wtf? shoudl previewed the post oh well

 

haha its ok. i understood what you were saying. I think linux makes free GPS software that uses the free maps from the Census Bureau. The name of the software is called "GPSDrive". The problem with the maps are that they're a little old.

I also thought about using linux as my car PC. After doing some research i found that it wasnt really worth it. It involved too much work and customization on my part. So i think im going to stick with XP. Hopefully I will find a "trial" version of Copilot 2003 so i could test it out. (can anyone help me with that?)


edit:
here is another one ... http://sumitbirla.com/projects/indashpc/software.php

 

....Any updates on the installs??

 

I'm still shopping around for parts. Looking at head uints and new speakers right now. I figure I ought to get this installed first. It looks like practically every panel will have to be pulled to do this job. Good thing the Z is pretty much in the garage for the winter.

Haven't had a lot of time with the holidays.

I will post progress as I go.

 

ECKZLNT,

How much of the 7" diagonal did yo uloose by mounting it in the NAV compartment?

 

None really noticeable, so very little if any

 

Was there a big difference beteen the different sound cards you tried? Did your mobo have integrated sound?

I'm wondering what to expect from the integrated audio on the mini-itx boards. Anybody have any thoughts?

 

The mini itx boards are supposed to have 5 or 6 channel changeable thru the bios but you will loose the mic in and aux in. I needed the mic in for the voice control.
I disabled my built in audio and added the Turtle Beach sound card.
Some of the different cards had 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 . Mine has 6.1 dolby. It actually is overkill for a car as small as the Z. 4.1 should work fine.
It was the one that sounded that best to me and worked the best for me. Don't go completely by the numbers because everyone has different speakers and setups.
Find the one that works for you.
Good Luck

 

you guys should probably use Intel chips instead of AMD. The P4s generate less heat than the Athlon XPs.

 

Yea, about 15 to 20 degrees less than Intel but AMD's are a heck of a lot cheaper. I have both. I'd rather burn up an AMD than an Intel.

 

Ok, this is great, finaly someone made a screen that connects to the comp. OK i wanted to ask you something before i ordered it. how does the tuchscreen work? I mean how do i click??? do you just tap the screen? if so how do you right click? and how is the tuchscreen conected to the comp? with the usb?is there anyother way? let me know thanks!!! i want to order this asap

I want to put a laptop in the glowbox, power it with an inverter. and put a ps2 in for games and dvd's. sound will come out of the headphones jack into a cosset that goes into the HU. and a gps that plugs in the usb. but if the tuchscreen needs to work with the usb then i cant have the GPS... i only have 1 output for usb.
so let me know !

 

You click by touching the screen.
Right click is done by touching and holding your finger down. It can be set up thru the software.
The screen is connected via vga port and usb.
Get a small 4 port usb hub that will allow 4 additional usb connections.
BTW. What is a glowbox? Just kidding.

 

Yea, i guess i will have to get one of those hubs.. Did you have any problems with the wiring being to short? Iam going to buy one ebay and buy the screen and the hub. glove box---- lol

 

No problems with short wires. They are the perfect length.
Good luck with your system.

 

How would one go about hooking up a rear view camera? Would it be easier to mount on the headliner next to the rear window? What's the difficulty in running the wires to the glove box?

 

I heard one guy put a usb camera behind his license plate and drilled a hole in the plate and ran the usb cable under everything to his computer.
Behind the plate, there is empty space big enough to put a small camera.
I checked this out for a minute and I haven't gotten around to doing this yet.
Maybe next month.
There really isn't any diffuclty in doing it, if you are comfortable with taking your inside panels off.

 

Those of you in CA, be careful with your screen unless it is Nav...
Wish I would have known about it before I installed my DVD setup.

Here is it from Mr Traffic.com

Video screens in vehicles (AB 301,Reyes)prohibits driving a vehicle while a television broadcast or video display is operating if the screen is forward of the driver ís seat. The bill, which exempts Global Positioning Systems (GPS), updates the law. Formerly, it applied only to television.

 

Its the same thing in IL and its ok to watch tv when you are parked. I would think its pretty hard to get cought in the Z. unless you are already pulled over for speeding and you have the DVD playing while the cop is standing next to you asking for you DL.

 

Murrman100, did you run the wiring from the dash through the center arm console to the glove box? If so, was any drilling required?

 

Yes. Thru the center console.
No drilling required.