Jirka Jirout

We do not have all details, but there will be a basic version for Euro 99 (non-mapping GE/RB navigation only, without modules for integration with hardware) and the maximum configuration including all modules and map of one country and major roads of Europe should be for Euro 199. We are not sure whether there will be one or two versions between these two.

As for the online services, much depends on our negotiations with Tele Atlas, but one idea is to pay one euro per day for full access to maps of whatever area you happen to be in.

MP3Car.com

 

Machinehead

What are the chances that you'll release a version in the US?

travisroy74

I read early on that you were working with a firewave for audio output, what kind of sound controls (if any) will be available within QCar? I saw that you cound do the basics, volume, mute, bass/treble type controls, but I'm looking for a bit more control. I understand that you would wait on these types of convenience items until after the software is out, but I am just curious if there is anything I could do to put together an audio wish list for future updates?

I am now looking into audio outputs such as the firewave or some other 7.1 or more likely 5.1 output. I would love 31 band EQ per channel (except the LFE of course) and time alignment for starters. I could just use the hopefully soon to be released JBL MS-8 for these functions & more but I'd prefer to do it from within the mini.

Also, on some mp3's I've set up custom eq settings, stand up comedy/talk radio needing a different curve than say trance or rock, will QCar be able to read these itunes eq settings and duplicate them?

Again I realize the priority now is on other areas, I am in the process of designing the new sound system and I'm just brainstorming ideas.

remingtonbox

Ditto. Heck I wasn't even planning on running a Mac in my car but now *rubs hands together* that is definitely the plan

Remington

--EDIT--
You all have been great on my journey to getting a CarPC. I have learned tons on the short time that I have been here.

Jirka Jirout

There is no reason for not being able to use QCar in the US. TeleAtlas does provide map data, QCar does support both US and metric units...

Sorry for not updating the progress info more often, I am now buried in finalizing the navigation module :-)

xtremewaianae

i read this whole thread wondering if i missed something? is this project still active? i have been looking around and the mac needs this badly for a true car interface. just anxious to here whats new in the last 5 months..

Jirka Jirout

Yes, the project is still very much active. Today I have spent 12 hours testing the navigation and Phidgets, tomorrow I am installing a demo car for one of our partners, Friday is reserved for testing and debugging of some online services.

I will try to post updates more regularly.

Abuelin

Hi Jirka,
To be honest, I haven't read all 13 pages, so you might have answer this question before, but if you dont mind: Where can I download a demo of your software?
And also, Im a graphic Designer with a lot of experience in interactivity, I read you hired a designer, but I would like to work on your front-end a couple hours if you dont mind... if you can send me some files and the demo I would love to give you some ideas.

MP3Car.com

 

nwsnowboarder

Jirka,

There are two wonderful GPS programs, one is specific for OS X and the other is open source, multi platform.

The first is MacGPSPro and is a solid mapping application.

The second is Xastir. This is primarily used for APRS and again is a solid program. The mapping functions in Xastir are spectacular, utilizing many sources for maps. Most people use TIGER maps. Xastir is also run in Terminal, like QCar.

I got into the idea of putting my Mac in my Land Rover to use Xastir with my Ham Radio and the APRS functions. Getting all the other stuff, is icing on the cake.

Have you thought about integrating a mapping software that utilizes USGS maps and not just road maps?

Cheers,

Nick

Bugbyte

Jirka is probably less interested in USGS as he isn't from the U.S.

Are you using native Mac software for APRS?

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nwsnowboarder

No, I am not using native Mac software. Xastir is open source and was originally scripted for Linux. It has been ported for Windows, Mac and several other OS's. On the Mac it runs in Terminal and you need Xcode installed.

Xastir is a great program for mapping and APRS. The reason I write this is the incredible number of map formats it uses, TIGER maps, USGS DRG files, BSB, Google Earth...the list goes on. I can easily track my vehicle and see all my buddies when we are rallying. The best part is, the maps are all free.

I certainly understand Jirka is in the Netherlands, but when he brings this product to market, many of his customers will be in the US, so having functionality with the mapping systems available here is a must.

I noticed you use Google Earth with iBug. The nice thing about using some of the map formats, is that you can download the files and then you don't need internet access to use the maps.

MacGPSpro is also an awesome mapping tool utilizing USGS DRG files and several other file format. It is native to Mac and fairly well thought out.

Cheers,

Nick

Jirka Jirout

Our mapping framework is rather flexible and terrain maps with off-road navigation are definitely on our to-do list (one of my colleagues drives a Range Rover). We do not plan using any particular map format directly, instead we would like to provide format description so people could write applications or scripts to import their particular format. We might create importer for the most common formats in-house, but this is all relatively low priority and will most likely be done in Q3 this year. The on-road navigation is the top item now - it works, but there are still a few glitches (i.e. route finding is relatively slow for long distances etc.)

APRS is one of the things in the pipeline - my colleague is currently looking for a suitable transceiver that he could install and control via QCar. APRS is something he would like to do as well.

nwsnowboarder

That's great to hear Jirka. There are currently only two mobile transceivers on the market that have built in TNC's (Terminal Node Controllers), the Kenwood D710a and the Alinco DR-135T that are out of the box suitable for APRS. Any other radios require separate TNC in order use APRS. I don't think either radio has the ability to be controlled from a PC though I might be mistaken.

Full disclosure, I personnaly own an Icom IC-2820H and use a Coastal Chipworks TNC-X. I am going to be experimenting with a Byonics Tiny Trak 4 very soon.

On a side note, I received my Carnetix CNX-P2140 yesterday with MacMini harness. I checked the positions off all the jumpers, then bench tested it last night with my 12v power supply and my MacMini. Works great and I love the PSUmoni that you ported over for Mac....In fact the only reason I bought the P2140, over the P1900, is the software interface. Prices on the P2140 also just dropped $15 bucks while it was in transit to my home from :-) but too bad I missed that deal :-(

Cheers,

Nick

vmarks

I understand the choice of TeleAtlas, but I wonder about http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Main_Page -- these are free open maps which are user-contributed. They're surprisingly complete. If qCar could both log uncharted territory and submit back to them, as well as download updates from them and use them for navigation, that would be fantastic.

Similarly, there are people putting in bike paths they've taken, Jirka's colleague could use it with the Land Rover / Range Rover to log off-road adventures.

Benefit to Jirka? No TeleAtlas contracts and fees to pass on to his customers.

Jirka Jirout

I am afraid that charting an unknown road and getting all the info to use that road for routing is not something QCar could do while simply passing thru. The routing table in TeleAtlas maps contains dozens of fields for each road segment (part of the road between every two junctions).

As for logging the routes and submitting them back, that has been working for quite a while using either our own server or gpsgate.com. Now we also have the option to convert such a record (sequence of points in kml, gpx or similar format) into a route (sequence of road elements with turn-by-turn instructions).

But basically the navigation in QCar is not tied to any particular map format or supplier - it uses our own format into which other formats can be converted. At the moment we only have a converter for .shp maps, used by TA and Navteq, but the format is very simple and it should not be a big problem to write a converter for other map sources as well.

MP3Car.com