Boxcar

*UPDATE for 2006 -> post 27




v1.0
Well I'm finally coming close to the completion of my CarPC and wanted to share my progress. The dash (V1.0) was constructed by a friend of my brother and was vinyled by 1st Upholstery here in AZ. Running the cables, creating the custom pc case and assembly are all I can really take credit for. Well here's what I have so far.

Xenarc 700IDT touch screen
Intel Celeron D 340 Prescott 533MHz FSB Socket 478 Processor 2.93GHz
Abbit SG-72 mobo
768mb RAM
250GB 3.5" HD
250W PSU
400W continuous output DC-AC inverter
Thermalright XP-90 HSF
EZ CarPC v2.4 shutdown controller
4port USB hub
Bluetooth
Wifi
DVR card (for capturing driving footage)
Computer Case - Custom job created from a utility box purchased at Home Depot
Micro Keyboard - chopped and customized to retract on zip line
Craploads of cables
Dynomat Extreme
Weather-stripping
Stealthed Valet switch

Misc
- 2x JL Audio 10w6v2 D4
- Orion 1200d
- Knee rest

In the Works
- 1 CCD front mounted cam
- 1 CCD reverse cam





The rest are here - CarPC

-Boxcar



January 2006 Dash V2.0 -

Japan8

WHy are you using an inverter? ALmost everyone in the carcomputer world who has used one has complained about interference/grounding issues...

Boxcar

As long as it is properly grounded it works fine. I have absolutely no interference on my screen. Plus there are no +250W DC psu and pure sine wave DC-AC inverters are damn expensive There is a small 300W DC PSU in the works over at MP3car.com's forum but it is not available yet.

Boxcar

I guess some people just have a hard time using a multimeter to find the grounding points with the least resistance.

Japan8

But why do you need such a big PSU? seems a bit like overkill. I'd do a Pentium M on a mini-ITX mobo. a 120W or 150W Opus should pack more than enough punch for that and anything else (DVD drive, etc.). But then that's me...

The setup does look nice though (so don't take this to be all about criticism). Got any better pics of the CPU?

Japan8

nix that... I missed the link.

Boxcar

Because this computer cost me roughly $250. Mini-ITXs and pentium Ms aren't cheap. An opus 150W is $150-$180 while my inverter cost me $30 and my PSU cost me $19. I just proposed to my girlfriend back in May so between buying a ring, remodeling our home and planning for the wedding funds are tight

No worries. Everyone's got their own way of doing things. Thank you for your opinion and the compliments.

Japan8

Woah... $250! Good deal. Perfectly understandable. I'd be tempted to go with a Via CPU, but damn... the lack of ***** thing just bothers me. If only there was a Mini-ITX board for the Mobile Athalon... those are pretty cheap chips and offer much better performance for the same power hit as Via.

Congrats.... or maybe condolences is more appropriate... on your engagement and upcoming wedding. I know what a bank breaker all that is...

poolsidenaz

That looks like a heck of a lot of work. I can't wait to see it in person at the next AZ meet

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

Can we see more pictures of the computer?

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

Are you going to run windows xp embedded?

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Nice setup. I hope to have such a car PC some day...

One question: where did you get that knee pad? I need one too

Boxcar

The rest are here - PICS

Boxcar

No. In testing I found the computer booted in under 30sec. Since our cars should be warmed before driving there is no need for it. It just gives me anouther reason to treat my baby right.

Boxcar

I purchased it here - http://www.zetaproducts.net/

It is the one that is intended for the ford mustang but it fits perfect and only costs $25! The mazdaspeed knee pad cost 8 times that price. Check out the Good Guy Bad guy section of the forum. There are a bunch of positive reviews on the company.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

Thanks - wish I'd have known about that. I just participated in the bulk buy for the center console armrest and could have gotten the knee pad at the same time. I'll order one soon.

Boxcar

In my search for mobos and CPUs for this project I found myself asking the same thing. I use a 2500+ in my capture box in my office and that thing was dirt cheap to build. I really wish I could have had more options in my car too. Come on AMD help us out will ya!

LOL. Maybe it's because we haven't been married for years yet but I can not imagine life with out her. I fell for her so hard when I met her that I was afraid it was just lust. Well it's 4.5 years later and I love her more every day. We've lived together now for over 3 years so we know what we're getting into. I need to work on not making messes and she need to stop painting everything red. I really hope this is what my grandparents felt like since my own parents didn't last. I guess only time and hard work will tell.

Boxcar

You're welcome. Hey as long as they stay as good as they are now it shouldn't be that long of a wait. I got mine in 3 days w/ $5 shipping and I'm only a state away from you.

willhave8

Zeta Products are working on an RX8 Knee Pad according to Angelo there. The pad that Boxcar has was sized for a different car. It looks okay and may in fact not be much different from what Zeta may make for the 8 but I would wait to see what they develop and offer. Can anyone say group buy???

Boxcar

Hey how's it going abbid. Thank you. I think I'm going to go to the pavilions next saturday night. You are more then welcome to join us. I think the new member (Toddz) is going to be there along with a couple of friends and who ever else wants to show up.

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

What front end are you using?

Boxcar

Road Runner and the Zots05 skin. I know the colors don't match anything but it's definately my favorite skin so far. It's very IGuidance friendly.

09Factor

Looks really good. Now can I post the pics of what it used to look like?
j/k

Rotary Rasp

iTrader: (2)

lol

There is a lot more to win xpe than faster boot times. Take a look into it, you'll see it has many advantages for a carputer.

Boxcar

I'll check it out. Thanks