CarPuter install

By +Nik Louch
in The Neobahn

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Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

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I'm struggling to find a car stereo for my Astra that fulfills my needs... I'm being stupid, picky and arrogant here!

I'm looking at wanting to build a car-puter install. My car is an Astra H which has space for a double-din stereo opening.

What I'd ideally like is a small Atom based system with a touchscreen mounted where the stereo currently is.

A few questions:

1) Is this a fools errand, a folly - something that is going to get more and more expensive?

2) To do this, I'd have to remove my current stereo to put a 2din screen in there. So I'd lose all stereo functionality, how do I deal with sound output?

3) Anyone got any experience on this would be greatly appreciated.

WHY?

Well my needs (or desires) are:

1) Entire music library on the go using an interface allowing me to browse akin to an iPod (playlists, albums, artists, search)

2) Bluetooth audio link for phone, importing phonebook

3) SatNav

4) Integration with steering controls

5) Fun to do

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https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1054930-carputer-install/
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iKenndac

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I actually put a computer into an Astra H a while ago. I ended up building a 2-Din box that contained a small computer and buttons on the front to replace the head unit, then a 7" touchscreen up in the panel where the Astra's normal screen goes. When I get home I'll dig them out.

As for speakers, you can get an adapter to break out the harness to a standard ISO fitting. From there, you can connect an amp or whatever to power the speakers.

Grand Master

Japlabot

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I have thoughts about it too. It is a big project to integrate from scratch. If I were going for the Carputer model, I would have a Mac Mini/Apple TV (1st Gen) base with XBMC, otherwise a Tablet (Android/iPad) is also quite viable and probably easier as well. You can have a Low-Power NAS box to stream your music from. Shouldn't be hard to plug in a decent sound system into the headphone jack. Advantage of a Tablet is that it has GPS and Maps software already sorted (useful for driving) and you can take it out easily for security. The biggest problem for any Carputer/Tablet is customising the interface to make it safe for driving.

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iKenndac

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As promised, a few photos of my Astra H with a computer in it, as well as one with the dash pulled apart. The Astra doesn't bother with those tedious things called "screws", so the entire thing just pulls apart!

Everything did get cleaned up, but I don't have photos of it. Unfortunately for the project I sold the car - fortunately for me it was something way more awesome. Didn't dare rip that one apart!

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htcz

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Hate to say it mate but I think it'll be more hassel than it's worth, thats my opinion anyway.

But if you choose to venture on, good luck and post some pics :)

It was very entertainging :) Its a month by month project though as most parts/modding is expensive (but worth it)

http://mp3car.com

Should have everything you need in the forums.

+1

Great forum and store.

Im also planning to do this in the future. muzzle79 put a great resource. Search on that site because probably someone else has also tried it before.....

http://www.mp3car.com/search.php?searchid=788098

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htcz

Posted
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And even though like said a SSD is ideal, it wont store as much music and shoot the price threw the roof. There are accessories that hold your HDDs and make them more shock resistant.

Carputers are about alto of research (a lot more than making your own custom build).

Tablets are just a fruity way of putting a PC in your car. They aren't PC. They don't have the quality to transfer audio. The list goes on and on......For a cheap simple build, great. For something you are looking for, not a chance.

Also, if you decide to sell your car in the future there are two things:

1: Your car is valued a lot more.

2: You can take all the components out of your old car and put it in your new car at drastically lower prices then your first build (and with a shorter learning curve).

Unlike normal PCs, Carputers usually don't need to get upgraded. And if they do, its easy being a Carputer....

Example, in the future (long future) Galileo will be deployed and with it USB receivers. Just swap your USB GPS receiver for a USB Galileo receiver and thats it: 100 euros tops (after prices go down) Do you know how much it would cost in a OEM installation?

Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

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Right, as I see it - if I wanted to do this, I would need:

1) CarPuter itself (low-spec computer, specialist chassis, under car set may be a good location). I have an Acer Aspire Revo that may do.

2) 2din in-dash monitor

3) Specialist power supply for startup-shutdown

4) Some sort of mini-amplifier to replace the amp in the standard car stereo and route sound to speakers.

5) Input method (for now assume a USB gamepad, I have ideas for this)

Then can extend with a USB bluetooth stick, usb gps adaptor, usb-steering wheel control adaptor.

Grand Master

PNWDweller

Posted
Posted

OT a bit - I just can't get my head wrapped around the steering wheel on the right side of the car. :)

I used to want to do a carputer myself one time. I remember seeing a few years back, people using ITX based systems and tucking them under the driver's seat or passenger for the cpu portion along with the storage. I had seen some projects where they linked the system to their wifi and would upload the music to their car for the daily commute.

In most localities, be careful/mindful of the laws as well regarding on-board 'entertainment' and computers. Don't want to get caught changing songs or pressing the 'Pandora' button on camera or by the police if it is illegal. :)

I never did one for my car as I never got to it. Couple that with trading the car in for a differnet one, and then moving down to a SUV with crappy speakers at the moment....no motivation + no money.

Best wishes for you though in the endeavor and keep us posted on what you find and pics too!

Grand Master

+Mirumir Subscriber¹

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I was going to put an actual PC in my minivan - did a lot of research back in the day.

Basically, I'd swap 200gb storage for wi-fi or get both. imho, a carputer isn't complete without wi-fi.

3G connection shared as wi-fi spot in your car = win :woot:

who needs to take all your library with you if you can remotely access your desktop from your car :rofl:

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