carputer installation...

[Vigher]

Just got my final pice of hardware in the mail yesterday and I eagerly started to build my Carputer.

Everything went wel....but my concern is the lack of space inside the Voompc, how can this not cause a heat issue? I felt like I was stuffing 10lbs of cr@p into a 5lbs bag when I was sliding the motherboard into the case.

Also, is there any reason I couldnt hook up a desktop PSU to the mini itx board to install the OS instead of having to do it after installing the puter in the car? I'm sure its ok to do, but then I assumed much worse things were ok to due in my life and I dont feel like learning the hard way this time

[iamjosh]

very cool setup

[MGD]

Don't worry about heat. The extruded case will handle that, the Via Board does not run hot, and yes, hoock it up to a regular PSU and do everything in the house till you finished, then hook up your DC Power supply and install it in the car.
Good Luck and enjoy your new hobby...

[Vigher]

Steering Wheel Buttons,

Just curious how these buttons are controlled.....Hard wired or voltage resistance?

If hard wired, I'm going to attempt to use an old keyboard circut board.

[MGD]

I don't have them on mine, but I think they are controlled by single wire with resistor network. I made my own keyboard to control every function of the frontend. Every screen can be controlled with the same key, so one key can have 10 functions depending on the screen your on. Here is a shot of the keyboard and screen. The keyboard will be molded into the lid from the cup holder.

[Vigher]

Darn was hoping to save a few bucks with the old keyboard circut board, but whats another $80 for the resistance controller lol.

As far as keyboards go....this is what I picked up for storage in my center console and quick typing/commands

GameExpress.com: PS2 Dreamgear Mini Key Accessory - Shop, Buy and Save!

[TUL300C]

You guys have done some great work. I'm almost embarrassed to show this here w/ all the custom molded bezels but I didn't want to lose my nav since there isn't a good gps solution on a mac...

(please ignore that nasty power cord going to the cig lighter... everything is cleanly hardwired now the photos just aren't up on the site yet)


at least i can be proud of my iPhone interface haha

at least i can be proud of my iPhone interface haha

much more info & video of interface in action here:
Mac Mini 300c

*UPS says my back-up cam should be here tomorrow!

[Gamio213]

Great future mod.

[MGD]

Finaly done with my setup. Running an Intel 3.46Ghz chip, 1GB Memory, 500GB Sata Hard Drive, 8.4" Touch Screen.
System has Mp3 Player, HD Radio, iPhone, GPS, Movies, Weather and Traffic, Gas Prize Finder, Tire Pressure Monitor System, Maintenance Schedule, Internet, Bluetooth. All tucked away in the trunk.
Here are some shots of the system. ( I know, crappy camera ).

[MGD]

Some more of the system.