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Post by rasitlin on Dec 11, 2006 19:09:17 GMT 8
Dear All,
I am a newbie in the SUV areana. I have just confirm to get a sportage (2nd Hand). Was wondering whether anyone have any experience with in-vehicle computer or any stores in singapore who does installation. I have done some searching but it seems that it is still no available in Singapore. I felt some good functions that can be assembled and done up in Singapore would be GPS, DVD movie/mp3, Telephone (GSM/Satallite) and etc.
Please enlighten if possible. THanks
Rasitlin
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Post by recce75 on Dec 12, 2006 14:22:29 GMT 8
Welcome, The hardware and UI for such a setup are far a few, you will probably need to do a fair bit of customisation and need to get your hands dirty. Other considerations include: 1) Space - In cabin area not much left for PC, unless U get a in dash unit(single or double DIN) from overseas. Else it'll be under the front seats or boot area. 2) Climate - With our warm and humid weather, it might not go well with PC equipment. Especially if you need to park under direct sun. 3) Bootup time - Unless you leave your PC on all the time or in standby mode, long bootup times are also another consideration. But there are many good points, MP3, DVD, MP4, CD, GPS Apps, Games, etc etc. Do share on your equipment if do you embark on your project. Bernard
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Post by rasitlin on Dec 12, 2006 16:02:02 GMT 8
Thanks for your input. I will be embarking on something. At least to get a mini-mini barebone frame up. I search thru hardwarezone guys and there seems to be some chances. Will update you all once I can get something decent going. Cheers
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0780
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Post by 0780 on Jan 11, 2007 21:53:25 GMT 8
So Bro, Any updates Thanks for your input. I will be embarking on something. At least to get a mini-mini barebone frame up. I search thru hardwarezone guys and there seems to be some chances. Will update you all once I can get something decent going. Cheers
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Jan 20, 2007 21:54:41 GMT 8
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Feb 7, 2007 22:50:23 GMT 8
Some Updates on Carputer (In-Vehicle-Computer) I had done some findings and found the following links. This guy in UK DIY his own Carputer in his Ford Focus. Very Impressive, you have to browse his page to read in detail because too much information, and its usefull www.stevieg.org/carpc/There is a local distributor that sell mini-ITX motherboard, the company name is maxmega. You can find their website here www.maxmega.com. They carry VIA mini-ITX / nano-ITX motherboard. The VIA CN10000 / CN13000 are more suitable for CarPC. Also can check at VIA website for details of these 2 motherboard. www.via.com.tw/en/products/mainboards/I am also searching for distributor that sell the Frame for the PC as well as mini-PSU (DC-DC Power Supply Unit) Right now, the biggest problem is to search for LCD touch screen which must not exceed 188mm (W) x 100mm (H). I have the intention to embark onto Carputer project but i will not rush thing out as this is a long term planning and alot of effort will be put into. However, factor of Budget, Feasibility and components availability will affect my decision. Meanwhile, I will continue searching for required component as well as best practice for our ride. But 1 thing for sure, room space of our Sportage is not an issue for CarPC, since Ford Focus can do it, why not Sportage. If you guys have any good lobang and suggestion, do let me know.
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Feb 14, 2007 11:49:13 GMT 8
Anyone have any idea where can get 2 DIN "Touch Screen" LCD display which measure not more than (H) 100mm X (W) 185mm. As i measure, it might fit into it nicely.
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Post by Sebbie on Feb 16, 2007 15:09:58 GMT 8
Hi Bros,
If I can get a Tibo or a GPS system - I very happy liao. Carputer is too much. Office face computer, Home also computer, inside the car, have to drive and play computer. Siong leh.
Sebbie
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Feb 19, 2007 17:25:23 GMT 8
hmm.....thatz depends on individual as for me, like to explore new stuff and share with others my findings..... Anyway....will try to keep your update.... Also wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year 2007
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Mar 1, 2007 0:52:25 GMT 8
Hope you guys have a Happy CNY. Just some update on this thread. As mention, me gathering info and also doing some testing on best practice on In-Vehicle-Computer (Carputer).
Here is the progress, testing various O/S, Win2K, WinXPe, Linux Embedded into Solid-State Compact Flash Card storage, and is working perfectly.
Why i choose CF as storage as ?
First, it enables O/S to load much faster speed, thus fast boot time. Second, it can withstand shock as it is just Flash memory, HDD will crash after some knocking & bumbing in our Sportage.
This personal project still in infant stage, so that's all i feedback at the moment.
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Post by recce75 on Mar 1, 2007 12:20:52 GMT 8
Hope you guys have a Happy CNY. Just some update on this thread. As mention, me gathering info and also doing some testing on best practice on In-Vehicle-Computer (Carputer). Here is the progress, testing various O/S, Win2K, WinXPe, Linux Embedded into Solid-State Compact Flash Card storage, and is working perfectly. Why i choose CF as storage as ? First, it enables O/S to load much faster speed, thus fast boot time. Second, it can withstand shock as it is just Flash memory, HDD will crash after some knocking & bumbing in our Sportage. This personal project still in infant stage, so that's all i feedback at the moment. How much is the CF storage? I think the latest one is 32GB.... this will make the system bootup real fast, much much better then running a HDD. What audio card you running? Got 5.1 output? The specs must be much better then current available audio headunits to make this attractive! Possibility of making it under 2k? For OS, I would think WinXP Media Center Edition might make a good alternative, with this can use the swee swee keyboard and built in joy stick from Microsoft. Other alternative include, build in bluetooth, like that if you have 3G unlimited(aka M1) can shared the connection with Carputer and wala, you have 'broadband' anywhere in Singapore in your car liao. Bernard
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Mar 2, 2007 11:45:32 GMT 8
32GB CF !!!!! Wah that will cost almost 1K. well....the idea is to have O/S installed into CF for fast boot and eliminate crash due to HDD head slap when road is bumby. Data Files can store in HDD so if crash still can plug in new one and restore easily Hmmm........Media Centre ? Sounds good but need huge storage for all those mp3, wma files. That will definetly have to use HDD. Build in Bluetooth is not an issue, as most mini-itx board have this capability, Build in WiFi also not an issue. But the real problem is stability, as we know the Micro? O/S can crash easily. Well....already face this problem at home, so if the Carputer also crash often....that will have to re-consider the choice of O/S. As for the specs, the intention is to have a system that can progressively expand.....so as to make sure features is stable down before thinking for more.......
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Post by recce75 on Mar 2, 2007 14:23:48 GMT 8
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Mar 4, 2007 12:53:12 GMT 8
Thanks for the info, appreciated. The technology is getting mature, but consummers will probably hold back to their decision on SSD HDD as price seems steep for any capacity beyong 32GB and more. At the moment i am using such CD-IDE adapter to plug in the mother board for such testing, Though is 1GB, but i think for embedded O/S like XPe and Linux Embedded is sufficient. Refer to the pic below Hosted on Fotki
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Post by rasitlin on Mar 11, 2007 2:55:11 GMT 8
This is great. Been away from this website for a while since gotta bogged down by work.
I have driven up to Bangkok and back. Realised that they are selling TFT Touchscreen about S$450 at the car market. Very cheap. Sure can keep the cost low a bit.
So far. Most of my info building comes from this website http:www.mp3car.com
Try to se whether can get more info.
Cheers
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Post by recce75 on Mar 15, 2007 16:21:14 GMT 8
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Mar 21, 2007 23:52:41 GMT 8
Running O/S on normal or even 50x CF card really slow, using the CF-IDE adapter shown above.
Here are the performance i observe.
1) Window 98 = fast boot-up but its history, installation takes at least 1 hour 2) Window 2K = moderate boot-up speed, installation takes hours 3) Win XP, out of question 4) Linux = can do better but application support might be a problem.
Yet to try
Embedded Win O/S or Linux...... so it is still possible to work-it-out
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Post by rasitlin on Nov 8, 2007 1:33:28 GMT 8
Well I took the leap of faith finally. I got myself a pico-itx mainboard from via. the size of the credit card. Trying to integrate into the double din but hit rock as need special fabrication..... Well may need to take a few step back. Got the LCD and everything minus the casing.....should be able to get things up soon. Will update again.
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Post by recce75 on Nov 8, 2007 9:58:36 GMT 8
U will be have 1 of the most hi tech HU around.
Bernard
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Nov 8, 2007 11:40:38 GMT 8
Well I took the leap of faith finally. I got myself a pico-itx mainboard from via. the size of the credit card. Trying to integrate into the double din but hit rock as need special fabrication..... Well may need to take a few step back. Got the LCD and everything minus the casing.....should be able to get things up soon. Will update again. Yo ! Do let us know when you complete it.
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Post by rasitlin on Nov 8, 2007 20:19:22 GMT 8
Well got to try and error a lot. hope I don't burn the board while I connect the power to my car battery. Hee Hee
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kiasuv
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Post by kiasuv on Nov 9, 2007 0:15:04 GMT 8
I would like to learn from you the know-how of doing it, cos have been thinking to do it for long time.
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Post by rasitlin on Nov 9, 2007 7:35:53 GMT 8
No problem man.... will share whatever I have gone through so that you don't have to hit any walls.....cheerz.
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Post by rasitlin on Dec 30, 2007 1:32:27 GMT 8
Finally managed to get something up. But still very rough. Will post some pictures for pple to enjoy....
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Post by sport72age on Jan 14, 2008 16:49:25 GMT 8
Actually, you can call Sam (97459901). He is a good friend of mine, and he dabbles in Carputers. He has got one already installed in his car. Just tell him Cedric recommended you can liao.
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