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Adding a computer to your car (CarPuter)

by macgeek800 on December 16, 2009 Table of Contents License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Adding a computer to your car (CarPuter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 1: PowerPorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 2: USB Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 3: The Front End / GPS System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 4: Rear View Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 5: Power / Reset Obsession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 6: The Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 7: The Console and USB Cam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 8: Voice Navigation Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . step 9: The Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 9 9

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

License: Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa) Intro: Adding a computer to your car (CarPuter)
[Featured in the February 7th Newsletter!] I did this project several years ago, and posted it on MP3Car.com I have learned alot about carputing and this instructable will be about both the install and how its been using the carputer these last few years. This is my 2007 Honda Element, before I attacked it with Soldering iron, wire cutters, dremel tool and other weapons of mass media

step 1: PowerPorts
One of the most needed item in any road warrior's arsenal, is powerports (or if your over 40 they where called "cigarette lighters") so I added two additional ones - one in the dashboard, and one in the center panel. this was actually a easy mod, with me just stealing power from a "only power when ignition is on" line from the car.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

step 2: USB Ports

The second most important item is USB ports, more and more devices need USB power and all devices "Talk" to the computer via USB - So I added a Powered USB hub in my glovebox with a 15' USB cord to my computer.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

step 3: The Front End / GPS System

When your driving, you need to keep your eyes on the ROAD. not on a computer screen, so my front end had big descriptive icons that where easy to touch, and access, with minimal eye time away from the road The Buttons: (reading counter clockwise) Photo library - For showing off pics of the build, etc to passengers Mac control button (settings / other computer access) Time and (green button) Wi-fi enabled and joined to a network itunes Movie player - Awesome being able to throw a movie on while waiting for my mom shopping! Car access system (diagnostic computer interface) Available button for other features (like window control etc)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

step 4: Rear View Camera

I mounted a Back up camera in the rear, so when I put my car in reverse no matter what mode the screen is on, it went to the back up view.

step 5: Power / Reset Obsession

Ahh me being Obsessive again, This project is where I spent more time and more revisions till I was satisfied. All this does is reset the computer if it crashes, and glows when the computer is in "sleep" mode (it also doubled as a 'Security' light when the car was parked)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

step 6: The Wiring

Since I was running wires along side airbags and other passenger safety devices I decided to let a professional do that wiring. I built the harness beforehand, and then they wired it in for me.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

step 7: The Console and USB Cam

Here you can see the whole setup - the video is a live conversation I was having wi-fi with my friend phil. and below I will describe the pictures in detail:

First Picture: The front, you can see the mac mini mounted above in what was a place for glasses, all the wiring sits behind it with a cutout access panel. to the left of the rear view mirror is a USB webcam hooked in. One of the ideas I had was to mount a frontview camera as well, and if there was a accident automatically record the incident (trigger from the car system) but never got around to doing it. The center console with a pop up touch screen, that was hidden when the car was parked The computer is also out of the line of view, and when my car was robber last year they didn't touch the computer. (prob didnt even see it) Second Picture: The remote on the left controls a Built in Garmin GPS system - which pumps the video to the same screen, To have everything integrated I could not get a touchscreen unit so to enter in destination data I use the remote. Third picture: This is the roof of the car, the back antenna is a radio :) there us a wifi antenna as well as two GPS antennas (one on top, one in the front) the wifi antenna on top added about 500' or extended range to my wifi (enough time to find a open wifi, download mail / updates to my computer) (this was before EVO cellular internet was a viable option) Picture four: Just the car, I love my car.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

step 8: Voice Navigation Demo

Showing off a voice activated GPS I added to the system. it was fun having the garmin and this system argue over who had the better directions I'm being filmed with the built in webcam and recorded on t he mac.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

step 9: The Future

There is a line of portable laser projectors coming out, www.microvision.com/showwx/ and I am thinking of removing my screen and going with a heads up display and air mouse, or even something more eclectic I know that most "upscale" cars have voice controlled navigation, and a entertainment console but I did this 3 years before they where available.

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how to make the best GPS bike mount - for free! by dan

Direct wire GPS mount + EZPass holder for Toyota Seinna by wongman2001

DYI Car PC by jerpelea

Connecting a handheld GPS to a Marine VHF radio by PaulE

Unlock V7 Navigation 1000 GPS by dadefatsax

GPS - cables, power & PC Sync by erckgillis

Motorcycle GPS by aneel

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Comments
43 comments Add Comment

kc0wys says:
jurassic park! awesome music

Feb 7, 2010. 8:41 AM REPLY

dasarp says:
This looks awesome (except for the fact that its a Mac, but that's personal preference).

Feb 7, 2010. 7:58 AM REPLY

MacGeek, Quick question, so do you ever unhook the monitor, and are you not worried about someone breaking in to your car to steal the computer? I live in a city where breaking windshields to steal GPS units seems to be a popular sport, so I would be worried about your setup...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

macgeek800 says:
the monitor slides into the dash, so it looks like a blank spot. www.xenarc.com/product/700IDT.html Don't worry they did the same to my car, and stole my Garmin! :) Jonathan

Feb 7, 2010. 8:09 AM REPLY

foghat says:
I was thinking how awesome this is then i saw the word............ MAC ! ! ! ! !

Feb 5, 2010. 8:13 PM REPLY

soulsnax says:
mac, pc, linux chrome OS... they're all the same.

Feb 7, 2010. 7:43 AM REPLY

soulsnax says:
who cares if it's a mac or a pc? They're both the same!

Feb 7, 2010. 7:42 AM REPLY

itsthatsguy says:
this as cool, then i realized you used a mac and well, i rated 1

Feb 4, 2010. 7:59 PM REPLY

itsthatsguy says:
sorry .5*

Feb 4, 2010. 8:00 PM REPLY

troppoforte says:

Feb 4, 2010. 7:54 PM REPLY One thing that is bugging me; which Garmin did you use and how did you find the connections on the board to connect it to the big display? Also, you mentioned the power button is useful as a anti-theft device, but you also said the power for the computer is only on then the ignition is on. How is that working? Or is it? I have been optioning this project for my '95 Volvo 850 wagon because it needs some automation and ease-of-use added to it since most of it is analog (not that that's a problem for me 'cause I like my cars that way) and I'd most likely be using a Windows-based device since Windows usually has the most thirdparty accessories available. But I LOVE Mac computers! I have 7 of them, including an Apple IIc. The biggest issue I am facing is finding which wires are the 12v power and so on. Did you have a schematic for the Element? If so, where did you find it?

mrteesk says:
Very nice install! The Mac Mini is a great platform for this kinda stuff.

Feb 4, 2010. 7:49 PM REPLY

texhon3 says:
cause thats what I have and a netbook is out of reach

Feb 4, 2010. 4:01 PM REPLY

CanWire says:

Feb 4, 2010. 3:15 PM REPLY Why not just use an inverter and a netbook? You could still use all of the usb extensions/hubs, run a small vga (touchscreen?) monitor, and have power options for standby when operating on batteries. For more monitors configured, there are also cheap usb monitors.

CanWire says:

Feb 4, 2010. 3:18 PM REPLY actually... why not just install a laptop slot with connectors for power, vga, usb, ect... within your car would just be peripherals as an extension of your existing laptop. Cheap, easy, and powerful.

texhon3 says:

Feb 4, 2010. 1:36 PM REPLY This is something I have wanted for years ! I have a small format windows computer for this project .I drive a 2000 Dakota. This is way cool

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

Bmarygirl says:

Feb 4, 2010. 9:13 AM REPLY Very cool. I am WAY over 40 (my daugher says I'm "officially" old with this b'day) and call it a cig lighter (I'm going to change to "powerport"). Since my own son doesn't speak to me, maybe you could adopt me and work on my car?! ;-)

macgeek800 says:
i'm 51 - Would I get strange looks calling you "MOM"? Jonathan

Feb 4, 2010. 10:15 AM REPLY

Bmarygirl says:
In this day and this society? ! younger sibling or..........

Feb 4, 2010. 11:31 AM REPLY People would just think your father married a much younger woman ( and I am older than you) or you could be my

BTW: I've ridden on the Cyclone.

billb says:
Very cool project! Could you explain more clearly how you got GPS on your Mac. The only GPS App. I know of for the Mac is "Route Buddy". Its expensive and isn't nearly as polished as "Microsoft Streets & Trips" or "Delorme Street Atlas" both for Windows. Thanks.

Jan 28, 2010. 6:12 PM REPLY

XsavioR says:

Feb 4, 2010. 11:25 AM REPLY I dont use mac at all but a bunch of devs I work with do. Couldnt you use whine? emulate windows and then use the standards rather then all the jazz suggested here. @ poster (suggestion) Clear mobile broadband (as low as 35$/mo no teeth contract, no teeth = no cancelation fee if you purchase the 50 $ usb dongle) rfid tag system to utilize car / onboard pc / windows / locks / trunk. Blue tooth link to pc , Pair cell phones to the onboard system utilize car audio (via inputs on the radio) for hands free. but hey im just a geek with too much time on my hands (proud of it too) :)

macgeek800 says:
hey Bill, I cheated ;)

Jan 28, 2010. 7:14 PM REPLY

I bought a Stand alone garmin system, (buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do) and it runs independently from the mac, i have never seen ANY DECENT GPS program for the mac (and I am still waiting for a GPS driver that would talk to google maps on the mac mini)

billb says:

Jan 28, 2010. 10:52 PM REPLY Their is a way to do it. First buy and install "Google Earth Plus" then connect a USB NMEA compliant GPS antenna. And install a KML converter along with another couple of Apps and your all set. Yah, I haven't bothered either. Though their is this: http://www.axiotron.com/index.php?id=techspecs I wounder how THEY do it and how well it works. Thanks for your reply!!!

kingbirdy23 says:

Feb 2, 2010. 5:45 PM REPLY How did you set up the USB hub? you just said you added it, so I was wondering, did it draw power from the power port (lighter thing), your computer, or what? and how did you install it?

macgeek800 says:
i found a 8 port Powered USB hub that was 12v DC input So I just hooked it directly into my System (on when ignition on) and it converted the voltage to 5v.

Feb 4, 2010. 10:16 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

_Ko0LaiD_ says:

Feb 2, 2010. 8:01 PM REPLY I kept breaking the USB sticks off my stereo so I connected a USB extension cord under the dash. Don't have a glovebox. Had to take it out because I wanted my amp mounted there in case of unwanted visitors. I am 16, don't smoke and still call it a cigarette lighter.

CraigSnedeker says:

Feb 2, 2010. 3:07 PM REPLY Wow this is cool! So what did you do? Plug in your computer into your car (basicly)? Did you have some sort of USB-to-"cigerate lighter" converter? Someday I'd really like to do this :D I don't use Mac tho, I'm a Windows user =P lol

bpfh says:
Good start but lacking in details.... So a few questions to clear things up :) - Can you post a link to what you did on MP3Car.com? - How did you interface the screen with the mac? - How did you get the reversing camera to work with everything? - Is the satnav system installed on the mac or is that an independant system? Cheers, Daniel

Feb 1, 2010. 12:48 AM REPLY

macgeek800 says:
Here ya go! http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/worklogs/93913-elvira-scare-e-lement-honda-element-07-a-3.html The screen has 1 VGA input and 2 Composite inputs, with a "camera 2 priority" that means if Camera 2 gets a video signal it will switch to that input no matter what (Backup camera, with power supplied when I go into reverse) Vid #1 - VGA - Macintosh Vid #2 - Garmin Navigation Vid #3 - Backup Camera any more questions? Jonathan

Feb 1, 2010. 4:11 AM REPLY

Andy-K says:

Jan 31, 2010. 9:02 PM REPLY Nice project. I think if I ever do this to a car of mine, I would want to invest in a mobile broadband system, so I could have a 3G connection while driving around. This way I am not tied down to WI-FI.

HolyTracker says:
Great looking ride! But theres a lack of instructions... How did you do it?

Dec 31, 2009. 12:16 PM REPLY

macgeek800 says:
I did this in 2007-2008 Long before I joined instructables. So I didnt actually track the install, But I will be happy to answer any questions that you have! Jonathan

Jan 1, 2010. 5:14 AM REPLY

kerns says:
When you mention "large icons" - do Macs offer large macro-fronting icons like that as standard? From step 3 I assume you're using a touchscreen - what front-end software are you using, an Apple OS?

Jan 30, 2010. 7:51 PM REPLY

onlywhenprovoked says:
Hey, I'm only 37 and I call them cigarette lighters. lol :P

Jan 29, 2010. 4:03 PM REPLY

possum888 says:
Nice Segway jacket ;)

Jan 13, 2010. 9:38 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/

scob89 says:

Jan 9, 2010. 12:43 AM REPLY I'm going to go with the other comments and say, lack of instructions on how to put a computer in your car, It really should be named something like put in accessories for your carputer, the part of putting in the actual computer does not exist in the instructable. Even with putting the accessories in, about 80% is missing and doesn't really show us how to do anything really.

madmikeee says:

Jan 6, 2010. 7:53 AM REPLY Nice project but you really didn't instruct us on anything. You showed some wiring but not any configuration for the PC, mountings, interfaces etc.

macgeek800 says:
As I said before, I did this project in 2007 I didn't have the forethought to photograph the whole procedure I will be happy to answer ANY questions anyone has Jonathan

Jan 6, 2010. 9:06 AM REPLY

JavaNut13 says:

Jan 5, 2010. 1:09 AM REPLY Wicked project! Am surprised that it is not Linux, as is the fashion among most Instructables projects. I can see this going down many, utterly pointless roads.

macgeek800 says:
Well, if you look at the Licence plate, you will see WHY I choose the macmini. Jonathan

Jan 5, 2010. 4:45 AM REPLY

JavaNut13 says:

Jan 5, 2010. 1:42 PM REPLY I can see that you wouldn't even consider using a Linux box in your car, even though most people who put a computer in there car would use Linux

loudboy says:
Looks great!

Jan 2, 2010. 4:05 AM REPLY

How are you powering the MacMini though? Does the Element have a built in inverter with enough power for that, or did you add your own? THanks!

macgeek800 says:
Ahh yes, I forgot about that completely! I have a Smart power inverter (made to work in a car) called Carnetix P1900, not only does it provide power for the mini it also has intelligence, to keep the mini in sleep mode, and also monitor and power other items connected to it, Its a GREAT product carnetix.com/CNXP1900.htm

Jan 2, 2010. 5:36 AM REPLY

Erik Lindemann says:

Jurassic Park FTW. lol Great instructible though. I've been trying to get ideas on my own car computer.

Dec 31, 2009. 2:11 PM REPLY

Fieldownage says:
Neat project! I only use my MacBook while in car and tether the connection with iPhone's 3G.

Dec 31, 2009. 4:35 AM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Adding-a-computer-to-your-car-CarPuter/