Carputers and mobile phone control

[defenderbilby]

I am considering building a carputer mainly for GPS mapping, MP3, downloading files such as manuals, email via HF.
I have some various parts from laptops and a box will go behind the seats. The screen will be mounted in the dash. I will have 4 USB ports, one being a Bluetooth USB.
Operating system will be what I have at home.
I have seen on the internet some systems that the touch screen controls incoming calls and by using the touchscreen can select numbers and make a call by bluetooth and the mobile phone handsfree.
What magic is this? I have spent a long time searching. What is the software that is used and where can I download it from.
Thanks,
David

[CowsGoMoo]

I've got a computer and 7" touch screen in my Discovery. I don't have it intregrated with a phone though.

I found heaps of handy info on this website-

MP3Car.com - Your source for mobile computing solutions! (http://www.mp3car.com/)

Have a look at some of the software they use. It might do what you're looking for.

[cockie55]

I use this touch-screen "front-end" called Centrafuse. It is probably the best "front-end around unless you are into writing code and want to customise something.

Flux introduces Centrafuse™ (http://www.fluxmedia.net/)

You will see a list of compatible blue tooth mobiles in the details section and manuals in their Downloads section to give you an idea what Centrafuse and plug-ins can do.

I use the the Destinator GPS & mapping package integrated into Centrafuse for on-road and Ozi Explorer software for off road with everything from Hema digital maps to sat photos.

I note your intention to use laptop bits. I would recommend against that if you want to set up a touch-screen system. I am going to have to post a work log of my on board system one day as it is a pretty interesting build.

[cockie55]

I said ...."I am going to have to post a work log of my on board system one day as it is a pretty interesting build" ........here is a quick snapshot:

System is based upon a DC to DC mutiple voltage USB featured converter (a Carnetix), DC mini ITX size motherboard (170mm X 170 mm Commell LV-677) running a Core 2 duo mobile (4Mb cache) and 2 gig of DDR2 low profile ram....ie A ultra fast multiple application capable set up that chews no juice.

Got a 2 1/2 inch SATA HD, DVD/CD burner/reader and hardware stuff associated with features below sitting in a 5mm extruded heatsink style case that holds every thing and is only 2 inch deep that sits under drivers seat. Quick connects deal with removal for gnarly water crossings.

Features inc wireless broadband and network with exterior high gain antennas, 2 GPS mapping platforms, Analogue/digital TV, AM/FM radio, Custom made dash mount slot load DVD/CD burner/reader/multi card reader/ USB/Firewire/audio head unit, 5 X channel dual amp audio set up, mobile phone integration, rear camera and more.

All controlled via 8 1/2 inch overhead VGA touch screen (Centrafuse front-end) and voice recognition.

Current project upgrade is sorting OBI 1 engine management from D1 ECU and a remote controlled under vehicle camera.

Yeah I know ....more $ in this than my D1 worth... ..as I said I will post some work log pics shortly.

[The Fish]

I've got a computer and 7" touch screen in my Discovery. I don't have it intregrated with a phone though.

I found heaps of handy info on this website-

MP3Car.com - Your source for mobile computing solutions! (http://www.mp3car.com/)

Have a look at some of the software they use. It might do what you're looking for.

CowsGoMoo do you have any photos of where your touch screen is mounted.

[CowsGoMoo]

CowsGoMoo do you have any photos of where your touch screen is mounted.

Funnily enough yes :)

see here -
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/gps/34425-gps-system-dashmount-7-touchscreen.html

Please ignore the cardboard mock up. A fibreglass cover is in progress...... But you get the idea.

Happy to answer any questions.

[cockie55]

That is a nice set-up CGM. I have a 8 1/2" screen overhead mounted...will try and post a pic on the weekend

[cockie55]

This is my 8 1/2 ' touchscreen in a D1. I chose overhead as I think it provides a better and safer view when driving. it is located out of any glare and half the sighting distance compared to dash mount.

It is also fully adjustable (sits in a not slip rubber bush) so with finger touch I can swing it down towards me for square on viewing or swing up for other passengers to view. Screen size and posotion allows rear seat viewing.

Screen has VGA and 2 X RCA video channels so I can scroll between VGA computer and cameras hanging of the RCA's.

It is hung off a stainless bar and spacer arrangement (hidden) using the factory overhead console/sunshade fixings. All wiring down the right hand A-pillar.

[defenderbilby]

Looks good. It definately is out of the glare up there and a good size for mapping software.

[CowsGoMoo]

This is my 8 1/2 ' touchscreen in a D1. I chose overhead as I think it provides a better and safer view when driving. it is located out of any glare and half the sighting distance compared to dash mount.

It is also fully adjustable (sits in a not slip rubber bush) so with finger touch I can swing it down towards me for square on viewing or swing up for other passengers to view. Screen size and posotion allows rear seat viewing.

Screen has VGA and 2 X RCA video channels so I can scroll between VGA computer and cameras hanging of the RCA's.

It is hung off a stainless bar and spacer arrangement (hidden) using the factory overhead console/sunshade fixings. All wiring down the right hand A-pillar.


Interesting. Looks good up there. I have to ask, is that a shagpile roof lining or just a trick of the camera :p

Good spot if you use a reversing camera.

[cockie55]

Interesting. Looks good up there. I have to ask, is that a shagpile roof lining or just a trick of the camera :p

Good spot if you use a reversing camera.

When I went to replace roof liner I did not think much joy in putting back the same foam-backed crappola that fell apart in the first place...hence the hairy-grey-goat replacement. Most Disco owners who see it reakon it looks better than OEM .....or they just humoring me. I found it great with the amount of wiring I have happening up there as it robust and does not show constant refitting...also has better sound and insulation qualities...not to mention when dirty ...a quick vacumn does the job :D:D

[CowsGoMoo]

When I went to replace roof liner I did not think much joy in putting back the same foam-backed crappola that fell apart in the first place...hence the hairy-grey-goat replacement. Most Disco owners who see it reakon it looks better than OEM .....or they just humoring me. I found it great with the amount of wiring I have happening up there as it robust and does not show constant refitting...also has better sound and insulation qualities...not to mention when dirty ...a quick vacumn does the job :D:D


Hmmm, I wonder if you could get it down in Velcro? They you could just stick stuff where ever you want.....:angel:

[29dinosaur]

You blokes are amazing - I'm too busy looking at the road and environs to be much concerned about all this electrickery stuff. But I do have a garmin vista mounted on my MTB so I don't get too lost in some of the forests I ride in...

[cockie55]

Hmmm, I wonder if you could get it down in Velcro? They you could just stick stuff where ever you want.....:angel:

Velcro...not really...liner is stuck to fibreboard which is what is screw fixed to underside of roof frame. It is the fibreboard that creases if your not careful.