CarPC Installation NB8A

Shambler · Postby **Shambler** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 2:06 pm

Hi Bryan,
Good to meet you on Saturday, there's a number of updates! I'll see what I can do about putting together an update, maybe a video running different software and showing off the new boot times. I think the physical install is pretty much the same at this point, though obviously there's room for improvement in hiding it within the boot space.

I've been looking into the cost of doing it again, have to start remembering where I sourced certain parts, and find alternatives as new products are available now which would be more appropriate.

Thanks for the interest,
Sam

sixthsense · Postby **sixthsense** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 5:03 pm

Hi sam, I was in the black na who also expressed interest in your system, Bryan let's look into this together?!

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 10:03 pm

Sam, there's a market! :twisted:

Shambler · Postby **Shambler** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:57 pm

Hahah I'm starting to see that!

I'll try put together a costing, what sort of thing are you actually hoping for? One of the best things about doing the CarPC is the ability to customise, you can select the features that you want, or just go all out and try everything!

Main advantages I see of the system is:
-Cost (Cheaper than a high end head unit)
-Ability to carry lots of music
-video (distracting!)
-Navigation (GPS)
-FM Radio can be added
-Bluetooth connectivity to talk through the stereo system
-Huge customisation possible
-Awesome factor ;)

Disadvantages:
- Replaces the stock head unit
- requires an amplifier of some sort
-Can sometimes be fiddly
-depending on the install can potentially run your battery dead if the car isn't used often ie; once every two weeks. This can be avoided with a cutoff switch though
-Software is still in it's infant stages, if configured right it can be fantastic, however sometimes bugs can drive you nuts
- as with any PC, it won't work perfectly everytime

I've used mine for 9 months now, and through a few issues have definitely got it to a stage that I'm happy with. Just need to get a proper amp installed and put the carpet back over the PC. Possibly use a less dodgy mounting system too ;)

Sam

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 6:59 am

I'm looking for all the advantages you've stated there including a reversing camera.

As for the disadvantages, I'm only worried about it being fiddly and the start up time. You don't want that when driving...particularly if you have to flick through a complex menu.

Maybe it's best to wait till you've ironed out all the bugs!

Shambler · Postby **Shambler** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 8:23 am

Fiddly... it's better than it was. The software in the video I got rid of, it just annoyed me too much and too often. Switched software now, had to learn how to configure it properly, but now that's done it's been great! Not really too hard to change music, easy to push the buttons you'll need while driving (play/pause volume change and skip song). Changing the playlist is probably something you should do while stopped anyway ;)

Startup times have improved, and there's definitely room for improvement. Depending on your cars usage you can set up a sleep then hibernate routine, sleeping for an hour (uses small amounts of power) then hibernate if it hasn't been woken in that period (uses less power, still a micro drain from the PC power supply). I currently use a full hibernate, when the car is turned off it starts saving to disk and by the time the door is open it's usually shut down completely. Startup is quick, as pulling the hibernate file from the SSD takes almost no time at all, the longest period is really just the time it takes the PC to get through the POST process!

I'll try get a video of the current system and you'll see what I mean

sixthsense · Postby **sixthsense** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 3:58 pm

Thoughts on using a tablet as a simpler cost effective option guys? Navigation, music, touchscreen all in one kit.

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:37 pm

Yup, I did think about it but the iPad is too big. The fallback is a new HU with iPod/iPhone connectivity.

I think if we can get this up and running for about $400-500 it would be a pretty good compromise. Not concerned about branded components here - otherwise the cost of it relative to the car..."over-capitalisation" is what I want to avoid!

Dweezle · Postby **Dweezle** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 4:58 pm

Samsung galaxy tab 7".
Its almost exactly double din too.

Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

Shambler · Postby **Shambler** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:08 pm

Tablets have been proven to work, however you'd really struggle to fit one in an MX5! If they fit they'd be great, finger friendly interface, bright screen + lots of apps and the like.
The space we're working with isn't much, so really unless you're willing to mount it vertically on a removeable mount, it's not going to fit. (I'd love it to though!)

Galaxy Tab COULD work, however if you wanted it flush mounted in the dash you'd have to do some fabrication work. The bezel would extend past the plastic surrounding the DIN space.

I'm not certain you could put in the full CarPC system with that much money, the screens cost a stupid amount of money for what they are, + you do need the PC itself in there, preferably small so you can hide it! Unfortunately in the world of PCs small = expensive.

If you wanted to see some attempts at fitting tablets into cars have a look at the mp3car forums, lots of people have attempted it, lots of people have either done a removable mount or fabricated new panels for their car. If you see something nice though definitely link it back here so we can all see it!

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Tue Sep 06, 2011 5:58 pm

What do you reckon the costs would be - screen and PC? You see, if I have the specs for the hardware, I reckon I can get it 20-30% cheaper from Singapore. Electronics there are much cheaper than here...and you're not taking into account exchange rate yet!

I didn't factor the cost of the amp and SSD into the $500.

sixthsense · Postby **sixthsense** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 5:41 pm

So as an alternative my option could be to Mount iPad so it's removable, I need a head unit with aux and iPad charging. Might as well upgrade speakers whilst I'm at it

Apu · Postby **Apu** » Thu Sep 08, 2011 8:07 pm

I've been thinking about this a bit more and I think for the MX5 and the sake of simplicity, iPod/iPhone compatible HU will do...and give up on the reversing camera and other gadgets. Sonewhat disappointing but unless there's a plug and play...

For the people mover on the other hand...still might be worth investigating Sam!

sixthsense · Postby **sixthsense** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 3:11 pm

Agreed, i am considering any simple head unit with aux capacity $96 and Saw a simple car charger dock at big w $70, $160 job done!

What are your thoughts Brian?

Bizi · Postby **Bizi** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 5:16 pm

If it's any use I have a 7" ZTE V9 Android tablet if you want to try it in your car.

Yes, that Optus MyTab. http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/144?g=303

Mine is unlocked, has CM7 ROM so is Android 2.34, so should be able to work with anything Android related.

However it's not going to be as good to use as an iPad. Screen is plastic, so doesn't feel as good. I am in northern Sydney, slightly further north than Bryan.