Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - In-car computer

syquestrd270 · 04-16-2004, 08:58 AM

I'd like to build an in-car computer to play Mp3s and was hoping someone else here has done such a project. I'm interested in the fanless nano-ITX boards from VIA as a platform, but I don't know exactly what I'm going to do about power or a display.

I have an external USB2 laptop hard drive enclosure about the size of a Palm Pilot that I would want to use for storage, and I don't really want to purchase a case. I have the audio inputs available on my Alpine head unit, but I don't know what to do for power to run the computer. I could get an inverter and a regular ATX power supply, but that would take up more room.

Has anyone tried running a computer directly from a car's 12v system?

I also need some sort of display. I don't really want to shell out a lot of money to get a LCD screen for the dash, but one of those small scrolling screens might be nice for displaying tracks. I'd also need some way of navigating directories and playing songs. I'd rather go with a Linux solution if possible.

I have a Honda Del Sol with cargo bins behind the seats, but I'd have a more difficult time routing power to the computer if I put it behind the seats.

Any ideas?

04-16-2004, 08:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
syquestrd270 Tilted	In-car computer I'd like to build an in-car computer to play Mp3s and was hoping someone else here has done such a project. I'm interested in the fanless nano-ITX boards from VIA as a platform, but I don't know exactly what I'm going to do about power or a display. I have an external USB2 laptop hard drive enclosure about the size of a Palm Pilot that I would want to use for storage, and I don't really want to purchase a case. I have the audio inputs available on my Alpine head unit, but I don't know what to do for power to run the computer. I could get an inverter and a regular ATX power supply, but that would take up more room. Has anyone tried running a computer directly from a car's 12v system? I also need some sort of display. I don't really want to shell out a lot of money to get a LCD screen for the dash, but one of those small scrolling screens might be nice for displaying tracks. I'd also need some way of navigating directories and playing songs. I'd rather go with a Linux solution if possible. I have a Honda Del Sol with cargo bins behind the seats, but I'd have a more difficult time routing power to the computer if I put it behind the seats. Any ideas?