igo4bmx

iTrader: (17)

Just thought I'd document all the carputer work I've been doing for my car since this time it will be built with alot of customizations to make it look as seamless and "non-PC" as possible.

Here are the major parts to the system:
Flip out touchscreen LCD - with VGA port and usb connectivity for touchscreen.

IBM t40 laptop for the brains of the job

tactrix cable for OBDII datalogging.

a 160GB hard drive was purchased to load all the crap for this setup.
ebay special USB GPS receiver

software used
OS- Windows XP. it's a basic install with various services disabled to free up resources.
front end- road runner open source interface with a custom skin.
example with a skin

iGuidance version 3 - GPS software which works very well with most of the skins available.

igo4bmx

iTrader: (17)

Using Wincustomize's bootscreen editor (freeware) I was able to change the boot up screen to this.

keep in mind it has to be 16 color and a 640x480 bmp file in order to work

all windows based functions (log off, log on, hibernate) were set to not display the screens during the process to eliminate the pc look.

igo4bmx

iTrader: (17)

Here is the interface i'm using


so far i made evoscan a main menu item so you click on it, and evoscan opens EMBEDDED INSIDE the interface. Once version 2.2 is out, I can call the app with a gauge xml option to go straight into dashboard mode.

igo4bmx

iTrader: (17)

yeah i know

fixem2

iTrader: (30)

Is the interface a custom job or an open source you have changed? Are you going to boot the PC everytime you get into the car or hibernate/sleep mode with the ignition?

igo4bmx

iTrader: (17)

hibernate/sleep
front end is roadrunner open source front end with a skin.

nothere

iTrader: (23)

do you store the laptop under the seat?

so you also use it to tune your ecu? the idea of a laptop powered touch screen is nice. you can take the laptop inside to work on the logs.

how do you reduce the crap on the hard drive?

igo4bmx

iTrader: (17)

being an IT guy, you know what services you can disable and also remove any windows components you don't need.
the laptop is pretty quick, so i don't have to tweak it much.
there are custom apps like nlite, which lets you build super small windows footprints

LayinLo

iTrader: (9)

Very nice looking and I definitely like the stealth nature of it.

Davedangerous

iTrader: (10)

nice! makes me want to finish mine been working on my house and postponed my car pc

igo4bmx

iTrader: (17)

I want to finish but im waiting on radio brackets! thats it!!
once done i'll show pics (didn't want to show install pics for security purposes)
also I can upload my customized car front end if that helps anyone with their setup.

Rin Tin Tin

I want to make a car pc but i dont have the knowledge on how to make one and installing it

Im jealous!

Quite some time now i've been deciding between Carputer or Kenwood headunit but alas im going to choose the Kenwood since i lack the skill.

Davedangerous

iTrader: (10)

that would be cool if you uploaded it. that the only part that i suck at lol when i had my car pc in my sti i ran windows because i was having major issues with RR. If it continues to rain here saturday i think i know what i'm going to do

Davedangerous

iTrader: (10)

http://www.mp3car.com/

everything that you need to know!!! take your time and don't rush into anything

Rin Tin Tin

I watched the video on the front page "how to install...."
SO MANY WIRES.... head hurting.... AHHHHHHHHHHH.
I dont think ill be able to learn how to install the car computer. I can probably build one if its like a desktop computer but i also wont be able to do any of the front end stuff.

Sucks for me