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Author Topic: In-Car PC  (Read 3159 times)

Offline danhock

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In-Car PC
« on: 22 January 2004, 16:00 »
Ordered a 240V invertor so i can run a PC in my car...
Need to work out exactly what i'm going to use a PC in my golf for!!

1st idea - MP3 / DVD etc... (easy enough)
2nd idea - reroute the MFA to the PC so it can be viewed all at once.
3rd idea. Mount a small LCD in the dash with all MFA functions!!

Any other ideas?
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Offline Dizzie

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #1 on: 22 January 2004, 16:09 »
all can be done without a PC...
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Offline danhock

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #2 on: 22 January 2004, 17:04 »
how??
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Offline Overseer

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #3 on: 22 January 2004, 17:08 »
i've got a mp3 headunit, they do ones that play dvd's too

try www.mp3car.com for ideas


btw.. what kinda pc you thinkin of? i'd use oneof those epia 'ITX' motherboards.. i have one in a lil 'download box' here.. they're dead cheap and small :)
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Offline danhock

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #4 on: 22 January 2004, 17:23 »
Want to keep a tape head unit so dont want to go down the MP3 headunit route.

I'm kinda interested in using GPS software too, makes sense to use a PC for everything.

Ive seen ITX boards at http://www.ultim8pc.co.uk but they seem quite expensive.
I have plenty of PC bits i can get so will probably use those and mount my own housing in my boot.
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Offline Overseer

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #5 on: 22 January 2004, 17:42 »
expensive?

but ya only gotta add storage + memory

processor + sound + gfx is all on board :)
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Offline Dizzie

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #6 on: 22 January 2004, 17:42 »
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Offline wombar

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #7 on: 22 January 2004, 17:56 »
I've been looking to do this for a while but haven't got around to it. If you only want to add MP3 then just get a new head unit or buy an iPod to plug in through an Aux port.

However, if you want to get really fancy then a PC is ideal. You can add GPS, DVD, Divx, Bluetooth(hands free for your phone), remote storage for your digital camera if you're out and about, etc. Basically there's loads of different options that don't cost a lot once the PC is built and in the car.

For the cost of the cheapest GPS head units(~?700) you could build a PC with a 7" touchscreen and then add lots of fancy gadgets. Definitely check out www.mp3car.com like someone else said because those guys know lots about this stuff. Also try www.cartft.com as well, they're based in Germany(I think) but the guy who runs it is really helpful.

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Offline winstonb

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #8 on: 22 January 2004, 20:43 »
I wouldnt have thought you'd need a power convertor just take power straight from the battery, though you might have to clean it up a bit through a regulator/filter of some sort.

Not sure standard PC is best either.  Its large, runs hot and draws alot of power.  Those ITX boards are fan-less, low power and will fit into much smaller housing especially with a laptop HD - have a look at http://mini-itx.com/projects/playstationpc/.

In fact i reckon striping out a laptop would be a great idea, as it'll provide you with a screen too.
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Offline S11EPS

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Re:In-Car PC
« Reply #9 on: 22 January 2004, 21:07 »
I used to work for VIA, before going to work for a distributor that I appointed to sell the Mini-ITX Epia board.

I used to sell to the guy at Mini-ITX and ulim8 pc.

If you wanna buy from the horses mouth (the disty that I appointed) pm me and I'll forward you the contact details. I'm still very friendly with the guys there, so you'll be guaranteed a good price  ;)

I cannot praise the boards high enough. The second generation boards now have firewire and 6 channel sound on board.

Anyone want anymore details drop me a line. Alternatively, check out
http://www.viatech.com/en/VInternet/mini_itx.jsp
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