Thread: Bimmerpc BMW 320 -02 touring CAR-PC project

The USB hub is something you're going to have to experiment with. Some devices need a powered hub. Some don't.

The more physical layers between the WiFi adapter and the device it's connected to, the worse your reception will be. The best solution is to use a 2.4Ghz WiFi antenna outside the vehicle.

The three things in your diagram that I see that you'll want USB 2.0 for are the optical drive, the bluetooth and the WiFi. I'd think the TV adapter would be better off w/ USB2.0 as well, although I don't know.
As a general rule, TV in the car sucks balls. Reception is marginal at best. I suggest leaving this as the last thing you implement for that reason. Chances are if you don't have TV in your ride, you're not going to miss it.

Thanks
but what are the options on doing an upgrade to my notebook? is there a usb 2.0 pcmcia card

Tv is just for "parked car" situations. I recall that I saw some kind of H-shaped in-car antenna maybe hide-able inside car panels. (Hirschman maybe?)
The small antenna I got gave good reception yesterday when I did hold it a with my hand outside my window and on top of roof

Imagine best possible reception look of my car
Usb radioshark antenna on roof
Wifi antenna on roof
Tv-antenna on roof
gps antenna on roof

will look like I´m working for BBC news or something when driving

for powering your laptop poke around here
http://www.atbatt.com/laptop-batteri...inkPad_A31.asp
i think this one may work for you
http://www.atbatt.com/product/7593.asp

I got one for my inspiron 5100 and it works like a charm and its much more efficent then going to an inverter. It takes about 10 amps so I found a 30 amp relay that Im going to use with it.

Originally Posted by bimmerpc

Thanks
but what are the options on doing an upgrade to my notebook? is there a usb 2.0 pcmcia card

They exist.

Imagine best possible reception look of my car
Usb radioshark antenna on roof
Wifi antenna on roof
Tv-antenna on roof
gps antenna on roof

will look like I´m working for BBC news or something when driving

Not if you get one of these: http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...roducts_id=148
That covers GPS & WiFi and cellphone as well.

Originally Posted by Anshu

for powering your laptop poke around here
http://www.atbatt.com/laptop-batteri...inkPad_A31.asp
i think this one may work for you
http://www.atbatt.com/product/7593.asp

I got one for my inspiron 5100 and it works like a charm and its much more efficent then going to an inverter. It takes about 10 amps so I found a 30 amp relay that Im going to use with it.

ok, but is there any easy instal in car for "non car products" like the laptop?
I mean some kind of box that I attatch to the car powerline and that has got standard power connectors so that I can just use any product and plug their included power adapter to that box?

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

They exist.


Not if you get one of these: http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...roducts_id=148
That covers GPS & WiFi and cellphone as well.

Yeah thanks, I saw one at ebay, looke neat! so I guess that is the way to go unless there arent any replacement parts so I can put it inside my docking station which is the one I am planning on attaching the usb chain to.

Originally Posted by bimmerpc

ok, but is there any easy instal in car for "non car products" like the laptop?
I mean some kind of box that I attatch to the car powerline and that has got standard power connectors so that I can just use any product and plug their included power adapter to that box?

yes, what that is an inverter. they have quite a few downsides, so many people choose against them.

Any way, do someone know a way to check weather or not my pc has got usb 1.0 or 2.0?