DSL 4 CarPC/CarPuter
Forum: DSL Ideas and Suggestions
Topic: DSL 4 CarPC/CarPuter
started by: skellum
Posted by skellum on Mar. 10 2005,21:56
I'm currently using WinXP in my carputer and notice a number of people on different carpc forums expressing interest in linux runing from ramdrive.DSL seems like a great starting point.
so far, the biggest "wants" seem to be
static kernel with support for VIA miniITX embeded hardware
- sound, video, usb, firewire all built on the board and shipping with windows drivers currently.
- configured out of the box to run GPS and MP3 player
- remove all desktop apps
- add touchscreen drivers (module)
i assume it's not a terrible amount of work to DIY this using the base DSL, but i bet a lot of people in the CarPC scene would fork out $40 or more for something like this.
i know it would cost me at least 100bux in time to relearn linux and build for the carpc hardware.
thoughts?
Posted by titus_a_duxass on Mar. 11 2005,07:47
That is exactly what I am trying to achieve as well.But, the requirments far outstretch my linux experience.
So far in my efforts I have managed to screw up 4 or 5 installations, which is no problem with such a small installation time.
I have yet to find an Audio Player that is simple to use and any info on a GPS system.
I think I will forget the touch screen until the price fall. There is some software called Giant Disc which uses an old palm III as an interface.
My system is based on an old IBM thinkpad T20.
I have most problems with either deleting or adding icons on/in fluxbox.
Posted by cbagger01 on Mar. 11 2005,17:43
Try using the command line mpg321 player application.You can write a script that will automatically play all *.mp3 files that appear in a certain location like say a USB drive.
Here is more info.
< http://www.die.net/doc/linux/man/man1/mpg321.1.html >
Posted by Fordi on Mar. 12 2005,19:24
static kernel with support for VIA miniITX embeded hardware- sound, video, usb, firewire all built on the board and shipping with windows drivers currently.
- add touchscreen drivers (module)
These two would require a kernel rebuild. Simple enough. Get yourself a copy of Knoppix. Find the kernel version. Get those kernel sources. Get the .config from /usr/src/linux when in KNOPPIX.
Once you have a development environment set up (can be achieved with a DSL HD install followed by apt-getting g++ gcc and make), do make config.
Now, take a look in the manual for your mini-itx board. You want to have built-in modules for the hardware on the VIA board (I actually have a nice embedded-type kernel made from uClibc and designed for the mini-itx board in my "TRS-800", but it's very specifically for the VIA-EPIA series; you lose functionality for the EPIA-M and others).
It's all about getting your hands dirty. I hope I've pointed you in the right direction.
Posted by Fordi on Mar. 12 2005,19:26
Oh, and as for the touchscreen; it acts like a mouse. Usually drivers aren't required. Just set the cursor to a null bitmap.
Posted by cmb on Mar. 29 2005,01:04
You might want to check out: < DashPC >Lots of useful Linux carputer info on there...
Posted by ke4nt1 on Mar. 29 2005,02:38
Following cbagger01's suggestion..I have a EPIA-M 5000 in my jeep..
It is currently autorunning the mpg123 from /opt/bootlocal
in DSL 1.0rc1 on a pendrive..
Small, and completely 'out-of-sight' , it was a breeze to install.
For autorunning, it is a cinch.. use this..
" mpg123 -g 100 -Z /mnt/sda2/*.mp3 "
..which brings the gain up to full, and plays randomly from your pool of files.
It's a snap to pull the pendrive, and replace it with another, or update it.
I get a pool of around 100 titles at 128k on my 512MB key,
with DSL on the sda1 (60MB's) , and the mp3's on sda2 (450MB's)
I set the carputer to boot upon power-up, and use a dc/ac converter to
power-up the box using the ac adapter provided with the mini-itx case..
( it seems to hold a more stable 12V to the mobo this way ..)
I pump my audio output to a Ramsey FM25B transmitter,
and then out to a tuned 1/4 wave antenna mounted on the roof..
With a fully adjustable freq output, it 'could' make for some
real fun at red lights, traffic jams, and parking lots ..
Everyone can tune in, and listen with me
It works for now, and quite nicely, until I get a lcd for it..
Hoping to get one of those ma111 or dwl-122 usb wireless adapters,
then I can upload/download using scp/ssh to manage it from home or work.
It draws so little wattage.. hmm..
I wonder if I could use my keyless entry alarm button to 'turn on' the box ?
( alarm - poweron / repeat - powerdown )
I live in the country , and rarely need to have the vehicle
secured by means other than the dogs, or 12 gauge.. ;)
73
ke4nt
Posted by cbagger01 on Mar. 29 2005,03:32
That sounds like a cool idea.If you do the WiFi thing, why not write a script to:
1) Verify that your LAN is available and then
2) Connect to your home PC music server.
3) Extract a bunch of random music files once per day to your Carputer.
Or better yet, create a "music outbox" folder on your server and have the script check for files and then transfer them, but if the "outbox" is empty have it download random music files from the music library instead.
Just a thought.
Posted by darkciti on Mar. 30 2005,00:33
Why not just have all of your music on your carputer?Here's another site you guys might want to check out:
< http://carputers.org >
It's carputer news, etc...
Posted by ke4nt1 on Mar. 30 2005,04:31
Well...1. Again, I drive a Jeep.. It's not a nice, smooth ride..
2. I live in Texas, where it's really, really hot in the car, most of the time,
unless it's around xmas, when it gets cold
3. It would take a rather expensive, large drive to put ALL of it in the Jeep.
I'd rather keep it indoors, and use it for long-term storage.
From what I've read on several forums about carputers, the HD's don't
take too well to the bumps, jarring, and temperature differentials in a car.
Keeping it flash/CF based keeps current draw down, and performance up.
If the networking idea is successful, loading a set of oggs onto the carputer
should be simple, and more than enough to keep me occupied thru my usual commute..
I can always add/change/update the flash either at home or work..
73
ke4nt
Posted by ke4nt1 on April 03 2005,04:13
as promised, some pics of the early stages of my carputer install ..LCD = under review ..
Wireless Lan = FOUND! Fry's had MA111's (B network) for $19.00
Next - parallel interface for pc keying of morse code mobile rig ..
1. The jeep - as is now..
< http://www.creativesound.com/ares/seat.jpg >
2. But fold up the rear seat, and the works are found here ..
< http://www.creativesound.com/ares/back.jpg >
3. The EPIA 5000 in action ..
< http://www.creativesound.com/ares/epia.jpg >
4. Feeding it all is some 10gauge wire, thru the firewall,
and to these switches..
< http://www.creativesound.com/ares/switch.jpg >
5. Inline Fuse from battery.
< http://www.creativesound.com/ares/fuse.jpg >
6. My "crew" who helped me clean it up, and prepare for the pics.
Thanks Timothy and Donald ...
< http://www.creativesound.com/ares/boys.jpg >
73
ke4nt