Finally installed my CarPC

f30er · 06-15-2008, 06:05 PM

Its finally in!

Took me a few days to get everything in there and working but it was totally worth it! I now have full navigation, 60+gig of music, internet, traffic & weather updates, video, etc. in my car! It's got a 7" touchscreen that I put on using the Proclip mounts on the front and I've installed the computer behind the rear seat. There's still a ton of things I have left to do but I figure I'll do them slowly over the next couple of months. I definitely want the OBD2 connector so I can get all the car's info on the comp. And I've been trying to figure out if I need an external sound card or is the music fine how it is...

I also installed the Sirius Starmate 4 in the sunglass tray. I was gonna get the kind that'll connect to the computer but this one was activated with a lifetime subscription and the guy only wanted $150 for it so I couldn't say no.

Next....SWS-8's....

lkn · 06-15-2008, 07:14 PM

fantastic job!

so does music play in the car speakers?

LaYzEe · 06-15-2008, 07:28 PM

thats hella sick

mad props to you bro

Gig103 · 06-15-2008, 09:56 PM

That looks great. I love the pic of the computer mounted on the seat, where the whole dash is still ripped up....

What touchscreen is that? What connections plug into it (I see USB, but is it VGA also)?

f30er · 06-16-2008, 12:56 PM

Yup, the music comes outta the car's speakers. The screen's a 7" Lilliput. It's got VGA inputs and standard AV inputs, the USB is for the touchscreen. I'm planning on hooking up a NES to the AV inputs sometime this week...

tek818 · 06-16-2008, 01:01 PM

nice... how do u like centrafuse? I'm considering switching away from StreetDeck. Also, how did you get the proclips mount to angle in your direction ?

f30er · 06-16-2008, 01:20 PM

Centrafuse is decent. I mostly use Road Runner though. I haven't tried StreetDeck yet but heard it's pretty good.

For the mount, I just bought the angled mount, didn't have to do anything to it.

john0213 · 06-16-2008, 01:26 PM

oh god now that car pc's feature is just like a cop car's pc! how did you get internet on there? wireless by GSM network?

f30er · 06-17-2008, 04:30 PM

Yea, it's through GSM. I have a bluetooth adapter on the comp that connects to the internet through my cell phone...not the best solution but a good temporary one...

WAYNEBO · 06-17-2008, 04:49 PM

Wow... kudos for this project... I have so many questions:

1) Will the OBD-II connecter eventually allow you to buy additional software to monitor other car functions? What about boost, a/f ration, oil temps, etc? What is the OBD-II running $$-wise from the dealership?

2) Are you running the computer audio to the aux port in the arm rest? if so, any issue with static?

3) What service is supplying the weather and traffic updates? Real-time?

4) Where is the Sirius sat receiver plugging into the stereo system? Into the computer or the aux plug?

5) looks like the screen can pivot towards the driver?

I bought my e92 used and the iDrive hump is not there -- so I'm very interested in doing something like this, so keep us updated on the project.

f30er · 06-18-2008, 01:28 PM

1) Will the OBD-II connecter eventually allow you to buy additional software to monitor other car functions? What about boost, a/f ration, oil temps, etc? What is the OBD-II running $$-wise from the dealership?

The OBD-USB connector generally comes with software that allows you to monitor your car. I doubt you can buy the connector at the dealership but online they generally run $50-$100 including the cable.

2) Are you running the computer audio to the aux port in the arm rest? if so, any issue with static?

Yup, right into the aux port, no static what-so-ever.

3) What service is supplying the weather and traffic updates? Real-time?

I'm running the Road Runner front end that has various plugins including weather & traffic. The plugins go online at set intervals and update the information depending on the zip code i'm in which is updated by the nav.

4) Where is the Sirius sat receiver plugging into the stereo system? Into the computer or the aux plug?

Right now the Sirius is going through the built-in FM transmitter. It has a line-out plug but I broke it. Still trying to find someone who can solder to fix it.

5) looks like the screen can pivot towards the driver?

Yea, the screen is attached to a pivoting Proclip mount.

E92Vancouver · 06-26-2008, 03:11 AM

That's Tokyo at night!!!!

WAYNEBO · 06-26-2008, 01:19 PM

Bad-ass e92er... thanks for the info dude.

JoeyFiasco · 08-26-2008, 03:36 AM

looks great man, I'm trying to decide whether I should go with the new iDrive or do something similar to what you or tek818 did

glamprecht · 08-26-2008, 04:55 PM

Very nice looking software

Is it something you wrote?

f30er · 08-28-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glamprecht

Very nice looking software

Is it something you wrote?

Nope, it's just a skin for the RoadRunner software....

noire07 · 08-28-2008, 02:42 PM

looks very nice.. I'm thinking about doing that with a mac mini.. what are you using for power?

AJ M2 comp · 08-28-2008, 04:12 PM

Where are you from in Youngstown?

I grew up on the west side.

wo0t604 · 08-29-2008, 01:05 PM

wow now that's awesome, very sleek the silver monitor would go well wit the aluminum trim eh?
is you removable for storage at night and such? or is it fixed on the dash?

man you should have some diy's to how u hooked up ur brain wit ur monitor and everything inbetween
im guessin alotta ppl probably wanna see this happen for their own cars as well
ahem including me haha

JoeyFiasco · 08-29-2008, 02:32 PM

how integrated is the system? i see radio, music and dvd up on the screen are you able to use those or do you have to revert back to the stock radio?

f30er · 08-29-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noire07

looks very nice.. I'm thinking about doing that with a mac mini.. what are you using for power?

The computer's directly wired to the car's battery with a 1/2 farad cap and a fuse in between....

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ 335TT

Where are you from in Youngstown?

I grew up on the west side.

I'm in Austintown for now, was living in Boardman before.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wo0t604

wow now that's awesome, very sleek the silver monitor would go well wit the aluminum trim eh?
is you removable for storage at night and such? or is it fixed on the dash?

man you should have some diy's to how u hooked up ur brain wit ur monitor and everything inbetween
im guessin alotta ppl probably wanna see this happen for their own cars as well
ahem including me haha

I'd write a DIY but there's way too much and I haven't got the time just yet, if you had any specific questions I'd be glad to answer them if I can. I actually painted the trim for the screen to black so it matches the interior better and everything disconnects so I don't have to leave it in at night....Check out this site which is what I used to learn everything I could for putting everything into my car...

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyFiasco

how integrated is the system? i see radio, music and dvd up on the screen are you able to use those or do you have to revert back to the stock radio?

music and dvd are integrated into the car's system through the aux port. I have a USB FM radio receiver but I just use the car's radio instead since it sounds better....

JoeyFiasco · 08-30-2008, 11:59 AM

do you always leave it mounted? how hard is it to take off the monitor and put away when the car's parked out in town..

06-15-2008, 06:05 PM	#1
f30er Captain 126 Rep 993 Posts Drives: F85 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: OTP iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 Jaguar F-Type R [0.00] 2016 GMC Yukon XL [0.00] 2018 BMW X5M [0.00]	Finally installed my CarPC Its finally in! Took me a few days to get everything in there and working but it was totally worth it! I now have full navigation, 60+gig of music, internet, traffic & weather updates, video, etc. in my car! It's got a 7" touchscreen that I put on using the Proclip mounts on the front and I've installed the computer behind the rear seat. There's still a ton of things I have left to do but I figure I'll do them slowly over the next couple of months. I definitely want the OBD2 connector so I can get all the car's info on the comp. And I've been trying to figure out if I need an external sound card or is the music fine how it is... I also installed the Sirius Starmate 4 in the sunglass tray. I was gonna get the kind that'll connect to the computer but this one was activated with a lifetime subscription and the guy only wanted $150 for it so I couldn't say no. Next....SWS-8's.... Attached Images
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06-15-2008, 07:14 PM	#2
lkn Lieutenant Colonel 23 Rep 1,549 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Orange County iTrader: (4)	fantastic job! so does music play in the car speakers?
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06-15-2008, 07:28 PM	#3
LaYzEe Major 104 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: AW E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area, Ca iTrader: (4)	thats hella sick mad props to you bro __________________
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06-15-2008, 09:56 PM	#4
Gig103 Major 68 Rep 1,324 Posts Drives: 2014 Tesla P85D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (1)	That looks great. I love the pic of the computer mounted on the seat, where the whole dash is still ripped up.... What touchscreen is that? What connections plug into it (I see USB, but is it VGA also)? __________________ Was: 2008 335xi sedan 6MT Black Sapphire Metallic Is: 2014 Tesla P85D (Blue Metallic) Wife's: 2013 Infiniti G37 S sedan 6MT, Black
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06-16-2008, 12:56 PM	#5
f30er Captain 126 Rep 993 Posts Drives: F85 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: OTP iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 Jaguar F-Type R [0.00] 2016 GMC Yukon XL [0.00] 2018 BMW X5M [0.00]	Yup, the music comes outta the car's speakers. The screen's a 7" Lilliput. It's got VGA inputs and standard AV inputs, the USB is for the touchscreen. I'm planning on hooking up a NES to the AV inputs sometime this week...
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06-16-2008, 01:01 PM	#6
tek818 Lieutenant Colonel 136 Rep 1,954 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M Competition Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 M3 ZCP [9.50]	nice... how do u like centrafuse? I'm considering switching away from StreetDeck. Also, how did you get the proclips mount to angle in your direction ? __________________ 2020 F97 X3M Competition (current) - 2018 F80 M3 Competition - 2015 F82 M4 - 2012 E82 135i - 2010 E92 335i - 2007 E92 335i
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06-16-2008, 01:20 PM	#7
f30er Captain 126 Rep 993 Posts Drives: F85 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: OTP iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 Jaguar F-Type R [0.00] 2016 GMC Yukon XL [0.00] 2018 BMW X5M [0.00]	Centrafuse is decent. I mostly use Road Runner though. I haven't tried StreetDeck yet but heard it's pretty good. For the mount, I just bought the angled mount, didn't have to do anything to it.
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06-16-2008, 01:26 PM	#8
john0213 The Allergy Season 47 Rep 1,009 Posts Drives: E92 Blk Saph. 335xi Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	oh god now that car pc's feature is just like a cop car's pc! how did you get internet on there? wireless by GSM network? __________________ 2008 - E92 Blk Sapphire / Coral Red 335xi (Delivered) Nav / Premium + Sound / Sport / CA / 6AT + Shift Pad 2003 - Silverstone / Burnt Orange Fairlady 350Z (Sold)
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06-17-2008, 04:30 PM	#9
f30er Captain 126 Rep 993 Posts Drives: F85 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: OTP iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 Jaguar F-Type R [0.00] 2016 GMC Yukon XL [0.00] 2018 BMW X5M [0.00]	Yea, it's through GSM. I have a bluetooth adapter on the comp that connects to the internet through my cell phone...not the best solution but a good temporary one...
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06-17-2008, 04:49 PM	#10
WAYNEBO Captain 41 Rep 668 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Wow... kudos for this project... I have so many questions: 1) Will the OBD-II connecter eventually allow you to buy additional software to monitor other car functions? What about boost, a/f ration, oil temps, etc? What is the OBD-II running $$-wise from the dealership? 2) Are you running the computer audio to the aux port in the arm rest? if so, any issue with static? 3) What service is supplying the weather and traffic updates? Real-time? 4) Where is the Sirius sat receiver plugging into the stereo system? Into the computer or the aux plug? 5) looks like the screen can pivot towards the driver? I bought my e92 used and the iDrive hump is not there -- so I'm very interested in doing something like this, so keep us updated on the project. __________________ 2007 335i 6MT Coupe, Monaco Blue, RPi Ram Air Scoops, Magnaflow cat-backs, H&R Sport springs, 19" Staggered Miro LM-Rs 2000 F250 V10 Superduty 4WD, K&N intake, Banks Monster exhaust, DR 8" lift w/ Welds on 37s
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06-18-2008, 01:28 PM	#11
f30er Captain 126 Rep 993 Posts Drives: F85 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: OTP iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 Jaguar F-Type R [0.00] 2016 GMC Yukon XL [0.00] 2018 BMW X5M [0.00]	1) Will the OBD-II connecter eventually allow you to buy additional software to monitor other car functions? What about boost, a/f ration, oil temps, etc? What is the OBD-II running $$-wise from the dealership? The OBD-USB connector generally comes with software that allows you to monitor your car. I doubt you can buy the connector at the dealership but online they generally run $50-$100 including the cable. 2) Are you running the computer audio to the aux port in the arm rest? if so, any issue with static? Yup, right into the aux port, no static what-so-ever. 3) What service is supplying the weather and traffic updates? Real-time? I'm running the Road Runner front end that has various plugins including weather & traffic. The plugins go online at set intervals and update the information depending on the zip code i'm in which is updated by the nav. 4) Where is the Sirius sat receiver plugging into the stereo system? Into the computer or the aux plug? Right now the Sirius is going through the built-in FM transmitter. It has a line-out plug but I broke it. Still trying to find someone who can solder to fix it. 5) looks like the screen can pivot towards the driver? Yea, the screen is attached to a pivoting Proclip mount.
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06-26-2008, 03:11 AM	#12
E92Vancouver First Lieutenant 33 Rep 319 Posts Drives: 2000 E46 & 2007 E92 328 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	That's Tokyo at night!!!!
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06-26-2008, 01:19 PM	#13
WAYNEBO Captain 41 Rep 668 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Bad-ass e92er... thanks for the info dude. __________________ 2007 335i 6MT Coupe, Monaco Blue, RPi Ram Air Scoops, Magnaflow cat-backs, H&R Sport springs, 19" Staggered Miro LM-Rs 2000 F250 V10 Superduty 4WD, K&N intake, Banks Monster exhaust, DR 8" lift w/ Welds on 37s
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08-26-2008, 03:36 AM	#14
JoeyFiasco Major 22 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: '09 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: P'boro, UK iTrader: (0)	looks great man, I'm trying to decide whether I should go with the new iDrive or do something similar to what you or tek818 did
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08-26-2008, 04:55 PM	#15
glamprecht Private First Class 6 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 330iE90, F15X5, F25X3, F15X5 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ilinois iTrader: (0)	Very nice looking software Is it something you wrote? __________________ Jun 2006 330i Manual, Active Cruise, Comfort Access, Nav prof, Voice, Bluetooth
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08-28-2008, 02:42 PM	#17
noire07 Private First Class 8 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: May 2008 Location: KS iTrader: (1)	looks very nice.. I'm thinking about doing that with a mac mini.. what are you using for power?
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08-28-2008, 04:12 PM	#18
AJ M2 comp Lieutenant 31 Rep 460 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 335Xi Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle WA iTrader: (0)	Where are you from in Youngstown? I grew up on the west side. __________________ 2020 M2 comp, 6mt, Hockenheim Silver, blue stitching, premium, STEK paint protection, 20% tint 2008 e92 335xi 6mt, Montego Blue, Jade Grey, Grey Poplar, Sport, Cold Weather, Comfort Access, KW V3s, M3 spoiler, 35% tint, 3M clear bra, GP Thunder H8 2007 E92 335i* 2003 E46 330Ci* 1994 Ford Probe SE* *Retired
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08-29-2008, 01:05 PM	#19
wo0t604 Private First Class 4 Rep 104 Posts Drives: 2007 328i coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (2)	wow now that's awesome, very sleek the silver monitor would go well wit the aluminum trim eh? is you removable for storage at night and such? or is it fixed on the dash? man you should have some diy's to how u hooked up ur brain wit ur monitor and everything inbetween im guessin alotta ppl probably wanna see this happen for their own cars as well ahem including me haha
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08-29-2008, 02:32 PM	#20
JoeyFiasco Major 22 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: '09 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: P'boro, UK iTrader: (0)	how integrated is the system? i see radio, music and dvd up on the screen are you able to use those or do you have to revert back to the stock radio?
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08-30-2008, 11:59 AM	#22
JoeyFiasco Major 22 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: '09 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: P'boro, UK iTrader: (0)	do you always leave it mounted? how hard is it to take off the monitor and put away when the car's parked out in town..
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