Have any of you thought of putting a carputer in your Mini?
It would seam to be pretty easy if you just KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Granted some people go all out and custom install and them in the console.
1) Laptop PC or MAC ($0 if you have an extra one)
2) Add interface software such as Centrafuse ($0 Freeware to $275)
3) 7 inch touch-screen video ($300) Mount the screen on something like a TachOn mount next to the Tach. ($40 to $0 if frabracated)
4) GPS USB Receiver ($55)
5) Misc cables and hardware $??
You would have Navigation, Bluetooth Phone Interface, DVD Video, HDD for Massive Media storage, XM Radio, Optional Back-up Video Cam, Web Browsing, iPod interface, USB connection and more.

 

I'm actually typing this message on mine, though it hasn't made it out to be installed in the car yet. The mini-ITX motherboard I'm using should even fit under the passenger's seat if all goes well. I haven't purchased the GPS interface yet, but the hardware and software for the OBD-2 real time monitor and XM are already installed and working fine.

 

Keep us updated! Having the OBD-2 is a great idea. What interface software are you using? Centrafuse?

 

I'm doing this, with a mac mini, and a small lcd screen. with the apple bluetooth keyboard and mouse


using a 3g cell company and their usb modem, i can have wireless internet, streaming radio, etc...

 

I've got mine sitting in the basement. It was going to go in the '05 MCS, but now it's going in the '07 MCS. Just need to find the time

 

Thought about it, but was worried that an adequate screen would be an easy target for thieves, especially with a dash or tach mount. The center console and dash in general makes creative installs difficult. Having to put it away every time I park would defeat the purpose of using it truly as central control. Anyone using the OEM NAV screen?

 

doesn't tvandnav2go make a product that adds a aux video input to the nav screen in the mini?

 

I sorta do this, though with a smaller screen via just a Windows based PDA / phone. I have a aux input so I can have both GPS voice and music from my mp3's at the same time. (Important in a convertible where the GPS would be drowned out otherwise). One one 2 Gig card I have all the GPS stuff, about 1000 songs, several full length movies at any moment (though I really only rarely use the movies when waiting at a Doctors office or something). Internet access (with a neat browser that lets you zoom in and out), multiple email accounts, remote desktop connection & control, with Verizon EVDO fairly high speed internet. Has WFi too which is nice when you get outta the car at a restaraunt with Wireless. Oh Bluetooth too for handfree. Let's see, the CoPilot GPS does real time traffic analysis and avoidance, and I can enable real time tracking via the web as if I needed that.

And of course I sync it most day so all my contacts are there, my schedule, and the GPS can also access my contacts. And I can move it between my car and truck.

That said I've got a 'retired' tablet PC I'm thinking of installing in my Conversion van and using the laptop version of CoPilot with. I've got so much room in the van I can do it easily. The bigger tablet screen makes it easier for the passenger to swivel it over and use it too.

 

I am actually using this guy's unit, though I can't tell you for sure it works well until I get the car and computer mated. The price was certainly right.

http://obddiagnostics.com/index.html

 

finally i read some info on a carputer in a mini. I have a 07 and really want to do this, but the only problem is the screen. Where do i put a 7 inch screen?

 

Easiest is to get a motorized one and put it in the secret compartment hole. Next easiest would be to hang one on a Proclip or Kuda mount. Next easiest would be one of the brackets that mounts to the back of the Tach and hang it off the left side. Last option (probably the one I'm going with) is to hang it overhead.

 

yea ..i guess other than proclip..there really is no easily removable solution. I wanted to stick a mac mini in the secret compartment

 

I bought a 7" Lilliput monitor when it was an R53 project, but now that it's going on the R56, I'm looking into a larger monitor and having a custom mount made for it in the secret compartment.

I'm using the Autoenginuity software with their OBD-USB interface, but I'm going to pick up a ScanGauge II so I can move it between the two Minis.

 

I actually just ordered my screen the other day and am planning on just sticking my laptop behind my seat...this way I can just plug it all in and drive and then take it out easily for school....its a macbook...I'm using the frontend AMP

The only real thing I'm trying to figure out is the screen placement...how much direct sunlight can these screens handle?