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Carputer

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Carputer is a term sometimes used to refer to a computer installed in a car. Another term for Carputer is 'CarPC'. Carputer systems can be composed of a larger desktop computer, a laptop, or other smaller form-factor computer. Carputer enthusiasts are the hobbyist class of the commercial telematics industry.

Below is a list of things that a carputer can (possibly) do. This list is by nature never complete.


Contents

Typical system

A typical Carputer system is composed of four parts:

Machine

The machine is the heart of a carputer system. Based on budget, enthusiasts can easily incorporate and install essentially any computer. Back in 2000 - when hardware prices were still pretty high and laptops were thousands of dollars, the first carputer systems were based on hardware such as 400 MHz eMachine desktops. Prices have come down so much on small form motherboards that even those on a budget can build a small machine for little money. Also, there's a growing market of used carputer hardware for sale - which helps the beginner afford a system and learn the ropes.

In 2006, the average carputer runs at CPU speeds approximating 1 GHz. Typical memory usage varies from 256MB to 1GB. As always, performance and flexibility will be a function of the available processor and memory resources.

Screen

You have to be able to command your carputer system. Preferably, this process should be as easy as possible. Initial carputers (pre-2000) typically used LCD character displays to interface and play music. Commands were typically sent to the carputer by means of a keyboard. Not far after the initial advent of the carputer, many people started using a wireless serial port remote to control their machines. This was about the time that small TV screens became affordable. The majority of the first (affordable) carputer screens were RCA video input only.

This awkward phase of sub-par display devices was frustrating to the carputer community. Users had difficulty justifying $1000+ for a nice screen, and for the most part, screens that nice were rare or just unavailable. Modern screens are leaps and bounds better than those just a few years ago.

The most common modern-day screen that people use is the 7 inch VGA touch screen. Typical models used are Lilliput or Xenarc screens. Here are pictures of each model:

Carputer:Image:XenarcScreen.jpgCarputer:Image:LilliputScreen.jpg

Interface Hardware

In addition to the display unit, many other options exist to interact with a CarPC in a manner that does not distract the driver from the most important task - keeping the car on the road.

In 2005, users were beginning to experiment with Heads Up Display options, although these are typically custom built rather than mass produced.

Bluetooth devices are commonly used in the CarPC environment to wirelessly connect to GPS devices, mobile phones, or keyboards used to manage and mantain the system.

Other alternatives for control involve the use of either IR or RF connected remote controls for hands-only, driving-friendly control.

Power

The most basic question those new to Carputers have is how to power the machine. Laptop users have an easier option, use of internal batteries. All other Carputer machines need one of two methods for power. One method is the use of an inverter, the other is the use of a DC-DC power supply.

Basic features

(these are available in off the shelf systems)

NOTE: Some of the features/ideas below may be illegal to run while a vehicle is in operation.

Intermediate features

Advanced features

Books about CarPCs

See also

Categories


Cleanup from April 2006 | Automotive accessories | Auto parts

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