Technically it was installed.

:-P

Basically I put the current unfinished box in. The final unit will have a much slimmer case, and a DC/DC PSU. I tested out the sound, and I gotta say for being a budget system, without tuning the complete system it sounded better than a good amount of the previous aftermarket decks i've had or seen.

This pic was kinda funny though lol I haven't ordered the 7inch touchscreen yet, which will be placed in the dash, so my 19 had to make due. :-P

 

so how do you close youre trunk lol

 

LOL after the sound test I took it ALL back out and plugged my rca's back into the LOC.

 

Nice!

I don't feel so lonely in here now.

I've had my system installed and reinstalled several times.

There's alot of testing, configuring, and rewiring that goes into a carputer, I'm glad
that you're doing the testing in stages as you get parts, it'll go alot quicker that way.

If there's anything I can help with (info), let me know. It looks like you have a good start on it.

Did you go for the version of Centrafuse with GPS?

 

Currently the Centrafuse on there is the trial edition. As for the navigation, I'm almost considering ditching the included GPS software and using iGuidance instead as there is a plugin available.

Talk about testing testing testing, lol I bought a KVM switch and some extra speakers just so i could do the majority of testing in the house on the fly. after i'm done configuring, i plan on making a sysprep'd image of the drive so I can deploy it on pretty much any computer i may have in the future. :-P

think i figure'd out what i'm gonna do with the trunk too. gonna replace the stock useless trunk floor with a mdf flooring that'll go in piece by piece as to get a perfect fit, and SHOULD allow me to keep access to the spare tire. hinges baby

 

I'm using Iguidance on my machine.

Of course, it's pretty much only functioning as an atlas because I am waiting
to get a USB GPS module.

I have considered baking a install DVD, but I change my ideas too often on software, and
with advances every few months, I'd be making images every other week, LOL.

I have a bluetooth dongle already installed (love that word) but haven't
gotten around to mating it to the PC through software yet. (useless because the mic is still in my office and the preouts aren't hooked up yet).

I will try to get my pics up in my thread tonight to show my progress so far.

What are you using for PC components?

 

Now i'm not a computer nut, but wouldnt it be easier to buy one of those compact desktop unit, and possibly an external hd for more space, and not need a huge @$$ tower? you could save space, and probably do a good job hiding it so it isn't in the way of the box either.

 

It would, but I think that is what he has planned.

 

wtf. is this real?



did u reaally put a tower pc in ur car?

 

Yes, it is real, but it as he said above, it was just to test it out.

 

what are the specs of the computer. Not sure if you are using that casing or just going to change it up but make sure that its secure. One nice pot hole and your hard drive is F&**%D. I would probably purchase a solid state hard drive. Make sure that you have enough air getting to the fans for venting.

 

Solid state hard drive is a must!

newegg.com has them cheaper than most anywhere else.

Remember how sensitive pc components are to static since it's going to be in the trunk I'm assuming, near/on carpet. You may want to mount it on some makeshift rubber, wood, etc surface. It takes 1/1000th of a static shock that you can feel to kill a small capacitor.

 

Nah, a laptop 2.5" hard drive works fine.

I live in Maine, and if you've ever driven on rural Maine
roads in spring, you'll appreciate that I haven't had any problems
with mine yet.

I mounted my PC with plywood, to keep it isolated.
(I posted pics of the mounted PC in the other thread)

so, how are you liking centrafuse?

I have been on the fence about it, but the
recent price drop has made me think it might be a good idea.

The demo comes with the navigation maps as well?

 

It's a typical misconception people have over hard disks in cars. You can even use 3.5's if you do it right.

I'm loving Centrafuse! It's very smooth and handles just the way you'd imagine a nice touch screen interface should. Even with the 1.2ghz Duron system I'm running, it does not choke at all.

The demo does have a couple GPS maps, but none that will be of much use.

 

I'm going to DL the demo tonight and try it out. I like RideRunner,
but the combination of keeping 5 different applications working together,
along with the recent development of having to reinstall the software every 30
days to get rid of the nag screen is pushing me away from it.

I just want to install one program and have it do it for me.

 

Centrafuse is your software then bro. What you describe was exactly what pushed me away from RR.

I'd suggest getting it now, chances are when Centrafuse 3 gets released they will offer current Centrafuse 2 folks a special deal, I'd imagine.

 

I just googled centrafuse 3.0.

Now I'm itching to get home to watch the youtube preview.

I think I may get the basic version for now and use Iguidance with that,
then upgrade when it comes out.

 

Definitely digging it, man! Don't worry about the hardware, it's cheap if something dies. I'm planning my second carputer (my first one is like yours, uses full-size computer parts, and it's now being used for mostly portable multimedia stuff).

Very cool, man.

 

Still don't understand why you would put a full computer in the trunk. In dash would be okay. But I would want touch edition of windows.

 

LOL

 

 

Aight so all my remaining stuff is on it's way.

all-together this project has cost:

7 inch w/ custom bezel: 325
Metra Double-Din kit: 17
250w DC/DC PSU: 89
ATX PSU casing: 7
GPS Receiver/Transmitter: 50
HD Radio Tuner: 70
Centrafuse: 125
Cabling/Breaker: ~50

Total Cost: $683

Keep in mind folks, I'm not including the PC's cost as it's an old machine I've had for like 7 years, eventually I'll be adding the Bluetooth and XM(~100 more bucks) before I make the next upgrade, which will be an ITX dual core atom setup.

Once I get this done, I'll be looking into starting a side business building and setting up complete systems for installers. The range of options would go from bare minimum setups all the way to top of the line setups with aftermarket amplifiers etc included. Imagine buying a carpc with your choice of amp setup? Hell, why not entire package deals with speakers too? A lot of things going through my head.

 

So you did end up going with the built in nav in centrafuse.

I wish you luck in setting up your side business.

The systems that I've seen being purchased alot tend to be below 500.

People seem to have a hard time justifying spend 1000 on a system when they
know they are going to have to drop 2-300 bucks on the touchscreen as well.

They take a look at systems like Emporerj11's Kenwood and have a hard time justifying spending the extra couple hundred.

The main thing that sets the CarPC apart from Multimedia headunits (for now) is the ability to tether a mobile phone to them for constant internet service. Packaging that in would increase the value to customers.

Customer molded screens would be another area where you could carve out a niche. There are some vehicles, more so now than earlier models, that do now accomodate a traditional double din multimedia headunit, and offering a package for these vehicles would also bring in people.

Also, if you are going to be selling centrafuse to go with it, you might want to get someone to make a custom skin that is exclusive to your setups. That way, you can leverage the Centrafuse technology, but don't have to violate trademark while creating exclusivity for your setups.

Now, if only you knew someone that is good at making skins for stuff

If you can keep the costs low, I see a market for CarPC's.

Good luck and make sure to post pics when you get your stuff in!

 

Right on Maetrix, will do. I think we should stay in contact for sure.

I feel ya on all of your above statements.

I'm thinkin that a GOOD new complete system with a decent 4ch, assuming distributor pricing, could be had for about 800-900 bucks assuming no custom fabrication is needed for dash mounting. The problem is working labor into the equation. I'm thinkin there would be a $200-400 markup, $200 for labor of getting the system ready for install-and-play, $400 for labor+installing it myself(local only).

@$1000-1300 for a complete system including amp's etc, it'd definitely put the price point under the competition. (Directly on par with DIY'ers except w/ Amp's & Unparalleled support)

It does seem like a hefty piece of change, but considering some of the advantages:
Upgradeable Hardware(You want BlueRay, get it! Newer CPU? Get it!, you get the point)
Upgradeable Software(Including installation and implementation of software)
Ability to run anything you would on a PC in your car
Known, common hardware architecture
Off-site software support(via Remote)
Cost of repairs decreased
Greater control of sound(depending on sound card)
Ability to listen to internet radio, have yet to see a deck do this stock haha
New model OEM look, while giving the widest range of features you'll find in any vehicle
Ability to run tuning software without prep work
Ability to run engine diagnostics, clear codes, and gather almost any info the ECM provides

The list just seems like it could keep growing. It's really what had allowed me to make the justification to spend a pretty penny. Sure an Eclipse 7 inch double din or Kenwood can be had for under $600, but in the long range neither offer the diverse array of functionality a PC does.

The niche market is there, just gotta figure out a way to tap it in a way the competition hasn't. I'd say setting up credit lines w/ payment plans would be the quickest and easiest way to bring it a greater number of customers. It's essentially the same concept I'm applying to my Northwest Performance business plan. Won't go into great detail about that, but imagine an auto body, oem/aftermarket auto parts, auto electronics, dyno/tune, rim/tire, and installation shop, all in one, offering credit plans. That's kinda the concept I'm working from. Capture an entire market(OEM) while capturing niche markets for aftermarket anything.

 

maetrix or warren, question for you: I have an 08 ss with the pioneer system and onstar. I have been throwing around this whole carpc idea around for a few years and now that I have a car that I know I will have for a while I think it is time to put my project together. my question is, with the pioneer system and onstar, what wiring harness' are you using to retain door chimes and steering wheel controls when you install the touchscreen and computer hardware and peripherals. I have no problem coming up with the parts to build the pc and i even think i can integrate a screen into the stock location without too much hassle. But my worry is not being able to keep my onstar or to adjust the volume with the steering wheel. Thanks for any help.