broshiggie
Member
I have been toying with the idea of putting a pc in my car to play mp3s and movie files. Here is the configuration i am looking at:
http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishList.asp?position=HISTORY&submit=VIEW&ID=457099
The computer is too big to fit in a standard din dash, so it would probably have to go under the passenger seat. The video out would be attached to an indash lcd TV. The operating system would be some version of linux (preferably one that boots up quickly). Input would be controlled by a remote--i believe there is a linux program that allows you to program certain remotes--or if neccesary a keyboard. I have a wireless network setup at home, so to easily transfer files i can attach the wireless network adapter and grab my mp3s and movies off my file server. In fact i am even thinking of just having no DVD rom, use files straight off the hard drive, and put the computer in the trunk. The power consumption of the pc is pretty low, and i already upgraded my alternator for my stereo system.
Here are some potential problems i see with this project:
- Rough Ride
Will the hard drive break down due to bumpy roads? I dont plan on going off-road with my car, but can a hard drive absorb the impact of speed bumps? I know kenwood had this thing a couple years ago called a music keg that stored 6gigs of mp3s in your trunk. I cant say for certain whether it was hard drive based but i am assuming it was for that size.
- Powering up/Powering down
I suppose i could somehow connect the power jumpers on the motherboard to the ignition switch. But then it would take a while to bootup and load up the media player program. And what happens when i turn off the car? Is it safe to just cut power to a pc?
- Little linux experience
I have used unix, but only out of neccesity and in a software development environment.
- heat
I figure the cost of the box would be $500 shipped, lcd is $300, so i spend about $800 to integrate a 1ghz machine in my car. A namebrand head unit that can play dvd/vcd/cd goes for nearly double this price, a seperated unit (dvd/cd/mp3 player in glovebox, flip down tv on roof) is about $800 from sony.
Just wondering on the feasibility of this project, all comments appreciated!
http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishList.asp?position=HISTORY&submit=VIEW&ID=457099
The computer is too big to fit in a standard din dash, so it would probably have to go under the passenger seat. The video out would be attached to an indash lcd TV. The operating system would be some version of linux (preferably one that boots up quickly). Input would be controlled by a remote--i believe there is a linux program that allows you to program certain remotes--or if neccesary a keyboard. I have a wireless network setup at home, so to easily transfer files i can attach the wireless network adapter and grab my mp3s and movies off my file server. In fact i am even thinking of just having no DVD rom, use files straight off the hard drive, and put the computer in the trunk. The power consumption of the pc is pretty low, and i already upgraded my alternator for my stereo system.
Here are some potential problems i see with this project:
- Rough Ride
Will the hard drive break down due to bumpy roads? I dont plan on going off-road with my car, but can a hard drive absorb the impact of speed bumps? I know kenwood had this thing a couple years ago called a music keg that stored 6gigs of mp3s in your trunk. I cant say for certain whether it was hard drive based but i am assuming it was for that size.
- Powering up/Powering down
I suppose i could somehow connect the power jumpers on the motherboard to the ignition switch. But then it would take a while to bootup and load up the media player program. And what happens when i turn off the car? Is it safe to just cut power to a pc?
- Little linux experience
I have used unix, but only out of neccesity and in a software development environment.
- heat
I figure the cost of the box would be $500 shipped, lcd is $300, so i spend about $800 to integrate a 1ghz machine in my car. A namebrand head unit that can play dvd/vcd/cd goes for nearly double this price, a seperated unit (dvd/cd/mp3 player in glovebox, flip down tv on roof) is about $800 from sony.
Just wondering on the feasibility of this project, all comments appreciated!
