Carputer Install V1.0

[g33k]

Seeing as this has become a popular topic again, i'd strong suggest going for a "Mobility" hard-drive, that is, one that is designed for falls - basically a laptop HD.

OR, go with a nice new SSD - the speed is great, and they are shock safe. (little bit pricier though)

[vee35]

I have just ordered the parts for my new carputer. The old PC I was going to canibalise didn't work out, so ended up needing to start from scratch. I ended up getting a 32GB Disk On Module (basically an SDD, never tried them so I'll see) for just under $100 delivered, from eBay. There were cheaper ones, but the sellers had less history. I also think I could of goine for something as small as 4GB (read cheaper again), but would of hated to have to go back for a second purchase.

[g33k]

I have just ordered the parts for my new carputer. The old PC I was going to canibalise didn't work out, so ended up needing to start from scratch. I ended up getting a 32GB Disk On Module (basically an SDD, never tried them so I'll see) for just under $100 delivered, from eBay. There were cheaper ones, but the sellers had less history. I also think I could of goine for something as small as 4GB (read cheaper again), but would of hated to have to go back for a second purchase.

32GB should do you fine for an OS and basic applications, i have LOTS of media, so i have a terrabyte HD in there - but the SDD will help you greatly.

Good luck - let me know if you get stuck!

[vee35]

see, this is where I know the 32GB is way over . Its simply for the system disk. I plan on using a 64+GB (possibly muiltiple, or even a 125GB) USB stick(s) for my media storrage, with a cabin USB port for new and transfer of stuff. The PC I think has 4-6 USB ports on the board (it hasnt arrived yet). I also have a lot of media. Actually, just reading over this, your right, I could use the 32GB disk for a cut down copy of my media library.

I do however plan / hope to use the PC for other software (car related) such as OBDII display (on the OEM screen), navigation (currently use my mobile and can "Remote desktop" onto it from the PC to show on OEM screen)

I have a bad habbit of just upsizing. I estimated I would need around 2-4GB for XP and a front-end (at this stage XBMC is the front runner), and on my PC, I went for all memory slots filled, to give me 2GB.

So far its cost me:

$15 Motherboard (2.4GH P4)

$60 Memory (2GB)

$15 postage

$100 12v power unit for PC

$80 32GB DOM (ie SATA SDD)

Plus the AV plug from Chriss

I still need to get the case (I am thinking something like a big tuppaware box...

The cabling (should only be a few wires and fuses). Any USB cables will be the biggest expense here.

I also plan on getting a 240v to 12v transformer so I can build it and run at home before I install it ($90 from DSE)

In the first instance, I am looking at a small cordless keyboard with a touchpad mouse I saw the other day (I think 15cm x 7cm with QWERTY keyboard), I think it was either $50 or $80. In the future I will probably fit a USB touch screen overlay over the OEM screen.

Once I get it all up and running, I will probably get Chris's contact in Sydney, to put all the wires behind panels and under carpets etc

[jrm]

I also plan on getting a 240v to 12v transformer so I can build it and run at home before I install it ($90 from DSE)

you could probably get away with an old regular computer power supply (assuming the 12V line has sufficient amperage..) - certainly what I use for bench testing my carpc .. (you just need to short a coupla pins together in the ATX plug to kick it on - google for which ones)

[vee35]

Yeah, I read about that as an option, but It was pushing my time spent on setting it up and messing about.

[vee35]

If anyone wants to give me a heads up for any problems they have encountered, feel free! please? The big questions in my head right now is the wiring of the DC-DC PSU (with all the start-up and shut-down specific wires, and wiring that to my motherboard & car ) anyone?

The motherboard arrived last week (with 2.4GHz hyper-threaded CPU & 4GB of memory). Hopefully the disk will arrive this week, and I will source the power supply as well. I forgot to mention in the last big post, I will also be getting a new video board that has an S-Video out in NTSC ($50-$80 new). I already have an S-Video to RCA plug from my current home PC that I do not use.