carputers.org

Custom Carputers specializes in building “Ready-to-go” Carputer systems designed specifically for in-vehicle use. We offer complete systems as well as individual components for the “Do-it-yourself” person.
Our installation facility enables Custom Carputers to be your complete carputer services company. The services we provide are component purchasing via our website, or through our retail outlets. We also perform customized installation services; system components designed and installed for the individual. We offer online tech support to our customers to assist them with any questions they may have. Our customers enjoy unmatched personal service from the beginning.
Take a look at CustomCarputers.com

Revolution Systems LLC (www.CarPCMonitors.com) offers a wide range of VGA Touch-Screen LCD Monitors for just about every Carputer project. Also, they offer their own line of BONZ car video monitors and LCD screens, such as headrest (VGA) monitors, flip-down VGA monitors, flip-out motorized DVD players, as well as new 4" LCD DVD players (in-dash).

Take a look for yourself: www.CarPCMonitors.com

Work Started ~5/10/05:

Heres are the specs of the PC, the Mobo and Case are still on order, will be here friday...

VIA EPIA 800
2x128MB PC100
10.2GB SpinPoint HD
Audigy Gold
Casetronic 2699R

Whistler 140w Inverter
Microsoft MN-710 Wireless G USB Adapter
Generic Black IR/Optical Laptop Mouse
Pustom 7.8" LCD Screen w/ Remote
Cony CDXM880 Headunit w/ Stock Monsoon Speakers getting 52wX4

The PC will be held under the passenger glovebox and i have a custom power button with red LED to indicate that its still ON

The Mac mini is an ideal low-cost, high-performance PowerPC development platform for numerous applications. Learn how to install and configure Linux on the mini. Future articles will add the software required to make it into a stand-alone multimedia appliance.

Vital Engineering Limited will soon offer a Bluetooth OBDII Dongle for accessing Diagnostic ECU Data from your vehicle.

The unit is powered from the vehicle, and has 5 status LED's to indicate transmission states. Using it, you can access your vehicle's OBDII data without a serial cable (it's a standard Bluetooth Class I device).

It includes software for Microsoft Windows (including PocketPC and Windows Mobile) and Palm.

MacVroom is reporting

"For everyone that has been patiently waiting for the ideal solution to power their Mac mini install - it's here! The CarNetix CNX-P1900 is now shipping and in stock at the mp3car store.

CarNetix has also updated their site to include a P1900 installation manual, compatibility matrix, Mac mini application diagram, and instructions for splicing the P1900 to a Mac mini power connection."

Matt from TunerTricks is at it again... This time he has gotten his hands on a pre-production version of the CarNetix CNX-P1900 and has installed it in his VW GTi. He has written another excellent and detailed entry on his site. It sounds like CarNetix has really done great job with this power supply, and it's great that they are thoroughly testing it with the Mac mini. Kudos to Matt and CarNetix!

It's good to finally hear about a P1900 installed in a Mac'd ride. Now when can we get ours? :)

Read the original article here.

Kontron AG equips their Car-PC CV-Server with the Intel® Pentium® M processor, part of the Intel® Mobile Centrino® technology. The "drivable" computer, which serves as a basis for commercial applications in road and rail vehicles, now comes with the Intel Pentium M 1.4 GHz, or the Pentium III in 400 MHz and 700 MHz versions. Because the CPUs are mounted on interchangeable modules, they will be easy to replace later on with new, higher-performance processors. The performance of the 1.4 GHz Pentium M processor matches that of its 2.4 GHz cousin in the Pentium 4 class - while consuming considerably less energy.

The CV server meets the highest quality standards for use in vehicles. It has e1 approval and, in system tests in accordance with the military Highway Truck Standard, has demonstrated that its electromagnetic compatibility, as well as its shock and vibration resistance, meets all requirements.

Just thought I would post a few more pics of a few updates to the case that I built. I was having a problem with heat when I put the lid on (forgot about ventilation when I built the thing). So I picked up a 40mm fan, similar to the one that is on the Proc. and installed it directly adjacent to the Proc. Then I took out my trusty drill and poked a few holes in the other side to facilitate a little cross ventilation in the case. All is well.
Before my recent mod the Proc would hover around 87f without the lid and would shoot well up over a 100 within 3-4 mins. of adding the lid. Now I actually get around 85f without lid and 84f with the lid on.

• Vent
• Inside Vent
• Fan
• Inset Fan
• Fan from Inside

Well I just finish my homemade case for the JEEPuter. Total cost $20 (1 sheet plexiglass). Here are some picture links to it (guess there is no way to upload to this site).

• Side
• Back
• Front
• Open
• Open from the back
• Back Plate

Being the tech Geek I am, I decided to build a carputer and post my work here in this aptly named site. First off I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler with both a soft top and a hard top. The biggest problem I have run into is the security aspect of this project, how do you put $1000 worth of hardware into a inherently insecure vehicle? I looked at some aftermarket security consoles and overhead security enclosures but they are all geared to 1 din radios and CB equipment, too small for a mini-itx setup. So the only other option was to create a custom security console. I have drawn it out to what I think I need but I will be waiting untill I get the LCD before I get crazy with sending it to the metalshop for design.

Computer Specs

EPIA 12000

60G 5400rpm IBM 2.5" HD

Nehemiah writes "Epiacenter.com just published a review on the brand new VIA Epia SP 13000 mini-itx mainboard.

It's the first VIA Epia board with the CN400 chipset and together with the new epiOS Linux distribution that is announced in the review, it seems to have a very good performance during MPEG2/MPEG4 playback."

Milan-based Parodia Electronica has created a satellite-guided self-steering system for cars that, in tests, is accurate to within 50 centimeters — not perfect, but way better than the manual, “dude, take the wheel” system currently in use. Parodia’s system uses differential GPS (dGPS) location data to generate servo commands from a car’s navigation system that activate an electro-hydraulic steering mechanism.

Read more over at Jalopnik or read the original article here.