Supra CarPC anyone into it?

[89TurboPC]

Okay, this is my first post on this board but I am not new to the Supra community. Date back to the day that Supras dot com use list server for members to communicate and chat board and forums aren't exist those days.

Anyway, maybe some of you found it interest in doing so. I posted version 1 setup on socalsupra forum, but since the site change forum sw, I didn't re-register. Also, some of you already saw it in person at the Socal's Irvine May 6 meet, but that is version 2

Before you ask, what can it does? Well, it is a full site PC like the one sitting on your desk. The only thing different is that it is slower. A nice way to use your old hardware + there is no need for more than 1GHz for carPC setup, and heat is the major problem with carPC. It run on DC-DC PSU. You can also use inverter, but that will create some problem and headache such as NOISE and drop out while cranking.
So in short it can do anything that your typical PC is doing. Including watching porn .

The PC:
CPU: Pentium 3 600E overclock to 750MHz at 1.50V core (0.25 lower than stock).
Motherboard: Abit BE6 II
HD: Seagate 60Gb
PSU: Custom built DC-DC power supply base on Maxim/National chips.
Screen: Super/Avatar 7" TS (there are few other name but same $hit on fleebay as well)
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Live!
Other: DashPC Alpine M-Bus car2PC adapter (To control PC by head unit button/remote). Custom built cheap LIRC receiver with girder.
Front End Sw: Modified version of the famous RoadRunner
GPS: Delorme Earthmate USB receiver + iGuidance software.



End result:
Some screen shot with RR running and my custom skin.

The little black thing hanging to the left of the HU is the Simple IR. It's been push back and more hidden now.


All control button are in black. The one above the LEDs is the power button and SDC's kill switch. 2 buttons to the left of the factory hazard switch are the ACC switch for the SDC and switch for the screen. The screen is auto on but that switch is for manual on/off.



The complete Fabrication process, tools, material used can befound here.
There is also link to version 1 setup.
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/fabrication/99109-89-toyota-supra-fab-round-2-a.html

 

[speed]

what did you use to cover the bezel? I'll post pix of my WIP soon.
found it:

still got a bunch of finishing to do, but thats how i'm doin mine.

 

[89TurboPC]

The "frame" on top of the HU faceplace is the Metra Late model Ford Kit 95-5812 or kit Ford 99-5807 as seen in this picture


I used epoxy to glue them together.
Filer material is SEM: Bumper Repair #68422. You can also use 3M Automix flexible bumper repair (cost more and better).

This is the first couple layers of SEM bumper repair.
I put a thin layer at a time. Thin layer give it an option to cure faster then 1 thick layer.


This one is after first 150 grid sand. Before that was about 3 passes of 60 grid sand paper. I just applied more filler to build it up after each sand.


Primer

Paint

 

[Turbo. Targa. Life.]

You're on MP3car too eh? Look for me, I'm Audiophile

No start at all yet on the car PC, but I'm still looking into the hardware!

 

[steven89]

ive always wanted to do it and have everything BUT PSU sorted out.. mind showin me a few pointers to some options?

 

[TooGoode]

behold.....im putting my laptop in my glove box...not yet finished with mounting the touchscreen yet either...

 

[empera]

i've been thinkin about doing something like this, but i already have a screen and its not touch screen...how much do the touchscreens go for? if anything i can just put a trackball somewhere.

 

[89TurboPC]

ive always wanted to do it and have everything BUT PSU sorted out.. mind showin me a few pointers to some options?

There are few option for PSU.
DIY: Yes possible, I did it. Do a search for Mastero/Sproggy on mp3car Power Supply subforum. That design is base on the Maxim chips. The problem is it's hard to get a hold on those regulator chips.
M1/M2-ATX: the M1 is good for VIA mini-itx board and/or p3 chip. M2 can be power some setup as fast as P4/Athlon mobile.
Opus: There are few of them depend on your setup/power consumption.
DS-ATX: with 220W, This one can power a P4 setup easy. I have this one as well to power a Athlon 2500+ barton core mobile chip.

i've been thinkin about doing something like this, but i already have a screen and its not touch screen...how much do the touchscreens go for? if anything i can just put a trackball somewhere.

Whatever screen you have, it has to be VGA or RGB capable screen, otherwise, you can't read anything on the screen. Especially streetname on GPS software.
My version1 setup is a Sony PSOne screen modified to take RGB input (like most factory navigation screen). I use thumb/finger mouse and IR input for moving around the screen. TS is idea and cool to have but really not needed.

You're on MP3car too eh? Look for me, I'm Audiophile

Yeah been on there for a while. I go under MatrixPC. Yes I have a Toyota Matrix too .

 

[Imnotcreative72]

Nice, I'm going to keep my eye on this thread. I was thinking about going with a tablet but this is much better. I like the clear case too, did you make that or buy it? I have an old computer I was going to put in my garage but now maybe I'm going to have to use the parts for the supra :biglaugh: