Carputer Few things i need to know...

Soldato
Joined
22 Jul 2006
Posts
7,702
Hi All,

I am picking up a new car next weekend, a Mondeo ST24. The guy isnt selling it with a stereo so i am needing to buy a new stereo.

I have been wanting to do a in car computer for quite some time however just never had the cash or spare money.

Is there anyone on here that has done one, if so any guides? Also would they be prepared to give me some advice on what to get component wise?

What is the minimum spec needed? I hav been given an old pc, when opened up its a celeron - however installed via a pci card type of thing (i am not sure on the spec but could be a '98 chip?

If anyone is selling better components let me know, i will be posting up in the wanted section also.

GinG
 
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I'm more than happy to help if you need it.

There are wiring diagrams on that site but I should still have mine if you want it.

That one you've linked to isn't mine but it's a better job on the screen!
I got a used (good condition) dash surround for less than £5 delivered off ebay

Here's mine
copyof210120071499mc.jpg
 
would really appreciate the wiring diagram if you have it mate.

What size screen fits? Is the 7" lilliput screens the best to use?

Have you got a component list of what you used for yours? i.e. power supply and stuff?

Any little bits like that would help me greatly.

Thanks
 
I'll see if I can find the wiring diagram.

Here's the components I used:

7" touchscreen (I tried an 8" but it was too big)
VIA EPIA 13000G (motherboard and cpu)
Soundblaster X-Fi soundcard
120gb HD
512mb ram
USB 802.11g wireless adaptor
Keysonic usb keyboard
Carnetix CNX-P1290 power supply
USB GPS reciever BU-353
USB Bluetooth adapter
USB 2.0 hub

Wiring:
USB 2.0 active repeater cable from pc in boot to usb 2.0 hub in glovebox
Phono audio cables to head unit
Power cables (I used around 20m as I put switches in, you'll see when I find the wiring diagram)
 
Here's the wiring diagram. I put 2 swiches on the dash in the end - 1 in the main 12v line from the battery so I could power down the PC if it crashes and the other to power on the power supply/PC. The way these power supplies work is by having a permanent +12v line and the 2nd power wire is to give a signal for it to power on the PC.

carpcwiringfv0.jpg
 
Thanks for that mate, looks quite tricky! But i think once you get it sorted aint too bad!

As for the carnetic PSU does it look like this?

Carnetix_CNX-P1900_V2_140W_Dual_Out.jpg


So how does this work, does it have wires coming out like you have in the pc PSU? And you connect it via a cable like you would with an amp?

Thanks
 
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