So my friend Doug was cool enough to hook me up with a Datalux 10.4″ 640×480 LCD Touchscreen display and an older P3 Dell laptop. I got started doing some planning last night and I am pretty excited to get this project under way.
The basic concept is going to require very little actual modification. Starting with the P.I.E. GM12 for an Aux Input to my stereo, I will integrate a laptop into the system. I am going to go basic with the power requirements at first by using a standard power inverter for the laptop and LCD power supplies. The basic requirements for this system are as follows:
- MP3 Storage and Playback
- Wireless Connectivity when @ home
- Mobile wireless Internet
- DVD playback
- Navigation
- Custom Interface
- Optional: Gaming: Emulator and Gamepad
All of these are totally manageable with some off the shelf and open source software. My first pass is going to be Media Engine 2.0. I may also be trying to find a copy of Windows 98 laying around to base this Auto PC on for the sake of PC performance on older hardware. The Media Engine will handle the MP3 and Movie Playback, I can use the external applications interface to run the GPS Navigation software as well as an emulator.
I imagine I will start this weekend by mounting the LCD, and not the computer itself so I can play with the setup before settling on something and creating a permanent install.
I would also like to extend the PCMCIA to somewhere I can access it so I can use my cellular modem as well as some externally available USB ports for thumb drives or external hard drives.
Doug was also nice enough to provide the wireless card for this laptop so I can connect it to the network when it’s in the garage to sync up new music, updates, etc.
Thoughts?
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