New VoomPC on its way

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stock G15
I bought a new toy today and can't wait til it gets here. Its a computer specifically designed for cars called the "VoomPC". Its small footprint size, configurable power supply and endless configuration capabilities makes it a perfect driving companion. I have a Haltech E6X powering my turbo setup so tuning is desired on a regular basis. I also wanted something integrated so that I can add any peripherals as time and money allows.

I started off with a dual 1.6Ghz processor: Intel Atom specific for low power consumption, 160GB hard drive for storing digital high def music, 2GB memory for fast response and 6 USB inputs for expansion and add ons. The overall dimensions come out to 10" x 8" x 3". just right for under the seat.

There is also a 7" touchscreen option for $200. I already have one, but they are perfect for fitting into the double din opening in the dash. With all its capabilities, I mostly plan on using it for tuning the turbo computer. I did, however, decide to buy the OBDII scanner that integrates into the system for on screen visuals of diagnostics and sensor monitoring ($24 option not too shabby).

I know a lot of people prefer the use of a laptop, but with limited space in the wagon, i chose to go the more stealth route. As time goes on and things get added, so will pictures and updates to this thread so stay tuned and subscribe if you plan on doing anything like it. All input from anyone that has already done this is greatly welcome and appreciated!
 

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what are you using now instead?

i built my own a few years back. used the center dash trim as a base and fiberglassed in a Xenarc LCD 700TSV touch screen, put a single DIN head unit under the cigarette lighter, built a computer using a Mini ITX sized mobo and placed it under the passenger seat, powered by a 12v to 110 inverter.
 
ken - what are you really using that for ? How does it resist to solid mm vibration ?

My stock kenwood gave up on me so i'm on market for new unit or might go w/ comp like you guys.
 
i am no longer using it. i was using it for digital dash and 3d tuning for the haltech and microtech. also watched DVDs, surfed the web and played video games through it. it was fine for two years and eventually a hair line crack formed in the surround.
 
does this thing run like windows and stuff? so its basically just like a desktop pc? also i have a double din kenwood would that work as the screen?
 
does this thing run like windows and stuff? so its basically just like a desktop pc? also i have a double din kenwood would that work as the screen?

it is just like a laptop only hardwired to the car. wifi, windows, linux, ubuntu... anything u want. there was a really sweet saturn vue (stay with me here) that had a hybrid motor and they were featuring it at sema as "the car of the future". it had the same mini-itx based computer powering 4 different zones in the car, all controlled by touchscreen panels. headlights, heaters, wipers interior lighting, sound system, tv's, etc. all controlled by point and click.

the computer has composite (rca) outputs as well as VGA and s-video outputs. which ever your kenwood has it will support. i chose the dvdrw external drive so i can remote mount it in the passenger airbag flip up panel. i currently use it for the radar detector, but i think it would be cool to have the rom drive there too.

the unit has bluetooth built in. nice feature for cell phones and hands free driving. the back of the unit has an input for a microphone. that makes it easy to use gps and other add ons as well. just tell it what you want to do with voice recognition. even the new rearview mirrors have bluetooth in them now for things like caller id and voice dialing.

sorry for the rant, just throwing out all the possibilities with a system like this. which is another reason for starting the thread. it would be nice for some creative minds to chime in and make some suggestions!(poke)
 
Update:

I finally got some time to install the computer. Here are some photos of the unit installed under the seat. The red box is a voltage inverter that has nothing to do with the computer.
 

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Here is a shot of the OBDII interface module mounted in the driver kick panel. The LED's are barely visible from the driving position. They are indicators of communication between the car and computer.
 

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So far, I have had to retry setting up windows XP 3 times due to my own dumb ass not thinking right inefficiencies. The mouse/ remote has an enter button and can do any point and click function a mouse can do. However, in order to set up windows you need a keyboard... and the keyboard has to be plugged in BEFORE the computer is turned on to recognize it. So that was attempt #'s 1 and 2.

Attempt #3: got thru most of the set-up, and the battery on my car died from being left on too long. Should've put it on the charger while doing all this! DUH!

So today I hope to have windows installed, OBDII online, HALWIN software uploaded, Bluetooth talking to my phone and WiFi surfing the web. Its a tall order so wish me luck.
 
Welcome to the word of car computing. Are you a member out on http://www.mp3car.com yet?

I suggest getting a 12 V power supply to power your computer while you are working on it to keep from running down your gas and your battery.

Here is the power supply what I use to power my CarPC, when I'm working on it:

SEC 6 4 AMP Regulated Power Supply

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I just run an extension cord to the car, from an outlet in the garage.

You can get it from Fry's for fairly cheap.

Here's my thread on mp3car.com: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show-off-your-project/99964-mazda-mp3-project-part-ii.html

I need to update my setup, and I am considering the nVidia ION platform.
 
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i have an old power supply i could use, but the reason I have been waiting to install the operating system this time is because my brother promised me a "kick-ass" version of windows XP. not sure what exactly it is, but the icons have animation and according to him would be an awesome application for a car. I just got it today, but I dont think I will have time to do anything. I am certain by this weekend I will have pictures of the ROM drive installed and the operating system in full functionality.
 

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