New GPS/computer plan...

[DaktariEd]

I am putting together a new GPS system for the Cruiser.
Currently I use my Garmin GPS 60 CS (IIRC) connected by USB to my old 15" PowerBook G4, which sits on a platform on the passengers seat, powered off the secondary battery behind the seat.

Here’s my new plan:

Mac Mini installed in the glove box.
Powered by DC regulator: Carnetix This regulator has three outputs: 18 volt (for the Mac mini), 12 volt for the screen, 5 volt for optional accessory.

Carnetix makes a MacPac power cable that is plug & play: cables so I don’t have to splice the power adapter that comes with the mini.

Touchscreen: Xenarc This will mount either to windshield (maybe) or maybe a bracket to the dash if I can get help making it.

A USB-GPS receiver attached either to interior window or exterior: receiver

The Mac mini has 5 USB ports, so the connection with the GPS receiver and touchscreen is plug in simple. The VGA port connects the screen to the Mac mini via a DVI to VGA adapter.

Some of the idea came from this guys install: carputer as well as a thread on here a couple of years ago.

So...what do you think?
Am I missing anything major?
I am considering whether to connect this to the Cruiser primary battery (as long as it remains “hot” when the ignition is off, or to the secondary (behind the passenger seat). Right now the secondary is "backup" but also powers the current GPS/PowerBook setup when I am running...
Any thoughts?

 

[AndrewP]

I like the Mac interface, but you're having to work too hard to try and use it for navigation. There is a lot more software relavent to navigation in the PC world. A PC would also be cheaper and easier to power (can power directly with d/c to d/c power for $12). Even though I'm running a laptop now, I think in a year or two I'll switch to a tablet PC with touchscreen.

The Puck receiver you are looking at looks just like the BU-353. It's really great and much more sensitive than an Earthmate USB. The $69 price is double what you can find it for other places. You'll need to set it for NMEA output as you likely know(It will want to output SiRF protocol-but easy to configure with the software or if you download a copy of SiRFDemo) I think I got mine from GPSCity or something like that.

Example: http://www.buygpsnow.com/bu-353-353...rf-stariii-usb-gps-water-bu-353-waas-455.aspx

I just did a 2 week trip in Colorado and Utah Kokopelli trail, Hole in the Rock trail, Beef Basin, Lockhart Basin and just using a laptop, TopoUSA and the BU353, I was pretty much styling in the nav department. I don't know enough about the Mac set up you describe to make comments, other than a lot of software is PC only and the hardware is much less expensive.

I would regard any set up that you install as temporary, as both the hardware and software do not stay current more than a year or two.

 

[gjackson]

but you're having to work too hard to try and use it for navigation.

There are some great options for nav on the Mac and they are getting better all the time. I don't see much of a disadvantage software wise going the Mac route. Just as examples:

http://www.macgpspro.com/
http://www.gpsy.com/
http://natgeomaps.com/
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4332
http://www.gpsnavx.com/
http://www.maps-gps-info.com/fgpfwmaclinuxunix.html

Good luck Ed, it looks like a cool set-up.

cheers

 

[DaktariEd]

As far as I'm concerned, Mac is the only way to go. I've used both and Mac wins...
I've been very happy with my MacGPS Pro.
I just want a smaller unit in the truck.
Rather than the G4 laptop taking up the entire passenger seat, I want a big (relative to the Garmin) screen and a full set of topos that can only be had using a computer.
So...have I missed anything in the physical setup of the system in the OP?
What about the cable connecting the Mac Mini to the Xenarc screen? I see a mini-DVI to VGA connector in the Mac Store, but it's very short. Is there an extension I might need to reach the touchscreen?

 

[DaktariEd]

The Puck receiver you are looking at looks just like the BU-353. It's really great and much more sensitive than an Earthmate USB. The $69 price is double what you can find it for other places. You'll need to set it for NMEA output as you likely know(It will want to output SiRF protocol-but easy to configure with the software or if you download a copy of SiRFDemo) I think I got mine from GPSCity or something like that.

Example: http://www.buygpsnow.com/bu-353-353...rf-stariii-usb-gps-water-bu-353-waas-455.aspx

Hey, you're right! I'll bet they're all made in China anyway...
The lesser price is nice, thanks.