Out with the Nav, In with the PC (A few pics)

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:50 am

In case you haven't been privy to Mike and I's conversations..we're really into the idea of fitting a CarPC into the Vibe. Well..with the recent purchase of my stock Nav (i'll stop crying eventually) I'm forced to go ahead with it. Today I managed to physically rip the Nav out, and get about 40% of the way through the CarPC. As of yet, i'm missing the power controller, the screen, and a mini-keyboard i'll use for it. The screen should be here Thursday. Hopefully, i'll get the inverter hooked up tomorrow and I can at least give it a test run..I also need to figure out where to put a DVDRom. I have a full-size one from a desktop system that I thought about shockmounting under the driver seat..but..I might rip one out of an old laptop and have the nice mini-DVD..but, I still don't know where to put it! I considered dremmeling a hole in the passenger dash, but..I don't know if I can make it look clean enough... Any ideas? Talking about a standard Laptop DVDRom drive..So...the pictures!First...the front dash pulled off(thanks Mike for the instructions) What was under the dash... What I found in the dash! That's the Glass Breakage sensor for the 'Security' system. It's next to the air setup on the passenger side.. Here's the factory GPS antenna. Yes, that is the defroster vent it's attatched to. Here's the power supply for the computer. Huge, ain't it? It slid in behind the AC controls and shifter. Fit pretty well..I had to slide it over slightly to get it to fit with the stock AC outlet housing..but it all went together. Above it is my 'aftermarket' GPS. A Rand McNally serial GPS with no top. And a closer of the aftermarket GPS Here's the lower half of my Alpine EQ brain..which..needs to move. It rubs the bottom of the seat if you put the seat down. The Inverter is the blue thing. Here's the mess in the 'passenger seat' area. Note the center console and passenger seat missing. The factory Nav is sitting on top of the EQ brain. And here's the aftermath. As I don't have a replacement screen yet (it should be here Thursday. I get to drive with this lovely view. And finally..my new puppy, Dade. Leashed to my Hidden Hitch and staying cool under the car. I'll resize the pics better when I can think..and, when I build a little website about the whole project. This is a nice peek however.

champcaracing · Post by **champcaracing** » Tue May 24, 2005 2:41 am

hey ive seen that kinda mess, when ive taken my dash out afew times. can yank the top off in about 5-7 minutes now. try putting the invertor under the dash behind the cluster. i had a jbl amp hanging off the cross bar brace, works good since we don't have lots of room for stuff like that.

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Tue May 24, 2005 2:49 am

You are a braver man than I, I wouldn't even think of ripping my car apart that much.

damronjr · Post by **damronjr** » Tue May 24, 2005 2:51 am

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants »You are a braver man than I, I wouldn't even think of ripping my car apart that much.Nope, nope, nope!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue May 24, 2005 5:51 am

Quote, originally posted by champcaracing »hey ive seen that kinda mess, when ive taken my dash out afew times. can yank the top off in about 5-7 minutes now. try putting the invertor under the dash behind the cluster. i had a jbl amp hanging off the cross bar brace, works good since we don't have lots of room for stuff like that.Well, that's actually a darn good idea... Only reason I wouldn't is the fan in the inverter is quite loud, so i'm using the rear seat to muffle it.. I moved it under the driver seat..it's a snug fit, but it should hold up pretty well. I'll probably put in a temperature sensing system to keep tabs on overheating..Quote, originally posted by Mr.Poopypants »You are a braver man than I, I wouldn't even think of ripping my car apart that much.Quote, originally posted by damronjr »Nope, nope, nope!It's not too bad, actually. Just imagine, I know what most of the stuff back there does. Can you picture ragingfish with the dash apart, the headliner off, and who knows what else missing? He's the brave one! I merely tread in his footsteps..The most nervewracking part was disconnecting the air bag..but, that turned out to work pretty well.. On another note: I hooked up one of my desktop LCDs in the passenger seat and got everything working today. Lo and behold, my makeshift GPS reciever works! Hahah! Now I just need to get better software. I'm using DeLorme Road Atlas 2005, but I really need to get my hands on iGuidance 2.1 by iNavCorp. It supposedly does things WAAAAY better.And more good news, the computer actually -eliminated- most of the noise I had in the radio. There was some residual stuff coming off the MiFi, but a small in-line GLI fixed most of that right up.I'm waiting on the in-dash screen and the power controller. Once those come in i'll be all set. The next big part of the project is figuring out how to get the screen -in- the dash...argh..

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Tue May 24, 2005 9:56 am

Yow! You are brave.... Looking interesting!I'd just put my mac mini under the seat and have it held in by double sided tape, then put a screen somewhere. LOL! I probably couldn't make anything more complex work.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue May 24, 2005 10:06 am

There's a guy with a Beetle that did something like that. Had the Mini in the trunk though..It's actually not as much as it looks like...the worst part is yet to come.. I saw a Matrix XR that built the screen into the dash, which is what i'd like to do, but that requires a little bit of fabrication...which..i've never tried.Anyone have an extra dash bezel they can part with?

jeffgtx · Post by **jeffgtx** » Tue May 24, 2005 12:01 pm

J-if you get into fabrication for thing to mount to/in teh top part of the dash, i'd like to where you go or what you do, since i am at that point for one of my projects.i admire the scope of the project and how well you are doing it thus far. are you in an area where you are able to get wireless high speed internet (UMTS) or anything?last question...you don't happen to have a picture of the bottom of the dash or a close up of behind teh cluster do you?thanks, and nice work again.Jeff

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue May 24, 2005 1:51 pm

Quote, originally posted by jeffgtx »if you get into fabrication for thing to mount to/in teh top part of the dash, i'd like to where you go or what you do, since i am at that point for one of my projects.This is going to be my basic instruction set: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulleti...45897With this being the end result:Without the radio on the bottom...Quote »i admire the scope of the project and how well you are doing it thus far. are you in an area where you are able to get wireless high speed internet (UMTS) or anything?Thanks! It's been something i've wanted to do for a while..and though it's not 100% what I really want to do, it's a darn good start! I'm just outside of Atlanta, so I could get VZW's highspeed mobile, and i've heard that T-Mobile has something similar. However, as i'm broke (and STILL no job) that'll be down the road. For the time being, I have a choice of USB or PCI wireless cards that I can use to get WiFi where available. If I go with PCI, I can get a magnet mount antenna on the roof, unless I mod the USB version. The wireless utility on SP2 makes it easy to find access points, as well as a program called NetStumbler.Quote »last question...you don't happen to have a picture of the bottom of the dash or a close up of behind teh cluster do you?Not as such... There is a pretty amazing amount of space back there, and I did happen to find the relay pack for my Remote Start that I had jammed up in there. Is there something specific you want? I know i'll be taking the dash apart again on Thursday (when the screen arrives), so I can snap something then if nobody beats me to it.

jeffgtx · Post by **jeffgtx** » Tue May 24, 2005 2:53 pm

THAT is awesome. i am totally jealous. i saw you write that you are doing a mini keyboard. any consideration for those foladable ones. i used that for my steering controls, you could just roll it up and throw it in the center console!Wifi is a good idea. here in the bay area we have UMTS from ATT. its about 200-300kbps, but its the ENTIRE bay area, highways and all. but its $80/monthQuote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Not as such... There is a pretty amazing amount of space back there, and I did happen to find the relay pack for my Remote Start that I had jammed up in there. Is there something specific you want? I know I'll be taking the dash apart again on Thursday (when the screen arrives), so I can snap something then if nobody beats me to it.well, i initially misunderstood you. i thought youw ere going to carve into the top of the dash, not the radio faceplate thingy. i need to carve into the top of the dash (your very first pic on this post).how thick is that covering?if you do have it apart and can spare the time, i sure would appreciate a shot of the bottom view of the dash cover (bottom of your first pic) and a pic or two of the area behind the cluster (maybe top view and a side angle view). that would really help me a lot. I'd really be thankful.good luck... i know it was hard to part with your nav, but i think this is going to be totally worth it!

gpk99 · Post by **gpk99** » Wed May 25, 2005 9:41 am

How about a Blackberry to use as a mini keyboard?...dont those things have bluetooth now and its easy to put bluetooth in a pc....just a suggestion and WOW......i think your project is going to be AWESOME when completed....pretty cool

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed May 25, 2005 11:56 am

Didn't think of the blackberry..but also a mite bit expensive, I think...So far I'm going to go with one of three options.1. Mini-Usb keyboard, about $20.2. Mini wireless keyboard, about $603. Mini keyboard, about $15 (as seen here http://www.mp3car.com/vbulleti...41136I'd like to do the wireless one, but then I have to figure out where to put it when i'm not using it. The MiniKey is an awesome idea..but again..where to put it! I might do some combination of that, and a wired mini-keyboard that I can stash somewhere, or maybe figure out a way to latch it to the headliner, hm...Drat, now I need to put in a USB hub!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 25, 2005 1:06 pm

Jahntassa usually lets me play guinea pig for mods...I've been consulting with him on logistics for this one...I'm letting him take the lead on this project. I may or may not do this based on whether or not he has success!

jeffgtx · Post by **jeffgtx** » Wed May 25, 2005 1:16 pm

you guys would definately be the kings of mobile computing then!keyboard option 3 i could see nicely flipping up from a holster on top o the steering wheel or column. if you ned to run lines to it, i can show you since i have the experience of staring at open clocksprings for hours. you could also mount it on the underside of the center console. open teh console and unlatch for easy typing.if i were going to do it, i would probably avoid the temptation of making it too accessable to the driver, and make it a pop up thing when you open the glovebox. more of a passenger side ammenity though. i doubt youa re looking for that.keep us posted. let me know if you are able to snap any pics tomorrow.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed May 25, 2005 1:27 pm

The guys over at mp3car.com put me to shame. Honestly. But.. I also have no money. So..hey! Hopefully this will work out. Depending on how successful I am with mounting the screen, I could do it for others!As for the keyboard... jeff, I like the ideas.. I think i'm looking for something that's more stow than go. Something I can pull out and use if i'm just sitting somewhere. This will be mostly for the driver, but I like the passenger thing..er..glovebox.Long day, much?The screen is probably going to be ghetto rigged at first, at least until I can scrape $25 for an extra dashpiece. (Yes, broke.) Function over form at first..I need to get the better nav software as Delorme sucks.

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Wed May 25, 2005 9:04 pm

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »The guys over at mp3car.com put me to shame. Honestly. But.. I also have no money. So..hey! Hopefully this will work out. Depending on how successful I am with mounting the screen, I could do it for others!As for the keyboard... jeff, I like the ideas.. I think i'm looking for something that's more stow than go. Something I can pull out and use if i'm just sitting somewhere. This will be mostly for the driver, but I like the passenger thing..er..glovebox.Long day, much?The screen is probably going to be ghetto rigged at first, at least until I can scrape $25 for an extra dashpiece. (Yes, broke.) Function over form at first..I need to get the better nav software as Delorme sucks.I can't wait to see how this comes out. Maybe I just don't pay any attention but you are using a touch screen right?

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:12 am

Quote, originally posted by Mr. Poopypants »Maybe I just don't pay any attention but you are using a touch screen right?And i'm only a little behind in the times. But yes! I'm using a T-View T-700TS 7" Widescreen Touchscreen. It has one VGA input, and two video inputs, plus USB touchscreen.Here's a newer update:Ha HA! The screen finally came in! It's the T-View T-700TS/ 7". It might not be the best in the world, but I got it off ebay for $210 shipped, and it seems to do the trick! There's a Matrix user on this board, who recently posted on the Vibe board about how he mounted his screen, and i'm going to be followign practically the same procedure. It won't look as pretty, due to the fact that he used a Lilliput (I think), and I have the more square TView, but... It'll still look pretty decent.Now, pictures!Here it is, fresh out of the box.Here it is hooked up to one of my other systems. I believe it's running 1024x768, the 15" LCD is hooked up DVI, the TView is VGA. Still pretty decent! Touchscreen is working well after the initial 4-point calibrationHere it is with some video from media player. The TView has an annoying red tinge to it, which the ATI in that system can correct, but right now i'm running onboard video in the car, and it doesn't have that. I'm contemplating finding a PCI ATI-based board on the cheap, just for the Catalyst drivers. No AGP on this system.Here's a comparison of size to the hole in the dash. I think I have two options. One, cut the bottom of the dash trim off and mold the casing into the dash. Two, pull the screen out of the casing and make an inner shroud, mounting the screen to the existing dash.. If..you get what i'm saying.Here's the lameo boot screen I made for it. Still needs some work, but that was the first one, and I didn't put too much effort into it.Here it is running Centrafuse, which isn't fully setup and running yet. Just threw it on there to see how it looked.And the obligitory wide shot of the screen with the dash. I've since changed the method of 'temporary' mounting. In these shots i'm using the flexible base that came with it and kinda 'anchoring' it between the dash trim and dash. This morning I took out a headrest mount from one of the other projects I had, and cable-tied it in the dash. It's designed to slip onto the poles of the headrests and hold a screen up, so right now it's cable-tied to the factory radio mounts. It seems pretty solid, and I can pull the screen out by unscrewing the bottom of it. Security is an issue around here now, and until it's -in- the dash, i'm going to be pulling it out of plain sight.Still waiting on the DSSC. Yes, serial power controller. The guys at Dashwerks said they're waiting on a part, so it should be here sometime next week. Then I'll really get moving on things!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:13 am

That was from 5/27, I forgot to say. Yes, i've been forsaking GenVibe for MP3car! Actually..this was when the forums 'dissapeared' for a few days, so i'm just now catching up!This from 6/5:And here's an update! I'm about 90% there, (just waiting on the DSSC shutdown controller)So, some interim pics:Here's the 40Gb drive i'm using for media (replaced one of the 20's), and an old HP DVDRom. I'm using an IDE-to-Firewire adapter that supports two drives, and extending the molex from the PC to the drives. Works surprisingly well!And here's the mess of running wires. I ran:- Power for the glove box drives- USB behind the screen- VGA- Firewire- Seems like other stuff, but it's been a blur!The USB hub behind the dash. Right now for the screen and my WiFi. Probably gonna put in an extension and figure out a nifty way to have a visible USB port.Here's a nice little touchpad I got from Target a couple of years ago. At $20, I couldn't beat the price! It's just PS/2, but it has a long cord, and reaches perfectly. Good for when I need more specific control than the touchscreen.Here's my WiFi adapter (and my EQ control above), I'm using the little velcro holder so I can disconnect and hide the WiFi if I want to.And here's the results of chopping up my screen! I decided not to chop up the dash, and it fits well! A combination of Epoxy, and well placed screws helped with this one. I chopped the power LED, and kept the buttons along with the IrDA reciever. This is just a test fit (to make sure the screen still worked after all I did to it.)More to come later!

nismo · Post by **nismo** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:34 am

Hey, it's lookin great so far . Can't wait to see the end result.Inder

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:36 am

And the latest update! (6/12)Two new additions, one being a seperate LCD Character display, and the other an AC Extension reel so I can run the PC off AC! Mostly because i'm still on stock battery, and, well...it's crap. I need to do some research on 12v power supplies and see if I can put one in the trunk so I can possibly run the car off AC. Hey, i'd already be wired up for shows! I just need..y'know..performance mods..and a paint job...and for the car to not look like crap. So, pictures!First up, the LCD itself! It's a 2x16 (2 rows, 16 character) display that I ripped out of a demo for a Beltronics FX1 performance meter I grabbed from CC before I was (summarily) fired. The demo did nothing but repeat a little loop of features, but the screen could be used! Here's a shot after I got it working with one of my desktop PCs! The trick with this is, it uses the parallel port, and 5v. Well, I already have an independant 5v power source, thanks to my XM power adapter, so, tap into that, tear apart a parallel port extender, and voila! Here's a shot of what my desk looked like while I was trying to wire it up. And here's a shot of the back of the LCD panel after I cleaned everything up. The ribbon cable came from an old Canopus DVRaptorBay that happened to go on the pins perfectly. And here's a shot of the donor device. Right now the LCD is up in the headliner (no pic yet) and looks kinda crappy, so what i'm going to do is cut off the sides, and jam just the window part into the headliner, so at least it LOOKS decent. That's a project i'll probably try later tonight or tomorrow (depending on the monsoonlike rain outside at the moment) And a promo shot of what the FX1 display would normally look like. Next up, the AC reel!This I also ganked from CC. I have two of them now. They came from those shop flourescent bulb reels where you have the 18 inch flourecent tube on the end of a 40 ft reel. Well, the bulb holders were destroyed, and I got to keep the reels! So, what I did was reversed it. I put an AC plug on the part that reels out, and attatched the other end to the relay. It works fine in testing! And here's the relay. I've had this thing hanging around since high school! A simple industrial AC switched relay that Johnson&Johnson was using in the machines that make BandAids. (I'll explain that if you want..)Anyway. The way it works is this. The Inverter normals through the relay, so the relay doesn't do anything when i'm powering from the car. However, if I plug in the AC reel, the relay automatically switches the computer over to the reel's AC, and the computer will power automatically! If I put in a battery charger, i'll probably put in a cutoff switch with some sort of circuit breaker as well. But for now, it's JUST the PC, so i'm not too concerned. Still waiting on the power controller. It's been like, four weeks! I'm giving the guy a couple of days to respond to my last email, then i'm thinking about going to paypal and saying the guy never gave me the goods..

jeffgtx · Post by **jeffgtx** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 6:53 am

frick that's awesome.i would love to see clsoe up pics of the fit of the LCD screen. i can;t believe you got it to fit.what are you using teh little monochrome LCD for? Digital radio title, etc?my projects always seem so small compared to yours i have project envy.nice

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:16 am

This is what happens when you have a technopackrat and someone who looks at some random object and says "Hm, y'know..I could use this for something."I will get more pics of the indash screen, I still need to 'black out' the white text at the top of it.The character LCD is going to be system status. It's going to have time/date on the bottom and change through the following up top: CPU Temp, Case Temp, CPU fan speed, Case fan speed, CPU usage, Memory usage, and computer Up-time.I found a little program called LCD Smartie http://lcdsmartie.sourceforge.net/ that controls the display. Though I could have Centrafuse control it, I think I like the idea of having the background system info scrolling where I can see it.This is one of those projects i've wanted to do FOREVER. And, of course, it's not going to look 'exactly' how I want it..but..i'd say it's going pretty well and easy for the moment!

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 12:51 pm

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa » My god, I thought I had a ton of crap on my computer desk!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:12 pm

Don't make me take a picture of the whole desk! That's only one part!I have one of those corner desks, too. Two computers running (though both the monitors you see are for one computer)Where the vise and soldiering iron are is like..all the usable space at the moment. I can never keep the thing cleaned off!

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 9:02 pm

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »I have one of those corner desks, too. Two computers running (though both the monitors you see are for one computer)Holy crap!There is a computer on that desk. Have trouble seeing it past the mountain of electronic stuff.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 5:45 am

that is awesome! but you are totally insane!!!!i'll be adding just a desk to the passenger seat for my laptop to take with me for work. other than that, i can't imagine wiring that into the car! it's totally and completely sweet, but you are insane! i repeat: INSANE!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 5:58 am

So how much has all of this stuff cost so far? LOL Cool looking project though...just needs some Linux or something other than Windows now.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 6:44 am

Quote, originally posted by Kari »just needs some Linux or something other than Windows now. I agree... Hey, no sense in letting all that hard work go to waste by having your onboard entertainment system throw a bloody BSOD while on the freeway. J/K, of course. Anyway, good work!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:16 am

Quote, originally posted by Kari »So how much has all of this stuff cost so far? LOL Cool looking project though...just needs some Linux or something other than Windows now. Out of pocket, not including the hardware i've randomly aquired over time?$215 for the screen on ebay$54 for the shutdown controller (which should arrive this week)The shutdown controller will automatically hibernate the system when I shut off the car, and then cut power to the system.Everything else I already had!Touchpad: $20 at Target about 3 years agoUSB Hub: Kid at college gave it to meDVD Drive: Same as above40 Gb HD: Picked it up somewhere along the wayComputer: The IT guy at Circuit City "lost" it. Inverter: My college radio station bought it to put in my previous car to power a portable PA for two years of homecoming parade, and never asked for it backHeh.. Only stuff to buy:Decent PCI video cardWireless mini-keyboard (maybe bluetooth)And i'm sticking with XP thank you.. Linux might be more compact, but I don't wanna bother trying to figure it out. And there're plenty of people who put mac-mini's in their cars too.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:20 am

That doesn't sound too bad man!

Kari · Post by **Kari** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:28 am

I've only really been using Linux for about a month and a half, and so far I've found very little figure out, and what there was, I found interesting...so it's worked out. It seems to manage things better too when they're running...this is a Pentium 166 machine with 192 megs of RAM, but I can keep 6 programs open and still have physical memory left, and experience no system slowdown at all. Not sure how it does that but hey I ain't complaining. I'd love to see a Mac mini in a car in person though...I've seen pictures online but that's it.Anyway, think the IT guy at Circuit City could "lose" a computer for me too? LOL I was expecting a multi-thousand dollar project...so yep, not a bad investment.

idontknowwhatimdoing · Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:36 am

I gotta give you props...on the electronics scene this proves you are the man! WOW!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 12:19 pm

Quote, originally posted by Kari »Anyway, think the IT guy at Circuit City could "lose" a computer for me too? LOL I was expecting a multi-thousand dollar project...so yep, not a bad investment. Depending on options, the computer could cost from $400-up. (http://www.mp3car.com/store/in...c91ef)My screen was around $215 (after shipping)http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...&rd=1A power supply that does the shutdown controls:http://www.mp3car.com/store/pr...id=67And you've basically got it! Anything else is just add-on. Or you can do a MacMini for $500 and work from there..

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:57 pm

Latest update, no pictures yet, some are on the camera, some haven't been taken!I got the power controller (Yaay!) and have wired it up so everything turns -ON- right..but the -OFF- is still having issues. I'm waiting for the guy who made it to contact me back about that..I got the AC reel in, and the battery backup running, so I can run off AC Mains now! And starting the car will no longer present a problem as far as the power drop goes. It's also 1 am, and i'm mentally beat, so this is gonna be one of those really short and nonsensical posts. You'll understand more when I take pics!

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:16 am

once you get it working, what exactly do you do with it?

sloth · Post by **sloth** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:22 am

Most are using the carputers for Nav systems, mp3 playing/storage, dvd systems, and odb II reading.Wish I could afford to do it, but there is no way my wife would let me.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 8:08 am

So far, the navigation software i'm using is about 20x better than the stock navigation system. Pretty much the rest as sloth said. Nav, MP3s, Videos/DVD, and eventually OBDII info. It's also good for weather radar on the go!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 12:08 pm

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »So far, the navigation software i'm using is about 20x better than the stock navigation system.I can attest to that!iGuidance is fricken SWEET man!Y'all can check it out in Michigan!

stahl · Post by **stahl** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 4:16 am

One thing I wish iGuidance had was editable POIs. I'm trying to reverse engineering their poi.bin file format, but I still got a while to go.This project is awesome, though.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 11:32 am

Okay, so...here's what we got..I've been somewhat distracted since getting a new job (Yay!), but i'm still working on things.- The Character LCD is mounted in the headliner, but...it's not pretty. So, i'm gonna cut up the casing it came in and 'mount' that around the screen to try to pretty it up.- I need to replace the molex plugs that are going to the glovebox stuff. Basically what I did was put a HD power splitter end out the back of the case, and got a matching connector to extend into the glovebox. Well..those white molex connectors SUCK...so I need to go get like...a four-pin trailer hitch connector to keep a solid connection. It works, but occaisionally the media drive will lose power..- Upgraded the firmware on my firewire controller so it doesn't go retarded- Fixed my dumbass hibernation issue! So, the serial shutdown controller I have doesn't do what I want to do. Basically it would just shut down the system. Which..doesn't do what I want. So... I tried at first to wire into a Gameport -> USB adapter...which mostly worked, but all the software I found to do it...well..sucked. (Yes, I tried Girder..but it didn't do it right)So, I found an old USB keyboard...and Lo! It has the sleep button on it! So, after hacking out the controller and wiring that up, it now hibernates every time, perfectly! Woohoo!So, still some issues to fix...- Buzz from the inverter. I need to reconnect the ground pin going to the computer's power supply..but...haven't yet. Probably tomorrow.- Mounting that thing around the Character LCD- Reinstalling my FRS radioAnd some more software stuff.. Plus the three buttons on the side of the screen i'm not using should do stuff. I want to work with one to trigger the remote start...Umm...what else? Right! My IrDA keyboard needs to get hacked up and the reciever hidden in-dash somewhere... Probably not tomorrow, but at some point.. Plus I need to figure out where to stash the Keyboard.

jeffgtx · Post by **jeffgtx** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:39 pm

what does the irda keyboard look like?

Myself · Post by **Myself** » Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:58 pm

I discovered that the passenger seatback tray has a nice edge to it. I was hooking bungees under it to keep things from sliding down, and I bet you could fashion some simple hooks that would hang the keyboard back there if you need it out of the way. Otherwise, velcro is my poison of choice. My dash is covered with velcro.If you can find the stuff with industrial-strength adhesive and then prep the surface so it sticks, try putting a long strip of velcro along where the passenger's left leg would touch the console. That's a decently hidden place to stash the keyboard, in reach of both driver (while stopped) and passenger, and it's not likely to annoy anyone too much. A few felt dots on the other edge of the keyboard will keep it from rattling.Philosophical question: Why don't people use laptops for this stuff? There's lots of support in the APM/ACPI drivers for shutting the machine down if it loses external power, etc. (Very simple: Set "critical low battery" for 98%) Reading this thread has been fascinating and motivating, I need to get some of the junk off my workbench so it looks as uncluttered as yours! Then I'd be in shape to tackle a project like this. Very cool, keep the updates coming!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Jul 09, 2005 12:10 am

Well..honestly, people do use laptops for this.. But:1. Laptops are much more expensive than individual components2. It's not as easy to get to the onboard power switch with laptops (without ripping it to shreds)3. Included in the cost of the laptop is the laptop screen, which, isn't what most people will use. It's usually too large to do anything with, extending the wiring to it is extremely difficult, and most of them don't have touchscreens.But, as said, people do use laptops..for some people (like me) it depends on what's laying around.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Jul 09, 2005 7:28 am

Well..I've got a partial casualty on my hands..Today when I rewired the power connection going to the second HD and DVD-Rom in the glovebox, I accidentally switched 12v with 5v.Yup. Fried 'em both. Well..all three, technically.- 40 GB drive - Toast- DVDRom - Toast- Firewire/IDE adapter - ToastAnd of course, I don't have the money to replace them. In the meantime I do have a 2.5" Firewire enclosure that i'll use just to have music (my XM unit is being stupid too..) So i'm not totally screwed..but..It'll be at least $50 for the firewire adapter.$40-$50 for a DVD Drive ($90 if I wanted one of the slimlines..but then I'd need to adapt that, too)And at least $40 for a HD. Which is absolutely retarded. You'd think you could go out and just buy a 40Gb for $40 locally..but NO. Everyone has to start at $80 for 80. What..the hell.Still have issues with hibernation..and I got nothing else done because of impending rain.. On the bright side, I didn't damage the screen at all, and thankfully my XM MiFi wasn't in the car at the time for that to get destroyed..

bash1979 · Post by **bash1979** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 10:40 am

Hi Jahntassa,Just wondering how things were going with your CarPC.....any updated pics or stories? I've already started gathering parts for my PC after being inspired by your thread!Thanks!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Jul 31, 2005 1:13 pm

The GA heat has put a few things on hold, but it's still in progress!Thus far i've cleaned up the character LCD mounting a little, i'll get pictures of that when I can..- I think I have the hibernation issue licked. Basically, I tore apart a USB keyboard and pulled the controller out. This keyboard has a 'sleep' button on it, and XP can be set to respond to that command by going into Standby, turn off, or hibernate.. So, i'm using it to hibernate. But..there's something up with my power controller that freaks it out.. So I need to experiment with that.I still have noise leaking through the inverter. I have some ideas, now I just need time.I switched my cellphone to a Motorola e815 from Verizon. This phone (once hacked) allows for Bluetooth dial-up networking! So now I can connect online without hooking up any cables!And a special thanks to Ragingfish for supplying a Bluetooth (BT) handsfree kit! (Which, yes, I will be paying you for!)Only problem is, I can't have it connected to the handsfree and the computer at the same time.. So, I gotta play with that.Also, the latest version of Centrafuse just came out, so I have to play with that..I'll get pictures as soon as I can!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:46 am

Minor update!Alright, minor update.. Still having hibernation problems..but I think I have a solution for it. I figured out that the shutdown controller is somehow misfiring, or putting out voltage, or something! So I just need to find time to play with that.As far as hi-speed internet goes.. I just got a Moto E815 from Verizon. Dude..this phone is SO worth the money! I hacked it and can now do dialup over Bluetooth! I don't even need to take it off my belt to get online in the car!Only problem is, i'm kinda doing it 'illegally'. It's against TOS to connect the way i'm doing it, but I figure in a few months, i'll be able to afford to switch to the data plan.Basically, the E815 is one of the V-Cast phones..which is verizons wierd Video-service. It's kinda cute..but not worth $15 a month..yet. Anyway, it uses the broadband service from verizon called EV-DO, which allows FAST access. This is also known as their Broadband Access thing..which is normally reserved for PCMCIA cards. I read on another forum that you can have BA added to an EVDO phone for $45 added to your plan, as opposed to $80. I will definitely be investigating this. Otherwise, you can call up customer service and get them to remove VCast, and put on National Access.. slower speeds, but it's still internet.I'll get pictures eventually! I have a few busy weeks, and a stop at the store of Ragingfish. So i'm sure we'll have plenty of pictures after that!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:49 am

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »and a stop at the store of Ragingfish*mimicking mr. burns with his "thoughtful fingers"* eeeeeexceelllent.yes, ladies and gentleman, that's right! we have the best deals anywhere! get your piece of the action while supplies last!

engineertwin2 · Post by **engineertwin2** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:09 am

So, it's been a while...how is the CarPC Jahn? Did you ever try this ragingfish? Anyone have any of their own CarPC stuff to share? I have started collecting the parts for the CarPC - iGuidance and antenna, AutoTap OBD2 scanner/software, configuring CentraFuse, debating monitor selection, got a new bezel for modding up, etc etc...so anyone?

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:25 am

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »that is awesome! but you are totally insane!!!!i'll be adding just a desk to the passenger seat for my laptop to take with me for work. other than that, i can't imagine wiring that into the car! it's totally and completely sweet, but you are insane! i repeat: INSANE! I wonder who's insane now considering she went and did this very thing on her LGT LOL

Out with the Nav, In with the PC (A few pics)

Out with the Nav, In with the PC (A few pics)

Re: Out with the Nav, In with the PC (Jahntassa)

Re: Out with the Nav, In with the PC (Mr. Poopypants)

Re: (champcaracing)

Re: Out with the Nav, In with the PC (Jahntassa)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (jeffgtx)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (ragingfish)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (Mr. Poopypants)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (Jahntassa)

LCD and AC

Re: LCD and AC (Jahntassa)

Re: LCD and AC (Jahntassa)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (Kari)

Re: (Kari)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: LCD and AC (Jahntassa)

Re: (Kari)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (Jahntassa)

A Minor Disaster

Re: (Jahntassa)

Re: (trdvibe)