| From | Message |
GraphiteDak
GenIII
 
1/02/2005
21:27:16
|
 Subject: RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
I took the truck up to Flagstaff and went to the Cinders yesterday. Took it offroad but not into too rough of a ride but rough enough to test the system.
The system is bad a$$. I was able to bring up play lists of my available 4,000+ mp3's on the 120 Gig Hard Drive.
At the same time I was using GPS Navigation which even shows all of the popular Forest Roads. That is nice.
There's the navigation program showing us on the map, direction, speed, and altitude plus whatever else I don't bother to use.
(crappy photo)
I just use Windows Meida Player to run the music.
I added a remote control which makes it much safer than trying to use the touch screen while driving. I can learn the buttons of the remote "by feel" and not look away to change volume or song.
The remote came with this software if I want to use it. Otherwise I usually just touch the screen to bring up my music folder.
The unit can go into sleep mode. But right now the inverter still runs. I notice in my work vehicle if I put my computer to sleep (hibernate) and leave the inverter on it does use less power from the battery.
I do have to turn the inverter on and off unless I'm going to be back to the truck in an hour or so in which I just put it in standby mode.
Now here is the funny sheet right here.
The computer will boot up FASTER than my Sony in dash mp3 player would. That Sony mp3 CD player would take over 30 seconds at times if I had over 100 mp3's on the cd.
So. I actually have a system that is ready for playback FASTER even if I have to start windows.
I've seen some 12 Volt power supply's but forgot when I saw the good ones. I just looked again and prices ranged from $179 and up. Damn. I'd almost try to build my own first.
|
chris
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/08/2005
00:50:28
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
Any more progress?
|
GraphiteDak
GenIII
1/08/2005
02:01:29
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah. Little by little.
I ordered a small 12VDC power supply with some small switching power. It is a lot smaller than using my 120Volt inverter to power the standard power supply.
That should arrive later next week. I didn't pay extra for speedy shipping.
Been downloading some more software I've found made for that purpose. Will spend part of my day off tomarrow to sift through what is good and what is crap.
Finally realized there IS a onscreen keyboard in windows. -->Start->All Programs->Accessories->Accessibility->On-Screen Keyboard
So. I Don't need to carry a keyboard with me just in case :-P
I can just click on the on-screen keyboard when I need to type in something. Which is rare.
While I was out running to Wal-Mart and other places I connected to an open router in a parking lot to download some stuff.
My linksys router in my house is weak. It would rather connect to my neighbors.
Oh yeah. it's also time to make my home brewed sure-sh*t security device :-)
Gonna weld me up a small tank and mount in under the truck. About the size of a NO2 bottle.
I'll have it charged with DiFluoroMethane and use a electric selenoid to open the feed to spray the sh*t in my cab if it gets broken into.
We're talking -40 degrees or so on contact and it would also displace oxygen in the ba$tards lungs!
I need to build yet another circuit board. One that arms and disarms with the factory security (which is just honking the horn!)
Also need to incorporate a secondary safety. i.e. when i have the truck started, it can't power the valve no matter what! (to save me from a fault!)
I've already got my fool proof engine disabler working for the most of the year so far.
It would almost be imposible to defeat. It's really hidden in the factory wiring harness by me. NOT by an everyday alarm installer. Screw those noisemakers :-P
I'll post more pix later.
|
chris
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/08/2005
15:03:44
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
great stuff! You have made me want to try to put a computer in my dak.....we will c how that goes lol
|
GraphiteDak
GenIII
1/09/2005
22:43:21
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
Today I took the family up on a long drive to Flagstaff and back.
No problems with the computer. It doesn't even seem to run hot even if I touch the CPU heat sink after 3 hrs of operation. Running GPS and mp3's must not tax the PCU much at all. Haven't bothered to run DVD's at the same time yet because I need two more flat screens for the rear seats first.
We took the truck on some pretty rough roads full of potholes and deep snow running in 4WD.
The only problem I had was the flat screen seemed to be shutting itself down into some sort of safetly mode on me on the way home.
Turned out to be the high temp there form using the HEATER. I turned the heater down after we all got warmed up (from playing in the snow on sleds and ATV's) and then it started to run normal again.
I think an small fan in the back is in order to blow through the vents.
In the summer should be ok, because I'd be running the A/C then.
|
GraphiteDak
GenIII
1/12/2005
00:39:06
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
Update. today I briefly installed the new power supply I had ordered.
There's a comparison of it to the much larger 120VAC power supply.
It is only 60 Watts. I believe it was intended for a low power mini-ITX motherboard with a very small CPU cooling fan. My board is a small ATX board. It's almost as small as a Mini-ITX.
My original idea was to ONLY power my motherboard with it and to actually supply the 12VDC and 5VDC to the cooling fan, hard drive, and DVD-ROM from a seperate power source consisting of a simple 12VDC and 5VDC regulated circuit I would build.
Talking today to my friend he figured i should be able to run the motherboard AND fan and hard drive from that single power supply.
So I had it hooked up and running. Left it on in my truck while I was inside transfering new mp3's to the truck via my home network.
Well I noticed I lost connection with the truck I checked on it and sure enough fried a transistor on that new power supply :-(
I think plan "A" was a better plan. That AMD "ThermalTake" monster CPU cooling fan probably is a HOG by itself.
I've got another one coming and may fix this one as well.
Later this week. plan "B" will be to go back to plan "A"!
So for now, still using a small inverter to power the small 120VAC power supply. I just hate turning it on and off...
|
Bump
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/31/2005
00:50:23
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
bumpity bump
|
Jason L
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/06/2005
11:33:27
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
IP: Logged
Message:
Graphite, what do think about the new MAC mini? Do you think it will work like your PC setup?
|
| | <<Original Post <<Previous Page P 2 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
