In Car PCs
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 72
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From: TX
St. Jude Donor '05
In Car PCs
Can anyone recommend either a complete system or componets for an in car PC. I am wanting to do Navigation, Movies, MP3s, etc using a PC in conjuction with a traditional head unit.
Thanks for any and all guidance.
Paul
Thanks for any and all guidance.
Paul
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Galloway NJ
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 535
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From: GA
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1547788166
I'd love to do this but have tons of questions. It looks like mini-itx is the way to go.
I'd want network access, at least in my garage, so I can load media files, software updates, etc.
How to you start-up and, more importantly, shut down the PC cleanly?
How do you isolate the PC from road impacts and vibrations?
I believe the home theater PC guys use some nice dashboard apps to simplfy the interface.
Any other critical points?
I'd love to do this but have tons of questions. It looks like mini-itx is the way to go.
I'd want network access, at least in my garage, so I can load media files, software updates, etc.
How to you start-up and, more importantly, shut down the PC cleanly?
How do you isolate the PC from road impacts and vibrations?
I believe the home theater PC guys use some nice dashboard apps to simplfy the interface.
Any other critical points?
Last edited by mfrnka; Jul 12, 2004 at 03:55 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 13
From: Austin TX
I am running a xenarc tuochscreen in my dash with a laptop computer strapped in the rear center compartment. I run iGuidance GPS routing software, streets and trips maping software, and iTunes for music. The laptop has 802.11g wireless so I can surf the next by pullimg into a coffee shop parking lot. I am looking into adding autotap and EFILive software for complete engine logging and control.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 13
From: Austin TX
I replaced the stock head unit with an Apline head unit. I connect from the laptop audio out plug to the aux input on the alpine head unit. I am still running the stock speakers, but I will upgrade them soon.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 72
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From: TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Thanks for the all of the information.
I have purchased a Xenarc 7" widescreen touch screen display. I have also purchased a barebones machine that will have a USB FM/TV tuner, wireless network, and GPS.
I am interested to see how people are handling the shutdown or suspend of their machines when they are done driving the car.
As soon as I can get the parts and pieces together and work out the install details I will post some more info.
Thanks again!!!
Paul
I have purchased a Xenarc 7" widescreen touch screen display. I have also purchased a barebones machine that will have a USB FM/TV tuner, wireless network, and GPS.
I am interested to see how people are handling the shutdown or suspend of their machines when they are done driving the car.
As soon as I can get the parts and pieces together and work out the install details I will post some more info.
Thanks again!!!
Paul
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 535
Likes: 1
From: GA
Originally Posted by barufaldi
I replaced the stock head unit with an Apline head unit. I connect from the laptop audio out plug to the aux input on the alpine head unit. I am still running the stock speakers, but I will upgrade them soon.
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 13
From: Austin TX
I have ths picture. I haven't finished the dash fiberglass yet. I haven't decided if I am going to paint the dash bezel black and try to match it to the rest of the dash or paint it body color. The bright yellow may be too much.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Manitoba
How do you find the computer handles the heat? Any issues?
Research time for me! I pulled the deck out of my vette to put into my winter beater since my vette is out of commission right now (though hopefully not for long) This may be a good option for me now since I have the rest of the stereo equipment in there and I can afford to do this. Slick!
Research time for me! I pulled the deck out of my vette to put into my winter beater since my vette is out of commission right now (though hopefully not for long) This may be a good option for me now since I have the rest of the stereo equipment in there and I can afford to do this. Slick!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 13
From: Austin TX
I haven't had any heat problems yet. I mount the laptop upside down with the fans pointing up. I may have to add a fan to the central storage area if the heat gets too much. (My Z06 has an aftermarket cover on the storage since the Z06 does not come with a cover) I am running the laptop off an inverter mounted in the left side compartment. Since the rear is open to the front, I get plenty of cooling from the A/C when i am running. I am only worried about the 140 degree interior temps in Texas in the summer when parked. Once moving, the temps are fine.
The trickiest part so far has been getting windows to hibernate and wake up reliably. I have it set to hibernate after 10 minutes when running on the battery. I have a switch mounted in the dash soldered to the laptop power button to wake the computer up when I am ready to use it. I also have a USB cable available in the center consol to add a keyboard, or hard drive etc...
The trickiest part so far has been getting windows to hibernate and wake up reliably. I have it set to hibernate after 10 minutes when running on the battery. I have a switch mounted in the dash soldered to the laptop power button to wake the computer up when I am ready to use it. I also have a USB cable available in the center consol to add a keyboard, or hard drive etc...