CarPC anyone?

[Big Tone]

I have been seriously considering installing a CarPuter in the J. I just started doing research on it today and wondered if anyone here has already done it or knows the ins and outs of a CarPuter install in the J. Are there any websites others know about that give good installation instructions?

Here's a short list of what I'd want in a system, should I decide to do it- WiFi access and a PCMA slot to use my card for internet access - TV tuner- AM/FM tuner- CD/DVD player/burner/changer- Memory card reader- In-dash touchscreen (Stationary, not motorized)- Wireless keyboard and mouse- GPS navigation- Automatic start via SMS, e-mail, or phone call- Remote access to climate controls

One thing that really had me interested in a CarPuter was the Slingbox. The idea that I could connect to my Dish Network at home via computer and watch all the channels and DVR programs from the car is amazing. The only thing I would have to do is scrap my T-Mobile wireless card and pick up either a Sprint or Verizon card because their EvDO networks are considerably faster.

Please post any input. I am more or less clueless when it comes to these systems. I've never seen one in person. I'm sure this will be a simple undertaking...

[Skapunk4everr]

Yeah man go for it... but im assuming this will put you back a few bucks.

wish i could have more input...

[Big Tone]

I've seen prices in the $1,000 range and up. The problem I'm having is I don't know what is needed and what isn't. If I can get this done for 1k I'll probably do it, because I know I can get about $400 - $500 for the head unit I have now. I went on mp3car.com and they have some helpful information, but most is written from a more informed perspective than I have.

[DominickJ30]

I've seen prices in the $1,000 range and up. The problem I'm having is I don't know what is needed and what isn't. If I can get this done for 1k I'll probably do it, because I know I can get about $400 - $500 for the head unit I have now. I went on mp3car.com and they have some helpful information, but most is written from a more informed perspective than I have.

All the options you want would get really expensive.

The wireless keyboard mouse is close to 200. So get ready to pay close to 2k when is all done and running like you want it.

[conmon88]

I just finished putting a new headunit in my 97 J30 (the original was too problematic). I tried using the original speakers, but the sound quality was horrible because they were custom designed for the bose headunit. I've heard some people get away with it though.

Anyway, I have a stereo wiring diagram, so let me know if you need help with rewiring the speakers. Good luck!

[Skapunk4everr]

Actually that would be very helpful to all the j30's here

[Big Tone]

I just finished putting a new headunit in my 97 J30 (the original was too problematic). I tried using the original speakers, but the sound quality was horrible because they were custom designed for the bose headunit. I've heard some people get away with it though.

Anyway, I have a stereo wiring diagram, so let me know if you need help with rewiring the speakers. Good luck!

not sure if you're aware of this, but there is an adapter you can buy that allows you to use an aftermarket head unit with the Bose speakers. I'd still like to see the wiring diagram, though.

[Big Tone]

All the options you want would get really expensive.

The wireless keyboard mouse is close to 200. So get ready to pay close to 2k when is all done and running like you want it.

I've seen a couple on eBay that looked pretty interesting. I'll post links. Let me know what you think.

[Big Tone]

Here's one I thought might be good. I'd probably sell the monitor and buy a touch screen to mount in the dash to replace my head unit. Everything else seems to be ok from what I can tell. The only extra option I'd need is a PCMCIA slot for my wireless card. Is this a good system?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...&rd=1

Modified by Big Tone at 12:43 PM 7/5/2006
Modified by Big Tone at 1:32 PM 7/5/2006

[DominickJ30]

That computer is descent at best.

You can get much better if you build it yourself. I would just do some reasearch and see what worked for other people.

caraudio.com might be a good place to start

[Big Tone]

That computer is descent at best.

You can get much better if you build it yourself. I would just do some reasearch and see what worked for other people.

caraudio.com might be a good place to start

Building one really isn't an option for me because I know nothing about building computers. The most I've ever done was expand the RAM in two of my laptops...

I saw another interesting unit that is pre-built:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...:US:1

This one has the PC card slot and navigation can be added for about $130. I saw a pretty good LCD screen on mp3cars.com that reduces sun glare, but it's $680! Looks like your 2k estimate is about right.

[conmon88]

Sorry i haven't checked in for a while. The basics of the speaker wiring I used for my 1997 J30 is as follows:

1) Front LH AMP (-) White/Red2) Front LH AMP (+) Black/Red3) Front RH AMP (-) White/Blue4) Front RH AMP (+) Black/Blue5) Rear LH AMP (-) Black6) Rear LH AMP (+) White7) Rear RH AMP (-) Black/White8) Rear RH AMP (+) White/Green

When I put my speakers in I just used these wires as the positive and negative.

If you go to http://www.ahdol.com/ you can buy a diagram for $5.99. They send it to you in an email and gives you a color diagram in PDF format. They have diagrams for everything--you just tell them the specific ones you want and they send it to you. It gave me everything I needed.

[diamond]

i thought about getting one couple years ago .have no need now.hell,ive had a new deck in my car for a couple years now and have not hooked it up.lol.i think carputors are great..I havnt been keeping abreast of anything electronic what so ever in a long time though.have no idea whats good or bad.