I am looking to build my own In car PC maily to use as an MP3 file source and to use the Digital Cipher to monitor my engine vitals & AFR.

Anyone around build their own PC with this idea in mind.. I am looking at getting some pics of some custom setups!

I Scrolled through as much stuff as i could, however for some reason today it seems the search function is not working.

 

http://wwwmp3car.com

 

Here's my install on mp3car.com
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...highlight=350z

I'm not using Digital Cipher although I've heard good things about it.. I'm using Digimoto (not quite as powerful as Digital Cipher).. I use it mainly to turn off SES lights lol

OBDII --> Elmscan black box --> COM port


Datalogging HP readings

 

I have a setup, you can find it here http://www.hypersprite.com/auto/tech-z-007/default.asp

I also have Cypher installed but have not used it all that much due to the long cable attached to the ODBII adapter. What I will probably do tonight is coil that wire up and then use a USB extension cable to get it to the back of the car where my other hub is. This way I can pull the adapter cable out to use on other cars without having to fish it back through when I want to put it back in.

If I get it hooked up tonight, I'll start playing with it again and let you know how it goes. I have the long trip to SoCal this weekend and would like to have it working for that but I have to mow the lawn before I loose my dog

Chris

 

I in the middle of a Z PC install as well.

I was planing on using the autoenginuity tool scain tool in my installation (mainly because I already own it)

here a few pic of the PC mounted in the Mail slot..

both Hypersprite's and leemilk's installs swayed me to attempt this project.

between the 2 of them you should have a good start.
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Hypersprite--I was planning on doing smething very similar except i was going to get a short right angled obd cable to plug into the port, then attach the scan tool to that in the footwell, from there i'd use the usb2serial adapter directly attached to the scan tool. Then run the usb cable to my hub mounted in the rear.

 

What monitors are you all using and how are you mounting them so well is there a kit for the monitor or are you custom fabbing it?

 

Well, I get it setup tonight and ran cipher on my carpc.

The options box was fixed from before, now I can get to the bottom of the page and click ok.

It works ok but it does not embed well because of all the extra windows it opens. I'll see if I can take some screen shots, got to hook up a real keyboard first though, probably tomorrow.

On related news, I hooked up a Belken 4 port USB2 hub and ran the cable down the drivers side under the carpet and across to the computer. It is attached flush to the kick panel and the color even matches the interior. This is also good for plugging in my USB mem stick.

Chris

 

All of these setups looks awesome i am still in the planning stages.

 

Why not just get an iPod or an MP3 player...

 

... because you can run streetdeck only on a [car]PC!

www.streetdeck.com - once you use it, theirs no going back to plain old HUs.

 

I don't know much about streetdeck, I use RoadRunner for an interface but the ipod interface is pretty weak in a car and paying to have a head unit that does it justice ends up costing nearly as much. .

A carPC is not for everyone though.

What I get with CarPC in the order I care about them in is...

An interface I can make look, work, and do what I want.
Any audio file and playlist supported by WinAmp
Audio books with Audible.com using my custom WMP skin to include a "back 30sec" like tivo. None of audibles other supported devices do that.
GPS navigation. In my case, I build routes on my home PC and download them to the car this way I can plan complicated week long trips and mountain runs without sitting by the side of the road trying to get it to do what I want.
Email and Web (using Verizon evdo and 802.11)
Video and DVD playback
Really, the carPC is limited to your imagination, frankly it hurts to have to take my wifes Pathfinder that only has an Ipod in it.

Chris

 

not to mention, i am doing mine for tuning purposes, replaceing pesky ugly wideband gauges with a digital cipher and stock widebands and using my sceen i have in dash to display them!!!

My setup wont be as crazy as above, just looking for movie play back, flight simulator for traffic jams, digital cipher, my MP3 & **** collection all in one spot!