Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

[SonomaGTlover]

Hey guys, I've ben working with a computer guru friend of mine trying to get the laptop off of the seat. It turns out that Tuner Pro willnot run on Windows CE which is mainly what is loaded on micro PC's.

After some extended research I believe we have found a way to accomplish this. The screen will install in the stock radio location with an aftermarket radio. No dash modifications required if yo don't mind the usual "sticking out about 1/2 inch" like most radios inour trucks. The keyboard will be small enough to fit in the stock ashtray location with some modifications to a doner ashtray so it can be pulled out when in use. The mouse will be hand held and function with just one hand in mid air. Everything else will be tucked away behind the dash or in the location of your choice.

If we are successful and this "out of the way" hidden computer turns out to be the best thing since sliced bread. how many of you guys would be interested in one?

Advantages:

1. Completely concealed away,hidden from view.
2. No more wires hanging down from the dash (except for the handheld mouse)
3. Runs Win98 or higher. (all tuning proggies should be compatable)
4. Will fit in glovebox, console or possibly under seat. Unlimited possibilities it's so small.

Disadvantages:

1. May have to load you own Windows version (I may be able to help here before shiping)
2. May have to assemble the PC yourself (again i may be able to help)
3. No screen, you'll have to use an in-dash screen (maybe this will give you the encoursgement to install DVD at the same time.

That's it for now, I'll know more later. I'm just trying to get a feel for everyones interest if I can make these available for under $500. If no interest then I won't persue reduced prices on the parts needed to assemble the PC. Not sure if anyone else has attempted this yet but I think it will be a huge improvement over the laptop in the seat.

This is my end of the year project for the SY so I hope to have it installed and running before New Year rolls around. Then I'll tear into the other mods I have planned before spring.

 

[2kwik4u]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

I've always thought this was a good idea. However I was going to take a laptop, and put it under the seat, and run the video out to a DVD player type setup......This sounds MUCH MUCH cleaner of a setup.

A few thoughts though.
- Perhaps a laptop keyboard grafted into the driver side visor would be a bit more user friendly?
- Use a small touchpad that comes out of the center console for pointing duties?

Just some thoughts

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

The keyboard could be located anywhere you want I guess. It measures 2 1/2 X 2 only 1/2 thick.
how about this for a Mouse then? http://cgi.ebay.com/Toshiba-Touchpad-Mouse-USB-Ergonomic-Touchpad_W0QQitemZ280035503708QQihZ018QQcategoryZ140085QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Blue Typhoon]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

I would be interested. The price is right!!

 

[2kwik4u]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Yep thats exactly what I was talking about.

The keyboard in the ashtray is cool...I didn't realize it was a removable type deal. I thought you mean it was the size of the ash tray, and you could take it out when you wanted to.

Any thoughts on other features, like DVD playback, MP3 output to stereo speakers, and GPS nvaigavtion.....things of that nature???

 

[MRKING]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

My new gateway laptop has a video out that I am running to a 10" flipdown i'm putting in a ty overhead console . It doesnt flip up into console and is really just mounted in it , but the laptop goes behind the seat and is safe from slamming around . I would have went with a smaller size screen , but I picked the 10 up a few years ago and never put it into anything .

Carputers have been around for some years but I cant recall one being in a syty . Go for it if you find a small compact unit .

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

The complete couputer dimentions are 8.5 x 10 x 2.5

DVD and such is available through the head unit you choose. This will also be connected to the same screen. The screen in question has two video inputs so one would be for the computer and the other for the car audio system. Just switch betweenthe two.

 

[skwayb]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Would love to see some pictures and hear what you are using as far as parts. I could have told you TunerPro doesn't work on WinCE. Mark said if he ever has time, he might make a verison that does but I highly doubt it would ever come to life.

 

[turbodig]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

These guys have been around a while...

http://www.brickcomputers.com/index_pocketbrick.html

There's also a whole bunch of stuff in the PC 104 arena.
(Used to build these for aircraft applications)

The screen could be as simple as one of the cheap wal-mart DVD player screens.

Keyboard - a USB keyboard that you could plug into a port under the dash.
One with the ibm-style "nipple" joystick for the mouse.

Touchpads are a pain in mobile environments.... you'd be wise to shy away from it.

My .02

 

[Blue Typhoon]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Go with a touch screen and forget the mouse all together. I am sure you could find one to fit in the stock radio location.

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Well, I got the quote on GP for what they say will work for our situation. Typically all of the components to build a computer are sold separately but we can get pricing on package deals with 5 or more units. My total for the "test unit" was about $550 plus the keyboard. These units include everything except the OS (Windows version of choice) and screen. This is "unassembled" but it doesn't take too much to get them together if you know a little about computers. I will probably be able to assemble them (for a fee) and load Windows onto them so they are ready to use. (98 or XP, not sure what I have available to me yet)

This is what I got......

As for pricing, we offer quantity discounts:
5 pcs - 485/unit
10 pcs - 476/unit
15 pcs - 468/unit

Our prices change on memory and hard drives, because we depend on our suppliers for that. Please let me know what sizes you're interested in and I can give you a more exact quote.

Your only additional purchase will be the screen of choice, and possibly the touchpad mouse if you prefer that one.

 

[hatrik8]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Check out mp3car.com and http://store.mp3car.com

This sounds like a cool idea, but a couple things you should keep in mind. Vibration and air flow.

My friend did an onboard computer in his car. He built it from scratch with a small case and standard components etc. Put it in the glove box and had a touch screen in the center console that ran windows. It was hooked up to his audio system so he had his entire selection of mp3's in his car. He could also do anything a normal computer could do.

Vibration and air flow killed his computer. So mounting behind the dash might not be the best idea for air flow.

Post some pics!

 

[phoonTy]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Will (aka Will_in_China) has been toying with this idea for a while. We got stuck on finding a suitable screen. Will had the idea to make it bluetooth/wireless compatible so you could go out, do some datalogging then just park out side your house, connect to your network and upload the files to the home pc for playback/diagnosing. :tup:

You could also send files truck to truck via bluetooth or wireless. Great way to tune on the go with multiple trucks.. say, at Nats?

I think it would be awesome, and if I could find the money, i'd totally be down for an in Truck pc. :tup:

 

[MadPSI]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

I have a shuttle PC built for my truck once it goes back together. I tore apart my 7" portable DVD player and tried to make it work, but I'm totally stuck with what wires do what. It's a shame, since the screen perfectly fills the area where the radio would be, totally stock looking... I'll get some photos up of it later on. The dash and all the other guts go in today, body swap tomorrow, the computer's going in next week.

 

[mattw]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

You guys should check out http://www.mp3car.com

I've had a carputer for ~8 months now.. I use it for GPS navigation, MP3s, movies, datalogging and tuning, etc... Mine is still very much a work in progress otherwise I would post some pics..

-Matt

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Check out mp3car.com and http://store.mp3car.com

This sounds like a cool idea, but a couple things you should keep in mind. Vibration and air flow.

My friend did an onboard computer in his car. He built it from scratch with a small case and standard components etc. Put it in the glove box and had a touch screen in the center console that ran windows. It was hooked up to his audio system so he had his entire selection of mp3's in his car. He could also do anything a normal computer could do.

Vibration and air flow killed his computer. So mounting behind the dash might not be the best idea for air flow.

Post some pics!

The heat and vibration has already been taken into consideration. That was my initial concern so we shouldn't have to worry about that. It also runs of of a 6-24 volt power supply. Any screen with an RCA video input will work.

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops????

Well, I finished up the computer for the truck. I got the screen installed inthe dash last weekend and it works great. I'll try to get TunerPro functioning on the screen and take some pics. So far it sems to be a really sweeet set-up. Now I can have a passenger while tuning and NO laptop in the seat to hang on to.

The case is a little bigger than i had imagined but it'll still work out once I figure out where I want to put it. It's about the size of a decent stereo amp. All data cables are tucked away behind the dash and I hope to have the keyboard mounted in the ashtray. The size is perfect but I need to work out some depth issues.

anyone got a spare ashtray I can cut up for testing? probably just a couple bucks at the local salvage yard, I'll have to take a look.

 

[SonomaGTlover]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

OK, I couldn't wait anymore. It's not connected to ALDL yet and I don't have any logging proggies installed yet... that'll come in due time. For now you'll have to settle for a screenshot of Scanner Pro.

 

[hatrik8]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

Looks slick

 

[CKEITH]

Re: Onboard computer to replace Laptops???? PIC added

OK, I couldn't wait anymore. It's not connected to ALDL yet and I don't have any logging proggies installed yet... that'll come in due time. For now you'll have to settle for a screenshot of Scanner Pro.

jon looks very impressive...i would be in for the setup. pending a few questions...see below

basically from my understanding all i need is an in dash screen and i would be all set.is this correct. what are the possibilities of using a touch screen and not have to use the mouse???