In car PC - Build Thread

[carsey]

Im going to be building a in-car PC into my Golf over the next few weeks. Basically I was looking for a OEM look screen built into the dash which would offer me music, internet access, GPS navigation, diagnostic software and monitoring tools.

Here's the specification i have chosen for my system.

• M2-ATX - 160W Intelligent Car PSU
  
• LinITX Plus 7" Widescreen VGA/Composite Monitor
  
• Intel D945GCLF 1.6Ghz Atom Mini-ITX - OEM
  
• GlobalSat BU-353 WaterProof USB GPS Receiver
  
  
• TOSHIBA 2.5" 120GB LAPTOP HARD DRIVE
  
• HYNIX 1GB DDR2 PC2 5300 667 MHZ 240 PIN PC 5400 1 GB

[DonaldG]

Very interesting Project.

WRT: GPS - I suggest that you look at alternative receivers. I have used HOLUX 'GPSlim236' for some time. Sensitive RX, blue tooth, & can be used as a walkabout unit too. 12 hr rechargeable battery.

The other GPS receiver I have is the Holux M247 GPS Logger. This also has blue tooth. It as a body worn unit (Neck strap). Both units work with Tomtom Satnav software.

I use the m247 to log my travels around the globe - it comes with software that converts the log file into Google Earth KMZs, so I can superimpose my track on GE! It also compares GPS Time with the timestamp on my photographs and logs the spot on GE so I now get an absolute 'fix' on all my photos (Took over 800 pics on a 5 day trip to Wiesbaden!)

I have used it on foot, cycle, in the car, Coach, taxi, and aircraft...magic

[carsey]

Hmm, what would be the problem with the GPS receiver Donald?

Also got myself a FREE wireless USB dongle for connecting to wi-fi hotspots around the area.

[carsey]

All my goodies come today.

I have the PC up and running Vista Ultimate. .

I just need some PSU wire for extending the current wires, inline fuse and a few other bits.

I ordered the non touchscreen so Im going to have to return that and get the touchscreen version instead.

But all is running fine, heres a few pics of the board and PSU.

[carsey]

Ordered my touchscreen from Linitx today. Thanks Guys!

Also, got the interior part out of the car to give the PC a trial fitting to ensure I have enough room for everything.

Heres the pictures:







Looks like I have enough space for everything. I need to make a MDF or plywood board, in the shape of the little door to allow me to mount all of the PC gear to that on standoffs.

[Coolfreak]

I'm really intrigued in this. I am personally amazed on the work you are putting into this. It sounds like you are looking to make this look professional, which would be cool.

So, if I have been reading all this correctly, you are wanting to make this look like the built in GPS systems they have in newer cars now, just with music, internet and all that jazz. Correct? Also, what are you putting this into? A golf cart?

Also, if you want music, I would assume you would need speakers . . . I don't recall seeing anything about speakers. And, if you are putting this into a golf cart, most (if any) don't have speakers.

[carsey]

Thanks,

The car its going into is a MK4 VW golf. I want the screen in the dash to look as factory spec as possible.

There will be a lot of features, one of those been GPS satellite navigation and possibly tracking. (good i guess if my car gets stolen lol). It will also have the internet so its possible to connect through wireless hotspots or access points. Engine Diagnostics and error checking can also be run through the PC with VAG-COM.

Sound, I will use the headunit I have no and relocate it to the glovebox. All I need to do is secure it and then run some audio cables from the rear of the PC to the inputs on the headunit.

The headunit acts as the amplifier to run the speakers properly.

[Coolfreak]

Ah, alright. This all makes sense now.

Well, keep us updated! Good Luck!

-Coolfreak

[carsey]

New touchscreen came today

Next job was to temporary mount the screen into the radio cage and after a bit of modifying i got it to fit nicely.





Next job is to make a little frame to screw the housing to so it doesnt fall out when moving

[Coolfreak]

Looking good! Keep it up!

-Coolfreak

[simpswr]

That is just too cool! !

[Log2]

If you plan to use the internet a lot (Either for GPS or downloading music or really anything) I would look into integrating a SIM card (What all laptops have nowadays to let you connect when you're not in a hotspot) Now I'm not 100% on how it works, but I mean worst case scenario, you could be paying like 30 bucks a month for the internet anywhere and like 10GB of data (which is more than enough for your uses)

Might be something cool to research a little more into if you find it interesting

[lcurle]

Have you thought about how to "support" the hard drive during use while the vehicle is in motion? A few hard pot holes will skip the disc or make the reader in the actual HD break. I put a computer in a vehicle in the past but I used laptop parts and disconnected the monitor from the actual base and extended the video wires and re attached them to the monitor. The passenger airbag was removed and the monitor was swivel mounted and molded in place to seem like just a square in the dashboard.
Ill see if I still have the pictures from the build, it was many years ago.

[carsey]

Got the PC mounted in the dash tonight. What a job that was having to remove all the centre handbrake and gear trim surrounds.


While I was on that, I mounted the headunit into the glovebox.











Thats secured the headunit in the glovebox.

Then it was onto mounting the screen into the dash. A lovely picture of my dash with all the wires out.




Then it was onto reassembling. It was tortuew getting my hand up behind the glovebox to fit the Headunit wires in to their slots.

Just got a few more nigglety bits to sort out:

The 'wood effect' surrounds.

lengthen the cables for sub and amp

modify the heater control plastic cover so that it will fit.

[carsey]

More progress today.

I got my wire from maplins (rather generous i must add). But i still need to get some more for powering the screen from the PSU so it doesnt suck power from the cig lighter.

Also waiting for my audio and VGA leads coming; hopefully tomorrow [:D]

Anyhow, for the progress.

I have mounted the components in the back of the cubby hole on the MDF board ive cut out.








Still not sure what to do with the color of the MDF, i might just leave it for now, but ultimately, id want it to look as good as possible.

[lcurle]

form fit speaker box carpet, it is thin and plyable and will help conseal the MDf color. Dont put it under the circuit boards, because of heat sink.

[carsey]

Right I have a few more pics of the screen mounted in the dash. I still have to spray my aweful looking wooden surrounds black, if only BnQ would let me buy some spray paint. Must think im gonna get high. If i wanted, id just go to the petrol station.....


But anyhow, heres the latest pics.

[lcurle]

looking good.

[Coolfreak]

Wow, that looks so weird to me. You guys that drive on the wrong side of the road are weird-o's!

[Mastadd]

that looks fantastic! a true inspiration, looks like your on the right side for me..... :P