YotaTech Forums - CarPC info

I was asked what it would take to install a CarPC in a 4Runner, so I sat down to write a reply and realized that this is information that may be better used by all members interested in this subject. Please understand that this write up speaks in general terms of the considerations, requirements, hurdles, labor and costs associated with installing a CarPC.

If anyone has specific questions, please feel free to PM and I will be happy to answer. If anyone disagrees with any of the recommendations, please offer alternatives and a constructive solution… simply stating that something is wrong does nothing to help the community. If there are any questions as to my qualifications or expertise, I will also be happy to answer them via PM.

NOTE: This guide is not comprehensive and considered advisory only.

There are a number of considerations for a CarPC that are specific to vehicle installation. Here are a few of them...

• A CarPC must be small enough to fit into places a desktop PC (or even a laptop) would never fit (under a seat, in a glove box or behind the dash). This means that the CarPC must integrate into the auto environment without intruding into the driver or passenger space.

• A CarPC must be powered by the vehicle, typically with a DC to DC power supply. DC to AC inverters are not considered suitable because of the heat produced, space requirement, extra wiring and reliability issues.

• A CarPC must be powerful enough (in terms of processor power, memory, graphics, sound) to run the operating system and user interface (RoadRunner, Centrafuse, MythTV, etc)… as well as to run the desired ancillary components (OBD II, DVD/HD video to secondary monitor, security, rear view camera, etc.).

• A CarPC must be useable and accessible to the driver with as little distraction as possible. There are a number of ways to accomplish this. Most commonly a touchscreen interface is used, though there are a number of creative alternatives… including trackballs mounted to shift levers, voice control software and mini-wireless touchpads.

• A CarPC interface will usually replace the factory head unit, which means that amplification must be provided to power the speakers.

• A CarPC must have a reliable, easy to use front end. This is the software that allows the user to interact with the CarPC and may be the most critical element.

The component brands and styles don't really matter, so long as they are compatible with each other and drivers are available for the desired operating system (whether it's XP, Vista, Win7 or some version of Mac or Linux). Here's a basic list of components required to make a CarPC setup work (in any vehicle).

I’ll give a single example for each, but it’s ONLY AN EXAMPLE… your needs, experience, budget and preference may indicate another solution.

• Case – This contains the motherboard, power supply, video, audio, optical drive (optional) and all connections to outboard components. Example – Travla C137 ~$135

• Motherboard – Any board that will fit the desired case will suffice, though mini-ITX is the current standard. This includes nano and pico ITX boards up to micro-ATX boards. Consider the specific requirements for your vehicle, including audio, video and processing/memory. If multiple video screens are desired, USB powered screens are an excellent solution… but the processing demand is higher, so a dedicated multi-output video card may be a better solution. Example - Intel D945GCLF2 + RAM ~$80 + $25

• Drives – Select a drive of appropriate size and type for the intended use. Solid state hard drives are fast, impact resistant and the prices are now within range of non-commercial buyers. Hard drive size can be determined by the size of the music/video library… though cost goes up significantly in SSD drives over 30GB. If the music library is large, consider adding a secondary IDE drive… this will allow the operating system to run on the faster SSD drive and access to the music/video library on the secondary drive. USB drives are also an option, but may be underpowered when connected to a CarPC. Example - 30GB SSD hard drive ~$80

• Power supply – the power supply is critical. This protects your battery from being drained when idle and protects the computer from surges while starting. Example – M2ATX Automotive Power Supply ~$80

• Interface – Typically a touchscreen, but a non-touch type can be used to save money. Touchscreens can be placed in a bezel (ByByte sells these for Lilliput models) to achieve an OEM look. Transflective touchscreens offer reduced glare and higher visibility, but can cost twice as much as one without the treatment. And not all transflective coatings/treatments are created equal… use a reliable, well-known vendor. Example – Lilliput 629GL ~$250

• Amplification – Whether simply powering the factory speakers or upgrading them, an amplifier that is compatible with the impedances of the factory speakers or the replacement speakers is critical. If upgrading speakers, consider purchasing an amplifier from the same manufacturer… this will eliminate most of the compatibility guess-work. Example – Infinity Reference 475A amplifier and Infinity Reference speakers ~$150

• Cabling – This may seem to be self-explanatory, but is a critical element and must be carefully considered. Improper cabling can cause connectivity issues and cost troubleshooting time after your system is installed. Use high-quality, appropriately-sized cables and connectors for powering amplifiers, speakers and CarPC. Use high-quality cables for VGA (or HDMI, DVI, etc.), USB and audio output to the amplifier(s). Poor quality cables and connectors can introduce interference and fail under high load/demand. Example – Monster speaker cable $ varies

• Front end software – Perhaps the most important component of all, the front end software is how the user/driver interacts with the CarPC. This is the “face” of the CarPC and will be seen by the user/driver every single time the system is used. A consistent, easy to use front end is imperative to making the user experience as distraction-free as possible, which is critical for safety. Example – Centrafuse ~$100

• GPS – Navigation is one of the most effective and useful tools of any CarPC. A USB GPS is inexpensive and can be mounted under the dash or on the roof with a magnetic base. Example – GlobalSat BU353 ~$40

• OBD II – On Board Diagnostics (OBD) can aid in troubleshooting sensor problems, CEL (or DTC) issues and can be used to monitor engine performance. OBD II to USB ~$40

• There are any number of special considerations when installing a CarPC that can only be realized during the installation itself. Some components can only be placed in certain locations and may require a creative solution to mount and conceal. Cable lengths can only be determined once the component locations are determined. Waterproofing cables and components is critical to making the CarPC reliable and ensuring that it won’t fail at a critical point on the trail… when navigation is required to find a trail head or egress point.

Here are the components I used for my CarPC install:

Case – Morex 2699B

Motherboard – Intel D945GCLF2

RAM – 2 GB

Hard drive – Kingston 30Gb SSD

Optical drive – slot load DVD burner D/L

Touchscreen – Lilliput 629GL

GPS – GlobalSat BU353

OBD II – Crescent OBD to USB interface

Operating System – Windows 7

Front end – Centrafuse

Navigation – iGuidance

Amplification – Infinity Reference 475A and Reference 1600A

Speakers – Infinity Reference Series in all four doors, with 12” Infinity

Reference Series subwoofer in custom enclosure