RE: [OT] CAR pc

["Andy Laurence" <andy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: Shaf Ali [mailto:shaf@xxxxxxx]
> Soz this one is more off topic to my previous post as the application
there
> is for HA....

I dunno - there's lots of scope for automation in a car PC.  It's not just
a media device!

> But anyone here got a car PC with a touchscreen connected up to it -
what
> software are you using ?

I've not got a car PC yet, or a touchscreen.  However, I would probably use
something like Xlobby were I to use a touchscreen.  I don't plan to have
anything like that visible.  I'm going to try and interface the PC to the
CD changer controls on the head unit.  Other controls will be via buttons
that interestingly are unused in the car (not sure why - I have every
option available).

> I'm thinking of building a decent car pc (not like one of those you
google
> for) :
>
> Boot time : 5 seconds (feasible as my HA box takes 2 seconds to boot
but
> friggin 10seconds to get past the BIOS *rollseyes* - have to get that
fixed)

2 seconds!  Linux?

> mp3 / video player.

Yup, I'm after MP3 too (no video though).

> GPS system.

I already have sat nav, hence why I want to retain the head unit.

> POWER ! Must be embedded - must be able to remote boot the machine via
the
> LCD or some other mechanism.

I'm going to use the amp lead from the head unit to turn on the PC.  This
lead goes high when the stereo is turned on.  Many PCs allow you to have a
switch that is not momentary (like in the old days when the switch stayed
pushed in).  Add a relay to the stereo output, and have this turn the
switch off.  OK, so it won't do a nice shut down, but at least it goes
on/off with the stereo.  Not listening to music?  Hit the mute button,
rather than off (I still get traffic reports then, which is useful).

> Think this is gonna be tough project to take on.

I think you're right.  Mine's documented at http://projects.andylaurence.co.uk/carpc/
if you want to read a few of my ideas.

Cheers,
Andy
--
http://www.andylaurence.co.uk