Paging Adam in NYC..

[02disco2]

Hey man,

I read your post about the PC you are going to build for your Disco. I am interested in doing something similiar in mine, and would like to pick you brain as to how to create the unit itself and what all would be needed.

Thanks.

Ryan

[Adam in NYC USA]

Originally Posted by 02disco2

Hey man,

I read your post about the PC you are going to build for your Disco. I am interested in doing something similiar in mine, and would like to pick you brain as to how to create the unit itself and what all would be needed.

Thanks.

Ryan

Hello to you Ryan and those interested from Adam in NYC.

I am enjoying the Memorial weekend and wish to say first of all I send my prayers and give thanks to those who have loved ones far away and are making extreme sacifrices to family home land and liberty.

Okay, I opened Pandoras box so I might as well spit it out.

First of all, this is a ongoing project of mine for a few years. Yep, even before the acquistion of the Discovery. One of the few reasons that I am going on with this is because everything is starting to come together and I like to build my own stuff.

I own some real old computers and unfortunately it is quite an addiction but it is a fun one.

The market is now making some real small boards you can use in a car environment and if you are familiar with the inside of your computer, you can do this too. Modern desktop computers are not that complicated once you know what a IDE cable or power supply ratsnest looks like and does.

For the automotive environment, you need to look at several things.

* What are you going to do with the computer?

For me, playing music and ham radio control. I have a few wifi cards so maybe later I can leech some internet when I am waiting in the car. I am doing the keyboard as a option and doing it via Bluetooth. I own the Stowaway Bluetooth keyboard. On the net is the best price so don't pay more than you have to.

* How much are you willing to spend on the whole circus?

This is a hobby for me. I do my minor auto work, do ham radio, and do computer so I am having a triple treat doing this. So, give yourself a modest budget and then see how you would do. If you don't know how much. think about a outlay for a home computer or a good laptop and then shop around. eBay is great. Remember if you are confused, then ask. There are plenty of people who more than happy to do the assist.

* Fitment and placement of the computer is paramount for a clean and safe installation.

Do I need to state this? Don't forget that the insurance company might want an update if you have install LOTS of toys in your ride.

Where to start looking when getting serious:

The newest miniature motherboards are the mini-itx and the nano-itx motherboards. Check out www.mini-itx.com, www.mini-box.com , www.carpc.com. Google them if you get a 404.

Here is my list from my Tabs on Firefox:

Probably the best website I have seen selling personal and commercial CarPC systems (look at all the photos, yum):

http://www.gnetcanada.com/vehiclepc-overview.htm

Here is the mp3car forum to drop plenty of questions on people ahead and behind you:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/index.php?

This was one of my inspirations to start but now I am not going to use a Palm for a head:

http://www.zorg.org/projects/carpc.shtml
http://www.giantdisc.com/

Wanna see I am not so crazy?? How about an Mac in a jeep?

http://macjeep.blogspot.com/

How about a CarPC in a Nissan? Guy is in the neighborhood:

http://www.gormanly.com/

And here is a case I am thinking of getting:

http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/c.ACCT1...category.87/.f



The Discovery has quite a few places to install a CarPC. Under the front drivers or passenger seats, the middle console are a few places to start.

I am still in the middle of everything. I still need to decide where in the compartment I want to do the final install. I may even get rid of the the current motherboard and get another one with all the traditional audio outputs. I have one of those boards with a propreitory connector and the damn company won't return emails and phone calls.

One thing I do recommend and will yet do is pull the old stereo head and install a DIN hideaway touchscreen. I have a nice touchscreen but I don't garage. I streetpark. I would be nervous if I even had a new car with navigation.

Okay, I have been ramblering on (isn't that the name of a old car?). I am going to go drink some aspirin and finish off my migrane.

Adam in NYC (hi yah)

[SCSL]

Originally Posted by Adam in NYC USA

I have a nice touchscreen but I don't garage. I streetpark. I would be nervous if I even had a new car with navigation.

Wow, in NYC? I would be afraid. I remember having to leave my car on the street in Boston w/ a little sign in the window that said "NO RADIO" lol

[darkknight1999]

A mini mac would fit perfectly in a Disco. You could stick it just about anywhere and either run wireless keyboard and mouse or just get extention cords for them if you place them in a wierd spot.

I've seen a guy that installed a full setup into a VW Jetta and it looked great! I was thinking about doing that for mine too. it would be sooo easy. You could fit the unit almost anywhere because its not a try insert system just a slot, so you could hide the entire unit and just leave access to the slot.

I'll have to try and find a link to it.

[darkknight1999]

Oh and for monitors, with the sunvisors so big you could just put one in each visor, and headrests for the rest of the people that might be riding along.

[TerryS]

Adam or others: Does anyone have any experience with the Liliput 7" or 8" touch screen mobile monitor? I like the flexibity it might give me over leaving the laptop open. I use it just for GPS/NAV. There's not a boat load of room and options in a Defender.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

[Adam in NYC USA]

I have the Avatar thru the same venue:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWN%3AIT

You should not have any problems with the monitor. I can not speak for the hardware you are going to use, but some laptops don't drive their internal LCDs and a VGA output at the same time but you gotta remember that.

Some monitors like mine are really only good at 800x600 but will do 1024x768 but you gotta use large fonts.

The touch screen will mimic a mouse and you will be able to use both. Mine connects thru the USB port. You will have to ask the vendor about it.

Good buying and good luck.

Adam in NYC

BTW, This was the vendor I was looking at for a inDash Touchscreen Display.

http://stores.ebay.com/GreatestSale-...QQftidZ2QQtZkm