CarPuter

[Fafouin]

Hi guys, this is going to be my "introduction" post as I'll be putting on the table my Carputer project. As for me, I'm an electronics technician working in the maritime business, I've been working for a while on "small sized" computers.
I own my 2008 TW Fit Sport for 3 months now and I'm more than satisfied! That's why I'm confortable in investing in such pratictal and economical Car.
I'm planning to use one small computer to put it in my Fit. I've got many ideas which I think are all possible.

First, I bought the double DIN rack for the Fit:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/2007-Honda-Fit-Sp...2em118Q2el1247

I'm planning on putting this motorised LCD:
http://www.cartft.com/catalog/il/730
Since it won't "expose" the big 7" screen while I'll be parked in some "risky" places. And it can still be used even if my carputer's not there (in the winter, by -40deg C). It'll aslo leave me a spot for the pocket storage supplied with the kit, adding more storage for CDs in my Fit, since the JDM center console is still too expensive. The only downside is no DVD/CD Drive, I might find a workaround sometime soon.

As for the PC itelsf, here's the casing and power supply that I'll use (not this "Ebay" one since I've got cheaper providers):
http://cgi.ebay.ca/M2-ATX-PSU-and-Vo...2em118Q2el1247
I'll have to think of somewhere where I'll put it :S

I don't know yet about the main board, probably something not TOO quick since some Core 2 DUO processors tends to heat up a little in such small casings. I'll get back to it later when I'll have chosen it.

I'll add also some OBD2 support via this little thing:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/OBD2-to-USB-Lapto...dZp1638Q2em122

The software that'll be running on WinXP will be either "RoadRunner" or "CentraFuse". Plus some little soft that I'll code with Visual Studio.

Ok now for the "fun" part, I'll list some of the functions I hope it's oing to support:
- OBD2 communications, enabling diagnostics at "anytime" through the software.
- Possibilty to connect to internet via cellular ($$$ $$$) or by Wifi when close to a free or my home's network.
- All my music on the computer runned by either ITunes or the Software.
Cool trick coming :
- A small program running in background, taking information from the OBD2 and displaying it on small OLED screens behing a 3 Gauge Pod mounted on Dash. I'm planning on "simulating" gauges that'll be customizable (ability to change the info, emplacement in the pod and colors).
- I also thought of controlling some things via the screen with electronic relays activated by the Carputer.

And that's pretty much it, I know I've thought of other things which I don't remember now but'll come up later.

If you guys have any questions or suggestions, you're more thant welcome!

[Jan B.]

Sounds like you have a great project planned!

If you have any questions about Centrafuse, feel free to ask.

I would encourage the use of our forums for your research and to ask questions a well as learn about cool plug-ins and find 3rd party skins.

http://forums.fluxmedia.net

Any questions? Just ask!

Congrats on getting this far. Can't wait to see the finished product.

~Jan

[vile10]

i thought one of the most popular carputer site is mp3car.com, i used to build one for my lude, never seen a car with so many USB cable :P

[AndrewBucklin]

I too have an 08 Fit. I had this same idea, but I'm stuck on a couple things...

Where do you plan to place the CPU? There is definitely no room under the drive or passenger seat, it's for sure won't fit in the glove box, and if you put it under any of the rear seats, you loose the ability to fold them down... The only other place I could think of was in the back, in the cargo space... What were you thinking?

[Fafouin]

Well... I've received my OBD2 to USB module last month. Did some tests, looks pretty cool, the informations and update rate we can get are pretty neat.

As for the Computer casing... I don't know what you're planning to use but I know some MicroPCs Like this one from VIA:
VIA Pico-ITX Mainboard Form Factor: 10cm x 7.2cm - VIA Technologies, Inc.
But you'll have to sacrifice Speed...

But I might plan installing everything separated. Like power supply alone somewhere in it's own box. Same for the Pico-Itx and the OBD2 to USB, and afterwards my own CPU module for the Gauges... I think it'll be the key not to mount everything in the same box...

It's just a shame that I don't have time to build it right now... Allready too many projects to do at work!!!

[SecSpyral]

Originally Posted by Fafouin

Well... I've received my OBD2 to USB module last month. Did some tests, looks pretty cool, the informations and update rate we can get are pretty neat.

As for the Computer casing... I don't know what you're planning to use but I know some MicroPCs Like this one from VIA:
VIA Pico-ITX Mainboard Form Factor: 10cm x 7.2cm - VIA Technologies, Inc.
But you'll have to sacrifice Speed...

But I might plan installing everything separated. Like power supply alone somewhere in it's own box. Same for the Pico-Itx and the OBD2 to USB, and afterwards my own CPU module for the Gauges... I think it'll be the key not to mount everything in the same box...

It's just a shame that I don't have time to build it right now... Allready too many projects to do at work!!!

Man that board is tiny!

[feddup]

Originally Posted by SecSpyral

Man that board is tiny!

I'm into intel but for carputers Via's the way to go. I have nothing to help your cause but I'm going to lurk enthusiastically. I hope you'll photograph and document EVERYTHING FANATICALLY!!!! Good luck man!!

[SecSpyral]

Originally Posted by feddup

I'm into intel but for carputers Via's the way to go. I have nothing to help your cause but I'm going to lurk enthusiastically. I hope you'll photograph and document EVERYTHING FANATICALLY!!!! Good luck man!!

Same. I'm really interested in what will turn out. Please try to document this stuff.

[feddup]

Where to put the actual PC is the question. It'd be nice if it were accessible yet out of the way. Under the seat won't work!

[Fafouin]

Right behind the glove box (which pops out easily) there's a small room for a small PC. Squeezed between the glovebox itself and the blower, there's a little flat space on each side of the blower... It also means for people from up North that you system will always be close to your car's hot air, wherever you send it, Either defrost or feets... I Might even think about "cutting" a hole in the side of the blower for either cooling or heating a little the CPU with the car's air.

As for pictures and documentation, I work in a R&D environment... So there shouldn't be any problem about documentation

[vile10]

i used to be able to fit everything in an OEM CD changer in the back, just long cable though