Project: Car PC

well, a little update. I've now ordered the M2-ATX (PSU) and bought a distribution block so as soon as I have the PSU here it should be ready to go.

Now I'm thinking about a ps2 connected up, or maybe some games on the PC :p
 
Mark A said:
LOL, how about a fold down desk with a keyboard and mouse for some FPS action when stuck in traffic :D .
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Hmm there is the inside of the glovebox, the edge that folds down :p

Problem is it has onboard graphics, just tried Pro Evo 6 and that won't play :(

So If I get a ps2, that can go in the glovebox with wireless controllers.
 
Nice reading this thread again, it's what gave me some inspiration for my own Car PC. Mine's almost done bar some cosmetic edging to go on the dash :D

I was thinking about fitting a mini keyboard into the driver-side sun visor...not got round to that yet. That could be an alternative to the glove box?

Anyone know if you can get laptop touch pads or those mouse sticks that you get in the middle of the keyboard that work from USB?
 
MarkLP said:
something like this?

snip
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Possibly, but that'd be a bit big for the visor. I'd keep the keyboard in the visor and look at relocating the mouse elsewhere, like in the arm rest for example. Can they be had separately?
 
Either really, perhaps molded. Good to know they exist lol, thanks. I'll have a search around and it might be a future addition. Things seem to be ok using just the touchscreen so it might not be necessary.
 
A trackball mouse like this has the potential to look really cool if integrated into the armrest well.
 
Just can't wait to get mine in the car. Would like to get the internet on it, but not really sure how. I waas thinking of connecting my phone to it and using that as a modem sort of thing. But I don't know if it would work :confused:
 
MarkLP said:
Just can't wait to get mine in the car. Would like to get the internet on it, but not really sure how. I waas thinking of connecting my phone to it and using that as a modem sort of thing. But I don't know if it would work :confused:
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It's possible by bluetooth in most cases I think especially if you have a good data tariff. Alternatives include getting a GPRS/3G data card or just sticking to WiFi and driving around looking for unsecured networks :D :p
 
Hmm, maybe something to think about in the future then. I have a contract with 3 if that makes any difference?
 
BigglesPiP said:
I'd have used a VIA mini-ITX board and a picoPSU, run it right off the 12V supply.
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As far as I am aware the PicoPSU doesn't have any tolerance regarding input voltages and as such requires a regulated 12v input. Running it off the car 12V would be a problem as it wouldn't survive engine cranks and would deep discharge the battery over a period of time.

M2-ATX is a better solution tbh. Also provides delayed amplifier switch on so you don't get a loud thump at startup and is designed specifically for in car use.
 
What do you guys do with your car PC's? apart from Video or MP3 i cant really see anything else you would want to do in a car?

You can pick up touchscreen double din DVD/DIVX/MP3 players for around £170 ish now, they have USB so you can plug in a harddrive.

I have recently gone for a JVC AVX33 single din DVD player and tbh its spot on,nice clear lcd on the front with bluetooth and USB functionality, pricey tho, cost me nearly £400 as i went for the DAB upgrade, which is quite possibily the best feature i have ever had on a car stereo.
 
BigglesPiP said:
I'd have used a VIA mini-ITX board and a picoPSU, run it right off the 12V supply.
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Like has been said, the pc wouldn't last 2 seconds.

wohoo said:
What do you guys do with your car PC's? apart from Video or MP3 i cant really see anything else you would want to do in a car?

You can pick up touchscreen double din DVD/DIVX/MP3 players for around £170 ish now, they have USB so you can plug in a harddrive.

I have recently gone for a JVC AVX33 single din DVD player and tbh its spot on,nice clear lcd on the front with bluetooth and USB functionality, pricey tho, cost me nearly £400 as i went for the DAB upgrade, which is quite possibily the best feature i have ever had on a car stereo.
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They can also do engine diagnostics, connected to the ecu, games, internet, the ability to have no cds etc.
 
wohoo said:
What do you guys do with your car PC's? apart from Video or MP3 i cant really see anything else you would want to do in a car?

You can pick up touchscreen double din DVD/DIVX/MP3 players for around £170 ish now, they have USB so you can plug in a harddrive.

I have recently gone for a JVC AVX33 single din DVD player and tbh its spot on,nice clear lcd on the front with bluetooth and USB functionality, pricey tho, cost me nearly £400 as i went for the DAB upgrade, which is quite possibily the best feature i have ever had on a car stereo.
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The cheapo units generally come with rubbish software though and aren't the best quality so people say.

I use my carpc for mp3 and sat nav mainly, but having the video/dvd/tv/internet/obdII is always useful if i'm bored in traffic :p . It can do all the usual like handfree calling, reversing camera etc. It's also really cheap compared to similar all in one solutions.

Plus the best thing about it is that having a PC in your car is just awesome. Immediate +10 cool points.
 
Six6siX said:
As far as I am aware the PicoPSU doesn't have any tolerance regarding input voltages and as such requires a regulated 12v input. Running it off the car 12V would be a problem as it wouldn't survive engine cranks and would deep discharge the battery over a period of time.

M2-ATX is a better solution tbh. Also provides delayed amplifier switch on so you don't get a loud thump at startup and is designed specifically for in car use.
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How about the picoPSU-60 WI, runs on anything between 6 and 26V.
 
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