Adding a computer to your car (CarPuter)

introAdding a computer to your car (CarPuter)

[Featured in the February 7th Newsletter!]

I did this project several years ago, and posted it on MP3Car.com
I have learned alot about carputing and this instructable will be about both the install
and how its been using the carputer these last few years.

This is my 2007 Honda Element, before I attacked it with Soldering iron,
wire cutters, dremel tool and other weapons of mass media

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step 1PowerPorts
One of the most needed item in any road warrior's arsenal,  is powerports (or if your over 40 they where called "cigarette lighters") so I added two additional ones - one in the dashboard, and one in the center panel. this was actually a easy mod, with me just stealing power from a "only power when ignition is on" line from the car.

step 2USB Ports
The second most important item is USB ports, more and more devices need USB power and all devices "Talk" to the computer via USB - So I added a Powered USB hub in my glovebox with a 15' USB cord to my computer.

step 3The Front End / GPS System
When your driving, you need to keep your eyes on the ROAD. not on a computer screen, so my front end had big descriptive icons that where easy to touch, and access, with minimal eye time away from the road The Buttons: (reading counter clockwise) Photo library - For showing off pics of the build, etc to passengers Mac control button (settings / other computer access) …

step 4Rear View Camera
I mounted a Back up camera in the rear, so when I put my car in reverse no matter what mode the screen is on, it went to the back up view.

step 5Power / Reset Obsession
Ahh me being Obsessive again, This project is where I spent more time and more revisions till I was satisfied. All this does is reset the computer if it crashes, and glows when the computer is in "sleep" mode (it also doubled as a 'Security' light when the car was parked)

step 6The Wiring
Since I was running wires along side airbags and other passenger safety devices I decided to let a professional do that wiring. I built the harness beforehand, and then they wired it in for me.

step 7The Console and USB Cam
Here you can see the whole setup - the video is a live conversation I was having wi-fi with my friend phil. and below I will describe the pictures in detail: First Picture: The front, you can see the mac mini mounted above in what was a place for glasses, all the wiring sits behind it with a cutout access panel. to the left of the rear view mirror is a USB webcam…

step 8Voice Navigation Demo
Showing off a voice activated GPS I added to the system. it was fun having the garmin and this system argue over who had the better directions I'm being filmed with the built in webcam and recorded on t he mac.

step 9The Future
There is a line of portable laser projectors coming out, www.microvision.com/showwx/ and I am thinking of removing my screen and going with a heads up display and air mouse, or even something more eclectic I know that most "upscale" cars have voice controlled navigation, and a entertainment console but I did this 3 years before they where available.

Go there...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

Don