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I installed this screen for one purpose, and that was to use for my carPC. I did not need a head unit of any kind, because the music and all audio will be sent straight from the PC to my amps. Here is just a brief list of what the carPC can do in my car:
- GPS navigation using iGuidance 3.0 software
- XM satelite radio
- AM/FM
- MP3
- DVD video
- Mpeg video
- rip and burn CDs in car
- Temperature readings (in cabin and out)
- OBD2 interface (not hooked up yet)
- can interface with an eManage or AEM EMS
And the list goes on with whatever you can do with a computer running XP. The whole system is organized under a program called RoadRunner. This program puts everything under a touchable graphic interface that looks like it was made for the car and not an XP machine.
The computer is a custom built 2.2ghz machine with a 100gb hard drive and 1gig of RAM. Instead of running off of 120v A/C power like in your home, the powersupply is a 12v system that was made for carputing. When the car key is turned to "on", the PC will start up automaticly without doing anything else! When the key is turned "off" it will go into "standby" mode. Since I use standby instead of shutting down completely or hibernating, the PC is fully up and running EXACTLY where I left off within 3-5 seconds of turning the key. So, if I was listening to a particular song and was 2 minutes into it when I left the car, it will start right where it left off when I get back in, just like a head unit would. The power supply also has an amp turn on lead to start up the amps. I am also working with Modifry to get his DCI to control the PC!!! As for now, the volume is only controlled by the touchscreen.
I have put a few pics of my setup below. The PC itself is not pretty, but it doesn't have to be since it is never seen. It will all be conealed by Jim's flat amp rack, where I will mount my amplifier. Please forgive my crappy camera.
I know I have forgot a ton of stuff here, but this is the basic idea of what this system can do.
Thanks, I forgot to add that the guy who made the skin showed (call blue devil for obvious reasons) is in thr process of changing the colors to amber as an option. I have seen a few screen shots of his progress and it looks like it will match our interior nicely. Looking at the blue hough, makes me want to get after that blue light conversion I always wanted to do....
That thing is cool, but very involved as far as setup and all. Modifry is going to make his DCI control a Windows media center remote for me. With that, I should be able to mute, adjust volume, reset computer and change tracks. It has the added benefit of being plug and play, so I like that!!!