I decided to build and install a PC in the car, here is the Carputer.
Main objectives of the computer
- Terrain navigation (Naviguide, Google Earth and/or software developed by me).
- Urban navigation (iGO and/or software developed by me).
- Use as a Bluetooth hands-free connection to the car's audio system (developed by me).
- Playing music through the car's audio system.
- Display on an "8 or larger screen, including a touchpad (safe for use while driving).
Secondary objectives
- Connection to a rear camera.
- Internet connection.
- Playing movies.
Chosen computer parts
- Processor: VIA C7, 2.0GHz
- Graphics Card: VIA/S3G Uni-Chrom 64MB with 3D accelerator (a bit weak, will be replaced soon).
- Motherboard: VIA P4M800 Pro.
- Memory: 1GB at 533MHz.
- Hard Drive: Toshiba 120GB, 2.5", 5400 RPM, 8MB cache, 12ms access time (upgraded to SSD).
- Sound Card: VIA AC'97, 6 channels.
- Connections: VGA, S-Video, RCA, LAN, RS-232, 1394 Firewire, 4 x USB, 2 x PS2, PCMCIA, Compact Flash, Bluetooth ,802.11 B/G.
- Power Management: M2-ATX including delay before turning on the computer to protect the computer from the car's startup.
- Case: Black anodized aluminum made by MSC.
Screen
- Black anodized aluminum body, 4-wire touchpad, automatic power on and off when receiving a video signal.
- Automatic connection selection (RCA1, RCA2, VGA) based on input from different video connections.
- 8.4" size in 3:4 aspect ratio.
- Connections: USB, 2 x RCA, VGA for the touch screen.
- Native resolution 800x600, brightness 400cm/m2, contrast 300, voltage 12V.
- Automatic selection between PAL and NTSC, weight 0.8 kg.
- Made by Xenarc, model 840TSV.
Camera
- 1.4" sensor, CCD, weatherproof.
- Supports PAL and NTSC, automatic focus.
- Black and white imaging at 0.1LUX, color imaging at 0.3LUX.
- 30 LED infrared lights that automatically turn on under lighting conditions below 1LUX.
- RCA connection, 12V power.
GPS
- Magnetic base, USB connection, weatherproof.
- Supports WAAS and EGNOS, supports connection to up to 12 satellites simultaneously.
- Has an internal battery to save the last location, providing very fast Time to First Fix (TTFF).
- Made by Holux, model GM-210U.
Accessories
- Micro keyboard, purchased from an anonymous gadget store in the Far East, USB connection, thrown in the glove compartment.
- Mousepad, similar to a laptop touchpad, made by ErgonomicTouchpad, USB connection, installed on the electric windows control panel.
- Two USB panel connectors installed on the electric windows control panel. One connected to the car's radio-CD player for easy connection of a Disk-on-Key for music. The other to the car's computer, for easy software installations, keyboard connection when needed, portable CD/DVD drive, MP3 player, etc.
Insights
- All parts were purchased on eBay. The same products from the same companies for less money.
- It's worth investing the extra time and insulating every electrical connection with heat-shrink tubing. This protects the connection insulation as well as shields it from bending/unwanted disconnections.
- The websites mp3Car.com and digital-car.co.uk are excellent sources of information for systems like these.