Budget CARPC Install

[NSR Mick]

Being in the IT game and having more PC components floating around than PC World I decided to have a go at putting a PC in the car without having to fork out a great deal.

Initial requirements and desired functions where to be able to play MP3's and videos whilst still keeping nav and radio funtions of the existing 16:9 nav unit.

Whilst browsing the web I came accross an application called CARX which maintains the look of the existing nav gui and is also controlled via the nav and wheel controls which removes the need for any additional input devices in the cabin or an expensive touchscreen that needs to be mounted in place of the nav.

Hardware and costs.

PC that has TV out. Cost £0 as I allready had the required parts.
Serial IBUS interface. £30
BMW connectors £0 (taken from unused Traffic Master Module)
Power Inverter (600W) £40
30A Relay and holder £0 (a couple of quid at most if one of your mates doesnt own a scrapyard)
Various Audio and Video Leads £10

Total Cost £80

The Installation.

The installation was done following a guide I found here. Install Guide.

The guide is for an X5 which isnt an issue as the audio/nav systems are pretty much the same as the 5 Series Touring.

To power the PC I decided on using a 12v-240v inverter so that I can use other 240v equipment should the need arise.
The inverter is connected to the battery via a 30A relay that is switched using an ignition live to save having to manually turn it on and off.

The PC's bios is also set to start up when power is restored removing the need to manually start the PC.

After an hour or 2 under the floor panel inserting connectors into the existing plugs on the NAV module and cutting and soldering the tape input wires on the radio module everything worked as planned.

The only issue I have is that the audio output from the PC is about 75% of what it would be from the tape deck so the volume needs to be set quite high to get a reasonable listening volume.

Some pics of the install and function.

PC in Boot. (I will get a smaller case etc in the future as I just wanted to prove the concept before commiting to any further expense.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0123.jpg

Cabling at rear of PC which is fed under the floor to the radio and nav modules.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0126.jpg

Power inverter in drivers side load area storage compartment.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0125.jpg

CARX Main screen.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0109.jpg

MP3 Main menu.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0110.jpg

MP3 Playing Screen.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0112.jpg

MP3 Title on OBC.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0111.jpg

MP3 Options. (numbers correspond to numbered buttons on the nav)
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0113.jpg

Video Menu.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0114.jpg

Video Playing.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0115.jpg

Video options.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0116.jpg

Another Video.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0117.jpg

CARX Radar feature. (This is a speed camera detector but I've not had chance to source a data file for the UK yet)
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0118.jpg

IBUS Log
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0119.jpg

Web Browser.
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0121.jpg

XP Desktop
https://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a50/micklivesey/CARPC/IMAG0122.jpg

Video showing operation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZCjqpBM8lM

All in all I'm quite happy with what I have acheived with little cost.

In the future I may go the whole hog and replace the nav with a touch screen tft which will give a better resolution as at the moment doing things in windows is difficult as the text is very hard to read.

Mick
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If you dont like the way that I ride.......Stop trying to keep up!!!

[neil.]

That's neat. From a quick Google, it seems it's possible to do this with Linux too, rather than Windows. Also a solid state drive would rock with this set-up.
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CBT February 2008 | A2 June 2008 | Yamaha YBR125 (written off) | Honda CBF125 (current)

[Sparks!]

Looks good, but now swap that screen out for a lilliput touch screen and use something like RoadRunner so it all looks and works better

I started putting one in my 306 a few years back but ran out of money at screen stage... I've now got more money and a nicer car but not sure where the fook I can fit a screen in it, I am really tempted to do another install and finish it this time, just need to find a suitable location for a 7" touchscreen!
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

[NSR Mick]

[Sparks!]