The CarPC / Carputer Thread

frankmehta · 23rd May 2010, 04:10

A big HELLO to everyone guys!!
A few quick questions!!
1. Has anyone attempted Time Alignment and been successful at it? I have seen a LOT of information on mp3car.com, but would love it if someone from Team bhp has actually got time alignment done in his car pc.
2. How many people are actually using Centrafuse 3.0 for sat nav? I have the Nav version, but I don't know where to buy (?) the ALL INDIA maps from. Which sat receiver to use? I think GlobalSat BU353 with SirfStarIII chipset is fine. Please advice.
3. Which is a NICE keyboard + trackpad solution available in India?
4. Which OBD protocol does my Ford Fiesta 1.6 Petrol support? Which scanner to get? Will I be able to LOCK DOORS, OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOWS etc when I sync my car pc with the ECU using the OBD?
5. Which MINI ITX/MICRO ATX cabinet would you advice? I intend to have a lot of components going in, so the ventilation must be good. Size wise, it should not be too large even!
6. How does one pair a mobile? With a bluetooth dongle, I know, but how does one manage the microphone? If it is on throughout, it will give constant feedback in the speakers. Is there a software feature in Centrafuse to switch on the microphone when there is a phone call, and back off when there is none?
7. Do we need to place a fuse between the battery and computer?

--------------------
more questions soon, I am sleepy ;-)

ghpk · 23rd May 2010, 15:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta

A big HELLO to everyone guys!!
A few quick questions!!
1. Has anyone attempted Time Alignment and been successful at it? I have seen a LOT of information on mp3car.com, but would love it if someone from Team bhp has actually got time alignment done in his car pc.
2. How many people are actually using Centrafuse 3.0 for sat nav? I have the Nav version, but I don't know where to buy (?) the ALL INDIA maps from. Which sat receiver to use? I think GlobalSat BU353 with SirfStarIII chipset is fine. Please advice.
3. Which is a NICE keyboard + trackpad solution available in India?
4. Which OBD protocol does my Ford Fiesta 1.6 Petrol support? Which scanner to get? Will I be able to LOCK DOORS, OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOWS etc when I sync my car pc with the ECU using the OBD?
5. Which MINI ITX/MICRO ATX cabinet would you advice? I intend to have a lot of components going in, so the ventilation must be good. Size wise, it should not be too large even!
6. How does one pair a mobile? With a bluetooth dongle, I know, but how does one manage the microphone? If it is on throughout, it will give constant feedback in the speakers. Is there a software feature in Centrafuse to switch on the microphone when there is a phone call, and back off when there is none?
7. Do we need to place a fuse between the battery and computer?

--------------------
more questions soon, I am sleepy ;-)

I am not running a car PC yet (not able to get LCD) but i've few things which can help you.

3). use as small as possible keyboard for that extra comfort, one designed by lenovo specifically mentions carputer,
5). use a Acrylic sheets, and get a cabinet designed which best suits you.
you'll easily be able to drill holes to fit your equipment, especially using 2-3 FANS would be easy this way.
you would also be able to mod this cabinet with more space management by sticking Nuts anywhere using epoxy(Araldite) and then fix your extra part to it.
Another option which would look cool but with a little bling would let you have a see thru CPU, L.E.D. chassis fans would let you instantly know if they are working or Not.

6). you'll be able to make use of centrafuse and mic will come on only on calls.
7). A fuse is a must, Although a fuse would be in DC-DC power supply board but a fuse near the point you bring +ve from, will certainly give you an extra protection. A extra step would ensure you don't damage your car wiring as power would cut in case of mishandling from under bonnet fuse itself.

frankmehta · 23rd May 2010, 16:02

Quote:

3). use as small as possible keyboard for that extra comfort, one designed by lenovo specifically mentions carputer,

The Lenovo one is pretty expensive! I was looking at the Reliance Kiosk ones with the trackball!

Quote:

5). use a Acrylic sheets, and get a cabinet designed which best suits you.
you'll easily be able to drill holes to fit your equipment, especially using 2-3 FANS would be easy this way.

I can arrange for something like that!

Quote:

6). you'll be able to make use of centrafuse and mic will come on only on calls.

That is good news!

Quote:

7). A fuse is a must, Although a fuse would be in DC-DC power supply board but a fuse near the point you bring +ve from, will certainly give you an extra protection. A extra step would ensure you don't damage your car wiring as power would cut in case of mishandling from under bonnet fuse itself.

What amperage fuse should one use?

ONE MORE QUESTION:
Are the rear view cameras available in the market capable of switching inputs automatically on LCD screens when the car is put into reverse gear? OR are the LCD screens smart enough to switch to another source when they sense a signal on the other input?? Asking this as I don't want to get a reversing camera that needs sources to be switched to and fro manually. It will not serve it's purpose.

ghpk · 23rd May 2010, 16:42

I think using a 15-20 Amp fuse would be OK.

Camera switching will hunt something and update you later.

frankmehta · 23rd May 2010, 19:30

eBay India: holux M-1000C Bluetooth GPS receiver (item 270581760737 end time 27-May-2010 17:22:51 IST)

IS this a better bet than the traditional GlobalSat Bu 353?

frankmehta · 23rd May 2010, 22:23

ONE more from me, CAN CENTRAFUSE be CONTROLLED via an MCE remote?

nisarg86 · 24th May 2010, 01:17

Frank. CF can not be controlled via MCE remote. CF uses Hotkey such as Ctrl+Alt combination.

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta

A big HELLO to everyone guys!!
A few quick questions!!
1. Has anyone attempted Time Alignment and been successful at it? I have seen a LOT of information on mp3car.com, but would love it if someone from Team bhp has actually got time alignment done in his car pc.

I am going to try that soon.

2. How many people are actually using Centrafuse 3.0 for sat nav? I have the Nav version, but I don't know where to buy (?) the ALL INDIA maps from. Which sat receiver to use? I think GlobalSat BU353 with SirfStarIII chipset is fine. Please advice.

You can buy the maps from Satuguide.in Go for BU353. Lots of folks on MP3car uses BU353 including myself. Tried and tested.

3. Which is a NICE keyboard + trackpad solution available in India?

I ordered mine from Welcome to Usb.brando.com and it is working fine.

4. Which OBD protocol does my Ford Fiesta 1.6 Petrol support? Which scanner to get? Will I be able to LOCK DOORS, OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOWS etc when I sync my car pc with the ECU using the OBD?

I am yet to TEST OBD with carpc. probably in next car. Swift D is not supporting any commercial OBD scanner.

5. Which MINI ITX/MICRO ATX cabinet would you advice? I intend to have a lot of components going in, so the ventilation must be good. Size wise, it should not be too large even!

I would say go for DIY. Acrylic case would looks nice. but acrylic would take RFI as oppsed to Metal case. You can get the mo-co-so case with 1x expansion slot.

6. How does one pair a mobile? With a bluetooth dongle, I know, but how does one manage the microphone? If it is on throughout, it will give constant feedback in the speakers. Is there a software feature in Centrafuse to switch on the microphone when there is a phone call, and back off when there is none?

Yes. CF will manage it everything. CF will mute the MIC whenver it is not in use.

7. Do we need to place a fuse between the battery and computer?

Yes. 15A would be good.

--------------------
more questions soon, I am sleepy ;-)

monty9991 · 24th May 2010, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta

4. Which OBD protocol does my Ford Fiesta 1.6 Petrol support? Which scanner to get? Will I be able to LOCK DOORS, OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOWS etc when I sync my car pc with the ECU using the OBD?
5. Which MINI ITX/MICRO ATX cabinet would you advice? I intend to have a lot of components going in, so the ventilation must be good. Size wise, it should not be too large even!
7. Do we need to place a fuse between the battery and computer?

4. I dont know if any ODBII scaner works with ford cars, but even it does it wont be able to lock the doors or roll up or roll down the windows etc. IMO

5. IF you like DIY then make your own of Acrylic sheet and you can out some leds inside to make it glow. or buy it off iride.in they have a discount avalible on these cases on MRPs.

7. Yes, fuse is must. because you will be running +ve wire direct from the battery to the PSU.

you can come up with as many as question you want TBHP's DIY section has all answers to them

StreetAddict · 24th May 2010, 21:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta

Are the rear view cameras available in the market capable of switching inputs automatically on LCD screens when the car is put into reverse gear? OR are the LCD screens smart enough to switch to another source when they sense a signal on the other input?? Asking this as I don't want to get a reversing camera that needs sources to be switched to and fro manually. It will not serve it's purpose.

There are specific models which allow the auto-switching feature. They switch to the AV2 input when a 12v signal is supplied to them.
IRV-070GL VGA Touchscreen*-*iRide Technologies

In other ones, you would manually need to select the AV2 when switching to rear view camera.

nisarg86 · 25th May 2010, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreetAddict

There are specific models which allow the auto-switching feature. They switch to the AV2 input when a 12v signal is supplied to them.
IRV-070GL VGA Touchscreen*-*iRide Technologies

In other ones, you would manually need to select the AV2 when switching to rear view camera.

Yes. There are 3 wires attached with LCD. you need to connect them with reverse light wire. When you slot in your reverse gear LCD will automatically switch to AV2. and when you slot back to neutral or any gear, LCD will display VGA (PC Input).

frankmehta · 25th May 2010, 19:40

Guys, which is the BEST reversing camera available??? I want one with GOOD resolution and infra red nightvision.

frankmehta · 25th May 2010, 20:10

Rearview Reverse Camera for FORD MONDEO FIESTA FOCUS(2C - eBay (item 250636796751 end time Jun-20-10 02:16:17 PDT)

This one just has me sold! Any way to get these cheaper in India?????

W CAR REAR VIEW REVERSE CAMERA WIDE ANGLE NIGHT VISION - eBay (item 330425822772 end time May-25-10 21:47:29 PDT)

This one looks like it has IR LED's which might help at night. Looks more practical and more robust than the above link.
Please advise.

ghpk · 25th May 2010, 20:21

Frank you may also like this
Keyboard with Touchpad

frankmehta · 25th May 2010, 20:23

Thanks for the link mate. Looks good!

ghpk · 25th May 2010, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankmehta

Thanks for the link mate. Looks good!

can you share, have you purchased the LCD and DC-DC power supply yet ?

23rd May 2010, 04:10	#631
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,030 Thanked: 3,669 Times View My Garage	A big HELLO to everyone guys!! A few quick questions!! 1. Has anyone attempted Time Alignment and been successful at it? I have seen a LOT of information on mp3car.com, but would love it if someone from Team bhp has actually got time alignment done in his car pc. 2. How many people are actually using Centrafuse 3.0 for sat nav? I have the Nav version, but I don't know where to buy (?) the ALL INDIA maps from. Which sat receiver to use? I think GlobalSat BU353 with SirfStarIII chipset is fine. Please advice. 3. Which is a NICE keyboard + trackpad solution available in India? 4. Which OBD protocol does my Ford Fiesta 1.6 Petrol support? Which scanner to get? Will I be able to LOCK DOORS, OPEN AND CLOSE WINDOWS etc when I sync my car pc with the ECU using the OBD? 5. Which MINI ITX/MICRO ATX cabinet would you advice? I intend to have a lot of components going in, so the ventilation must be good. Size wise, it should not be too large even! 6. How does one pair a mobile? With a bluetooth dongle, I know, but how does one manage the microphone? If it is on throughout, it will give constant feedback in the speakers. Is there a software feature in Centrafuse to switch on the microphone when there is a phone call, and back off when there is none? 7. Do we need to place a fuse between the battery and computer? -------------------- more questions soon, I am sleepy ;-) Last edited by frankmehta : 23rd May 2010 at 04:17.
	() Thanks

23rd May 2010, 16:42	#634
ghpk BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ghaziabad Posts: 872 Thanked: 213 Times	I think using a 15-20 Amp fuse would be OK. Camera switching will hunt something and update you later.
	() Thanks

23rd May 2010, 19:30	#635
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,030 Thanked: 3,669 Times View My Garage	eBay India: holux M-1000C Bluetooth GPS receiver (item 270581760737 end time 27-May-2010 17:22:51 IST) IS this a better bet than the traditional GlobalSat Bu 353?
	() Thanks

23rd May 2010, 22:23	#636
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,030 Thanked: 3,669 Times View My Garage	ONE more from me, CAN CENTRAFUSE be CONTROLLED via an MCE remote?
	() Thanks

25th May 2010, 19:40	#641
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,030 Thanked: 3,669 Times View My Garage	Guys, which is the BEST reversing camera available??? I want one with GOOD resolution and infra red nightvision.
	() Thanks

25th May 2010, 20:10	#642
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,030 Thanked: 3,669 Times View My Garage	Rearview Reverse Camera for FORD MONDEO FIESTA FOCUS(2C - eBay (item 250636796751 end time Jun-20-10 02:16:17 PDT) This one just has me sold! Any way to get these cheaper in India????? W CAR REAR VIEW REVERSE CAMERA WIDE ANGLE NIGHT VISION - eBay (item 330425822772 end time May-25-10 21:47:29 PDT) This one looks like it has IR LED's which might help at night. Looks more practical and more robust than the above link. Please advise.
	() Thanks

25th May 2010, 20:21	#643
ghpk BHPian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ghaziabad Posts: 872 Thanked: 213 Times	Frank you may also like this Keyboard with Touchpad
	() Thanks

25th May 2010, 20:23	#644
frankmehta Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,030 Thanked: 3,669 Times View My Garage	Thanks for the link mate. Looks good!
	() Thanks