ??
Considering that we don't know the exact model of miniITX motherboard, we can't really say.
If it's the M10000, then you can get it for $20 cheaper at the mp3car.com store:
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Code=MTB%2D001
Quote:
Power Supply
What a low expense, but still function great power supply should i purchase, I am guessing the OPIUS brand from the info. i was able to gather from the search ?? Need something with some type of shutdown timer, dont want to really turn the key off and just automatically shut down the carputer is there something that can put the carputer into hibernation, say if i just park the car to go into the store ?? (obviously i will turn the carputer off when not using for long periods of time, in order to save battery life)
Do more searching, specifically in the FAQ Emporium:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/faq-emporium/
Also, the Power page in the mp3car wiki is one of the few pages that's developed substantially:
http://www.mp3car.com/wiki/index.php/Power
Quote:
Audio Output
So i have read that i can wire the carputer into the stock Car Amp, that way I would not need to have a Headunit on board to control the audio ?? One thing I was not able to find was the Product/Item I would need to basically use the speaker output jack on the mobo to have a direct hookup to the stock Amp ?? Is there such a device that can do this, or would i have to hack and splice some wires and build my own ??
Hack & splice.
Quote:
PCI Slot
so the mobo of course has one free PCI slot, the mobo has onboard video so what would be the best option to fit on the empty PCI slot ?? I was thinking maybe a USB expansion, because you cant have enough usb ports
...
Why does it need to be filled with anything?
Quote:
Accesories
I have spare Wireless USB adapters.. but i dont think signal strenght from a USB adapter would be that great ?? in this case should i Go with a Wireless PCI adapter, and have some type of external antenna mounted outside the vehicle that can pickup broadcast signal with a 1/4 mile radius ??
Iuse a USB wireless adapter that's specifically designed for high-power. I use it with an external antenna abnd get a range of well over 1/4 mile for most hotspots.
Quote:
Bluetooth is a must, since i have the Cingular 8125 it would make it easier for me to transfer files from my phone to carputer.. Plus I was wondering, maybe through bluetooth I can use my 8125 as an external modem, and have it connect to the GPRS network and use that as my alternative Internet Connection ??
I use my Treo650 for 'net access this way. I'd imagine you could use your phone sinmilarly.
Quote:
Hardware
Well the mobo has two IDE slot, one will be for the Hard Drive, and the other Secondary for the DVD/CD drive... ?? Now what would you guys prefer me go with, an INternal Drive or a External ?? The carputer will be mounted in the rear TRUNK.. I was thinking going with external USB drive, because i can run a externed USB cable from trunk to the glove box and have the drive in the glove box that way less hassle when wanting to change cds/dvd's... thoughts an suggestion on this ??
This isn't about what we woudl prefer. TI's your project, so it should be all about what
you prefer.
If the PC is going to be in the trunk and the optical drive will be up front, then you're going to have to go USB (preferrably 2.0) or Firewire, with or without an external enclosure. An external enclosure is easier, but not necessary.
Quote:
Install
I have contacted my local Audio guys that i have done business with in the past, about labor cost and they say they will charge me $150-$200 for the labor.. i think its pretty decent cost, yes ??
Only reason i would not install the carputer myself is due to the fact of lack of knowledge when it comes to Audio Components and wiring and taking apart my vehicle.. I dont want to waste extra time if i dont have to or break things inthe process .. ???
That lack of knowledge makes for an excellent opportunity to learn how to install such components. That's how I'm approaching it. I've learned a lot, and am learning more as I get further and further into my project. The basics aren't really all that difficult.
I think the learning opportunity and saving $200 is worth it.
Besides, your local stereo shop doesn't know anything about the PC part of it.
Quote:
Anything Else??
Well basically that is my whole rundown of the carputer, please any SUGGESTIONS and Inputs are greaty appreciated I would like to get this done right the first time around and save as much money as possible
...
Plan out the entire thing before you purchase anything.
Save some bucks by installing it yourself and learn something along the way.
Do
lots of reading. I suggest starting at the newbie FAQ here:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/newbie/78795-new-carpcs-dont-know-where-start.html
For more advanced reading, cvheck out the FAQ Emporium (where you originally posted this):
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=106
Don't be afraid to check out the Show Off Your Project forum to get inspiration and ideas. Also, feel free to start a worklog and take lots of pictures to show everyone how your project is coming along.
Quote:
Oh ya, and hopefully I have posted this Thread in teh correct Category, My apologies if it has to be moved/towed to a more suitable Category.. Thanks
No, you didn't, but I already addressed that. Consider it moved.
Please pay attention to what subforum you're in next time you post.
Welcome to our madness!
.. the only part that i think would be hard for me is the whole tapping into car for power .. but who knows, maybe i will do this myself.. if i can gather more knowledge.. thanks again 
Linear Mode
