So I have an extra computer and I can get ahold of some long extention cords for monitors and usb but I was wondering if anyone knew of software and hardware that would allow a linux or windows pc to interact with my 97 toyota avalon and compute milage/gps/audio/video/maybe on the fly tuneups or acceleration profiles?

You have a good way of powering it? If it's not a laptop, that can be tricky.

I was thinking a battery backup (tied into car battery and ignition switch) that would connect via usb and use windows xp to hibernate when the car power went out and then power on with power. (that part controlled by the bios)

Interesting. I know someone has made a program that can display info from the ECU on a gameboy, including air/gas, throttle, speed, boost, etc. I'm sure there are similar windows programs. There are plenty of GPS programs ... but all in one, I'm not sure of.

Even worse, an Avalon really isn't much of a tuner car, which means finding something to tap into the ECU could be tricky.

Hmm I though I remember reading of software that could take profiles of your car by tracking data. I guess I could use multiple interfaces and see if a compsci friend could intigrate them. but what about car computer/pc connectors. Any ideas?

There is program called MediaCar......I've never used it before but only know it runs video/audio/apps. I hear it's really popular so google it, maybe you can find some car modding forums w/ users who have used it

Most of that data isn't hard to figure out. Acceleration G forces are a matter of MPH/distance and time, lateral G-forces would require something else but could be done. MPG, stuff like that is easy. The key is to find a good ECU computer interface. Many companies make aftermarket ECU adpaters that send data to a PC, you just have to find one for an Avalon.

Drivesoft is what you need.
works in windows based systems and i think it's only 50 bucks
Link Here http://www.drivesoft.net/

or try with Media center...


save some money so you can get a touch screen 7" monitor

I'll throw another vote in for MediaCar. http://www.media-car.fr.st/
Despite the website being in french, the program is entirely in English. I have been playing around with it for the last few days, and it really is excellent, and you can change around the modules so you can have a decent front end that displays.

As for ecu adapters, I am almost positive they have them, as at a car show I recently attended, a person had one installed in their car. I am uncertain as to where he purchased it, but I know they exist.

I am currently building a mini-itx setup for my car. I have everything, I just need the touch-screen monitor. A good brand for these are Lilliput, ranging at around $300 for the 8" touchscreen monitor, with VGA input, so you don't have to worry about buying adapters.

I recommend, in my opinion, that you swap over to a mini itx setup rather than a standard atx.
For $150, you can buy the CPU, motherboard, and a power supply that is specially made for mini-itx computers for usage in vehicles. It will be much better than trying to get a power inverter that supplies constant output without fluctuation, as fluctuation is basically power surges, and you don't want that for your computer components.

Link to mini-itx motherboard and cpu: http://store.yahoo.com/directron/viaepiav1000a.html
Link to power supply for car & mini-itx: http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_info.p...fe569449ca32fd1
Link to monitor: http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_info.p...&products_id=42

Thanks for all the ideas. I like the drivesoft but on the website I couldn't find info on hardware specs all to helpful (os, processor, video out, inputs accepted, ...) I like the mini-itx idea but I already have a spare computer lying around and a battery backup that my pc can control seems like a cheap and easy way to use my comp and it'll stop any powersurge and allow my computer to run without the car battery for 60-120 min ( http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id...29&type=product ). Anyone have a link to an ecu for an avalon?

i didn't know about Mediacar and looks pretty good, but seems that most of the links in that page are dead, updates and skins...

any other link for skins and updates??

ohh and by the way, some specs for Drivesoft
Hardware: http://www.drivesoft.net/dfs_hardware.html
Software: http://www.drivesoft.net/dfs_software.html

i found another Software but i think is for Linux
http://www.dashpc.com/

I saw the drivesoft specs but it looks propriatary. Not a general computer. Oh and the linux one looks the most promising. It seams to have it all and it's open source!

Sorry i couldn't edit "Again" the previous post.

here's another one that actually looks good.

http://www.mediaengine.org/index.php?downloads
take a look

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my dad works for a car company. and he said that the gameboy advance has more computing power then some of the big supercomputers that they have. their company also had nintendo make a special cartridge to analyze stuff in the car.

I found an OBDII - Usb connector on ebay for $30 that supports Toyota. The computer I have lying around (about $200 {like my server}) I got a 400 watt powerinverter for $20 at walmart. If I get the UPC for $70 and a 5" in dash touch screen for 150ish and I've got a computer controlled car:)

I agree with pimpshiznid. I think the miniITX is the right route. You will just be asking for trouble with alot of the older stuff.
How are you going to charge that UPS? With an inverter? Long term that’s a bad idea.
Those were not designed for constant battery charging and discharging. Furthermore, I would think you might get 15min tops.

Dude just get a miniITX case. They have power supplies built in that are designed for 12V auto current. Much more efficient overall design.

That $20 walmart inverter will fail. I know this. I work for a company that has about 65 trucks. And we buy a ton of these things every year. A really good inverter will set you back 120-150. And even then if you over load them, they wil fail. In the case of some of the better ones, they will cycle a thermal shutdown.

http://www.gnetcanada.com/digitaldash.htm

You might want something like this as well to make sure your power doesn't flux too much: http://www.idotpc.com/TheStore/Peripheral/...uct.status=blue

It also cuts out the need for a power supply, as this is it.

my brother has a very small cappuccinopc in his arm rest. there a power coverter of some sort (don't know the details) and a 15inch LCD were the pasanger airbag goes (right now its on the floor, but still). ill post some pics later, when he comes home.

its very pimp