Ok,, its comming .. I am going to be selling a plug and play carputer kit very soon.

give me a list of needs and wants.. and what you dont want to.

I have 2 prototypes now. so i just want a good idea of options peeps want.. ie.. hardrive size?
ect.....

Screen that integrates where the Nav screen would normally go; plenty of inputs so I can tie a CanScan (or similar) "Gauge pack" into it and display on the screen while driving; connection/integration with the factory stereo so I can play MP3s and videos. That's a start. :D

I've actually been rethinking my carpc strategy. Now I'm thinking more about just getting a tablet PC that I can use in the car and out. Just looking for one with about a 10" screen so it's not too big but still usable as a note pad when I go to meetings and site visits.

well one way i am thinking is to make a combo Avelectronics and Carputer box.
it would mount in the pass thur. or where ever you like. It will have a DVD rom that you can get to from the Pass Thru, and all the other stuff, USB , EthernetUsb thub data drive, Wireless . .. this can then be tied into the AV Nav switch system and you can have the best of both worlds.

MY adapter will be all VGA cable based. I will add the VGA connecter to the AV box and the nit can go right in to my Plug and Play Video Harness..

But what i need to know is how much money is an all in one AV/Carputer box worth to you all ? or would you rather have just the Carputer . IE a good Laptop Modded in a shock proof case that can slide out inyour trunk and then will be tied into the Factory LCD. ?

Start with the LCD panel, that mounts basically where (and how) the Nav screen does. How much would that cost? Then we'll talk about the rest of the system...

touch screen :D

I can get you a LCD unit that you can mout there.. but why ?

unless you want touchscreen?

Start with the LCD panel, that mounts basically where (and how) the Nav screen does. How much would that cost? Then we'll talk about the rest of the system...

I think you'll want to have a touchscreen solution available for those of us that don't have the nav option on our cars.

there are touchscreen solutions available already for non nav owners...I bet thew could get them for you (don't quote what I said :))

hey your in Janesville? I'm going to madison next weekend for Halloween...I'm installing a video in just in time so my GF can watch movies and play xbox on the way there (I used to go to U of W Madison)

tm: I grew up in Madison and graduated from UW.

I've seen the nav tray from canzoomer, but was wondering if thew had any leads on other methods. It'd be nice to be able to hide the carputer display when not in use, like the stock nav display.

The best idea might be to offer two different versions (nav and non-nav). This way you could base one around an independent screen with touch screen or whatever (use your imagination). The other one would be the AVE unit and whatnot (I personally am looking for something like the XBox hack, but would consider this option if the price was right and the options were in addition to the added features). This way, you could cater to people who already have a screen (me) and use the factory NAV screen, and you could also base a better product for those without the factory NAV system.
Two similar results from two different situations, with the same result.
I'm interested in where this is going.

independant <-?

ok.. thats easy.

waiting on parts now.. hope to have some pics soon

Only thing holding me back from a car-puter setup is the lack of a solution to mount a touchscreen monitor where the stock HU controls are. This has been mentioned in other threads on this subject. I need to keep the hazard lights button and ac controls. All others can go away. Thats my dream car pc :D .

make it do everything a chipped xbox can do for about the same price..

xbox - $150
chip - $50
av box - $450
PIE - $100(?)

about $750. add a little more to mount the D pad and select/back buttons in the tape panel on the head unit, which I'd want to do also. Of course I'd pay more for a full RGB connection and more for the extra benefits of a PC over just an xbox. My main requirement would be to play MP3's and have a cool visulisation on screen while playing. tuning programs, DVD, and GPRS internet access are cool features, but if the price is drastically higher than the XBMC setup I'll happily go without them.

also an issue with the carputer is the I/O. I don't feel like stashing wireless I/O devices in the car, and I don't really care for touchscreens.

Good cause thats what i am building..

i should have my Motherboards here on tuesday.

make it do everything a chipped xbox can do for about the same price..

xbox - $150
chip - $50
av box - $450
PIE - $100(?)

about $750. add a little more to mount the D pad and select/back buttons in the tape panel on the head unit, which I'd want to do also. Of course I'd pay more for a full RGB connection and more for the extra benefits of a PC over just an xbox. My main requirement would be to play MP3's and have a cool visulisation on screen while playing. tuning programs, DVD, and GPRS internet access are cool features, but if the price is drastically higher than the XBMC setup I'll happily go without them.

also an issue with the carputer is the I/O. I don't feel like stashing wireless I/O devices in the car, and I don't really care for touchscreens.

actually your missing a HUGE part of the equation a hard drive...atleast $100 right there if you want decent storage

also installation of modchip if you cant do it

make it do everything a chipped xbox can do for about the same price..

xbox - $150
chip - $50
av box - $450
PIE - $100(?)

about $750. add a little more to mount the D pad and select/back buttons in the tape panel on the head unit, which I'd want to do also. Of course I'd pay more for a full RGB connection and more for the extra benefits of a PC over just an xbox. My main requirement would be to play MP3's and have a cool visulisation on screen while playing. tuning programs, DVD, and GPRS internet access are cool features, but if the price is drastically higher than the XBMC setup I'll happily go without them.

also an issue with the carputer is the I/O. I don't feel like stashing wireless I/O devices in the car, and I don't really care for touchscreens.

yea, forgot to include a drive...there's enough 80-120gig ones laying around here I didnt even consider it. mod chips are easy to install, if you cant put one in you shouldnt drive an rx8 :D

thew - if i decide to go XBMC could you hack up an xbox controller and mount it in the Tape panel? you do good work with the V1 display...

yea, forgot to include a drive...there's enough 80-120gig ones laying around here I didnt even consider it. mod chips are easy to install, if you cant put one in you shouldnt drive an rx8 :D

thew - if i decide to go XBMC could you hack up an xbox controller and mount it in the Tape panel? you do good work with the V1 display...

epitrode show me the way (some sites to help me mod it, I've got a 250 gig hd, I need a modchip that accomadates that

and yes i can mount that there.. NP. :)

Hummm

OK, you mentioned VGA to the AV Box. I thought the AV Box only had Composite (RCA) and S-Video, if you order that option.

will no.. the AV box has a vga.. or RGB output. I will be converting the connecters to a standard vga connecter for easy of build. But yes.. as far as input the AVbox has 3 rca and 1 svideo inputs. it out puts RGB and rca.

epitrode show me the way (some sites to help me mod it, I've got a 250 gig hd, I need a modchip that accomadates that
any chip available on the market today will allow you to use a drive larger than 120gigs. www.xbox-scene.com (http://www.xbox-scene.com)

If any of the following should go into a new thread...

1.) is it possible to source a monitor that will fit right into the stock NAV display mount.. but will accept both the stock nav input as well as VGA?

2.) As far as your original question:
a.) mounting in the pass thru would be great... I was thinking the same thing but would it include something like rubber mounts for vibration issues?
b.) multiple serial and usb ports/controllers... for data input/logging, touchscreens.
c.) HD size from my perspective would be for value over absolute size... whichever offers best value over 20-30gigs, as long as there's a dvd drive.
d.) I guess modular design if possible... some people want larger hd's
e.) also if possible, dual display capability. I dunno if this is available for mobile carputers

call me a simple man with simple needs...

but I'd be happy with a screen that would pop up similar to the stock navi and a bare bones computer would be able to be used for navigation, datalogging and display guages with a CANScan, and interface my e-manage.

i really wouldn't care about a 100 gig hardrive, internet, and dvd player and all that other stuff... just need some simple functions

call me a simple man with simple needs...

but I'd be happy with a screen that would pop up similar to the stock navi and a bare bones computer would be able to be used for navigation, datalogging and display guages with a CANScan, and interface my e-manage.

i really wouldn't care about a 100 gig hardrive, internet, and dvd player and all that other stuff... just need some simple functionsMe too. I just like the Nav screen location as being the most practical and integrated into the car. In fact, if you could source the Nav display itself as the display for the carputer, I bet it'd sell.

bump??

yes.. and to add the touch screen overlay seems the best idea.

so any e.t.a. on when you may have something to show us??

...and i'm a big fan of touchscreens for the record

1.) is it possible to source a monitor that will fit right into the stock NAV display mount.. but will accept both the stock nav input as well as VGA?


That would be super sweet...anyone know about anything along these lines? I just can't get myself to spend $450 on the Ave box.

~ Matt

i am now selling a new Din Sized Carputer.. I will soon be packaging the carputer with the avbox.

ITs spendy but the best for the best :) !

you can upgrade this unit to :)

https://mimousa.com/products/772_m.jpg

1 Din Personal Computer For Your Ride!

CPUVIA C3 Nehemiah 1GhzRAMDDR 256MB HDD2.5" 20GB Hard Drive ODDDVD Rom Drive Tray Loaded USB2 USB ports (rear); 1 USB 2.0 port (front) TV Out (NTSC&PAL) S-video and RCA Outputs Power12V DC to DC Power Supply Built-in with Key ON/OFF circuit Dimensions176mm(W)x50mm(H)x200mm(D) Weight4Lbs

Custom Configurations also available. Contact us for quote and details
Price is $1150.00 USD

would this carputer have wireless internet? and wat interface system would you use for it, "windows"? And would you be able to equip it with a larger hard drive so that ample amounts of music and maybe even movies can be stored on the carputer?

yes bigger hard drive, Wyfi can be added to it/ I would use Windows..

So what's the solution for those of us that don't have nav but would like an integrated screen with perhaps touch screen capabilities? You should offer a few different packages...touchscreen and without, and something for those of us without factory equipped screens...

if we had the stock navigation would we be able to use the joystick or would you apply touch screen. Would there also be some sort of switch to alternate between the navigation screen and the computer screen? And if the carputer is a 1 din installed where the radio is then would it be required to be on to listen to the radio or play music & etc. because there is a certain file in the windows program that eats up RAM the longer that you have it on, and it keeps getting slower until you have to restart because it has completely depleted the ram. But im thinkin of getting this as a Christmas present so please hurry =)))

i recomend the Din Carputer with the avelectronics box.. The Specila on the web site has all the parts except the Carputer. The i would run the Carputer thought the Svidoe input inmy AVbox and Mount the Din Carputer inthe pass thur where i currently have my DVD unit. . Then you have it all...

This ofcourse is great for the NAV equippeped cars. If you have no nav system then you will need to add a LCD (UP to 4 ) screen to the list of parts. I can get many kinds of LCD screens..


The Joystick thing is a non issues.. You will have your Nav system joystick for the Nav it will not do anyting exceot the Nav stuff.. Yes theres a switch to flip from the Nav map screen to what ever you have on the AVbox.

are you still working on something else, or is this the only carputer your going to be selling?

What about a screen mount for us non Nav peeps?

This is just the start.. I will be making a comb box that is the av and a din carputer inone .
and much more. and for Screen mounts theres lots of ways to go..
have you seen Awillse car http://www.rx8garage.net/pics/gallery/Carputer.JPG

http://www.rx8garage.net/?page=shop/gallery&

there are many ways to mount it , and places to..
do you want to see it while driving? or just for the kids inthe back?
you can mount on the dash like you see above. or a flip donw visor screen .

Hey there Thew!

This topic - carputer - has been on my mind for some time. I have a long list of wants and needs, and your system is pretty close to the mark.

I have NAV unit in my RX8, but I have pretty much come to the conclusion that the pathfinding software in my version of the NAV (I'm in the UK) is deranged. I don't want to go into to much detail, but I have measured and measured, and found it frequently sends me the long way around, or even the wrong way around. I have also found that disregarding the given directions will send the unit into "pout mode", with the resulting effect of even worse directions. I once decided to follow the system's directions to my son's school, and found that: 1.) it took me a full 6 miles and 25 minutes *longer* to get there, and b:) it actually send me through someone's backyard (no kidding) - I'm in the RX8, barbeque on the left, garden table and chairs on the right, and a shocked family watching slack-jawed as an RX-8 muddles through their back garden.... :cool:

I have had many satnav systems, as my job really requires them, and sadly I think the ones in the UK are simply toys. Also, many little things about the interface keep bothering me, like how the system will display "direction = up" unless when it switches to detailed mode, when "north=up" - very irritating.

So, anyway, NAV is gonna go, and will just keep the screen. My HU Firmware is 9.55 - not sure if that is good or bad, and have a 6cd changer.

I would want my OS to be Linux: Open Source is goodness, I can make a good, surefast, instant boot, usable interface for it pretty quickly, and it is very hackable. I will obviously share this stuff.

I will mount a trackball ( http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/GB/EN,CRID=2150,CONTENTID=5145 ) in the driver-side door for mouse control, and was thinking of mounting a small keyboard (http://www.fentek-ind.com/touchstream.htm#kbmig ) where the joystick is now. I want the system to provide the following functionality:


Navigation.
I actually found an app that will do good satnav for linux, and I think I can simply jack in the Mazda's GPS receiver. If not, these things are really cheap and work well with Linux. The only question I have about this software is if it will work well with mouse-only input and if it will display well on the small navscreen. But those are issues that can be worked on.
Multimedia.
I want to have access to all my MP3's - currently about 200 Gigs worth. :) and I want that in a nice way, with a good looking interface etc.
Engineering.
I want the CANScan stuff up on the display, and make all kinds of cool gauges that simply look wicked and impressive. Data is good - the more the better.
Internet.
Traffic data, Newsflashes, etc. I want to hook the system up to a couple of GPRS phones.
Camera's.
I want to mount rear-view and side view (blind spot) cams, with recording facilities. (think stolen car, recorded evidence, uploaded to a webserver.


All this will be presented in seperate screens that can easily be selected.

I think the 1 DIN box should fit in the place of the satnav unit, giving me easy access to the dvd slot etc. Just trying to figure out what bits I need to get it all linked into the screen and Bose.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Martijn

[edit - found some more stuff]
These guys http://www.dashwerks.com/dw_dssc.php have a cool startup and shutdown switch unit that will sync startup / shutdown with your keyswitch. They also have some really cool (linux based) software to run the carpc.

This is just the start.. I will be making a comb box that is the av and a din carputer inone .
and much more. and for Screen mounts theres lots of ways to go..
have you seen Awillse car http://www.rx8garage.net/pics/gallery/Carputer.JPG

http://www.rx8garage.net/?page=shop/gallery&

there are many ways to mount it , and places to..
do you want to see it while driving? or just for the kids inthe back?
you can mount on the dash like you see above. or a flip donw visor screen .


all i really want it for is a better way to run CANscan and the e-manage software in a more integrated way then a laptop on the passenger seat :o

my only issue with carputers is the controls and GUI.

a hack job trackball and floating keyboard just wont do it for me, so touchscreen is a must. another issue is the UI...the screen is just too small to select individual items without a stylus on a touchscreen, so you'd need to run a 'loader' program with large keys to access commonly used apps.

i have the Din unit on my site now.

Hey Thew, the DVD player on your site, is the TV tuner seperate hardware, or is it built into the Unit? Thanks.!
\Alex

its buit in to that unit. .. but theres also stand alones

another question about the DVD, i would think people will mount it in the pass through in the back, but the sensors it uses is IR. Has anyone figured out a good place to mount it so the remote can actually be useful?

I'm putting together a carpc. I just bought a lilliput 7" touchscreen and a VIA epia ITX form factor board with 1ghz. The board is about 7" by 7". connecting hd to the board but everything else will be usb (keyboard,dvd-r,mouse) windows media center edition 2005. Audio will use PIE to connect to aux. This will let me use the stuff I want. MP3/DVD/Nav and hymee's canscan software.

another question about the DVD, i would think people will mount it in the pass through in the back, but the sensors it uses is IR. Has anyone figured out a good place to mount it so the remote can actually be useful?

which dvd again? actually most if not all mobile car dvd players/changers have a remote IR receiver in adition to the IR Remote, so you can isntall it anywhere

I was referring to the DVD player on THew's site.

I was referring to the DVD player on THew's site.

that one has a remote sensor

any word on the plug and play? I wonder how hard it would be to make one yourself...

Why doesnt everyone get a tablet PC and mount it removable? You get touch screen, DVD within arms reach, and you dont have to run a bunch of wires. The units are as light as 3 pounds now, so mounting isnt too difficult.

that has benn done.. and with great results.. but most peeps want it all built in..

The Carputer kit is progressing nicely. Its still not Completly plug and play as you will have to wire the RGB into the Nav system just like the AVswitcher but.. we are still sourcing the Damn connecter for that Plug and Play harness.. I would not let that stop you . its very easy to splice into the RGB system.....

ITs comming.. keep your Hat on :)..
Why doesnt everyone get a tablet PC and mount it removable? You get touch screen, DVD within arms reach, and you dont have to run a bunch of wires. The units are as light as 3 pounds now, so mounting isnt too difficult.

I am selling a Nice Din Sized carputer now.. It can go in the Glove box or the pass thur. This unit can be configured any way you like.. ie bigger hard drive/memory ect.. .
http://www.rx8garage.net/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=295&category_id=8961a21fa5e19c6edc346062399c168d&

yes that has a remote sensor.. I mouted mine in the MP3 blank right under my Volume knob.. ran the wire done the center consol to the DVD in the Pas thure.. works great. And the Avswitcher has a great remote that needs no ir sensor.. it is aUHF system so it can beem thur the trunk to your AVbox. As truemagellenhas pointed out you can learn that remote into the Home link mirror and cycle your inputs . I was referring to the DVD player on THew's site.