Car PC 2.O

Finally! After a very long break from my carputer project, I finally managed to fix it up again and bump it to Version 2.O, that’s an O, not a zero, I’d like to think that my previous 2.zero plans have been reworked so it’s 2.O now.

Here’s what’s working now
Newision NW629VT touchscreen 7″ LCD (actual picture)
M2-ATX 160W DC-DC PSU with shutdown controller
VoomPC case (actual picture)
Via Epia-MII10000 motherboard (actual picture)
Toshiba 40GB 5400RPM 8MB Cache 2.5″ Hard Drive (MK4032GAX)
Rikaline 6010 USB GPS Receiver
AirclickUSB
Generic 512MB DDR RAM
Wireless Keyboard and mouse
Generic Bluetooth Dongle

Here are some pictures during the assembly of the motherboard and case.

Some extra stuff
- I have a foldable USB keyboard (pictures to follow) which is nicely stowable in the glove compartment.
- I have a uSDC20D that I bought sometime before that I didn’t get to use so I’m selling it here or you can send me an email. It was suppose to be for my old inverter powered carputer but after some time (and extra cash coming up), I decided to go for a new system.

I had my VoomPC case and M2-ATX PSU shipped to my uncle in the US. Then he shipped it to my girlfriend’s auntie’s place where my girlfriend went for a vacation last May. She went home with it slipping through customs and gave me the biggest smile on my face in June. (Because I saw her again after a month, not because of the carpc stuff!)

While assembling it, I realized something stupid. My normal cheap 3.5″ to 2.5″ IDE converter wouldn’t fit in the case! I needed a 40-44 PIN IDE cable. So I had to wait another 3 months for someone to go back home from the US since I couldn’t source one locally or from Hongkong. I would, but I just couldn’t spend $80 for international shipping for a silly cable that I missed researching about so I figured I’ll just wait, and consider it as extra cost for not researching good enough.

I had the wiring done at Road Star, a local auto shop in Makati, I had to explain the wiring but it wasn’t too hard, I just had to tell the guy wiring it to wire the IGN line to the ignition line, etc.

I also hacked up a cable for my touchscreen so that I can power it through the computer’s power supply directly. It’s working now but I want to make the wiring cleaner by using the extra wire plugs in the connector of the voomPC case. (There are 3 cables that aren’t being used).

What’s next
- First, software! I initially installed XP in the 40GB hard drive so that’s what’s working (poorly) now but I want to do a complete reformat. I’m thinking of installing TinyXP, it’s a hacked version of Windows XP that’s intended to be run on systems such as a carputer. I’m also going with Centrafuse for my front end, and some other software toys like Earth Bridge for Google Earth which I am really excited about. Can’t wait to drive around and see a satellite photo of the area!
- Clean up the touchscreen’s power wiring.
- Maybe install my extra TV Tuner in it, if the power supply will allow it.
- Get a rearview camera
- Get a customized box installed in my trunk so I can safely mount the carputer in it.
- Also, I’m thinking of getting a PCMCIA Wifi adaptor but I’m still researching on which is best. I want one that has a plug that I can attach an external antenna like this to. Any of you willing to trade with my D-Link 650+ PCI Adaptor for a PCMCIA one?
- Use one of those solid state drives when they become cheaper, or at least those slot-in IDE modules.
- Get a phidget kit so I can control my windows, locks and whatever that’s controllable via a relay through the computer.
- Some other phidget stuff, like detecting if its too dark so the computer can turn on the headlights (silly but cool), or maybe fingerprint start-up’s/locks or RFID! Ahh, if I had enough dough, I’d make Knight Rider cry.
- I’d really like to get a PLDT weRoam account and have GPRS based internet all the time! That’d be really cool but unfortunately I don’t own a money tree to pick $50~ a month from.
- Get a new car! (Hopefully one that has a 2DIN slot to fit my touchscreen and OBDII)

I can think of so many things to do with this project but resources just won’t cooperate at the moment. Anyway, do check back soon, I’m kinda promising to update this worklog site more often from now on.