InDashPC.org

[jbors]

Guys,
The second version of my InDashPC case was almost completed and I realized I don't like it and want something more fancy.
First of all I want a new front panel with some controls on it. Here is the raw mockup.

It has:
- flip down design to access the DVD ROM
- monochrome graphical VFD screen 140x64 (still not sure) with 256 halftones
- rotational encoder with push down (at the right). Works the same as Powermate.
- power on/off button (at the left)
- USB controllable

And here are my questions:
1. Do you think some other keys will be needed, for ex: 2-3 buttons for things like cancel, left, right etc ?
2. Do you think flip down worth the effort ?
3. What about color ? Black, silver, anything else ?

Let me know what you think about this design ? Any siggestions welcome.
Thanks.

[akim]

Here are my initial reactions:

1. That's an amazing design ... I'm sure it's not cheap, but it's very ambitious.

2. VFD is a very nice idea. I'd probably use Linux for my carputer, and I don't know if there are any existing apps that can take full advantage of the 256 level display. * EDIT: OK, I forgot about PyCar *

3. I have seen photos of commercial prototypes of DIN-sized in-dash PCs. Audiovox comes to mind but there may have been others. I haven't seen any shipping, possibly because of the interminable delays with NanoITX boards.

4. I personally don't think that a CarPC is quite ready to replace the standard head unit -- at least until an AM/FM tuner module becomes available.

5. Will this mean a major change in the current v2 sheet metal design? If not maybe you could crank out a batch of the v2 cases with the plain face plates, then sell the fancy face plates as an upgrade kit when they become available.

Thanks and good luck!

[madkat]

I think there's a lot of potential for a design like this.

However, I'd personally like to see a USB port in the front, maybe to the side of the wheel. That way people can plug in USB memory sticks. There may also be latitude in providing a line-in at the front too.

Since the CD slot is only 12cm wide and the head unit is a little over 17cm wide, would it be possible to make only the display flip down? (Or better still, slide down so it remains visible?)

To completely throw things in the air, what about the back plate? While the existing system of replacable plates is fantastic, why not simply make some extra space and fit 4x Phono plugs in the back, going to jacks inside, with similar plugs for 2x USB, the CoAx, an RS232, a Cat5 and the VGA? If you want to take it a little further, maybe a 12v stabiliser. With long enough flying leads inside (or the holes for the chassis spacers further back) the case could also be set up to be "Nano-ITX Ready." It would also allow for a bigger fan in the back if one is desired, since the outputs could be arranged to take better advantage of the space.

Just my 2p/2c worth

[gary]

Great design. Here are my answers:
1) I'd much rather have extra connectivity than other keys. A USB port would very handy.
2) Maybe not. I'd rather lose a few vertical pixels on the VFD screen to make way for a DVD slot straight on the front. That would simplify the design, make it easier to insert discs and hopefully reduce the cost.
3) Black is certainly my choice.

The VFD screen seems interesting. What will be displayed on it? I guess it would show the volume level selected by the rotational encoder. How much do you think the screen will add to the cost of the unit? If it is expensive it might a nice idea to make it optional.

I am looking forward to seeing this project progress.

[madkat]

[madkat]

WOO! Nano-ITX is available! Still expensive, though

Big advantage is that regulator, PSU and amp should be able to coexist inside a head-unit box *with* the motherboard. Amp of course being completely optional - I'll personally be using dolby digital down a co-ax to a decoder in the back of the car.

I think at this time I will look into designing/manufacturing my own case, not sure whether to allow flying leads at the back of the unit or to hold the plugs inside. Certainly the case will take advantage of Nissan's chassis mounts which make it near impossible to steal.

The only thing I'm really missing is a radio. A decent USB DAB device with a hackable API would be really nice - but do they even exist?!

[Cirion]

There is a product that migt work as the faceplate and does most of what I want....

It's a faceplate with VFD and rotary knob with pushbutton. IR receiver and a remotecontrol that can turn the PC on/of (uses power on pins on mainboard).

http://www.soundgraph.com/pr/e_pr_11.asp?m1d=1&m2d=11

[jbors]

Yep. Looks exactly as my model. Will see how much are they. My bet is > $100.