Currently looking into the feasability of getting some sort of computer set up into a Zed. Its primary function would be data logging, running tuning and diagnostic software but it would also be used to store and play music (with or without a head unit). I would probably remove the gauges in the glove box and use the space to house the screen but not entirley sure how it would mount in there...it would need to be movable enough to be angled for viewing I imagine. Some sort of mini-keyboard interface would be ideal to. Got a few ideas at the moment but as there are a lot of knowledgeable IT guys on here I thought I'd ask for help and suggestions! :)

 

Cheers,

 

Leigh.

Rather than get a custom build- perhaps you could use a handheld like an ipaq, but guess you then got software compatibilty and conectivity issues.

 

Maybe laptop in the boot- with long lead to the zed port and another to a small screen and mini keyboard. Good luck- sounds like an interesting project.

:)

aye, a laptop!

 

get an old pentium or something, enough to run the software, and use the video port to drive a small screen in the dash, extend a mouse and keyboard too! If you really wanna play tunes, peronsally I'd go for a modded xbox - attach a wireless bridge to it, then you can talk to it from ya pc in the house while its in the garage :) the xbox has a wicked media center - I use mine to play everything, including internet radio :D

Before I had my current Zed, I had a custom build PC.

I got all the PC bits from ebay, then got a s-video out card and connected an wireless video sender and reciever attached to my in-dash screen. And had ConZult running. Then a week after I finished it all, I wrote off the car :rolleyes:

My dad just made an in car pc for his gto, but changed it eventually for a top notch alpine sat nav system in the end. In car pc can be good but there's some fiddling to do. I think he wants to sell it so if interested give me a pm.

 

Essentially its a mini pc, about 4inchx11x11, with a touch screen lcd screen which u can just about fit in a double din slot. It then plays music videos etc, infact anything a pc will do, including things like sat nav which is actually pretty cheap to just buy an antenna and software for.

Also there's a special power supply which takes 12v, and an ignition 12v, so if u turn the key the pc will autimatically start to shut down.

 

Then ofcourse you can easily have datalogging software installed.

 

I think they're a great idea if you are willing to get set up properly.

PDA with this interface

 

http://www.300degree.com/electronics/nprobe/

 

Kirbz

What a bloody good idea, I have never thought of this, the possibilities are endless!

PDA with this interface

 

http://www.300degree.com/electronics/nprobe/

 

Kirbz

 

(allegedly) reverse engineered ConZult but less functional, less user friendly and without support ... but not that I'm bitter ... :x:

 

 

"Carputers": Best kit I've seen fitted in a Z32 was a custom build PC box fitted under the passenger seat hooked up to a hi-res flip-out tft screen in the dash (part of a headunit). Track bal mounted in the ashtray together with an on/off/reset button. Customised ConZult monitoring screen commissioned and also satnav. Very nice but only one downside ... a week after finishing the install the car was burgled and everything taken. So, if you're going to do this then I suggest you do it as covert as possible. Good luck Leigh!

Added to that theres also the wee idea of fitting bluetooth to the PC unit, and then linking it in to a GPRS enabled mobile, and u will have ADSL like performance on the go (expensive tho!) but the upside to this is you could also dashmount a miniature USB camera and link your alarm system to the r232 interface on the PC unit and write a wee program that when the alarm goes off it switches on the interior light, it takes pictures at set intervals from the webcam and emails them automatically thru the GPRS connection. Just a wee thought I had.

Leigh, these are the PC/104 type computers I spoke about:

Here

Lots more available, but 4 serial ports makes it ideal for datalogging / tuning.

Get hold of Mark (fingerpig) he had a nice set-up in his and i`m sure will give you some idease. Had a nice 7" touch screen in the front in a custom housing.

 

Bob

I'm going to go for a pda system for a few reasons 1 it makes a cheap satnav system 2 with the likes of the software from nprobe it does everything you want from a monitoring and tweeking point of view and 3 a pda is small and you can put it into any car so security is not an issue

 

Kirbz

Interesting read Kirbz, cheers, but I'm leaning towards a set-up based around the PC/104 type that John posted (must talk about them again with you soon mate!) as it would allow more flexibility, definately needed with some of the logging/tuning stuff it'll be running ;)

Yeah Danny, that ashtray space and the compartment behind it is just crying out to be modified to accept a trackball etc! Ideally I'd like a larger screen than you'd find in a motorised head unit/screen combo which is why I was thinking along the lines of utilising the glove box (plus it would be tucked away out of sight, a definate bonus).

Anymore ideas for the set-up guys? Plus if anyone could point me in the right direction for internet sites to buy the gear from it would be appreciated :)

 

Leigh