pc in your sho?

[shoisfast]

I build computers as my business but have instaled several in my own cars and have found that not only are they a useful mod but they replace a lot of more pricey items such as dvd players mp3 players plus map software .I would offes to build them for you guys but it is so simple that I could show you how within minutes .I find that mounting them in the trunk is best but under the drivers seat is fine if any one is interested email me and I will walk you through the process it can cost from 150.00 1000.00 pending on your needs so decide first if you want a full blown gaming system or you just want to play files over your existing head unit

 

[yamahaSHO]

I think most would just use it for data logging and tweaking their car's computer. Not hard to do... One guy here has already done it. Nice gesture though.

 

[40BelowSummer]

i have one

 

[SgtSHO]

What do you use as a display? I also build computers (I am in the IT guy where I work..) and that has always been the factor that stops me. Just curious...

 

[MelectroK]

Do you know a way using these computers to set up a "dash cam" such as police have to record my drives and store them to hard disk? I could prolly do it with a webcam or such but is there a way to start it without opeing and running the webcam program.

 

[40BelowSummer]

google it, http://www.halfbakery.com/lr/idea/Dash_20Cam

 

[shoisfast]

http://www.lilliput.cn/619.htm

 

[MOSHO92]

Why not just get an industrial HMI... I think a 6" color touch screen would be a great way to control everthing from your radio to your cruise control.

 

[FOSHO94]

if people have tweecers, don't most just drive around with laptops in their cars?

 

[shoisfast]

by the way there is a nice little computer that is only $99 thaat would be fine for a starter system



http://www.matrixsurplus.com/commerce/catalog/product.jsp?product_id=1625&czuid=1091308515605

 

[HoustinoJillian]

i have thought a lot aobut doing something like this, the possibilities would be amazing, but the only drawback is how do you deal with powering the unit? i don't mean hw is it wired etc, a simple hardwired ac adapter'd do the trick, i mean how do you deal with turning it on/off? it's always been my understanding that just turning off the power to a computer without shutting it down first is a bad bad thing.. do you have to manually start it up and shut it down every time you get in and out of the car? and also, what OS do you consider running in cars, a version of linux, or go with the more familiar windows/mac? OS?

 

[SteedaSVT]

When i lived in Kansas City I installed a Computer into a Tahoe to control this customers whole system. It lasted about 2 weeks then the Hard Drive crashed from the Massive Vibrations that the 6 Cerwin Vega Stroker 15's and 8k wrms where creating. I guess the moral is the story is that a system with over 150db probably won't work to well with a Computer unless theres a way to sheild the hd from vibrations.

I am thinking about putting one in my 92 SHO along with my Pioneer AVH-6500 DVD player if i keep the SHO. Only time will tell.

 

[Piccolo]

I too have been considering this. I never knew sooo many people have either done this, or have thought about it. I have the same question though as, HoustinoJillian, how do you power it? I thought since I am putting the battery in the trunk to just run a power inverter that will surge up to the amount a comp needs at startup. But what will stop the power inverter from drawing a little bit of power when the car is turned off? I would worry about the battery dying over time just sitting. Another concern I have is the unit overheating. What do you use to keep it cool?

As far as monitors, thats pretty easy. Just get a GForce 4 MX440 8x video card that has a S-video jack in the back and pick up a monitor from www.cmttrading.com for about $80 and run an extended s-video jack to the monitor in the visor/headrest/dash wherever you want to put a monitor. Oh and BTW, there is GPS available for laptops that is $50 with software. I figure that would be good to have. It is a little yellow box that you put near a windshield or moonroof and is connected to the CPU using a USB cord.

I do have however, one more problem. What do you use for mouse and keyboard? Or is the only option a touch screen? I thought about taking a aftermarket shifter and cutting the top off to fit a roller ball mouse in it. But I don't have one to pull apart.

Anyway, let me know please!

 

[SteedaSVT]

two options for powering it and the best way would be a direct connection to the battery so that when the car is turned off it doesn't lose power. The other way would be the same but with a switch for it possibly in the front of the car. then run it to a power inverter.

as far as keyboard ect just get a wireless mouse keyboard combo.. put the RF unit on the rear deck and there you go. i might put mine older desktop in my sho if i keep it. As long as you don't have a massive set of subs then you won't have a problem with the computer back there..

 

[93medusa]

Here's a kid's website from mazda6club. His set up seems to work really well, he's got DVD, mp3, nav/gps. It's pretty sweet.

http://www.aztecarecords.com/elocine//carputer/

Dave

 

[NBSHO]

Guys,

To find out the best way to run/power this stuff go to your local police department and find out who installs their in car video and computer systems. Then go to that company and talk to their techs...tell them what you want to do and they should be able to help you out.

I know in our patrol cars we have it all wired up and it just keeps the laptops battery charged. Thanks though you've given me sum ideas for installing a movie system in my car for the kids...

 

[SteedaSVT]

I told you how they run there stuff. Its a power inverter but with a cop car there seems to always be someone driving it. there are day where i don't drive my car for a couple of days and depending on size of the power inverter then there is a possibly that the draw could **** the battery.

 

[93medusa]

they make DC to DC power supplies for computers in cars. They are kinda pricey, but they are the best solution.

 

[aaronsbiza]

What about heat? Here in Sacramento it can get up to 130 in a car?