[sleeprlegendcp]

This is for the CarPC i'll be installing in the next week along w/ GPS.

been working on it a lot... whatcha think?

Excelent! I have a lot to learn about carputers. I am about to install one. I am thinking of using a Dell laptop as the brains and a docking station to plug into all the periphials. I also plan to put 2 usb ports in the front for thumb drives. Is there a forum that specializes in such things? Also how hard was it to make that main screen? I would really be interested in that.
Later!
Lee

 

[sleeprlegendcp]

yep! MP3Car but they won't take kindly to easy questions that could be answered by utilizing the search button (much like here). I suggest just reading through the FAQ and Newbie sections. Plus just ask me anything i'll be more than happy to help you

The screen wasn't all that hard to make in photoshop. There already exists a skin for the front-end software FrodoPlayer called Brightlife2. I just pulled all the images into photoshop and did a full makeover to satisfy my color scheme and design i had in mind. Also, upon editting premade skins, you will need to change a handfull of stuff in the INI files included with the skins such as dimensions, locations of buttons, colors, links, images, etc. But pretty easy once you get the hang of it :2cool:

The only thing i would love to take advantage of is the ability of OBD2 integration via serial cable to a COM port. But knowing our cars are OBD1, with my limited knowledge i wouldn't know how to make it possible.

:bowdown:
Excelent! I have done some searching and I have an idea of what I am looking at. I too really want the same diagnostics I see for OBDII. I am sure someone makes one for OBDI. That was one of my first questions.
Later!
Lee

 

[sleeprlegendcp]

http://www.logicsupply.com/default.php

Seemed to be a good resource for the car computer as well. I would check them out, and see what their FAQ has to say.

That is more of what I am looking at now. I still really like the laptop idea, but I believe some of the mods needed would not allow it to be removed from the docking station, and that kills its purpose. I have found a few companies that make systems. I think I am going to go this route. Why would a car computer have more issues than a dvd, nav., ect. screen issues with the sun? Are they using different monitors? I found one I liked so far.
Later!
Lee

 

[sleeprlegendcp]

why not just get an aftermarket navi system that plays MP3, CD R/RW, DVD R,etc.?
i saw an item in crutchfield catalog w/ a touchscreen navi system that is a double din and looks pretty nice but costs about $1500.

Very true if that is all you want to do. I am looking at voice activation, vehicle condition information, performance information, and eventually a stand alone ECU that can be controled from the dash while driving. Then you have the whole being able to surf the net and check email thing. Also you can use a full keyboard and a normal mouse. We are even looking at installing a printer to pop out quotes on the spot.
Later!
Lee