The simple answer is: because i can. The slightly longer and still quite simple answer is:
because it allows me to have mp3,dvd,gps and anything else a pc can do that i feel like installing,
all at a relatively cheap cost, a decent gps navigation system will cost a good bit over €1000,
this system will run up a total bill of about €600-700, and thats including the 7" touch screen which i've still to install.
Besides, its an excuse to build another pc!
This project is currently a work in progress, i've been planning on putting this together for
several months now and just never really got the time, but i was doing bits and pieces along
the way. Finally put everything together the other day and tested the pc in the car, due
to a lack of a screen at the moment, i used an infrared remote to control the unit while testing,
everything worked grand using the remote to control WinAmp, drove to Trim, Co. Meath and no problems
whatsoever. Right now, at time of writing, its sitting on the desk here beside me and pretty much complete
as regards software, currently on my hardware shopping list are:
The touch screen is pretty self explanatory, control of the unit and monitor.
The fm modulator allows connection of an audio signal into a stereo through an fm frequency, i currently have an fm modulator which works fine, but its powered by 2 x AAA batteries and i would prefer to power directly from the car's power. Also, the 12v version piggy-backs directly onto the car's antenna and therefore the chances of interference are practically nil.
Very Large capacitor; a car's electrics normally run at around 12-14v, however, when starting the engine (cranking/turning over) the voltage drops to about 10v because the starter motor is pulling all the current from the battery, hopefully, with a large enough capacitor, i can avoid this power drop affecting the pc as at the moment, this power drop causes the power to reset. i'm ok with electronic circuits and in theory i think this should work, but if anyone wants to provide their input into this idea, feel free to contact me.
Update: Test-mounted the case the other day and decided i didnt like it, my original idea was to have it mounted underneath the glove box but i just dont like the way it sits so ive decided to go for a much more compact, secure and discreet installation.
I've started work on a new case, which fits snugly behind the dash in between the passenger and driver footwell, its a strange shape to say the least but its much nicer, made it out of stainless steel this time, the shape required would have been just far too complex for perspex.
First i made a cardboard template of the required shape, which made things a hell of alot easier in the long run. The cardboard gave a good size representation of the piece required, but the angles for the bends were half based on the cardboard and half based on judging the shape by eye, which thankfully i managed to do quite well and the piece fits quite snugly where it should.
Pictures of the new case in its as yet unfinished state can be found here.
The pictures of the original case can be seen here.
Technical Specifications: