Onboard PC

[B92 8NW]

It's all as follows:
Part I - building the basic PC from an old IBM laptop. (ie, this part.)
Part II - power management - using an SC80 system to install a third battery purely for the PC.
Part III - installing the basic PC into a Discovery and connecting it to the power supply.
Part IV - installing I/O devices so that the computer can communicate with the outside world.

What I have: the PC, GPS receiver, GSM Broadband internet, the 12 volt input IBM battery charger/power supply.

What I'm yet to buy: an SC80 and a battery. A touch screen. Budget for the screen is $400, found a nice one already.


===============================================
PART I
===============================================

So today we kicked off part one and worked on making the IBM a compact self contained unit...

This is a 2004 X31 with a damaged monitor, a bodgy upper casing, but otherwise fine.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=8149&stc=1&d=1208846956



As the screen was not functional and the top casing (ie over the screen) was completely destroyed, I set about decommissioning them from the computer.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=8150&stc=1&d=1208847180


With the casing removed one can see how bodgy the screen actually is, complete with sellotape repairs and improvised soldering:D.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=8151&stc=1&d=1208847344


Everything is removed and the metal arms securing the LCD are decommissioned. A quick removal of dust at this point.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=8152&stc=1&d=1208847489

And the casing is back together, minus a destroyed LCD, LCD mounting brackets, and an equally destroyed trackpoint mouse. Measures 260mm x 220mm, hence mounting out of sight should be easy enough.

===============================================
PART II - Power management
===============================================

If you have only a single battery in your Land Rover, chances are you'll have to wire the PC to the ignition, and everytime you start or stop, you'll need to boot up/shut down the pc.

If you have a dual battery system, you can run it off the second battery unswitched via the ignition. (Lets forget at this point about the laptop's own battery as they are generally well worn). This particular PC however operates at 3.5Ah, and I want to reserve the second battery purely for lighting and refrigeration. I plan to install a third battery purely to power the PC using an SC80 controller. (This is however subject to change, I may very well see how it goes running a two battery system:p)


When I next have the time to do it you'll see the power being installed and the PC hiding into the Disco's innards. (behind glove box)

[WhiteD3]

Great stuff Joel. Watching with interest. Where's the screen going to be mounted?

[Ricey]

Great work Joel! I like the idea of using 12 volt power supply rather than going through an inverter - this is a cool project I'll watch with interest.

[Utemad]

When I next have the time to do it you'll see the power being installed and the PC hiding into the Disco's innards. (behind glove box)

Have you checked for space behind the glovebox? I don't remember there being much of it.

[B92 8NW]

The screen is going to fold down from the roof - because the DVD player screen comes out of the standard Discovery DIN slot. It's not possible to integrate the PC into the DVD head unit screen as most only take an RCA input, and using a converter compromises quality. Failing that, the head unit might be removed to replace it with this: Information Technology Solutions Australia (http://www.itsaonline.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=79)

I'm reluctant to take that course however because I never feel happy with Junky equipment. I'd like a nice JVC DVD headunit in that spot, and reserve the PC for elsewhere.

So it'll be any one of these: Information Technology Solutions Australia (http://www.itsaonline.com.au/index.php?cPath=35&osCsid=40d92bd1b08f8df7f225a2ca6d4a0cc0:D)


Oh and Justin - by god you are right... tight like a tiger!! It may go under the seat where it can be flooded instead:D.

Once the power and PC is in, I'll stress about I/O devices!

[Utemad]

For a place to put the motherboard how about looking above the roof lining. I've been told that there is a fairly cavernous space above there. I think it is forward of the netting and middle interior light. Not too easy to access but if it gets wet there then you have bigger issues :)

[matbor]

For a place to put the motherboard how about looking above the roof lining. I've been told that there is a fairly cavernous space above there. I think it is forward of the netting and middle interior light. Not too easy to access but if it gets wet there then you have bigger issues :)

heat in summer would be a big issue with this.

do u have a cargo barrier, just get some big cable ties and tie it to it, run the cables from there, have seen one setup like that before.

with the screen i have always thought that i might make a roof console and mount it in there.

its on my list one day too do !!

[HangOver]

have you, (or anyone) any thoughts about the power surge to the battery powering your computer when your charging system flicks from no charge to charge?
Or when your alternator is producing 12v + or - a volt or two due to speed and what accessories you have switched on?

Do you think it's an issue?
I have thought about some sort of conditioner or maybe just isolate it totally but that would kill the battery quickly I would suspect.

[B92 8NW]

have you, (or anyone) any thoughts about the power surge to the battery powering your computer when your charging system flicks from no charge to charge?
Or when your alternator is producing 12v + or - a volt or two due to speed and what accessories you have switched on?

Do you think it's an issue?
I have thought about some sort of conditioner or maybe just isolate it totally but that would kill the battery quickly I would suspect.

Yep, thought about that. I'm using a 12 volt power supply for laptops that regulates the voltage and protects against spikes.

[HangOver]

Yep, thought about that. I'm using a 12 volt power supply for laptops that regulates the voltage and protects against spikes.

I bought a mimi-12vATX PSU but it doesn't have any power conditioning, maybe I should power that via a 12v supply? hmmm maybe.

Are you using the 12v adapter for that specific model? If not I guess you would have to be careful to get the correct amps/volts; just thinking out loud there.

Good luck with your computer though, I have had all the parts for mine for months but just can't seem to find the time.
Up to now I have routed the cables and about 1/3rd built the box to house it and my UHF as an overhead console.

[EchiDna]

the only thing I see missing is an automated startup/shutdown controller?

checkout mp3car.com for these....

[p38arover]

Has anyone looked at these: lilliput (http://www.lilliput.cn/tc1000.html)

I wonder what they cost in Oz

[Pedro_The_Swift]

looks the go---
lilliput (http://www.lilliput.cn/DY-845.html)

[feral]

Has anyone looked at these: lilliput (http://www.lilliput.cn/tc1000.html)

I wonder what they cost in Oz


Big Dollars :eek:


I priced one about 2 years ago and depending on specifications it was going to cost about $2300. The situation might have changed by now.

Lyndon.

[Treads]

There's this one on the bay:
Lilliput Car PC DVD Player With 7" Touchscreen Monitor - eBay Players, Audio, Video, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 29-Apr-08 12:51:36 AEST) (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Lilliput-Car-PC-DVD-Player-With-7-Touchscreen-Monitor_W0QQitemZ190215886489QQihZ009QQcategoryZ32 826QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[cockie55]

I have a 12 Volt DC mini ITX Core2 duo motherboard so no power supply dramas. Sits in extruded heat sink style case under front seat with quick connects if going wading. XP Pro, Touch Screen Runs Navigation (Distanator and OziExplorer via miniPCI GPS), 5:1 audio with mixer (2 amps) AM, FM & XM Radio, Media Player, Pics, Video, CD/DVD, TV (analogue & digital), , Phone, Broadband Wireless Internet & WiFi (via ext aerials), email & cameras. Playing with voice control at the moment and getting car OBDI 1 (it is a D1) diagnostics to work

I run it using using this wonderful Carnetix USB connected regulator connected to my 2nd battery. This has ACPI (Power Button) activated by ignition key so PC auto starts. Delayed shut down means PC stays booted up say when getting petrol. "Anti Thump" remote control for tuning on audio amplifiers.

CarNetix P2140 (http://www.carnetix.com/P2140/CNXP2140.htm)

There are 2X 12v outputs (one for PC one for screen) and a 5 volt powering a USB hub (hub sitting in a custom head unit in radio Din dash slot that has a DVD burner, multi card reader, bluetooth, MB LED's etc).

The roof mounted 8 1/2" Touch Screen is on swivel mount.

Had to source most of the bits from OS. My favourite pieces is the cartnetix regulator and an SATA adaptor for the slimline slot load DVD.

This sucker worth more than my 94 D1 disco.