Carputer

Rob · 2013-10-15T11:53:54+00:00

I stil think a tiny carputer with a HDD for music store and stream internet radio as well is the best option. Leave the existing radio for radio till digital...

K3FSAR

I could. But I don't really want to have to switch it on and off when I want it. I'm pretty sure there are options out there for a soft start relay (hook up to constant 12v and ignition trigger). Should be able to buy a board or at least find some plans and hack one together. Surely.

K3FSAR

So end up with a PC that turns on or goes to sleep when the car goes off and fires back up as soon as ignition is triggered.

K3FSAR

<a href="http://www.mini-box.com/M3-ATX-DC-DC-ATX-Automotive-Computer-car-PC-Power-Supply?sc=8&category=981">THIS</a> is what you want if you are implementing a straight up motherboard ;)

Ex850R

Looking at 7" screens , can the existing DVD ones with radio in them etc be used or are they too poor quality?

K3FSAR

What are you looking at exactly Les? Only real issue is inputs.

Ex850R

Yeah , the cheap chinese ones come up when you look at other things similar to what you put up on ebay . Inputs , outputs are crap.

K3FSAR

Best to find something with either VGA, DVI or HDMI inputs. And a USB based touched screen. Only problem is, the good ones aren't cheap.

K3FSAR

And so it begins!

Ex850R

Are we there yet?

K3FSAR

Give me a rainy day or two ;)

Ex850R

Not if the global warming contiues up there...

K3FSAR

This is Tasmania we're speaking about.

Ex850R

Well i didnt know , i do like it there but it does rain a lot , so expect fine weather to come with GW!
Anyway , is it finished yet ??

K3FSAR

Yup. All done.

Actually got it all done Friday evening. Shall post up some pics later this eve.

The screen actually exceeds my expections. Yet to get the touch screen working though but the image quality is bloody impressive for the small screen it is. Installed OpenELEC on it via USB and it is pretty snappy. Takes around 15 seconds to boot and get to the main screen. Not really too happy with it, and might still try a proper distro as it lacks the ability install new programs easily.

Hardware is more than capable, and perhaps overkill. So I will no doubt try the Raspberry Pi. Came across this site and a few others which has got me keen to try the tiny PC. There are some addon modules too which can control start up and shut down so it is a serious possibility :D

Ex850R

Yes! Well I like the Pi with the eGalax setup , he sounds like he has it sorted , wi fi and navit , a hotspot for uploads of files or internet. I still want good control over sound though , that guy stuck the old HU in boot and went through it I spose that could work with an old school graphic eq and I did have one I reckon got thrown out with the last move....bugger.

K3FSAR

OpenELEC up and running.

Tight squeeze....

K3FSAR

My plans with the sound include a decent USB soundcard or DAC with rear half speakers controlled with the old Volvo amp and fronts with a new Pioneer amp or something like that. Shouldn't be that hard to get working properly. 8.2 surround sound anyone? :P

Anyways, more soon on the Rasp Pi. Should yield a more compact and neater unit /:)

Ex850R

Looks good so far , I suppose navi is free? My sound card is pcie , I may as well sell it and get USB one too , what is the xbmc they are using ? The Linux ? I need to look at that , the full ready to go download in the link you posted seems to have everything , will that work with the Samsung screen too? Very exciting!

Ex850R

Ahh , now i read on the mac instead of phone , i get the full info !

jamesinc

Asus Xonar D2X. I use it in a media centre at home. It delivers crystal clear audio at 105dB (from FLAC sources, anyway). Admittedly it's running optical to a 2 channel amp with Burr-Brown DACs and a $3000 set of speakers :/

... I'm pretty sure my stereo is the most expensive thing I own. #truebachelor

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