Car-puter / GPS DIY Build-up

**dobbo** · 28th December 2007, 05:08 AM

I experimented a few years ago with an old CD/rom and a 7805 circuit hard wired to a car, after reading an article on the web, it worked. Why not butcher a PSU you have and just hard wire the thing to the car? A bit of buggering about to save a couple of bucks but your doing that allready. Also a quick replumb of the AC vent could give you very effective cooling capabilities.

**HangOver** · 29th December 2007, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by dobbo

A thought for your CD/DVD player. In dash would look the part. Just a matter of extending and running the loom for it. And a thought on the location of the case being an early RRC have you got the airconditioned dashboard or the non airconditioned/glovebox variant? I guess with your location you'd need the A/C so you have no glovebox, why not mount a small case behind the dashboard where it is nice and safe and dry and have a remote power button mounted in the dash. Admittedly both ideas need a bit of unscrewing and/or trimming of the plastic fantastic dash but all will be hidden and well protected from the elements and unfriendly folk in your areas of travel.

I am a tightar5e v8 owner so your ideas appeal to me.

I need pictures though

I thought about putting it in the passenger footwell as a false floor or firewall mounted But... I have decided to relocate the electronic ignition there and other bits n pieces.
I have the aircon unit so VERY little space behind the dash, just not enough.

I have some other jobs I need to do on the RR before I start on the console/carputer but I will follow it up with pics.

**defenderbilby** · 6th January 2008, 07:21 PM

This is a great thread on car computers. I am thinking along the same lines for the Defender.
How does this GPS work on the computer. Is it just a matter of down loading a software and pluging in an atenna into a usb port?
Or do I need a GPS unit such as a Garmin and plug that into the computer?
If not a generic GPS is there a antenna /box unit for the computer?
Can I run different GPS software? I have seen (few years ago) a laptop with ozexplore which was great for plotting where you had been and wanted to go but I understand that is different to the voice turn by turn used in the city which is fantastic but a very different system.
Thanks,
David.

**p38arover** · 6th January 2008, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by defenderbilby

How does this GPS work on the computer. Is it just a matter of down loading a software and pluging in an atenna into a usb port?

Yes. I bought a GPS receiver of eBay. It just plugs in to teh USB port. Not expensive

Originally Posted by defenderbilby

Or do I need a GPS unit such as a Garmin and plug that into the computer?

No, not needed. Run OxiExplorer on the PC.

For street navigation, one could use a copy of something like Destinator whuich can be found on bit torrent sites.

**cockie55** · 12th January 2008, 05:42 PM

My system is based upon a DC powered mini ITX size motherboard (170mm X 170 mm) running Core 2 duo mobile. 2 1/2 inch SATA HD sitting in a 5mm extruded heatsink style case that only 2 inch deep.

Features inc wireless broadband and network with exterior high gain antennas, 2 GPS mapping platforms, Analogue/digital TV, AM/FM radio, Dash mount DVD burner/multi card reader 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 upgrade is sorting OBI 1 engine management and a remote controlled under vehicle camera.

Yeah I know ....more $ in this than my D1 worth... ..I will post a work log one day

**HangOver** · 12th January 2008, 11:46 PM

dash mount dvd burner ?
got any pics?

that sounds like one very expensive, (but cool) setup did you fit it all your self?

Is your PC PSU built into the unit or external?

**cockie55** · 13th January 2008, 12:34 AM

Yes HO I made up this dash DVD/CD burner / player using 12.5 mm deep slot load (more robust) Pioneer unit together with a multi card reader USB, firewire and audio sockets. This together with a USB hub, bluetooth and IR pick ups all sit inside a butchered 1X din size pocket I got from Supercrap. I will put together a work log of pics shortly when i get current engine managment and under car remote controlled camera project finished.

I have a on board DC Commell LV-677 MB so PS is this 185W multiple voltage USB featured (bat monitors etc) DC DC critter I got from Carnetix. It powers the above USB hub as well as triggers to 2 amps. Case and PS sit under drivers seat with quick connects in case of gnarly water crossings. This PS allows computer to boot (to touch screen) and shut down all at turn of ignition only. No switch / software / mouses / keyboard etc required. I do have a small factor keyboard incorporating trackball mouse sitting atop visor if I ever need to by-pass touch screen.

COMMELL LV-677 Intel Core Duo/Core Duo 2 Mini-ITX express Motherboard

CarNetix P2140

**HangOver** · 13th January 2008, 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by cockie55

Yes HO I made up this dash DVD/CD burner / player using 12.5 mm deep slot load (more robust) Pioneer unit together with a multi card reader USB, firewire and audio sockets. This together with a USB hub, bluetooth and IR pick ups all sit inside a butchered 1X din size pocket I got from Supercrap. I will put together a work log of pics shortly when i get current engine managment and under car remote controlled camera project finished.

I have a on board DC Commell LV-677 MB so PS is this 185W multiple voltage USB featured (bat monitors etc) DC DC critter I got from Carnetix. It powers the above USB hub as well as triggers to 2 amps. Case and PS sit under drivers seat with quick connects in case of gnarly water crossings. This PS allows computer to boot (to touch screen) and shut down all at turn of ignition only. No switch / software / mouses / keyboard etc required. I do have a small factor keyboard incorporating trackball mouse sitting atop visor if I ever need to by-pass touch screen.

COMMELL LV-677 Intel Core Duo/Core Duo 2 Mini-ITX express Motherboard

CarNetix P2140

Are you running dual batteries?

Just wondering as I have all the stuff i need now and if i make changes best to decide now before I begin.

**cockie55** · 13th January 2008, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by HangOver

Are you running dual batteries?

Just wondering as I have all the stuff i need now and if i make changes best to decide now before I begin.

Yes HO I have dual batteries but not so much for the base system as it only uses less than 100w mainly due to a mobile CPU and on board video. The 2X amplifiers are the power hungry bits.

**p38arover** · 13th January 2008, 11:51 AM

How do you start up the laptops when your start the car?

I can see it could be relatively easy to do with a motherboard arrangement but dunno about a laptop unless one hacks into it.

A motherboard has the advantage that one doesn't need 240VAC. Surely one clould run the 12 rails from the battery - maybe regulated to 12V, ditto with the 5V rails.

A laptop generally needs between 15-19v DC. I suppose one could use a universal battery powered inverter that gives out the requisite 19 volts DC.

See Jaycar Cat. MP3463

2.9A 12V Notebook Power Supply $34.95

Notebook or alternate use DC power supply. Can supply from 13-24 VDC at 3.5 Amps from an initial voltage of 12 to 13.8 volts. Comes with a 10A fused car socket, the DC power cord can be wrapped and stored within the power packs housing. Supplied with 7 attachments for Apple, Compaq, Dell, HP, IBM, ACER, Toshiba and amongst other brands.
* Input Voltage 12- 13.8
* Output Voltage: 15/16/18/19/20/22/24VDC
* Output Amperage: 3.5A
* Suitable for most laptops: Apple/Compaq/Toshiba/Dell/HP/IBM/Gateway/Sharp/Acer (ensure that the polarity is correct before connecting the supply to any device.)

Thread: Car-puter / GPS DIY Build-up

Thread Tools

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions