[johnwr1983]

So I've been working on a little project and it's turning out amazing. Still have a few bits and pieces that should be here this week. I'm running an EeePC 701 by Asus. It's the 4Gb model without a webcam. So far I've got full functional GPS, XM Radio, Music and movies, FileSync(to sync up when I pull into the driveway) and Internet using 802 Wireless (one day, verizon or similar cell tethering). I'm waiting on my touchscreen kit, bluetooth (handsfree and for a small keyboard like Dinovo), 250gb drive and usb hub/hdd caddy. More details and pictures later!

 

[Opiate]

nice!

 

[f1ip]

what are you using for audio? u gonna hook up your speakers to an amp?

are you using a shutdown controller to have he PC turn on/off automatically?
you'll also need something to power the PC, USB hub, and the HDD, and the display.

Also if i may recommend AllwaySync, Although i don't use it anymore, imo it's better then FileSync. I just transfer files from my PC to the Server, then copy to a USB stick then take it to the truck. Transferring 4gigs can take a long time on wifi.

Tethering should be easy, im using my Tmo TP2 to connect it on the road. Either on USB or use it as WiFi router.


Good luck! I got a build page somewhere there in mp3car, might be of some help.

 

[johnwr1983]

I'm using a head unit into the factory Rockford Fosgate amplifier. I have an older DEH-P940MP Premier Headunit, using the IP-Bus Aux input cable directly to computer. Extended the Headunit's harness about 5 feet and stuck it under the driverside seat in case I want to control the "amplifer" volume without stopping. But I have it set at about 25% and use the computer for volume control. The sound is CD-Quality, and I'm very happy with it. So happy, in fact I'm selling my amplifier's and aftermarket Infinity Speaker setup (perfect 6.1s and kappa 692.5is running off a RF Punch 4 Channel 500W).

I'm using software as a shutdown controller. It's called ShutControl, Whenever the laptop goes to AC power, it delays about 30 secs and runs whatever programs I need it to, and shuts down. As for startup, I'm running a relay setup for Wake on Lan. So far, it's worked every time. I pulled the WOL diagram from mp3car actually.

As for power... The touchscreen is designed for unregulated use. I've got a couple DC-DC adapters for the laptop (which only pulls 9.5V), and for my HDD/USB (5V 2A). HDD is a 2.5" USB powered hub. It uses two usb ports for 1000ma, but it's working great so far.

I'll look into Allway Sync, but I transfered 3-4gb in like 15 minutes last time I tried it. Which considering the laptop battery lasts for about 3 hours, I think I could transfer whatever I want without any issues. But if I needed to transfer more than that, I think I'll just pull the 2.5" caddy out and take it inside so I don't have to transfer everything twice.

 

[steve500]

EDIT: I didn't realize you posted about startup/shutdown above.

What are you going to be using for the startup/shutdown controller.

I have had my eye on this one here:

DCDC-USB, Intelligent DC-DC converter with USB interface

Although, since you're using a laptop-based installations, you can always just run a relay on your ACC line in the truck to switch the "screen closed" and "screen open" sensor to make the computer wake up and go to sleep/hibernate.

 

[steve500]

Any updates on your install?

 

[johnwr1983]

UPDATE: 99.9% done! PICTURES!

There is a little gap around the bezel, but I just need to shim the mounts out with some washers to fix that. Used the factory brackets to mount the screen/enclosure. The EeePC 701 is modified with a touchscreen on the internal LCD also. This means I can pull the laptop and GPS (wire is routed where it's less than 10 seconds to pull out) out of the car to use in other people's rides. The power supply still needs to be tied into my power distribution that I can directly from the battery (relayed). But it's only pulling 10V, so I'm not worried about the wiring not being sufficient for it.

Also, if you noticed a "radio" below the touchscreen. I just relocated the main part of the radio under the seat, then rerouted the faceplate to the rockford fosgate plate (empty space)and used some velco sticky pads to attach it. It's now a very functional "Pre-Amp" that can also be used as a backup should the PC be used elsewhere. Very proud of that little mod.

 

[latinmaxima]

That looks really awesome. How bad is the glare off that when driving?

 

[steve500]

For the LCD in the dash, did you use the Lilliput EBY701/629 LED model with the bybyte.com double-din plastic bracket?... It looks dang good!

 

[johnwr1983]

It is a bybyte product, but it is the whole enclosure. It's the "Black Box N". I got a stellar deal on it (less than a lilliput and the frame), so got it instead. even though nothing is in the case yet, I plan on moving more permanent things into it. Power Distro, xm stuff, whatever else is taking up room that I don't pull out of the car or need access to.

I took a picture with direct sunlight on it and one without. The glare isn't too bad. I wouldn't want to read Web browsers and stuff with it in direct sun, but for music, navigation, drivelog (love it for work mileage reports), etc. it works fantastic. I haven't hooked up a rearview cam yet, but plan on putting one in as soon as funding is available.

best part about this mod. is it isn't a mod! Nothing in the entire car was cut or modified. Everything can be pulled out and used in my next vehicle should I sell the fronty one day. Not that's a good thought, it's nice knowing it's not wasted/trivial money spend.

 

[steve500]

Have you tried out centrafuse 3 yet? .. I ordered a license for non-nav package version.. because I'll implement my own nav app...the navigation engine in centrafuse is kind of drabby. Only thing about centrafuse 3 that I don't like right off the bat is that they switched the position of the music controls from the bottom to the top, I'm not a fan of that, fortunately there is a "tweak" plugin in fluxmedia forums that switches them around back to the good style.

Got a capacitive touch screen coming soon and a netbook with a broken LCD to start the project in my frontier. Decided not to rip out the installation I've got in my rodeo, I'll keep er' in there!

 

[MITOK]

The power supply still needs to be tied into my power distribution that I can directly from the battery (relayed). But it's only pulling 10V, so I'm not worried about the wiring not being sufficient for it.

As for power... The touchscreen is designed for unregulated use. I've got a couple DC-DC adapters for the laptop (which only pulls 9.5V), and for my HDD/USB (5V 2A). HDD is a 2.5" USB powered hub. It uses two usb ports for 1000ma, but it's working great so far.

I'm curious about how you're powering this setup. Are you running your laptop's DC-DC converter off the head unit wiring, or from a dedicated ignition-switched 12v line? Also, are you powering the screen at 12v?