Have you installed an in-dash car PC?

[John_H]

IT tech support, may I help you.

Yeah, my car computer just crashed.

Can you tell me what applications you were running?

Oh, it wasn't an application, it was a red light. Isn't this 911? Oh, dang - I had you guys on my emergency speed dial. Never mind.

::Click::

[piglith]

A lot of people seem to think that a CarPC distractions. There is one thing most don't realize. The "In Dash" system were derived from the CarPC. As far as 17" rims, body spoilers and such. They are all comming. Including the Turbo!
To put some minds at ease most of the PC functions are Voice controled threw the blue tooth headset. This will be the Third CarPC I have. Just can't seem to do with out. I got the Smart because of most of the drive by wire, I figure it would be much easier to integrate. For me the Smart is a project car. So far its been fun just learning the ECU and what all is tied to it.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

I can only speak for myself. I've responded to all objections (post #37) and I'm finished with this thread.

Would you like it closed?

[piglith]

Have you seen [ Mac In Smart ] [ Main Page ]

[Woody14619]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

However, the oft repeated statement in this thread that "it's just not necessary" doesn't connect with me.

I agree 100%. Reality is that a well designed system in the cockpit helps the navigator and let's the focus more on driving. When treated like any other technological device, it's no more distracting to the driver than a plastic insert in the dash.

Originally Posted by Godfather

When I was still a working police officer...

Bad on you for operating equipment that wasn't designed to be used while driving, against orders no less. (I actually work for a company that makes such items for ERVs... and makes them more efficient for use.) The fact is there are similar systems in many transportation devices, emergency response vehicles, buses and airplanes come to mind. In most cases they are designed to assist the operator without causing a distraction when used properly.

As for discouraging someone from installing such a system, that's just dumb. Given the choice, I'd rather be driving next to someone with a proper carPC that's designed to do things with voice commands than next to someone with a iPhone trying to focus on holding, typing and/or balancing the phone in some way while driving. If you tell that person they can't install a car system, they'll find another, more dangerous way that skirts around it.

Reality is that anything in a car can distract the driver. Having a 4 year old squirming around in a car is more distracting than a car PC. I doubt you'd say it's a bad idea to put child safety restraints in because it encourages transporting children. There are more accidents per year because of people fiddling with their radios and arguing with passengers then there are from cell phones or in car NAV systems, but we're not banning radios or passenger seats.

What it boils down to is that if you can't chew gum and walk at the same time then having any distraction is a bad idea. But banning anything outright (or saying it's a bad idea) is just pandering to the lowest skilled person the race can produce. In doing that you just penalize those that can handle the responsibility required in having such items, and make everyone slower and dumber. Just ask anyone that's attended a public school if you need verification on that last point.

[jwight]

Woody, while I agree in principle, the fact is our driving licensing laws are designed exactly for the least skilled, and they are out there all around us (not anyone here, of course ) Until (and I ain't holding my breath) we come up with some sort of national standard for training new drivers and looking for more than being able to fog a mirror at renewal time, we need all the help we can get.

[Woody14619]

Originally Posted by jwight

Woody, while I agree in principle, the fact is our driving licensing laws are designed exactly for the least skilled, and they are out there all around us

I get that... and I agree on many levels. I've often wondered what crackerjack box some have gotten their license out of. But every limit has an exception.

Discouraging innovation is never the right path.

[rwahlfeld]

I have also been interested in installing a Car PC. As a hobbyist I am motivated by the challenge of configuring a music jukebox, a NAV system, and integrating the wifi and 3g wireless modem capabilities to sync with my home server-- all based on technology I like, and to my own specifications. Some people by the Dealer options, and other like to get involved in developing a solution that fits them just right.

I can not offer personal experience, but I have also been doing some research and there is a lot of examples and web sites which describe the work done by other people. The original post lead me to some new options.

If you do pursue the project, please post your pictures and sharing the the process, technology, and material to use.

I applaud your inititive!

[piglith]

Ok this is the second attempt at posting this (Doh - don't click close window)


My Smart Carputer Install:

Current confiiguration:
Intel Core2 Duo @2.2Ghz, 4GB Ram, Vista 64, Frontend-RoadRunner
120GB SSD, 1TB 7200 HD, DVDCDR, USB cardflash hub 4 port, 8 port USB hub, 2 USB GPS receivers, Bluetooth adapter, OBD-II interface, Touch pad, wireless keyboard, Fusion IO interface, 4 port RS232 interface
8" touch screen monitor (custom bezel)
7" touch screen monitor

HD Raido tuner, HT Omega sound card tied to 5 channel Alpine PDX Amp
Speakers Front - Polk db6501 6.5" with cross and tweeters
Speakers Rear - Polk db651 6.5"
Sub - JL Audio 8" in Smart Madness sub enclosure

USB video capture
RS232 video matrix switch (16 input, 2 output)
4 cameras currently (6 planed)
Front - Sony Super HAD Hires IR, FLIR Pathfinder
driver - Sony Super HAD
Rear - cheep ebay IR

Two DC-DC intelligent regulators
Prolly more that im missing










Here is example screen images (I pulled form carputer site, hassle to recap all the screens from carputer)


above screens are (from left first then right)
Main music player
frontend skin configuration
HD Radio
GPS navigation
Live Traffic Cameras (pulled from internet)
Fuel Price locater (pulled from internet)
Vehicle maintance
OBD fuel consumption and loging
realtime OBD value display
Satalite weather map (pulled from internet)

There is other photos in my gallery

There are many other screens, too many to show. IE OBD gaguges showing engine RPM, Tempature, ECU warnings. Movie listings, Lotto.
Outside of the front end I have full OBD diagnostics software installed too.

The internet access is done via tethering to 3G iPhone. There is a per to per connection on the iPhone and I have remote access to the carputer from the phone. Interesting looking at carputer screen on phone. Its tiny!

I am in the process of finishing the interfacing with the car with the fusion interface. It will control the windows, and door locks, It has 4 temperature probes, I'm planing on putting one in the engine compartment to show engine compartment temperature. Was thinking of some how putting one in the air intake but not sure if there is OBD value already for that. The car can be started threw this. When the car is out of warranty and is ready for retirement (70-100k) miles. I do plan on taking things quite a bit further. I have software and write a few things for visual recognition so between the interfacing and camera's it shouldn't be too hard to tie into the cars power steering and breaks. Think DARPA! Hopefully there will be more technical information made available on the car and the ECU

That's it. Inky's second brain

[doenut]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

smark, can I edit and process video and audio? Burn DVDs? Crunch numbers for SETI? Capture video from cable TV? Can I get a 24" display?

Even if all the above were answered in the affirmative, I don't want a cell phone. I see people on cells driving into curbs, chatting at the checkout lane while they're delaying me, telling whoever is on the other end that they're leaving the grocery store ... it is an illness, the need to be constantly in touch. And, I will not be part of it. I ENJOY beinig incommunicado in my car.

I don't know....I still can't figure the need for a computer in the car. seems to me you're asking for trouble. People talking on cell phones crack up all the time. I can't imagine how one can watch the screen of a computer or DVD player and still pay attention to the road. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned!!