Carputer

Anduinlight · 10-31-2004

Alright I know there are one or two of you guys who can answer this for me,

I was thinking about building a carputer (you know a computer that is built into your car) and I just had a couple questions about doing it
-do you think it would be alright to use desktop hardware (like cpus motherboards, graphics cards ect.) for the components?
-as far as like hardrives, are they fairly shock proof or resistant? or is their a peticular brand, or would laptop compnents really be better?
-now I plan on putting the main box (tower) in the back, and a monitor in the front (probably like a 7" video touch screen with a couple of video ins or... a really small lcd 12" computer monitor) when i'm pipin all the cables, and such to the front, is there a good way to insulate for "noise" (for all you car audio people you know what i mean) for those who don't it's when signal is picked up along the lines from your alternator, now as far as audio is concerned all you get is some nasty, high pitched squealing, from your speakers. However when it comess to data travling on lines it would get corrupted and be unusable. So is there a good way to insulate for that?

- and lastly the most important question: Is there actually a compant of some sorts who actually does this type of thing?? that I could also ask, or even get parts from??

-or if this is just a dumb idea you can tell me that too
thanks
Cole

95tsi · 10-31-2004

Why not just use a laptop and run a video out cable to a monitor/screen on the dash somewhere? Then just run a cordless optical mouse and your set. Just another idea maybe.

Matt D. · 10-31-2004

First, if you aren't up to building your own, check these out - http://www.xenarc.com/product/index-pc.html

Yes, many people have built car PCs. All of the ones I see have used standard PC equipment. Mini ATX motherboards, low profile power supplies, all in custom cases that are made to fit where you want, usually made of MDF with a fan or two. Hard drives are very shockproof, they're designed to to survive being dropped on the floor.

To power the PC all you will need is a DC to AC inverter. PC video cables are shielded, but the power signal is filtered through the inverter so you shouldn't have to worry about noise from the alternator.

Jakey · 10-31-2004

I could be mistaken but I thought someone on this board put together a carputer a while back? Possibly last winter?

DSM97RS · 10-31-2004

that was me. i still have my carpc. love the thing. i have the lilliput touchscreen in the vents but as far as the pc specs go i have the mini atx motherboard, slimline ddr ram (.8"), laptop harddrive, opus power supply. the power supply i use is made for car computers. if your wanting everything to be as small as possable, youll need all laptop parts but it can all fit in the c134 case which is single din sized. the case will fit everything but the power supply in a single din. if you want more info on the whold car pc idea, go to www.mp3car.com. they have all the info anyone should ever need there.