Thread: 2003 VY SS Holden Commodore Carputer

Welcome aboard. Looks like you did the pictures just fine.

You might look around at comments on that power supply -- it may be a little light. It looks like the equivalent of the M3-ATX, which I believe has been troublesome in some applications.

With the case you're buying, you end up paying for a 300W power supply you can't use except for testing in the house. If you don't mind a little shop work, you could probably modify a "project box" from the Oz equivalent of Mouser, and get a tighter fit. Refer to the first few post in my worklog for a similar idea.

You might spend less overall if you disassemble a 7-inch netbook PC (you can find them with 120GB drive and XP installed), add a touchscreen, and build it into the double-DIN area of your dash.

One consideration, though, is that most netbooks come with only two or three USB ports, where the motherboard you've chosen has eight onboard USB ports. That means you may might not need a powered USB hub for your peripherals, so that's an advantage.

You're off to a great start, Nosajs. You did your background research before asking questions, and you added pictures and links. That's what we like. Document everything -- we'll be watching.

Originally Posted by Nosajs

Is 160watts enough power for this setup or how much do you think I'll need?

It appears that the M2-ATX should be plenty. You're only pulling 8W max with the Atom 330 Intel board. But it's best to do a complete assessment; add up the power consumption of everything you'll power through that PSU, and make sure you have lots of margin.

Originally Posted by Nosajs

I like the computer you've shown on post 363. I looks like its even cheaper than any netbook and move powerful for its price. If I can find one here I might get that instead, or I might find one on ebay or something.

Well, we bought two; they're good little units. But there's no touchscreen built in, so they're not really cheaper than a netbook. And there's one downside to the netbooks: once you crack the case apart, the warranty is gone. When you buy discreet components, your warranties stay in effect.

Nonetheless, buying a netbook gives you a touchscreen with 1024 x 600 resolution, where the Lilliputs and the like are still only 800 x 600.

If you have a double-DIN space, take a look at Blk02si's cases. His original thread is here, and his new thread about the revised model is here. If you add the Intel board, the M2-ATX, and the hard drive in that case, you'll still have room to spare. Put the DVD unit and remote USB slots down below, and you have it all in your dash. Those cases have quality, flexibility and decent price; I like them so well that my next installation will probably use one.

Originally Posted by Nosajs

Wow I never thought of that, it's a fantastic idea! Will save heaps of wiring through my car. I think I'll be able to make something like that fairly easily. Will I need ventilation holes and/or a fan to keep it cool or will its low energy usage combined will the properties of aluminum be enough even after hours of usage?

I think I might be ready to start finalizing my plans and start ordering parts soon. Its just been a bit hard lately because we have major flooding atm. All the streets are under and there is half a metre of water under my house. I've been having lots of fun taking the tinnie around town though lol.

There's no back on the unit, so it's pretty open. I think I'd still like to add a small, quiet fan, although it may be unnecessary. I'd bet Blk02si would be happy to advise about his and his customers' experiences. I've never met him, but you can tell by his threads that he's very willing to answer questions.

Now a question for you: is a tinnie a metal boat?

I like your attitude -- other people are seeing half a metre of tough times, and you're seeing an opportunity for fun.

Originally Posted by Nosajs

Our tinnie is 13ft long with a 40hp outboard motor on the back.

Hmmmm . . . 40 hp on a 13-foot boat. That ought to be plenty of power, even if the bottom is flat and the bow is square.