In Car Computer System

Okay, let's start off with that I didn't know where exactly to put this, since it's going to cover both performance and non-performance. So Mods, put it were you think fits best.

I was watching a Best Motoring video, they were covering the History of the Nissan Skyline and they give you a really in depth look at the R34 in particular. The first thing I notice, is that screen on the dash and when you start up the car, "GT-R" comes on the screen and then you can change settings and what not.

Then it hit me: how much would a ghetto set up in an Eclipse cost :icon16: Don't get me wrong, sure the computer would be great so you could upload songs and have a screensaver of your favourite car, but what about DSMlink? I've thought about purchasing a cheap laptop off ebay, but there's always really good clearance deals here on flip screens and what not, so why not take it a bit further? What if I could hook up the screen to the CPU which is hooked up to the car battery so it automatically comes on everytime the the car is given power? There has to be a CPU small enough that it can easily hide in your car (inside dash, glove box, center consol).

I can see this happening, and I'm researching it as much as I can, but computer talk makes my head exlpode. I hope this idea isn't too far-fetched and I'm not exactly trying to make my car into a show car. I just want easy access to DSMlink without the hassles of bringing a laptop with me everwhere I go, plus having bonuses like easier song selection and organization (and don't forget no more scrambling for CDs!). I've also thought about all the shock issues from when I go to autocross and even over railroads, but I hear the laptops are more shock happy, so I might possibly be able to use components from a laptop into this project. Maybe I'm just fantasizing too much, but I think this might be my summer project if it looks like I'll have a chance!

I know some people will just say get a laptop and that I could spend my money on other things, but this will definitely set my car apart from many others and it doesn't have to be too expensive if my plan goes right. What do you guys think?

I think that its a cool idea, and it really wouldn't be that hard. I knew a guy at college that was modding and XBOX(basically a PC) to put into his Grand National. I am also a member on tech-forums.net which has a case mod section. here a link case modding. (http://www.tech-forums.net/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=10) I am sure they could help you set up a workable case, also if you know the system requirement for the programs you want to run that would be helpfull also. This is completely do able and I personally find it very interesting, but this really isnt one of my goals for my car so I dont want to invest any money in it myself. I would be more than willing to help you in any way I could. Just send me a PM. ;) I hope the forum can help you out or atleast point you in the right direction. I know there is a dedicated case mod forum out there but I cant think of its name. I know your goal is attainable though, I have seen people put computers into toilets(no there wasn't any water in it) and make them work so I know a car shouldn't be any problem. ;) I hope my rambling helps. :thumbsup:

sounds like a good idea to me, espically since I build my own computers anyway:wink: I'll have to look into it since I already have all of the stuff to do it

I don't know all that much about computers, but wouldn't the heat in the car get to hot and mess it up? Cars can get to 150 degrees in the sun in 85 degree weather in 15 minutes (I work at a vet and dumbasses kill their dogs by leaving them in the car while they shop). Also couldn't you get a laptop and tuck it under a seat and have a monitor set up? I think that would be easier because it's premade and already small. And in the hottest parts of the year you could bring the laptop inside.

I don't know all that much about computers, but wouldn't the heat in the car get to hot and mess it up? Cars can get to 150 degrees in the sun in 85 degree weather in 15 minutes (I work at a vet and dumbasses kill their dogs by leaving them in the car while they shop). Also couldn't you get a laptop and tuck it under a seat and have a monitor set up? I think that would be easier because it's premade and already small. And in the hottest parts of the year you could bring the laptop inside.

Problem 1: Heat
Solution: I live in Canada
Problem 1 solved :icon16:

..but really, the heat from the computer itself would be more of an issue, but I'll think of something (maybe a muffler type system with a fan to blow out the excess heat from the carputer haha jk jk). I don't plan on having the computer itself anywhere near the engine or anything else that would produce heat. You have a good point, but then what would be the point of getting the screen if the laptop's already there? Plus, would it possible to hook up a touch screen monitor with a laptop? I have no idea how that could work, but maybe it's possible. Another problem is that the laptop is a bit too mobile for me. In drag, it might be okay, but in autocross, my seatbelts barely keep me in my seat :rolleyes: so I don't even want to think about what would happen if the laptop fell on the floor of my car. Also, if it's a spur of the moment race, it'd be easier with a quick touch screen then to open the laptop, and then start it.

What I want to do, is to have a computer in my car, without all the wiring bull shit hanging all over my car and looking sloppy. I want just a CPU and a touch screen for easy access. I could unattach the CPU whenever I want by disconnecting a few cords and vice-versa. It might be a little more costly and need more imagination, but I ultimately think it could overshadow a basic laptop. Plus, I also want this computer to be more of the car, then just an attachment, if you know what I mean.

..and the hottest parts of the year are autocross season :p

reply if your really into this i suggest you check out gumstix. It's a computer system the size of a gumstick. It's very basic but it can power a touch screen monitor and store a linux kernel and have sound support.

I have one at home here I've been working on. Nice systesm you have to program them yourself though. The gumstix, plus audio module, plus etherenet module, plus serial module (for programming) is no bigger then the footprint of a cd case and maybe an inch high?

You can drop ethernet in care and the serial module youprobably don't need them.

Or pick up a nice palm pilot with audio out. I have my archos so it actually plugs into my center console. This puts the plugs into my cd player and my palm 100 for my logger is on my dash. you could make the palm do everything else you want. Build one into the dash.

The palm is an easy solution, but it doesn't sound like that is what he wants to do. The computer he would need would be easy to build, and wouldn't cost that much. The most expensive part would probably be the TS monitor. Find out what system requirements are for the software programs, I will find out the smallest package that it could be put in. Cooling shouldn't be that big of an issue, worse case scenario he has to get a little creative with his A/C duct work. ;)

Well here are some pictures of the interior of the GT-R. As you can see, at the top of the dash, there's the screen. I like it, because it's hands free (in regards to handling the system) and easy to use while driving. I wonder if I can build a case so I can have my screen at the top like that.. I'm just afraid of cutting a hole in my dash and fucking everything up :icon16:

http://articles.motortoday.com/testdrive/R34VspecII/R34VspecII_interior-2.jpg
http://www.batfa.com/photo-usedcar-skylineGTR2000white-interior.files/skylineGTR2000white-interior.jpg

This is more common than you may think! I am doing it in the EVO, I think I'e mentioned it here before. The EVO has two DIN slots, the radio in the upper, and the RS guage set in the lower. I'll be tossing the factory guages and moving the radio down there, and installing a mechanical slide out 7" touchscreen.

The PC itself, you've got a few options. There is a single DIN sized PC case out there that uses the typical MicroATX boards, laptop HD, and slot load optical drive. You are limited to the boards that fit however, and there isn't much room for the memory (laptop units once again).

If you plan to mount it under the seat for example and can go with a slightly bigger case you can go with a more robust board like the Via SP12000 or 13000, forget which it is. They all have integrated CPUs up to 1.5 gig or so. This one is decent, has better on board video, and you'll have more room for memory and a regular tray loaded optical drive.

There are power supplies available that boot and power down the PC with the ignition, good ones are like 80 bucks IIRC. It's a dedicated part just for this application.

There is some info out there, it just takes some decent google skillz. :)

I'm actually planning to do this too. But just for DVD, music, and navigation. I've got an old iMac at my house that my family doesn't use anymore so I'm going to take it to a local computer store and see if they can take it apart, beef it up, and set it up for what I'm trying to do without spending to much money.

I had considered this at one time but soon moved on from the idea seeing as I didn't wanna spend the money on it... I had it all figured out, if I can find my old notes I had on it I'll post them up.

Tuners has a bunch of threads pertaining to this. Here's a couple that I've saved as favorites.

http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214122
http://www.mp3car.com/

It's really not that hard to do, it just takes alot of time and figuring out exactly what you want. I will be doing this in one of my cars this summer.

EDIT: Fucking tuners. The link works but tuners is down. If the link doesn't work for you, search "car pc" in the tuners forums.

I definatly think I'm going to put one together and if I can figure out a good way to do it I will either do a write up or maybe I will actually build them for people over the summer if anyone is interested.