CarPuter install

[willj12]

I am planning to do a Carputer install once my exams are finished but need lots and lots of advise first!

I would prefer to have it all encased in a double din enclosure but it seems that nano itx motherboard are hard to come buy, at least in the UK they are.

Has anyone here got a computer in their car or planning to install one?

What I need help on.......
Fitting a 7" Lilliput monitor into a the dash
I will extend the list as thing come to mind

[kaanage]

check out http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f78/...rpc-39300.html

[willj12]

I have seen that thread, it is very informative on the software side of things.
One major thing is fitting the Lilliput 7" monitor into the double din?
If any one has any photos or anything from their carputer I would love you to post it

[noone]

How much do you think this will set you back?

What functionality will you have after the install?

I'm assuming you will have a GPS, music server, anything else?

[kangfu]

I've been thinking about doing something like this with my Galaxy Tab. Seeing as they are so cheap now (<$300). Fully functional car PC that would just need a custom fascia/mount made. Just need the time to work something out ...

[noone]

you pioneer it, I'll follow!

[bn1986]

thoughts on the galaxy tab:

No audio amplifier...
RCA outputs are limited at best
Digital to analogue converter wont be great
no optical drive

Just a couple of thoughts.. Personally prefer the idea of the proper PC but if u can come up with some good solutions im all ears

[kangfu]

You can get an RCA out cable that works with the line out for <$20 i think. Couple that with an amp (i have one lying around from my old car) and it could work. You could also use audio over bluetooth if you really wanted but i use the Bluetooth for ODB II functionality already.

Wouldnt need an optical drive as i'd play my music from the SD card anyway ...

Really clear touchscreen LCD that plays full HD, has GPS etc for <$300 would be awesome. Could it with a prepaid SIM and you'd have in-car internet too! Depending on how much the mounting solution would cost of course.

Edit: Hmmm curious now, would that fitting kit from liquid ice fit the Galaxy Tab?

[GTI_PAPA]

A friend built one of these for his EVO 8, so was a little curious and did some research. Found this, hope it might help...
Carpc or Carputer Complete Guide

[bn1986]

you should try it out.... The output from any portable audio device is inferior to any car audio source with 6volt rca outputs...

Ive hooked my iphone up to my audison, and the voltage isnt anywhere near high enough...

I'd consider feeding the galaxy's line out into a headunit's input, or into a 'line driver' but the latter will cost u alot more then the car PC will...

Not to mention a dedicated source unit will have Front, rear and sub outputs. If you use a Y cable off the galaxy ur further losing voltage there... and u dont have any control over sub levels, equalisers etc?

but then again im a bit of an audiophile, so i put the quality of sound at the top of the selection criteria

[willj12]

Wow guys a lot of information, I originally thought about a tablet but went off the idea as they can't be optimised for car use very well. With an actual computer I can run a shell designed specifically for car use.
Soon I can start my proper research and build, I will keep the thread updated when I do!

[gjuu]

I have seen that thread, it is very informative on the software side of things.
One major thing is fitting the Lilliput 7" monitor into the double din?
If any one has any photos or anything from their carputer I would love you to post it

Ummm not a lot else i can say in addition to the post....

buy one of these

you have to disassemble your lilliput to mount it (say good bye to warranty - but if buying one off fleabay they are pretty cheap anyway and also trying to get waranty issues sorted would be next to impossible from overseas). They are really well made and come with instructions

mount it at appropriate angle in one of these

The plastic seems to be polyprop where as the bybyte.com screen mount is ABS so welding them together is a pain....glue and screw is your friend.

this gives you a double din case with a screen mounted that will slot into where stock radio is. You have to tidy it up with a bit of filler and paint it....

finished looks like this....


Throw together some bits and pieces - mount behind your glovebox - wire it up, load some software and your mp3/mp4 and your good to go


I have been considering mounting a tablet but i guess i am old fashioned enough to like pc as i am more adept at skinning ride runner than creating android apps.

[DeanB]

Can you keep a PC cool enough in that space to not have issues with the PC temps ?

[The_Hawk]

Plan B, grab a netbook.

Power is easy, connections are all there, heat is easy to deal with and if you mount it in the right place you can take it in and out when/if needed

[gjuu]

Can you keep a PC cool enough in that space to not have issues with the PC temps ?

Yeah not a problem - the top of the case is reasonably open and there is plenty of open space above for the hot air to rise into. It is pretty warm up here in fnq and have not had a problem over summer.