Part number for LCD Screen & molding?
11-05-2003, 11:51 AM
#26
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Hey guys! Just found this thread and thought I'd let you know what I was looking to do as it's right along the same lines as that Overload's looking at. I'm done specing it out and I'm now starting to assemble components.
I'm basically building a carputer.
The computer will have the following functionality:
- Nav
- MP3
- DVD
- Wireless Internet (www.rx8club.com on the ROAD!!!
)
- Rear-view cam
- ODBII connection to the ECU
- Full Windows XP
- 7" touchscreen LCD
Now the best part, instead of paying $2000 for the nav, I'll have all of the above for under $1000. This, however, does not include installation.
My biggest problem right now looks like it will be installing the LDC screen. I have spoken to a few installers and I have a few options:
1. Buy the factory panel. How big is the stock DVD screen BTW?
2. Have a custom panel fabricated out of fiberglass or plastic, have it painted the same color as the exterior of the car (which I think would look sweet) and install the screen to "pop-up" straight out of the dash.
3. Pretty much the same as #2 but have the screen flip up like the stock nav does.
I've done a TON of research into what will be involved with successfully mounting the computer into the car and getting all the electrical working correctly. If anybody has any questions, I don't know much about cars, but I'm a DIY gadget freak like mad and I'll certainly help however I can.
My main focus here is on a clean, professional install, stealth, and mad functionality. I fully intend to custom build a VB application to replicate the MS gauges if I can figure out how to get the data from the ECU.
I'm basically building a carputer.
The computer will have the following functionality:
- Nav
- MP3
- DVD
- Wireless Internet (www.rx8club.com on the ROAD!!!
)- Rear-view cam
- ODBII connection to the ECU
- Full Windows XP
- 7" touchscreen LCD
Now the best part, instead of paying $2000 for the nav, I'll have all of the above for under $1000. This, however, does not include installation.
My biggest problem right now looks like it will be installing the LDC screen. I have spoken to a few installers and I have a few options:
1. Buy the factory panel. How big is the stock DVD screen BTW?
2. Have a custom panel fabricated out of fiberglass or plastic, have it painted the same color as the exterior of the car (which I think would look sweet) and install the screen to "pop-up" straight out of the dash.
3. Pretty much the same as #2 but have the screen flip up like the stock nav does.
I've done a TON of research into what will be involved with successfully mounting the computer into the car and getting all the electrical working correctly. If anybody has any questions, I don't know much about cars, but I'm a DIY gadget freak like mad and I'll certainly help however I can.
My main focus here is on a clean, professional install, stealth, and mad functionality. I fully intend to custom build a VB application to replicate the MS gauges if I can figure out how to get the data from the ECU.
Last edited by RotorMotor; 11-05-2003 at 12:01 PM.
11-05-2003, 02:24 PM
#27
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I'm going to be doing some heavy duty mods there too. I am planning on putting the PC in the trunk and if can manage it, a motorized concealed LCD touchsreen.
I still need to take off the dash and panels to see if it will work, but what I plan to do is to remove the factory LCD screen, mount in the top of the LCD and hide the LCD back there. This way when I want the neat-o stuff I hit a button and the LCD pushes forward and swings up. I figure when I have a bigass LCD showing me anything I want, I dont need the other LCD to be visible. Then just wire it up so that the computer starts up/hibernates with the ignition or something similar.
If i cant manage the LCD there, I plan to get one of those jap trays that canzoomer is getting and figure out a way to conceal the LCD there. I'm just drawing up rought sketches of it so far, but it should be quite the bomb when I get done :D
I still need to take off the dash and panels to see if it will work, but what I plan to do is to remove the factory LCD screen, mount in the top of the LCD and hide the LCD back there. This way when I want the neat-o stuff I hit a button and the LCD pushes forward and swings up. I figure when I have a bigass LCD showing me anything I want, I dont need the other LCD to be visible. Then just wire it up so that the computer starts up/hibernates with the ignition or something similar.
If i cant manage the LCD there, I plan to get one of those jap trays that canzoomer is getting and figure out a way to conceal the LCD there. I'm just drawing up rought sketches of it so far, but it should be quite the bomb when I get done :D
11-05-2003, 02:41 PM
#28
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RotorMotor:
Well, the Factory NAV is a 7.8" unit. It's actually pretty nice. Automatically opening when you start, and closing on it's own when you shut down.
The factory NAV LCD is not a touchscreen, but does have a little joystick thing by the gear shift. It's really too far to reach the screen in the factory position.
I've looking into buying the OEM screen, and at $1532 MSRP with the Dash components, motors, dash panel and LCD, it's kind of expensive.
The ODB guages will be difficult. it will take a specialized CAN communication device just to be able to get the data you need. Some of them cost as little as $150, but the ones that are good cost more than $1000.
Good luck with your project,
OverLOAD
Well, the Factory NAV is a 7.8" unit. It's actually pretty nice. Automatically opening when you start, and closing on it's own when you shut down.
The factory NAV LCD is not a touchscreen, but does have a little joystick thing by the gear shift. It's really too far to reach the screen in the factory position.
I've looking into buying the OEM screen, and at $1532 MSRP with the Dash components, motors, dash panel and LCD, it's kind of expensive.
The ODB guages will be difficult. it will take a specialized CAN communication device just to be able to get the data you need. Some of them cost as little as $150, but the ones that are good cost more than $1000.
Good luck with your project,
OverLOAD
11-05-2003, 04:12 PM
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Thanks for the info OverLOAD.
The touchscreens I'm looking at are only 7" so I don't think that it will be as easy as purchasing the dash and then swapping out the screens (darn). Actually, I kind of like the custom idea and I can get a panel fabricated and the motors installed for less than $1000 anyway. The only thing that I would be concerned about using the stock nav's LCD is the input. If you're going for a full computer, you'll ideally have a VGA input.
Like Genom, I plan on mounting the PC in the trunk.
It's a 1GHz EPIA m10000 motherboard/processor in a mini-ITX case. This is ideal for it's small size (12.7" x 2.7" x 10") and it's ultra-low power consumption. I've also found a DC-DC power supply that specficially designed for automotive purposes that boot and shuts down the computer with the car, monitors battery power and shuts the computer down if necessary and is designed to handle power spikes from the cars battery (extremely important).
The ODB gauges will happen eventually, I'm just not sure how soon. I realize the CAN devices aren't necessarily cheap, but that's the only piece of the puzzle that's not really locked down yet.
Most of the computer info is available at www.mp3car.com although they're really nasty about answering questions over there. Even after you've searched and searched and found the answers to all the basic questions, 90% of them will tell you to search more even when asking something really specific.
The touchscreens I'm looking at are only 7" so I don't think that it will be as easy as purchasing the dash and then swapping out the screens (darn). Actually, I kind of like the custom idea and I can get a panel fabricated and the motors installed for less than $1000 anyway. The only thing that I would be concerned about using the stock nav's LCD is the input. If you're going for a full computer, you'll ideally have a VGA input.
Like Genom, I plan on mounting the PC in the trunk.
It's a 1GHz EPIA m10000 motherboard/processor in a mini-ITX case. This is ideal for it's small size (12.7" x 2.7" x 10") and it's ultra-low power consumption. I've also found a DC-DC power supply that specficially designed for automotive purposes that boot and shuts down the computer with the car, monitors battery power and shuts the computer down if necessary and is designed to handle power spikes from the cars battery (extremely important).
The ODB gauges will happen eventually, I'm just not sure how soon. I realize the CAN devices aren't necessarily cheap, but that's the only piece of the puzzle that's not really locked down yet.
Most of the computer info is available at www.mp3car.com although they're really nasty about answering questions over there. Even after you've searched and searched and found the answers to all the basic questions, 90% of them will tell you to search more even when asking something really specific.
Last edited by RotorMotor; 11-05-2003 at 04:14 PM.
11-05-2003, 04:36 PM
#30
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Hey rotor, sounds like we are going for similar aproaches. If you have places already specced out for some of the parts let me know. I am still undecided on a actual motorized VGA screen, or a LCD with regular video inputs. I dont really need the higher VGA res sicne it's gonna be running a simplified interface, and it's a good 3-400 savings, but I dont know if there's any better pricing out there.
11-05-2003, 04:50 PM
#31
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Genom,
Of course dude. Always willing to share!
Already have:
Motherboard
Case
RAM
140GB Hard drive
On it's way:
Power Supply
Yet to order:
Screen (this one's from eBay)
External USB DVD/CD-RW Drive (to be mounted in glove compartment)
The motor and motor mounts to move the screen will be custom built witht the fabricated dash if I decide to go that route (which I probably will). There are other, minor things like a laptop-like touchpad I plan to mount in the ash tray so my fingerprints aren't all over the screen constantly and a wireless keyboard, but this is the meat of the components.
Of course dude. Always willing to share!
Already have:
Motherboard
Case
RAM
140GB Hard drive
On it's way:
Power Supply
Yet to order:
Screen (this one's from eBay)
External USB DVD/CD-RW Drive (to be mounted in glove compartment)
The motor and motor mounts to move the screen will be custom built witht the fabricated dash if I decide to go that route (which I probably will). There are other, minor things like a laptop-like touchpad I plan to mount in the ash tray so my fingerprints aren't all over the screen constantly and a wireless keyboard, but this is the meat of the components.
11-05-2003, 05:11 PM
#32
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I didnt want to build a whole new front so I will probably stick with the motorized LCD as I have no diea what the custom building will cost. I'm also going for a shuttle computer since I can get those for peanuts and have extra hardware laying around that I can build it up with.
Decisions decisions decisions :D Although I had already decided on that Opus PSU.Fits the mill nicely, I saw that addon they sell on that mp3car website for turning on and off. Might go that route sicne I can build an inverter without too much hassle. Dunno yet. Prolly end up just buying the Opus for overall neatness and ease.
Decisions decisions decisions :D Although I had already decided on that Opus PSU.Fits the mill nicely, I saw that addon they sell on that mp3car website for turning on and off. Might go that route sicne I can build an inverter without too much hassle. Dunno yet. Prolly end up just buying the Opus for overall neatness and ease.
11-05-2003, 05:20 PM
#33
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Yeah, the Opus has A LOT of benefits over building your own inverter. And just to clarify, you don't need any add-ons for the power on/off, it comes built in the PSU.
11-05-2003, 10:47 PM
#35
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I sure hope you two knock-out a final report on this when you're done! You know, all the info - parts list with prices & sources, custom work details, wiring schematic... Geez, that would be great!
11-06-2003, 12:28 AM
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If not for public bragging rights why would I go through all this??
:D Just kidding. I do plan to document everything of course. Hell, I did that when I built my arcade cabinet and that was a lot more complex overall than this will be in the end.
If I can find a motorized VGA screen for under 500 I will be happy, but it aint looking likely. We shall see. At worst I put it off for a couple weeks and do go out to dinner a couple times and spend the 700 :D
:D Just kidding. I do plan to document everything of course. Hell, I did that when I built my arcade cabinet and that was a lot more complex overall than this will be in the end.
If I can find a motorized VGA screen for under 500 I will be happy, but it aint looking likely. We shall see. At worst I put it off for a couple weeks and do go out to dinner a couple times and spend the 700 :D
11-06-2003, 11:21 AM
#37
Registered User
What about this one guys?
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm
It's not motorized, but it does fit in a 1-DIN slot and it looks like it has a beautiful picture. VGA connectivity and USB touch included.
The only question is if there is enough space for a 1-DIN unit up top there. I know some kind of custom fabrication would be required for the dash...
Thoughts?
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-7VGA.htm
It's not motorized, but it does fit in a 1-DIN slot and it looks like it has a beautiful picture. VGA connectivity and USB touch included.
The only question is if there is enough space for a 1-DIN unit up top there. I know some kind of custom fabrication would be required for the dash...
Thoughts?
11-06-2003, 12:34 PM
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Re: Re: Re: Part number for LCD Screen & molding?
Originally posted by OverLOAD
...supposedly includes the plastic molding, the lcd housing, the LCD screen, and the connector cable to plug into the head unit.. It's supposed to be a complete package, and sounds like it would be the most elegant way to upgrade to an LCD screen.[/B]
...supposedly includes the plastic molding, the lcd housing, the LCD screen, and the connector cable to plug into the head unit.. It's supposed to be a complete package, and sounds like it would be the most elegant way to upgrade to an LCD screen.[/B]
11-06-2003, 05:13 PM
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I've done a little research along these lines recently. Very preliminary, though - I don't even have the RX-8 to put it in (yet). The cheapest options I found for the CAN interface were:
mBus Parallel/CAN Interface, $79
Multiplex Engineering T16-010, $70
Grid Connect Parallel CAN Adaptor, $209
Intrepid ValueCAN, $249
SeaFire Micros SF-1002 Dev Kit, $139
Of course, quality and usability could be more important than saving a few bucks. I don't know anything about the above hardware that's not on the linked webpages.
mBus Parallel/CAN Interface, $79
Multiplex Engineering T16-010, $70
Grid Connect Parallel CAN Adaptor, $209
Intrepid ValueCAN, $249
SeaFire Micros SF-1002 Dev Kit, $139
Of course, quality and usability could be more important than saving a few bucks. I don't know anything about the above hardware that's not on the linked webpages.
11-06-2003, 06:03 PM
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Originally posted by bluesnowmonkey
I've done a little research along these lines recently. Very preliminary, though - I don't even have the RX-8 to put it in (yet). The cheapest options I found for the CAN interface were:
mBus Parallel/CAN Interface, $79
Multiplex Engineering T16-010, $70
Grid Connect Parallel CAN Adaptor, $209
Intrepid ValueCAN, $249
SeaFire Micros SF-1002 Dev Kit, $139
Of course, quality and usability could be more important than saving a few bucks. I don't know anything about the above hardware that's not on the linked webpages.
I've done a little research along these lines recently. Very preliminary, though - I don't even have the RX-8 to put it in (yet). The cheapest options I found for the CAN interface were:
mBus Parallel/CAN Interface, $79
Multiplex Engineering T16-010, $70
Grid Connect Parallel CAN Adaptor, $209
Intrepid ValueCAN, $249
SeaFire Micros SF-1002 Dev Kit, $139
Of course, quality and usability could be more important than saving a few bucks. I don't know anything about the above hardware that's not on the linked webpages.
I need something that will be easy to use, has as many of the diagnostics for the RX-8 as possible and is safe and reliable.
11-06-2003, 06:27 PM
#41
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Part number for LCD Screen & molding?
Originally posted by RotorMotor
OverLOAD, you don't happen to know if the parts are availabe without the plugs for the HU and the screen itself do you? Can I get just the panel and the motorized screen mount without the screen?
OverLOAD, you don't happen to know if the parts are availabe without the plugs for the HU and the screen itself do you? Can I get just the panel and the motorized screen mount without the screen?
OverLOAD
11-17-2003, 10:30 PM
#42
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Nav "Look Ahead" Addon
Have any of you seen www.sigalert.com? Although it's currently only available in California, it provides realtime lane speeds at offramp intervals. (www.traffic411.com is more practical for "fixed" use, but not as usable for "rolling" applications, like sigalert could.)
This could make it feasible, given an Internet connection, to have an interface that keys off the GPS and the current Nav route. That information could be fed to the voice interface to read out the actual lane speeds of say, the next offramp 1-5 miles (user selectable) up the road.
I was skeptical that my Nav would be worth the $2k, but now I'd be hard pressed to live without it. I would think myself not alone of those willing to shell out some good cash for a feature that would alert you to a slowdown in time for you to (automagically?) hit the Nav for detour alternatives. Especially if it came bundled with some of the other goodies being posted here.
You all ever discuss putting a company together with all your expertise? Thanks for your hard work.
P.S. Right now I'd settle for a mod that replaced the Nav warning screen with something less annoying, like a '91 787b jpg or wav!
This could make it feasible, given an Internet connection, to have an interface that keys off the GPS and the current Nav route. That information could be fed to the voice interface to read out the actual lane speeds of say, the next offramp 1-5 miles (user selectable) up the road.
I was skeptical that my Nav would be worth the $2k, but now I'd be hard pressed to live without it. I would think myself not alone of those willing to shell out some good cash for a feature that would alert you to a slowdown in time for you to (automagically?) hit the Nav for detour alternatives. Especially if it came bundled with some of the other goodies being posted here.
You all ever discuss putting a company together with all your expertise? Thanks for your hard work.
P.S. Right now I'd settle for a mod that replaced the Nav warning screen with something less annoying, like a '91 787b jpg or wav!
03-21-2004, 02:15 PM
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Any of you guys that have removed the factory dash cover to install the new "tray" cover or NAV please PM me. I'm interested in the plain old factory cover at a reasonable price. Why? Like an idiot I drilled a hole in mine to install a satellite radio but then decided to move it a month later. Now the hole doesn't look so good... 
03-21-2004, 03:56 PM
#46
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Im kind of confused about this topic, I am looking to build a carputer, and would like to have the motorized navigation housing but would like to have my own screen in it.... What part # is the motorized housing alone?
Also for those who are looking to go ahead and install the factory nav (overload) are you getting the GPS as well as the factory joystick etc...?
Also for those who are looking to go ahead and install the factory nav (overload) are you getting the GPS as well as the factory joystick etc...?
03-21-2004, 04:22 PM
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Do you think he sells the plain regular factory dash cover piece? I was really aiming this at anyone that has the piece just laying around since they removed it to install their after market tray or NAV screen. I can Paypal the $ ASAP...
Right now, I have a rubber grommet in the hole but it still bothers me. I am also tired of people asking, "Hey, what's this?". I feel like I've tainted my 8 and want to get it back to factory condition.
Thanks!
Right now, I have a rubber grommet in the hole but it still bothers me. I am also tired of people asking, "Hey, what's this?". I feel like I've tainted my 8 and want to get it back to factory condition.
Thanks!
03-21-2004, 07:12 PM
#48
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Originally posted by Racer X-8
The Pioneer NAV ...
The Pioneer NAV ...
03-21-2004, 08:00 PM
#49
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RotorMotor, Are you sure that case is ok? I thought that most of the cases by Travela (the maker of that case) come with a DC-DC board built in so that it uses an external "brick" power supply like a laptop. Either way... I like the dimensions of this case.... http://www.travla.com/Products/c150/c150.html Although I need it in 2x size with 1, if not 2 PCI slots... like this... http://www.travla.com/Products/C138/c138.html
As I have not bought an 8 yet, and am still living in japan (although hoping to move this year)... I really haven't done much more than research in building something with simliar specs to RotorMotor's. What I'd like is hard to do... I want 6.5-7" touchscreen LCD as the front panel on my 2DIN sized case. It needs to be able to move down to eject CD's/DVD's. Adding in the stock NAV controller as a mouse would be interesting... so as RotorMotor said... you don't have to touch the screen all the time. Adding in the steering controls to control only stereo functions would be cool too.
DVD based navigation systems are passe. Go with a HDD setup. And while doing so... use two separate disks just in case. If you nav goes, then you don't lose all your mail and MP3.
The whole startup/shutdown, crashing, reboot, etc. etc. with using Embedded XP looks like a real biatch to me. CE.NET seems like ultimate solution, however... obtaining a copy and putting it all together could be a bigger biatch... such as having to get an SDK of existing PDA nav software and recompile it to run on x86 as I'm looking at the mini-ITX board with the C3 chip too... My programmer friend in the DoD contractor industry prefers Linux... but it looks like CE... too much programming. IF (the big if) things are proven to work fairly well with that power supply RotorMotor posted then embedded XP could be a very viable solution.
For the DVD drive... I have at long last sourced a slot-in drive in the slim media format. I much much prefer this for an in-dash solution than a standard tray-type.
If you plan to remove the stock HU (as I would like to) then you need a AM/FM tuner card AND... an audio amp. The last one I can't find.... other than the big boys (Kenwood, Kicker, Soundstream, etc.). What I am trying to find is a small low output unit that can work like a stock HU's amp... particular in form-factor and power consumption.
Unlike some solutions, I'd want it all pretty much self-contained. I know that some are jus tplanning on patching things into the HU for audio... but it just gets messy and makes for more work IMHO. Self-contained Makes for an easy install... just get a wire harness (if the stock wiring can handle it power-wise) and wire up the power and speakers... put up the GPS antenna and you are basically ready to go... no trunk mounting, no running cables back and forth, no finding some nook or cranny to mount the CPU...
Here is another question for everyone... what GPS receiver and antenna or combo unit are you looking at? What Navigation software have you found to be fairly comparable to the NavTech system used by Mazda/Ford? POI DB, giving voice directions, etc.
For your touch screen LCD, I have found a few places to source it from... let me know if you need the info.
As I have not bought an 8 yet, and am still living in japan (although hoping to move this year)... I really haven't done much more than research in building something with simliar specs to RotorMotor's. What I'd like is hard to do... I want 6.5-7" touchscreen LCD as the front panel on my 2DIN sized case. It needs to be able to move down to eject CD's/DVD's. Adding in the stock NAV controller as a mouse would be interesting... so as RotorMotor said... you don't have to touch the screen all the time. Adding in the steering controls to control only stereo functions would be cool too.
DVD based navigation systems are passe. Go with a HDD setup. And while doing so... use two separate disks just in case. If you nav goes, then you don't lose all your mail and MP3.
The whole startup/shutdown, crashing, reboot, etc. etc. with using Embedded XP looks like a real biatch to me. CE.NET seems like ultimate solution, however... obtaining a copy and putting it all together could be a bigger biatch... such as having to get an SDK of existing PDA nav software and recompile it to run on x86 as I'm looking at the mini-ITX board with the C3 chip too... My programmer friend in the DoD contractor industry prefers Linux... but it looks like CE... too much programming. IF (the big if) things are proven to work fairly well with that power supply RotorMotor posted then embedded XP could be a very viable solution.
For the DVD drive... I have at long last sourced a slot-in drive in the slim media format. I much much prefer this for an in-dash solution than a standard tray-type.
If you plan to remove the stock HU (as I would like to) then you need a AM/FM tuner card AND... an audio amp. The last one I can't find.... other than the big boys (Kenwood, Kicker, Soundstream, etc.). What I am trying to find is a small low output unit that can work like a stock HU's amp... particular in form-factor and power consumption.
Unlike some solutions, I'd want it all pretty much self-contained. I know that some are jus tplanning on patching things into the HU for audio... but it just gets messy and makes for more work IMHO. Self-contained Makes for an easy install... just get a wire harness (if the stock wiring can handle it power-wise) and wire up the power and speakers... put up the GPS antenna and you are basically ready to go... no trunk mounting, no running cables back and forth, no finding some nook or cranny to mount the CPU...
Here is another question for everyone... what GPS receiver and antenna or combo unit are you looking at? What Navigation software have you found to be fairly comparable to the NavTech system used by Mazda/Ford? POI DB, giving voice directions, etc.
For your touch screen LCD, I have found a few places to source it from... let me know if you need the info.
03-21-2004, 08:45 PM
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Something similiar to this is what I had in mind...
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/pr...productId=2557
Here's something of interest from Clarion Japan.... Car PC... http://www.cadias.addzest.com/
And it looks like it has everything and more... but 338,000 JPY
Here is the unit that inspired my ideas for form factor... http://www.addzest.com/ and look at Car Navigation
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/pr...productId=2557
Here's something of interest from Clarion Japan.... Car PC... http://www.cadias.addzest.com/
And it looks like it has everything and more... but 338,000 JPY
Here is the unit that inspired my ideas for form factor... http://www.addzest.com/ and look at Car Navigation