Permanant computer in a truck (not laptop)

[DEEZLPWR]

So i had a spare micro computer and 15" lcd monitor that ran off 12v dc.

got to thinking on how to install it in my rig with it being functional yet out of the way and sturdy. I came up with this.

removed center seat and armrest, built a simple box and reattached the armrest to it. Secured the computer to the bottom under the monitor, i have storage in the box as well and in the armrest.


dell 15" lcd monitor with back removed for securing to box.
dell optiplex sx260 with intel 2.3ghz processor 1gb memory built in video.
120g hd with dvd tray insert
delorme topo street atlas software

i have it set up with a garmin gps map 60csx with topo on it as well for hendheld backup or out of truck navigation. i will be getting a trackball wireless mouse soon and velcro it somewhere (not on the steering wheel, airbags hurt).

I flip one switch, push the power on the gps and wait for it to boot and it autoloads the program and starts tracking. easy as pie!

down the road i will upgrade to a solid state disk to avoid the ravages of being offroad with a spinning platter drive.

:wings::victory:

 

[DEEZLPWR]

how do i get the pictures to show instead of attached as files? do i have to have a certain post count?

 

[02TahoeMD]

Easiest way to post pics into your posts for viewing is to use photobucket. In your photobucket album each pic with have an address listed under it. Cut and paste the address for each pic. Then, use the img link function in a reply (in your reply toolbar here, it is the little yellow box with a mountain in it) and put the pic's address into the function bar that will pop up when you click on that button.

Repeat the address link / yellow button procedure for each pic.

 

[Yudda]

Deezl,

nice job....check out: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/

forum dedicated to car computing...... some of the projects are amazing.

i hope its ok to post a link.


rob

 

[ntsqd]

A friend of mine did something similar except he also uses the carputer for his on-board music library as well as GPS functions. I'm not sure exactly how he did it, but it automatically boots when he turns on the key and I think he must have some sort of off delay with a keep-live option. He found a hardened touch screen out of a police car on ebay and set up a USB port where it is easy to get to for moving files around.

 

[DEEZLPWR]

yeah the bios settings are where you can have it auto start, i have mine on a switch as i dont use it all the time. i also have the capacity to put music on mine and run a rca to a car stereo when i get a new radio.

 

[RETROFIT]

Heading that way too ...

I am slowly heading in that general direction myself but using the Mac route. I use a Mac mini intel at home and plan to bring this unit with me on long trips. I will have it mounted in the Tuffy like center console and will be wired to the radio for music and general sound and plugged into a dedicated inverter for power directly into the aux battery. For monitor I am using the MIMO 740 touchscreen from Mimomonitors.com witch also includes a camera and a mic.

On the Mac I use Macgps pro with Canada Topo from Toporama.

Let you all know how it turn out once I am done.

Pat

 

[michaelgroves]

If you have the space for a "desktop" computer, rather than a laptop, it's got a couple of advantages for expedition use.

Firstly, the screen and keyboard can be where you want them, not in a fixed position relative to each other.

Secondly, you can replace or change individual components as you need to, and you can get the bits you need in pretty much any town in any country.

I can't find the link for it, but I did at one point see a 12V-input power supply available for desktop motherboards...

 

[michaelgroves]

Here are a couple of pics of the computer in our truck. The heightened roof of the Defender gave us plenty of space for the screen, which was a 17" Iiyama touch-screen LCD. The computer components were soft-mounted in the aluminium cabinet behind the screen. We didn't use a case at all! The cordless keyboard was mounted with velcro within reach of either person in the front, so that keys could be pressed to zoom or pan the maps etc, or for simple MP3 music controls. (A simple key-press is sometimes easier than touching the screen).

 

[michaelgroves]

how do i get the pictures to show instead of attached as files? do i have to have a certain post count?

I think this version of vBulletin is a bit buggy. I fond the only way I can get ExPo-hosted pics to appear inline instead of as separate links, is to always PREVIEW the post before pressing SUBMIT. At the time of preview, the pics just appear as text place-holders, but then when I press SUBMIT, the post appears as I intended. Or you can host them somewhere else, as another poster suggested.

 

[Scott39]

Cool setup. After I get my new laptop, I now know what to do with my old Dell.

 

[DEEZLPWR]

i ran it on my trip to arkansas and it worked flawlessy for navigation mode, does just like the tom toms do but bigger. it is however best used by a passenger and looking at it takes your eyes fully off the road. I was setting up my trips shile stopped and glanced at it real quick here and there and had no problems. everything is big enough on the screen that you dont have to struggle to figure stuff out.

 

[Scott39]

i ran it on my trip to arkansas and it worked flawlessy for navigation mode, does just like the tom toms do but bigger. it is however best used by a passenger and looking at it takes your eyes fully off the road. I was setting up my trips shile stopped and glanced at it real quick here and there and had no problems. everything is big enough on the screen that you dont have to struggle to figure stuff out.

You still using this setup in your truck?

 

[DEEZLPWR]

yes i am, sorry for late response (computer woes)

 

[john101477]

now thats using your head lol. great idea and very unique.