projects
Project: Car Computer
OK, I admit it, I have a system in my car. But, to be honest, it’s not just any system. It’s a system tuned for perfection. You see, some kids out there throw a couple of subs on a cheap amplifier in their ride and it sounds like, well, crap. My system is a finely tuned, well thought-out, nice sounding audio experience. It started with a nice, well-powered audio system capable of reproducing the highs at around 22kHz, and the lows at much lower than the audible 20Hz. I then added a lot more power than necessary, so that even at high levels, there is no strain or harmonic distortion. I then replaced my head unit with a computer, so now, I can play mp3s, watch dvds, burn cds, use gps navigation, listen to xm-satellite/fm/am radio, play games, surf the internet, and oh, it’s really loud too.
The Audio System
Rockford Fosgate Punch 800a4 (4-channel) Amplifier
Boston Acoustics Pro Series Component Speakers (separate tweeter and woofer)
2 JL 12″ Subwoofers in a JL PowerWedge enclosure
Professionally wired with 6 gauge Streetwires for power, and 10 gauge for sound
The Computer
CPU/MB: Via Epia M10000 Nehemiah (1GHz Nehemiah Core Processor)
Case: Custom Plexiglass w/ Custom In-Car installation
Power: Opus 90W w/ remote trigger (later substituted mini-itx DC adapter with regulator)
Storage: 40 GB Toshiba Laptop Drive
CD/DVD: Panasonic Slim/Slot-loading DVD/CD-R/CD-RW laptop Drive
Sound: currently the Epia M10000’s on-board sound - not impressed, might buy a SoundBlaster MP3+ or external audio card
Display: Gain 7″ VGA Touchscreen LCD - Using the external case from the one I bought from DSCustoms.com, using the acutal monitor from the one I bought from Xenarc.
Extras:
- XM Satellite Radio using XMRadio’s XMPCR
- AM/FM Tuning using D-Link’s DSB-R100
- GPS Navigation using Alk Technology’s Co-Pilot 2003 (later Co-Pilot 2005)
- Wireless Networking using a Microsoft Wireless Network Card (external USB)
- GSM/GPRS Networking through USB Cable to Phone (Sprint CDMA network originally was the fastest)
OS/Software: Using Windows XP Pro, Windows Media Player 9 (with a custom skin and DVD decoding plug-ins, mp3 ripping plug-ins, viz plug-ins), Co-Pilot 2003/2005, XM-PCR Software (not impressed again), Radiator, etc.
Very Near Future Upgrades
- Bluetooth Receiever to allow connection to my GPRS phone for full-time Internet Access update - bought this
- SoundBlaster MP3+ or Extigy for better sound quality
- XM Radio Car Antenna (the regular antenna doesn’t work as well - but I wasn’t impressed with my Dad’s XM Radio Car Antenna reception
- Move to Windows XP Embedded - currently evaluating the trial version, it’s pretty hot so far update: xp embedded sucks
Software / OS
I tried several different software packages, and even flirted with rolling my own, using Windows XP Embedded. Being the l33t h4×0r that I am, I would love to see a nice linux kernel with a minimal set of packages and a quick boot, booting into a stripped down X with XFCE, kismet, gps, festival, etc., etc. but alas, there are only 24 hours in a day.
Gosh, I even wouldn’t mind seeing a x86 version of the new Windows Mobile, with a nice .NET compact framework UI in C#.
For a complete list of a lot of the good software, check MP3Car.Com in the forums.
The Install
My mp3car.com post has a few more details: MP3Car.Com Forums - 1997 Jeep Cherokee - Custom In Dash
But, for a detailed look along with comments and pictures of the installation process, visit my car computer gallery.
My pal Shakes has a sweet install too, you can see his MP3Car.Com Forums - 2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited writeup, or view his personal carputer gallery.
