Carputer - 4th Gen

[FaceMugger]

I am thinking about building a carputer for my 2005 Limited. I would like to use the carputer to play music/movies, change temperature, change fan speed/location, display outside temperature, display time, display navigation system, etc. Basically, I want to the carputer to replace everything that is currently in center portion of the dash, including buttons and knobs.

I was wondering if anyone else with a 4th gen would like to help with this project and install it on their own car.

I am from western Massachusetts. Although it is not necessary, it would help if you lived in the area.

I studied mechanical engineering as an undergrad and have some knowledge of electrical engineering. I have experience in visual basic programming, as well as a few other languages. I also have experience building computers.

 

[SubSonic]

Actually, it should be pretty easy if you can figure out the current computers' functions. A computer already exists that has done this on a motorcycle built by OCC.

http://mobilitytoday.com/news/006995/blackdiamond_switchback_umpc

It's called the SwitchBack mobile computer. OCC built a chopper that used this as its entire controller - fingerprint ID was used to start the bike, it controlled the engine, lighting and even had a backup camera that worked as both a backup camera and rear-view mirror replacement. The basic display screen while running, IIRC, showed a Tach, Speedo, and so forth along with the rear-looking camera in its own window.

The wiring and control protocals will be the kicker. I am sure those are Toyota proprietary intellectual properties and may be difficult to get your hands on. There isn't just "one" computer in T4R. There's an ECM somewhere, of course, and I know for a fact that there is a couple in the drop down panel below the glove box (mine was the 4x4 control computer and something else - maybe the electronic HVAC controller) that I found when I put my Toyota/Lexus Sirius control module in that same area.

And while Visual Basic may work, I am not sure that it is robust enough or even stable enough to be considered for running most of an automobiles critical functions. I'd look at C# (C Sharp). Microsoft's latest incarnation of the C family - the complier is free (C# Express) and would likely be all you'd need outside of a working knowledge of the actual code - which you can compose in anything, even NotePad.

Here's a couple of images of the actual chopper:

http://www.ropermobile.com/intel_chopper/
(be sure to click on the "Case Study" link at the bottom of that page - I think you will find it interesting)

Good luck, I hope you can actually do it. Just be sure to post some info and lots of photos on it when you do.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

If you can get it to work that would be awesome. I love carputers.

 

[li_runner]

If you get serious about it, PM me. I don't want to get back into the scene but I have a bunch of parts that I just don't need anymore. It was cool but too much work (it's hard to work on computers all day to then have to fix your own stuff all the time).

VGA touchscreens, VIA mobo, 2.5 hd's, cases, opus ps, ugg you name it I think I have it piled up in a corner still.

The amount of computer parts & computers I have is getting silly.

Not to :FOS: Switchback but this is not a new thing it's been going on probably for 15+ years. I first did this back in 99 with my 97' SR5.

 

[SubSonic]

I agree carputers aren't anything new, but I doubt your desktop computers modified for car use were water and shock proof, had wifi internet built-in (Since AlGore just 'invented' the internet 16 years ago in 1993, lol) and seemlessly integrated legacy devices and GPS like the SwitchBack. Let's face it, 15 years ago, wireless internet was nonexistent (you needed to know how to install WinSock and then configure dial-up networking to get at it), touchscreen technology was in its infancy so far as functionality and durability (most ATMs still don't have it) and no one ever thought we'd need a 1 gig HD, much less multiple gigs of RAM.

No, I don't work for them. But I have worked with a SwitchBack and find it to be incredibly tough. Tougher than any other touchscreen tablet PC out there, by a huge wide great expansive margin. My point is, that this one box solves half the OP's initial problem, right out of the box - all he needs is a SB unit, some legacy interfaces (that he may need to build - the REALLY tough part of his project, including figuring out how to control the various computers within a T4R), the back-end code to drive those interfaces and their end-use compononents; and enough savvy to write a visual interface to control that back-end code.

In fact, after my initial post, it occurred to me that he (if he wants to stay in the WinXP line of OS in lieu of the less functional WinCE or the more functional but more complicated Linux) may want to write the back-end in some form of C and write the interface in Visual Basic. Their common controls are, well, common, and putting together a GUI is easier/quicker in VB than it is in C, C++ or C#. Well, unless he can code numerous reusable cascading style sheets in his sleep that is.

 

[FaceMugger]

Here is my inspiration for building a carputer: http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-mr2-carputer/1031437/

 

[Willy-02Runner]

I agree carputers aren't anything new, but I doubt your desktop computers modified for car use were water and shock proof, had wifi internet built-in (Since AlGore just 'invented' the internet 16 years ago in 1993, lol) and seemlessly integrated legacy devices and GPS like the SwitchBack. Let's face it, 15 years ago, wireless internet was nonexistent (you needed to know how to install WinSock and then configure dial-up networking to get at it), touchscreen technology was in its infancy so far as functionality and durability (most ATMs still don't have it) and no one ever thought we'd need a 1 gig HD, much less multiple gigs of RAM.

I have to disagree with you on this. There are thousands of people doing this, and have been for a while. There is specialized hardware easily found on the market for this purpose and it has gone a looooong way from just modified desktop computers. Check out the mp3car.com forums, there is a huge community dedicated to this. To give you an example, in my 2003 mustang i set up a carputer with a 2.6GHz CPU, 2 gigs of ram, 160 GB hard drive, GPS NAVI, wireless connectivity, bluetooth connection to my phone for internet and hands free phone calls, am/fm radio, satellite radio, touchscreen interface. I have had it in the car for about 4 years and never had a problem with shock or water, but if that is important to the builder, it is not hard to implement.

And that's just what I decided to use in mine, i've seen ones that have the temperature sensors, can manipulate the cars ECU (usually aftermarket racing ECUs), work the a/c controls... heck, i saw one that the guy could roll up/down the windows, lock/unlock the car, put down the convertible top and start the car from his PDA.

It can and has been done it is just a matter of how much time and effort you want to spend doing it, and $$$

to the OP: if you haven't already, check out mp3car.com you can get tons of ideas and support from there and there are tons of already written software and completely costumizable front ends for this type of project. You can always build your own, but at least you can get ideas on how other have done it.

I also have to agree with li_runner, it is a lot of work to maintain. Mine is based on Windows and every now and then it gets pissed and freezes up or stops recognizing the sound card, or the gps receiver. but overall i'm very happy with mine, it is a cool project and gets a lot of wows.

Good luck with your project!!

 

[coach]

I am selling one of my carPC systems from the car I just sold. SP13000 Via board, dvd burner, CF to IDE adapter, XM direct with custom PC serial cable and tons more.

http://www.sr20forum.com/electronics-gauges/209416-carpc-sale-dvd-gps-mp3-winxp.html

CarPC to me is the best way to go. They work great if you take your time on it and use good stuff. I have one in my titan and have one ready to go in the 4runner this spring.

Brent

 

[FaceMugger]

OK, here is an update for those of you who are interested...

I am going to develop the front-end in VB6, however I could be talked into using VB.net if anyone can make a strong case for it.

As for replacing the speed, RPM, fuel level, coolant temperature, etc. gages.. I have found that I can read this data from the car's onboard diagnostic (OBD) computer. Here are some good links on the subject:

OBD-II Scantool
OBD-II Programming
OBD-II PIDs

It seems as though replacing the HVAC controls will be the most difficult part of this project. My background is limited in this area but from what I have gathered, I can connect the wires from the HVAC controls to a relay board and control them from VB. Any input in this area would be greatly appreciated. It seems like most people in the carputer circles buy their sensing and control hardware from phidgets.com.


As for apps, I am probably going to go with Microsoft Streets and Trips for GPS and VLC for videos. Any suggestions for audio? Something that I can navigate through easily, something that displays album artwork and something capable of playing FLAC.

 

[Jimbo03T4R]

I know this thread is old but I wanted to see what the outcome of the project was? I'm looking into starting a carpc build and have been on mp3car.com gathering different ideas but I'm more interested in seeing what's been done with 4runners, particularly gen 4s.