Car Computer Worklog (pics)

[James Crivellone]

So yesterday I started my computer, and installed beta 1, which was basic screen location, 110V AC System and overall system testing.

Phase 2 will be cleaning up cabling so you can't see it, and moving the actual computer to the rear of the car.

The specifications are a Dell Optiplex GX1 450mhz P3, 512mb ram, 30GB WD HD, USB GPS, USB Wireless Mouse, 802.11g for wireless sync with my household music collection, and a USB Cell Link cable for wireless internet, traffic information, hell anything on the internet. The screen is a USB Touchscreen VGA Starforce LCD Panel, 12volt operating voltage, etc. It will be linked to my alpine headunit via AUX Input for audio prompts for nav

The computer will control megasquirt, navigation, entertainment, and other functions.

the AC System is a Coleman 400W/800W Peak DC/AC Inverter, hardwired into the car, and wired into the rear cig tray on teh center console, where you find a normal A/C Outlet. The 2 switches on the center console *where the heated seat switches should be * are to control the system, one controls PC Power, and the other controls Inverter Power. This allows me to completely disconnect the system from the car if need be.


Anyway, here are pictures of phase 1, remember phase 2 removes most of the wires from the screen surroundings, and hides the computer to the trunk.








anyway, that is phase 1, I will update when phase 2 is completed :)

lemme know your thoughts (good or bad)

[bimmerphile]

i now feel more confident in my geekiness, or lack thereof.

[robert325is]

damn... you're good.... i could never do that

[Kruzen]

lookspretty good

i still don't know why you have such a hard-on for drilling into your dash though. i would've explored other methods.

but, to each his own. looks good, i'll swing by when its all done to check it out :)

[spencers]

Damn James. I ike the power outlet you made in the rear ashtray place!

[Rob]

WARNING! DANGER TO MANIFOLD!

[Bokes]

WARNING! DANGER TO MANIFOLD!

"SHUT UP" *slaps the laptop lid closed* *floor board falls off*

[UNHCLL]

while I applaude your efforts...
that screen install looks like complete shit.

Otherwsie its a neat idea.

[James Crivellone]

while I applaude your efforts...
that screen install looks like complete shit.

Otherwsie its a neat idea.

other then the cables its the only place where I can put it that

A) does not completely fuck with my vision
B) does not require me to take my eye's off the road
C) allows me to hide the screen in the glovebox if needed

function over form for now, if I wanted a pretty dash thats all perfect I would not own a project car :p

[UNHCLL]

understandable...
but after all the work you are planning on doing to the white car (this is in the white car?) do you really want a tacked on looking screen?

Sorry, that sounded harsh, but i think there must be some sort of better way to mount it.
cool project regardless.

[LikeCDoos]

looks like a good start. A close friend did a custom computer car install in his A4. He did 7" touch screen right in the dash with the computer hidden in the trunk. It's lots work and can be a real pain at time. He would blow fuses ALL the time.

good luck james

[bmw325ix]

i dont understand why you did all that

[Mystikal]

Cool stuff. I wish I could fit a laptop behind my seat though, it's just about touching the rear seat bottom.

[Kruzen]

i dont understand why you did all that

mp3's, dvd's, gps, internet on the highway, etc.

[bimmerphile]

get a BT keyboard and mouse hooked up to that shizzle, james.