PC + Boot builds

[Lee]

im thinking of going for a boot build but not to sure wat to do???? first lets start with the pc. it needs to be able to play dvds, and play mp3's??? i have already got a 15"lcd screen, but i want a touch screen 7" upfront. plus 2 in the head rests in the back. :S (better start saving) but wat sound card do i need??? also my head unit is a sony with a remote control. obviously i can skip track on a cd with the control but can i set it up to skip track on the pc whilst i drive (cos screens are allowed on when drivin), and 1 last thing where is the best place for the pc??? i was thinking of my glove box but i aint to sure??

kind regards Lee

 

[Alan]

most people go for a false floor in the boot with the pc under it. you can get romote controls for your pc which can be used to control dvd playing programs etc via infrared or if you talk to daz i think he set a game pad to control his mp3 player.

 

[Anonymous]

if your using a touch screen you can use that to skip tracks, it'll be connected to your pc, it's better than wasting more money on something you dont need. just set up your playlist pre drive and your set.

 

[dank_army]

Re: Re: PC + Boot builds

hi,

with the pc i would seriously consider some planning, ignore what people tell you about putting a normal desktop type pc in the car - its just overkill. Unles you are going to be gaming, burning cds, creating games etc . But this by no means, means you have to have a **** pc in there - ive just bought a mini itx pc, 1gz processor runs on ddr ram and is just 17cm x 17cm in size and used less than 50w or power. So that means you can use the power somewhere else.

Most pcs are going to be using more than 150w.

As with a sound card, itx boards come with a really good on board audio port - enabling 5.1 surround, but you wont be needing that in your car.

If you are going to buy another sound card then go for the new audigy by creative, but you wont notice the difference.

Power IS the key with in car pcs, get it wrong and your up **** creak. Dont bother with an invertor, they will generate line noise and consume too much power and generate too much heat.

ideally you need a DC-DC convertor, they can cost anything from £30 to £100 depending on features e.g. power spikes, automatic shutting down. DC-DC convertors are VERY efficient, some are 90% efficent, whch means your not loosing power to heat - invertors btw are at best 50%.

Some links for you www.mini-itx.com www.ultim8pc.co.uk

Regards,

John

 

[Lee]

Re: Re: Re: PC + Boot builds

ok but the big question is my head unit control, can i use it to skip tracks? i can use it to turn volume up and down when driving, but say a **** song comes on i need to change it i can go pressing buttons on my screen can i, also i want my pc for movies, so when im driving other can watch and once ive pulled up it can go off again

any ideas or is it easier for me not to bother???

kind regards Lee

 

[Dank_army]

Re: Re: Re: Re: PC + Boot builds

hi,

You wont be able to use your headunit to control your pc, but you could rig up some buttons for e.g. your steering wheel and interface it with your pc. If you can get the control to be an infrared or bluetooth then you can easily do it.

ill have a hunt around when i get home and post some links.

Regards,

John

 

[Roberto]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: PC + Boot builds

Not sure if this is of any interest, but there is a piece of freeware called Bemused which allows you to control ur MP3 player on ur PC (Winamp etc) from a Series 60 Smartphone such as Nokia 3650/7650/6600 or Siemens SX1 or SendoX via Bluetooth. I use it on my 6600 and it works a treat. It's skinable 2.

You install a tiny server program on2 ur PC and a small file on ur phone, and hey presto, ur phone is now a remote for the PC. Of course, with the new laws, I'm not sure if u could use this legally in a car.

If you want more info, drop me a line.

Rob.