Subaru WRX TR (WRXTEAR) carputer progress thread

**f1vlad** · 06-04-2006, 10:01 PM

After being stealth reading around mp3car.com/vbulletin (amazing website that I have to thank for inspiring me to do carputer), I decided and am happy to finally create a progress thread.

Preface: Originally, I wanted to build everything from scratch, but with time limitations mostly, I decided to buy a Morrex case from mp3car.com and Impreza LCD kit from mechatroniks.com.

Current Setup:

1. LCD: complete impreza kit #4 (mechatroniks.com)
Lilliput Part Number 619GL-70NP
Power cable extension
Remote IR Extension

2. Computer: Morex 3688 Case
1.2GHz Nehemiah CPU VIA EPIA MII12000 m/b
512MB DDR RAM Ultra Low Profile
2.5" Hard Drive 60GB Samsung 5400rpm
DVD-ROM/CD-RW Panasonic Combo Drive
160W power supply M2-ATX
dell pcmcia wifi card

Diagram (in progress)

As of now, I am waiting for LCD kit and GPS receiver to arrive by mail, then it's going to be a go! Today I powered up my carputer via tapping to 12v output form my old FreeBSD desktop server. Everything seems to be working fine, I'll start installing OS tomorrow.

As far as OS I would like to make a dual boot, Linux and Windows, and then decide which suits me best. I don't know which Linux distro I'll go with yet. With windows, I am thinking XP or XP Embedded.

Vehicle

**f1vlad** · 06-06-2006, 11:02 PM

Following successful powerup, I partitioned my hard drive in half and already have Windows XP Professional up and running. Currently, Fedora CORE is being installed. I think Fedora will take a while.

update, Fedora installed and it's slow on boot up, like three times slower than XP. I am already thinking of trying Ubuntu. Also I am going to try nLite or TinyXP, and hopefully soon decide what I want to stick with, XP or Unix.

Finally, GPS and LCD should arrive by the end of the week, so that will be almost 95% complete setup (amp and radio card is still to purchase )

**Puffanug** · 06-06-2006, 11:06 PM

XP vs. Unix...

You aren't basing your OS choice just on boot up times, right? I would look at what you want the computer to do, then choose an OS that makes sense. Seems like maybe ODBII and stuff would be your style... look into the limitations of ODBII software and Unix platforms (if there are any, I'm not sure what's out there for Unix).

Seems like the Unix folks on here are getting more and more apps running in their cars everyday, but XP still has it beat on integrating retail hardware and software...

**f1vlad** · 06-06-2006, 11:21 PM

Thanks for headsup Puffanug... You are very correct, boot time isn't my only criteria. But I failed to consider ODBII, which I do want to use for sure. In all honestly, I am simply overwhelmed with the amount of information to be considered for the project and willing to get it done as soon as I possibly can.

Seems like my hours are numbered to cross Unix outta the picture. We'll see. I am kinda ok with that, even though at the beginning of the project I was all into having it work based on Unix.

**Puffanug** · 06-07-2006, 12:01 AM

ODBII is on my list, but way towards the end. I decided to break my install up in stages.

First step - get a touchscreen lcd mounted in dash and be able to do mp3, gps nav and apps, videos, dvd, internet, and phone.

Second step - add ODBII, can-bus interface for control of the driver info panel, back up cam, front cam and recording system, XM or Sirius radio, and FM tuner.

I'm sure this will change as I go, but I learned real quick that if I wanted something in fast, I may have to break it into stages...

Your plan and website look good, I'll keep an eye on this one...

**f1vlad** · 06-07-2006, 11:26 AM

Yeah, I think I end up realing I have to split my project into steps or levels if you will, otherwise it's just going to be an never ending venture.

Just now, I received an LCD!!!

so it's playing time!

**Redian** · 06-07-2006, 04:31 PM

hey, its nice to see yet another WRX being modded, i have a link for you that might be helpful for connecting speakers...

Code:

http://www.geocities.com/svxdc/WRX-pinout.htm

its the only one i could find, if the site goes down before you get it (for whatever reason) i have it saved on my computer as well.

good luck with your install, and although it is an '06, my '04 is very similar so if you have a problem maybe i can help ^^

good luck! (p.s. use the 12v accessory wire from the speaker heading for the iginition wire to the psu)

**maxxell** · 06-07-2006, 09:16 PM

I agree that you're taking on a LOT at once. Get the basics in there and running first... motherboard, power supply, hard drive, monitor, sound. Once those 5 are running reliably, then you can add peripherals galore. You might be able to throw them all in and hit the ground running with no problems, but I doubt it. Every system has growing pains and it's much easier if you do things one step at a time for diagnostic / trouble-shooting purposes.

Keep us up-to-date! And, of course, Subaru-love!

**Redian** · 06-07-2006, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by maxxell

I agree that you're taking on a LOT at once. Get the basics in there and running first... motherboard, power supply, hard drive, monitor, sound. Once those 5 are running reliably, then you can add peripherals galore. You might be able to throw them all in and hit the ground running with no problems, but I doubt it. Every system has growing pains and it's much easier if you do things one step at a time for diagnostic / trouble-shooting purposes.

Keep us up-to-date! And, of course, Subaru-love!

i agree maxxell, however i have to say... if he knows how to use unix well (and uses ubuntu is a plus... cuz it kicks ***... and the nickname of my dog - sister thought of that not me) then it wont be hard for him to implement small things like obd connections/gps/other crap

i found it easier to actually fix everything first so it works before you get in the car

then you just pop it in and you are good to go, like i did.

**f1vlad** · 06-07-2006, 09:41 PM

Thanks guys,

I have never played with Ubuntu, only BSD, and Linux flavours (redhat and mandrake). Ubuntu is Debian, which I have never touched. I have downloaded xubuntu.ISO and I am thinking whether to spend time or just get XP for now. For my level of Unix guy I think it'll be one more headache added to the equasion.

At this point, I am almost certain I just want to stick to Windows XP Pro, tunned with nLite. Then, install Ubuntu on my laptop as a second boot option, and see whether I want to bother playing with it on carpc.

So for now, plan is to get mp3 and gps working as a stage one (of course secondary not important things like dvd playback and wifi). Then once this all set, move to things like ODBII and XM.