Car Computer

As part of my electrical accessory redo on the Toyota FJ Cruiser, I am converting from a Laptop to a full blown car computer. The systems is going to be mounted under the passenger seat. The Router will be mounted at the back of the FJ.

Right now I am bench testing the system to be sure all the components integrate as I want them to.

Listed here are all the parts that I am using for this computer build:

– Mother Board ECM-5716 with 1.4 gHz Pentium M. (I purchased this board on eBay from a surplus supplier).

The board supports: On-board Video, 6 USB 2.0, 2 Serial as well as a number of features that I am not going to use.

– Lilliput 10″ touch screen with native 800×600 but will support 1024×768 for a few apps that I run that need that res

– 160 GB IDE hard drive

– Mini-box M4-ATX 250w power supply. This is an intelligent Car PC power supply that has a USB interface

M4-ATX-350.jpg

– Bluetooth network adapter

– Logitech diNovo Mini Bluetooth Keyboard

– CAR2PC interface to the FJ Jammer – Provides use of the steering wheel controls for media playback

– OBDII Computer Interface – Provides for PC based diagnostics of the FJ and functionality like the Scanguage.

– Linksys WRT-54G running DD-WRT – This router is going to be installed with 2 antennas on the roof of the FJ. With DD-WRT running I will be able to boost the radio to 300mw. The Router will be setup as a WIFI client bridge.

File:Linksys WRT54G V1.jpg

– Edgeport USB to Serial port converter to add 4 additional serial ports.

– Built in GPS – Garmin OEM GPS 15 L WAAS GPS Engine.

– USB port replicator (Add 4 additional USB ports)

Software:

  • GPSgate (GPS data stream duplexer)
  • MS Streets and Trips (Used by my APRS software)
  • APRSpoint (HAM Radio APRS software)
  • Garmin Mapping applications with Topo Maps
  • Stormwatch Weather Radar Software
  • Car PC Touchscreen Front end (TBD)
  • Media Player Software

tomas

Tomas has lived in Colorado since age 5. Having grown up on the Western Slope of Colorado lots of time was spent in the Desert Southwest. Tomas' father introduced him to the love of 4 wheeling at an early age in the high mountains around Aspen, Colorado. While an avid Mountain Biker, Tomas and his Family enjoy adventures in the mountains and desert in the remote locations that can only be reached by 4wd. Day hikes are always a must when on the family trips. While enjoying outdoor activities he wants to share his love as a certified 4wd trainer and ski instructor. Tomas also enjoys caving and cave exploration. Tomas currently resides in Colorado Springs. 

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