Choosing a Car PC monitor ... possible in dash?

[BlackBulletTSi]

Alright so I have a laptop that I am looking to install into my eclipse. I pretty much have an idea of how I am going to do it. The plan is to wire the ac adapter into the ignition so while driving the laptop charges the battery and when the key is out the laptop is going to go into a stand by mode. I plan on running a custom skinned version of XBMC to run media as well as being able to launch a Garmin GPS program I have with an old school USB GPS receiver that I will install. Also I am planning on getting ECM Link soon so having a quick way to launch into the program for any reason would be ideal. So I'm not really worried about installing all this stuff my question is this. Who knows of a good in dash unit that will allow me to hook up my laptop via a VGA cable and then also do touch screen through probably USB? Also with an input to run the audio out of the laptop into the unit to play through the speakers. I keep looking but not really finding ANYTHING, maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. I figured you guys would be the best to help out here. I have seen some 7" touch screens that would probably work but they are not in dash and I would require a separate head unit and the monitor would have to mount on the dash. I'm really trying to avoid that if at all possible. Once I start the build and install it all I'll post pictures and the like. So if you know of anything post me up some links and as always the help is appreciated.

[Trex]

won't an tablet be a better set up?

[Big_Jim]

When I built my car pc (way back when) these were the best screens to use.

http://www.lilliputweb.net/

also check out www.mp3car.com

[BlackBulletTSi]

Trex, tablet I dont have and dont think it would be better because of the stuff I wanna do.

Big_Jim thanks for these I kinda came across these sites but the lillputweb site seems pretty much not updated in over 2 years. Plus some images dont work on the site makes me kinda weary about them but then again if people used and there good maybe I can find something used on eBay. I like the MP3car.com site and I probably going to do more reading on that.

[jpalamar]

I wouldn't install a laptop in a car with how car headunits have come.

[BlackBulletTSi]

Yea but a car headunit is not going to allow me to use a wifi hotspot to VPN to my home PC with my 1TB of music to stream if I wanted, it also wont allow me to load up ECM link when I get it on the screen to look at. Plus its a fun little project lol.

[Big_Jim]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Complete-Mini-Touch-700-Double-DIN-Kit-7-VGA-Touch-Screen-Carputer-Car-PC-/160701793750?pt=Computer_Monitors&hash=item256a92c5d6

[BlackBulletTSi]

Thanks for that link, only thing is with that I'd still need to run a head unit for the audio. Where would I run that?

[Big_Jim]

Is your car double din? Do you have a single din head unit in there now?

[BlackBulletTSi]

Yea its a 99 Eclipse GSX so its double din and right now I just have an old alpine CD head unit in there.

[Big_Jim]

you could always use that double din screen kit, and remote mount your head unit, like in your glove box or something. When I molded my 10" touch screen in the dash of my 05 xB, I moved the radio down lower in the dash and just extended the wires. I ran the audio output of my car pc through the aux input on the radio.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d55/jimennis/Boston%20HIN%2008/P1020904Medium.jpg

[BlackBulletTSi]

Nice that looks really clean. I was thinking of installing the screen in the dash and molding it in there as well. Just I'm not sure how much work would be involved in moving my radio and if its worth it at that point. I was hoping a quick switch out of my current headunit with one that would allow me to just plug in a computer would make this a quick and simple job. This is just turning it into a larger job then I wanted haha. I do want to do it right though so if thats a route I have to go then I will.

[Big_Jim]

They do make double din head units that are an all in one car pc/sound processor if thats the route you want to go.

But it sounds like the double din screen/mount would be the easiest for you, along with running a power inverter and your laptop. rerouting the head unit is a really easy job.

[BlackBulletTSi]

I would prefer the indash all in one but I will look into running the headunit, I'll have to look and see whats an easy location.

[schaffer]

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/kyschauer/fa6322a5.jpg



All i thought of when you said eclipse and laptop

[BlackBulletTSi]

hahahahaha schaffer awesome. I'm a computer geek that loves cars so this is something I've been wanting to do for a good while now. I got a Sprint MiFi hot spot for streaming on the go if I need to otherwise I'll be loading the hard drive up with music. Use the wireless when I'm home to swap stuff out.

[Big_Jim]

I loved my carpc when I built it. if you ever need any help or advice, let me know.

[BlackBulletTSi]

Big Jim I'll definately take you up on that. I want to do a very clean install. I'd like to do this sometime next month once I finish cleaning the car out. I'm hoping to get my new suspension installed this weekend and then save up some funds so that I can do this. So it gives me time to find the right solution and plan this out accordingly. Ha the front doors don't even have speakers installed in it. The radio setup that was in this car was really a hack job. The radio wires had duct tape on them. Already redid it with electric tape. I plan on using solder and heat shrink when I install the new head unit.

[Diablo2424]

Definitely read up on MP3Car, there's a TON of information on there, I tend to use Google and just filter (site:mp3car.com) the search to MP3car to find what I'm looking for.

I too was going to do a CarPC, but decided on a Tablet in the end, when I saw the Galaxy Tab 2 coming out for $249, couldn't pass that offer up, compared to the $700+ I had planned out to build the CarPC (then I have to deal with Windows/Configuring Linux and overheating issues too)...

Check out my thread on MP3Car forums in my sig. If you have any more questions, definitely post them up here...

Oh as for the screen, a lot of guys on MP3Car are going with this new option: http://www.mp3car.com/lcd-display/147249-transflective-lcd-panel-with-res-touch-controler-for-101-36-s-h.html I know it's a LONG thread, but skip through it or at least read the first and last pages... a TON of good info in there.. and it's an awesome deal.

[BlackBulletTSi]

Diablo, that looks very clean. I have been reading those forums for the past two days now. Definately a lot of good information. I really do enjoy your setup and I like how you have the bt with the phone and all that. Really making me rethink installing my laptop lol. That screen seems like a really good deal. I'd love to mold that into the opening of car. It seems for best results molding a screen in will be the way to go. Relocating the radio for ease of use would be the problem I would now face. Only spot I could see it going is in the glovebox but isn't really within reach from the drivers seat.

[Big_Jim]

if your radio has a detachable face, its entirely possible to mount the radio in the glovebox and wire the face elsewhere (like the sunvisor)

[BlackBulletTSi]

Thats some slick thinking right there. My headunit currently does have a detachable face, however I don't have inputs into my current headunit. Its a very old unit. So I'll need to find me another headunit thats not bad with some inputs and a detachable face. At that point though wouldn't a head unit with a remote be a good idea? I know most run off infrared though so I'd have to do something about that with some kind of extender if its going to be hiding in the glove box.

[Big_Jim]

why would you need a remote if you're going to wire the faceplate somewhere within reach? Also, you'd be using the computer for almost everything, including volume control.

[BlackBulletTSi]

I meant if I didn't relocate the face plate and just installed it in the glove box with a remote wouldn't that be simpler. . Why would the computer handle volume? Wouldn't it be best to leave the volume on the computer a certain level and then use the radio to control the output.

[Scapegoat]

i want this... http://www.dynavin.com/products/product_dnv_6201.php

and assuming it can use whatever is on the android market, then there are plenty of application options for connecting and streaming from a home server

[BlackBulletTSi]

That looks like a nice option. I know I could use like google music and the like on that thing probably. See I just have a laptop where the screen is kinda broke and has a huge line down the middle of it and was thinking why not toss it into the car and run it that way. Now I have so many options I don't know what one to pick. Damn you guys and your ideas LoL. Maybe the laptop can be used elsewhere and maybe look at some of these other options you guys are talking about.

[BlackBulletTSi]

So I'm actually really leaning towards the CarTab idea. I'm actually wondering if there would be a way to actually build something it would clip in over top of the radio instead of replacing it or have like a hinge system I don't know maybe I'm getting a little more complicated then it should be at this point but the GalaxyTab 7" or maybe get the new Nexus 7" and install that guy. I think that is really what I am leaning towards.

[Diablo2424]

Any update on this project? Need any questions answered? It looks like some of the Nexus 7 Pre-orders are starting to ship too if you're going that route!

[BlackBulletTSi]

Update on the project is I am thinking of going the Nexus 7 route now. I really liked how yours looked. I'm also thinking about making mine actually where the tab will just kinda lean over top of the radio in the car so that way I can actually use it outside of the car as well. Only issue I think there is the fact that its so close to the shifter in my car I might hit it while shifting so it might be better off molded in. So many options is the problem and I always have trouble making up my mind haha. Also I just picked up my new suspension and getting that installed today so it depleated most of my funds. I'm thinking begining of august I'll have some money to go ahead and complete this.

[BlackBulletTSi]

Actually Diablo got a question for you. Are you using just the tab and an EQ running to amps? I just kinda noticed that. With that being said are you not able to do FM then just whats on your tab and what not?

[Diablo2424]

Update on the project is I am thinking of going the Nexus 7 route now. I really liked how yours looked. I'm also thinking about making mine actually where the tab will just kinda lean over top of the radio in the car so that way I can actually use it outside of the car as well. Only issue I think there is the fact that its so close to the shifter in my car I might hit it while shifting so it might be better off molded in. So many options is the problem and I always have trouble making up my mind haha. Also I just picked up my new suspension and getting that installed today so it depleated most of my funds. I'm thinking begining of august I'll have some money to go ahead and complete this.

Thank you, originally I too was thinking of making mine removable. However, after owning the tablet for about a month with it not in the car, I realized I really had no need for a tablet, I either used my PC or my phone for everything I needed to do. So I ended up just mounting it non-removable, also playing a factor in that was that I would have to had cut up my center dash (radio surround) and for the Altima SER that piece is very hard to find and upwards of $350 to replace. So I opted to NOT cut that up, lol, just in case I messed up I didn't want to be screwed.

Actually Diablo got a question for you. Are you using just the tab and an EQ running to amps? I just kinda noticed that. With that being said are you not able to do FM then just whats on your tab and what not?

Yes, I have the tablet using this (http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Satellite-Auxilliary-Stereo-Mini-Jack/dp/B0028BBEBI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342540454&sr=8-1&keywords=right+angle+3.5mm+rca) cable (3.5mm headphone jack -> RCA) connecting to the Main RCA Input of the Clarion EQ. Then the EQ has RCA output's to each Amp (Front/Rear/Sub). I also have a second 3.5mm -> RCA Cable connected into the Aux Input on the back of the EQ, and the 3.5mm headphone plug is ran inside the console and comes out under my e-brake handle, allowing me or passenger's to plug in their iPod/iPhone/Android phone/etc. device to play music.

Currently I do not have FM, however, I haven't even looked into if my Tablet has an FM antenna and if I just need to download an FM App. I know some Android device's have a built-in FM Antenna and all you need is an FM app to listen to radio (no data plan required), other's do not and you would need a data plan to listen to FM radio station's through the internet. However, if I need to access the internet or listen to FM stations I usually just load up TuneIn Radio on my phone and plug it into the AUX input :-P. But I also have the option to Tether my tablet to my phone's 3G/LTE Data connection, that's how I update my apps through the Google Play store on the tablet.

Yea, that idea for the BT Headset was a recently thought up idea after I had started the project and wasn't sure how I was going to use my phone while driving, keeping it legal (hands free in NJ is the only legal way to talk and drive). I actually have yet to buy that Samsung BT Headset and wire it up, but I know it'll be easy, just had some other things take priority financially lately. :: cough custom exhaust cough :: :mrgreen:

Below is a pic of the input/output's of the EQ:
http://i.seimg.net/images/286081/big/eqs746.jpg

[BlackBulletTSi]

AHHH I had a whole big response typed up but lost it haha. Anyway with this news makes it a game changer. Seeing as I don't listen to FM at all really and can just use an app, I"m going the tablet route. Its just cheaper considering what I was looking at vs using the fact I have an amp under my passenger seat from previous owner that I'm not sure is even hooked up. I have a sub with an amp mounted on it for the past god knows how many years that I've been waiting to just put into a car. I'll probably pick up this EQ as I always have loved Clarion as a company for a while. I'm going to try and pick up the Nexus 7 in a couple weeks and then look into how I am going to mount it. I also am probably going to go the way of permanently mounting as well. I have a SGS2 from TMobile that i do everything on and a brand new Sony laptop. I can see myself not using a tablet after a good month to. I actually have a Sprint MiFi hotspot I plan on using in the car to stream when need be but will load up the Nexus with tracks as well. I am planning on resetting up my Subsonic server. It has an android app and it works great. If you don't know what subsonic is, basically a media server with a nice web interface for if you want to stream to a PC and apps for android/iphone.

As far as hands free, are you going to be connecting the phone and tab via bluetooth and run an app so it plays through the speakers? Just curious because that is something I'd be very interested in as I also do not like driving and talking.

NOW I'm getting excited because I already have mostly everything and all I need is to get me the nexus and the EQ. Anniversary is this week, I'll drop some major hints to my g/f see if she buys it for me haha.

[Diablo2424]

Same here, I too never listen to FM, once in a blue moon I'll pop into AM to catch a game (Devils/Yankees) but even for that I can just stream it on my phone and connect that to the AUX in.

If you already have amp's and speaker's this is definitely the best route for you to go, IMO. Between the cost (much less than a CarPC), simplicity (less things to break/go wrong) and rareness factor (just a little extra ego boost, haha, because who else do you know has a tablet in their dash? :mrgreen:) It's definitely a good setup to go with, I LOVE mine and the compliment's I get are awesome, people can never believe that I actually have a tablet in my dash until they see and hear it, heh. Mounting it and making it look clean is definitely the hardest part, that's where the custom work comes in, but personally I love that kind of thing. Help's re-enforce my ideology of built, not bought.

I too have an SGS II (Skyrocket on ATT - it's the EXACT same phone as your's except with an LTE antenna)... so definitely good choice on the phone ;-). Having that Sprint MiFi will come in handy big time, for a while I was actually thinking of installing a wireless router in my car so the phone and tablet could be on the same network when I'm driving and I could share stuff between them quicker. I actually haven't ever heard of Subsonic until now, that sounds awesome and I am going to look into it right now. And hopefully get a server up and running, it's definitely something I'd love to have (access to ALL of my music at home while I'm driving).

As far as hands free, I was looking for an App to just connect the device's through BT and have the audio be sent to the Tablet, but unfortunately there is no app available that will do that. I've looked EVERYwhere, I even was looking into making it myself, and ended up at a dead end when I found out that it would consist of modifying the Bluetooth stack within the underlying OS (Linux) of the tablet. Which is something even I didn't really want to get into when there's other options. Here's a good post over on XDA Forums regarding this exact issue: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=844605

My solution is going to be a little more complex than it probably needs to be, but I know it'll get the job done. I am going to put an RCA Splitter on the AUX Input to the EQ. One side of the splitter will go to the current RCA -> 3.5mm Cable that I use for AUX input from my phone/friend's device's. The other end of it will go to a second RCA -> 3.5mm cable that will connect on the 3.5mm side to this BT Adapter (http://www.amazon.com/Original-Universal-Bluetooth-BHS3000NBACSTA-packaging/dp/B006070L7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342615004&sr=8-2&keywords=samsung+hs-3000). Then I'm going to crack that headset open (it's only $30) and solder some wires to extend the Microphone up to my steering column, so when I talk people will be able to hear me. I will also connect a MicroUSB cable to the power of that headset and wire it to a 12v source in my car so it's always powered when the car is running. So essentially what the plan is, when I get in my car my phone's BT will be on and it will connect to the Tablet (for TabletTalk (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apdroid.tabtalk&hl=en) to work - awesome app that you should definitely look into, as well as Tasker for automating things on your tablet upon the car starting/stopping) as well as the Samsung BT Headset (the BT doesn't need to connect, just Pair with the tablet for TabletTalk to work, so the phone can connect to both the Tablet and Headset at the same time). Therefore if I receive a phone call, TabletTalk will alert me of the incoming call on my Tablet, in which I can answer the call, the audio will automatically be routed to the Samsung headset, so all I have to do is press a button to change the EQ's input to AUX (Headset) instead of Main (Tablet).

Haha, that's awesome, good luck on getting the g/f in on the project! lmao, all I heard throughout the whole thing from my fiance was, "why do you need to go and touch stuff in your car, it works as it is, leave it alone" and "why do you need to put a tablet in your dashboard? it's just a distraction" blah blah, lol, clearly she's not into car's... she'd rather me buy her a designer purse instead...

Wow, that turned into some reply.... lol

[BlackBulletTSi]

haha yea that did turn into a nice long reply. Yea I gotta pull the passenger seat out and check but I'm positive there's an amp under there already connected to the speakers. My front door speakers are not installed and I'll need new ones but not a big deal. I kinda as you can see bought a car that needed a lot of love and care put into it but when I'm done this thing will be nice and perty :). Yea, putting this in the dash like you said just showing up places and going yo check this out is a truley awesome thing. So my g/f did end up buying me the Nexus 7 tablet this morning. I've already pulled the dash peice out where it goes and lets just say its a perfect fit. There's some plastic to cut off behind but the actual cut out for the radio fits perfectly over the edges where you wont see them. Plus where the headphone jack is and usb connector end up being there should be plenty of room for them.

My brother actually has the skyrocket and I've been hacking android phones since the vibrant came out. I just am a big fan of Samsung Galaxy series. I think its a well balanced phone. The mifi spot is going to be extremely handy. Looking forward to giving the tab and mifi hotspot a good test this weekend and week. I'll be heading out of town to actually be in and help shoot a music video. I'll read more up on that thread, but I love XDA forums. Great site!

I'd like to see how well that works out wiring the bluetooth headset. Seems like the best idea at this point. Would be nice if you could actually just keep the output to the same input as the tablet and when TabletTalk recieves a call that it mutes the audio on your tablet. I got TabletTalk to. The Nexus came with 25 bucks for the google store so I'll be using it wisely on things like this. Already been testing and works well. However I'm guessing its a nexus thing at the moment but it only opens up and doesn't fill the full screen and actually doesn't do landscape. Not sure if this is because my homescreen doesn't do landscape. I've only had the things since 8AM this morning. Haven't had much time to play with it but I will shortly.

[Ryan]

Keep us posted. This is going to be really cool once complete.

[BlackBulletTSi]

Diablo, I see your running Sygic Navigation. Did you pay for that? How much better is it over Google Maps? I am debating if I'm going to use Tasker right away. I might be planning a way to make it removable then again free 25 bucks I might just go ahead and get it anyway to play with. I'm probably going to pick that bluetooth ODB2 reader after I replace my radiator. Just seems to cool not to haha. Really looking forward to doing this. Thanks again for your input!

[BlackBulletTSi]

Also which power source are you using? I see a Duracell 150W w/ USB but I can't seem to find it, just curious if you knew the model number. I'm guessing you just wired this in permanently. Stupid question I know LoL. I have room I think where my lighter adapter is to mount it, just gotta make sure the lighter adapter works. Its not hooked up and last time I tried it didnt but I dont think it was hooked up correctly like 99% of the rest of the car. I'm trying to plan out the rest of my cost here on getting this thing installed.

[Diablo2424]

Diablo, I see your running Sygic Navigation. Did you pay for that? How much better is it over Google Maps? I am debating if I'm going to use Tasker right away. I might be planning a way to make it removable then again free 25 bucks I might just go ahead and get it anyway to play with. I'm probably going to pick that bluetooth ODB2 reader after I replace my radiator. Just seems to cool not to haha. Really looking forward to doing this. Thanks again for your input!

I downloaded Sygic... for all intents and purposes we'll say I bought it from the Play Store :wink:. I like it, it's not perfect, but it's more a standalone GPS unit feel... with POI's, "Go Home" option, re-routing, etc... I like it, but I don't use it too often, so can't say for sure. Google Maps didn't have the Offline option when I installed my tablet, now that it does, it definitely looks better with the Satellite option, but I still think Sygic is a a better UI for in the car. Bigger buttons for easier use while driving too - that's a big plus.

Also which power source are you using? I see a Duracell 150W w/ USB but I can't seem to find it, just curious if you knew the model number. I'm guessing you just wired this in permanently. Stupid question I know LoL. I have room I think where my lighter adapter is to mount it, just gotta make sure the lighter adapter works. Its not hooked up and last time I tried it didnt but I dont think it was hooked up correctly like 99% of the rest of the car. I'm trying to plan out the rest of my cost here on getting this thing installed.

Yes, I am using this Duracell 100W w/USB AC-DC Inverter (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004U29IKM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER). I like it b/c it has the 2.1A USB output, originally I had come cheap $2 eBay Cigarette lighter -> USB adapter, and I had hard-wired that to the cigarette lighter wiring (inside the console). But it was only 1A output, so the tablet was using more than that while I was driving and it ended up dieing on me, instead of charging. So I switched to the Duracell and haven't had an issue since. I actually took my cigarette lighter out of it's location (next to my hazard's/seat heater's) and it's inside my console (inaccessible without taking my console out). There was this little black plastic cover for closing the cigarette lighter, so now I just keep it closed, if you open that cover, it's just a hole, lol. But no worries since I don't need it anyway.

[BlackBulletTSi]

Yea I dont use the lighter either except for power. Where its located in my car I'm thinking of taking it out and putting the volume knob in its place.

[Diablo2424]

Yea I dont use the lighter either except for power. Where its located in my car I'm thinking of taking it out and putting the volume knob in its place.

That would be cool, I was thinking that originally as well, ended up not getting a volume knob, the EQ is in arm's reach so I don't mind.

[BlackBulletTSi]

Just an update, suspension install costed a little more then what I was planning so this took a slight back seat for a moment. I'm plan on trying to finish cleaning out the car and checking into the wiring to see what exactly is in there and where its hooked up. This article just came out http://androidcommunity.com/nexus-7-becomes-in-dash-entertainment-system-video-20120806/ and he did a very nice job on his setup. Its a 2008 Dodge Ram. I have a few people on G+ that I was talking to and all wanting pics of my process and everything. I guess I'm still trying to figure out which amps I want and the crossover. That clarion is only like 50 bucks so its a good chance I'll be getting that one. The one they use in the article was interesting and had a nice interface. However its 700 bucks for that guy soooo yea.