In-Car PC threads...

[guydewdney]

It wont let me search for in car pc - as the words are too short..

I know that a couple of peeps have done this - just wondering what frontend they use?

I can find Media Engine (http://www.mediaengine.org/index.php?downloads)

or Media Car (http://users.skynet.be/media-car/)

Any thoughts? Both are free - just is one significantly better than the other?

My requirements:-
1PC
2 screens (same pixel size / refresh rate, one as 7/8" screen in dash, one in back (15 / 17") of a motorhome (well - it is a sprinter ) so just a Y cable.
Play DVDs and output 5.1 to an amp
Play MP3s whilst driving
Routefind / GPS
Radio (why no DAB tuners for PCs any more????? )
Display Webcam / reversing cam whilst reversing.

How would one get it to fire up the reversing camera / web cam when put into reverse?

Can MS autoroute 2002 be made to give voice directions? If not - any free/shareware GPS routefinding options out there? Or cheap (sub50 quid) apps to do this? Or should I just look through my P2P till i find somthing

 

[SEM]

Do a search for Carputer.. you should get plenty from that.

 

[SilverSaloon]

see my thread HERE .

I am in the process of planning a carputer for my CLK.

 

[Shude]

It wont let me search for in car pc - as the words are too short..

I we allowed searches that short the server would be flat-out indexing all day and night!

Try to think of a longer word that might be in a discussion about in-car computers, like brand names or components!

 

[craigyb]

Mediacar is great, but it's author "Coyote" has seemingly abandoned the project, media engine is getting better and better. But you should also look at frodoplayer at www.frodoplayer.com

Craig

 

[WLeg]

Has anyone considered putting a Macmini into a car ? - £400.00 all in with wireless keyboard + mouse + BT + 802.11g - just needs a screen for the DVI output ? -

 

[Sp!ke]

I take it you have been to www.mp3car.com?

The best PC based nav software I have found it the new Infomap Navigator 4 http://www.directions.ltd.uk/ I can't fault it.

The main difference I can find between standard and Pro is that with PRO you can input the speed camera database as pushpins and configure audio alerts for them.

I'm considering doing this myself based on an old laptop in the boot. (got loads here) The component I am missing is a cheap 7" monitor. I could used a 7" TV but the resolution is going to be useless.

As for the webcam stuff, some webcams allow you to predefine a keystroke to bring up the camera software. I guess this could be configured to a joystick or other hand controler via a relay to the reversing light or something...

 

[guydewdney]

craigyb - thanks for frodoplayer link - brilliant - and it seems to be heavily supported and it has a defineable com port sensor for the reversing camera - with cam player buit in!

spike - might be interested in a OLD laptop if the one i have for my new scanner (see electronics thread) isnt up to the job.