snowcrash

another interesting control idea

http://www.zorg.org/projects/carpc.shtml

took me ages to find this thread again

might actually find a use for my palm

[Edited by snowcrash - 12/3/2002 7:21:52 PM]

snowcrash

Hi guys, long time no post about mp3's (from me anyway)

well after almost doing it, i chickened out and went down the mod-yer engine route, well i'm now back to wondering how i can improve my ICE...

my major issue with having a PC in the car to serve MP3's is the control interface, and output display of said mp3s...

Last night i had a BIG BRAINWAVE...!

what if I somehow connect the PC (via serial) to my Headunit's Multi-CD Changer dataport...? (I have a sony head unit)..

anyway i thought id do a search, and whoa! look what i've found - http://freshmeat.net/releases/83989/

now doing something like this would sort out huge issues in controling the pc-mp3 and also not messing up the cabin (with extra display's and keypads), it also means I will be able to use the sony remote stalk thingy too

just wondering what u guys thought of it..

cheers

simon.

12LEE

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Cracking project if you fancy it, although we'll be able to offer you something ready-made in a matter of only a few weeks.......
[/possibly advertising]

Edited to add the thought....

How would you envisage navigating GB's of content using the single-line H/U display?

[Edited by 12LEE - 8/27/2002 1:34:41 PM]

ozzy

Simon,

I think Lee's spotted the biggest problem in that it would be fine displaying the ID-Tag info on your headunit, but it'd be a nightmare scrolling through the list of tracks using just one display line.

Like you, I though about building a PC for my car, but decided to take the easy option and got one of the Dension MP3 units from Lee.

The satellite control fits nicely into the ashtray in my MY99 dash (when I can figure out how to remove it properly ) so there's nothing that looks out-of-place or cluttered

Stefan

snowcrash

hmm, yes - but you could break the playlist up into fake disc's, im guessing...

i.e. like winamp 3 having multiple playlist support...

http://www.cus.org.uk/~cleggy/index.htm

[Edited by snowcrash - 8/27/2002 4:12:23 PM]

chiark

Hmm.

Hmmmmmmm...

sounds interesting, but the hassle may outweigh the benefits. I'd be tempted to use an external dedicated display for your PC, like the matrixorbital one I use. This also has a keypad scanner for a very simple input mechanism too...

If you want any more info on the matrixorbital stuff, just shout.

...but if you're up for a challenge, this could keep you busy for months

snowcrash

im always up for a challange, lol - but my list of projects is now getting very very long...


http://users.ntplx.net/~andrew/unilink/unilink/

[Edited by snowcrash - 8/27/2002 11:17:48 PM]

globbits

Jeez - you guys make it hard on yourselves!

Another option is to get a TV screen-based head unit, and then get an in-car DVD player. Most of these also play mp3 files and almost all come with a built-in disc-navigator. So, two units, designed to interface together and job's done. Plus, you get the added bonus of being able to play DVD's!

Yes, I've gone this route myself, I admit it But, to be fair, an Alpine TV head-unit isn't a huge amount of money (cheaper than a laptop....) and loads of people are selling in-car DVD's on Ebay (which is where I got mine). It also means, if you've got a double-DIN head unit in the car, that you can fit both units into the dash!

chiark

Yeah, but where's the fun in that?

I'm using two displays, as LCD screens are useless for displaying text in a car. They just aren't bright or sharp enough, so I'm using a bright VFD (vacuum fluorescent display) as primary information.

The VFD:

The LCD:


I will soon be putting my adventures up on the web for anyone interested to follow. I'll also be selling the VFDs and interface kits as these are not that easy to find. There's two sizes that I'd recommend - either the 254x32 pixel like above, or 128x64 pixel which fits really nicely in the space left when u remove one of the air vents on the classic dash

snowcrash

what i was thinking was :

http://www.mobile-blackbox.com/

snowcrash

and

http://www.merconnet.com/products.php?ProductID=1
5.6" TFT LCD for £75

chiark

I'm using the Via EPIA-800 mobo, same as the blackbox. The PSU that he's using is "interesting" - just trying to find out more...

I bought a second hand alpine unit for 90 quid off ebay. Did look at merconnet, but decided to go with a brand.

It's damn difficult to read text off LCDs...

snowcrash

im tempted to use a palm for that stuff (text/track display - and touchscreen control interface) and leave the TFT displaying funky gfx and GPS

another link:
http://www.thisstrife.com/carproject/index.asp

snowcrash

i like the rear camera mount too... could be handy for trackday filming ...

globbits

All I'm saying is you guys have FAR too much spare time on your hands! :P

chiark

If only

It might be quicker if you look at via's car projects page as you'll find a load of links off there

snowcrash

id say its the other way around...

I dont have time.. if i did i would have a carPC running !