A Carputer, or 'CarPC', is a general purpose computing platform installed in a vehicle. Until 2006, no OEM or major aftermarket supplier offered or supported carputer-class installations, limiting the installed base to the hobbyist, enthusiast and entrepreneur communities. In use as early as 2000, the term generally refers to contemporaneous personal computers retrofitted in a production model car.
Home made Carputer systems are usually built from traditional desktop components, particularly the increasingly compact small form factor systems and ITX systems. The first commercially available aftermarket Carputer systems involved two main components: a monitor in the dashboard and a PC in the trunk. There are now all-in-one systems that can directly replace the factory radio in a car, without any separate components.
Laptops also serve a useful role as Carputer system components, but laptops are harder to integrate cleanly into the car. The major problem developers face is the software that is to be installed. For instance, as of 2007 GPS navigation is a common OEM equippable option and roughly equates to a laptop running GPS software. Actually doing the comparison across a few dimensions is illustrative:
Home made Carputer systems are usually built from traditional desktop components, particularly the increasingly compact small form factor systems and ITX systems. The first commercially available aftermarket Carputer systems involved two main components: a monitor in the dashboard and a PC in the trunk. There are now all-in-one systems that can directly replace the factory radio in a car, without any separate components.
Laptops also serve a useful role as Carputer system components, but laptops are harder to integrate cleanly into the car. The major problem developers face is the software that is to be installed. For instance, as of 2007 GPS navigation is a common OEM equippable option and roughly equates to a laptop running GPS software. Actually doing the comparison across a few dimensions is illustrative:
Machine
The machine consists of a motherboard, processor, memory and data storage method. Data storage typically consists of a hard drive or solid state flash memory. Small form factor and low power consumption typically require the use of a micro-atx, or mini-itx board. Carputers are also available second-hand as aftermarket additions.
Screen
Commanding the Carputer is a very important factor when installaing one in a Car. Early Carputers (pre-2000) typically used LCD character displays to interface and play music. Commands were typically sent to the Carputer by means of a keyboard. Not far after the initial advent of the Carputer, many people started using a wireless serial port remote to control their machines. This was about the time that small TV screens became affordable. The majority of the first (affordable) Carputer screens were RCA video input only.
This awkward phase of sub-par display devices was frustrating to the Carputer community. Users had difficulty justifying $1000+ (now less then $200) for a nice screen, and for the most part, screens that nice were rare or just unavailable. Modern screens are leaps and bounds better than those just a few years ago. The most common modern-day screen that people use is the 7 inch VGA touch screen.[1]
Interface Hardware
In addition to the display unit, many other options exist to interact with a Carputer in a manner that does not distract the driver from the most important task - keeping the car on the road.
In 2005, users were beginning to experiment with Heads Up Display options, although these are typically custom built rather than mass produced.
Bluetooth devices are commonly used in the Carputer environment to wirelessly connect to GPS devices, mobile phones, or keyboards used to manage and maintain the system.
Other alternatives for control involve the use of either IR or RF connected remote controls for hands-only, driving-friendly control.
Interface Software
Interface software is what drives a Carputer system's hardware. The interface is very important because of the nature of the Carputer system. Typical use of a Carputer is while the vehicle is in motion. A well executed interface allows the user to concentrate on driving, rather than being distracted while looking at a screen in the vehicle's dash.
Available interface software varies depending on which operating system is utilized. Typically Windows operating systems have more options for interface software. However, there are many interface software solutions available for Macintosh and Linux as well. There are many freeware solutions available as well as shareware software that can only be used on a pay-for basis. Nearly all interface solutions offer the flexibility of customization.
Power
The most basic question those new to Carputers have is how to power the machine. Laptop users have an easier option, with the use of internal batteries. All other Carputer machines need one of two methods for power. One method is the use of an inverter; the other is the use of a DC-DC power supply.
Generally, houses (where computers are normally designed to be used) used AC (Alternating Current.) Automobiles, on the other hand, use DC (Direct Current.) PC power supplies are made to be used with Alternating Current. DC to DC power supplies are sold at most Carputer sites and are designed specifically for powering PCs in automobiles.
On a side note, when cranking a car the starter normally draws so much power that all other non-essential devices temporarily lose power. This normally would cause a booting computer to suddenly lose power, which isn't a good thing. With a bit of creative wiring, or an additional part, this issue could be taken care of quite easily. Modern DC-DC power supplies like the M2-ATX are able to provide a continuous, 12V power stream to a PC even when starting the engine.
Using the M2-ATX also solves the problem of the computer suddenly losing power when the ignition is cut. A hardware and software combination allows the computer to sense when the main power source has been cut and use the remaining power to safely shut the PC down. Several DC-DC PSUs now include shutdown controllers that connect to the car's ignition wire.
A DC-AC inverter, on the other hand, provides standard household current so that normal power supplies can be used. The disadvantage of this is efficiency. An inverter consumes more power and exudes more waste heat than an equivalent DC-DC power supply.
Audio Equipment
Typically people putting in a Carputer will use a standard audio amplifier hooked up to the Carputer and the speakers in the car. A Carputer itself does not output enough power to the speakers to make audio levels audible. Using an Amplifier will make the audio from the PC just as loud as it does when using a standard car radio.
Equalizing the audio is also very important to Carputer enthusiasts. With the use of software running on the Carputer, users have endless options to equalize the audio output from the Carputer. There are many different varieties of software that can handle audio better then any standard car equalizer. Typically car equalizers have 7-9 bands that you can adjust, but with computer software you can adjust up to 64 bands.
Other Circuits
Many people will use a series of relays to turn on devices such as the screen and amplifier. This is a very important part in a Carputer system, without these circuits to trigger on devices, other than the computer; you would have to manually turn them on after the computer would start up. Carputer enthusiasts usually want the process of the Carputer starting up easily and efficient, so these circuits make much of the process automated.
Basic features
Play music from CDs, hard drive (MP3s, other compressed files) or external device (USB/PCI FM radio receiver, etc)
Play video from DVDs, VCDs or from the hard drive (Note: Hard drives are sensitive to vibration, so driving with your Carputer turned on may shorten the life of the hard drive unless the hard drive is shock-proofed. Because laptop (2.5") hard drives are designed for such a portable device, they are generally more tolerant of shock and are an ideal choice over desktop (3.5") hard drives. Laptop hard drives are designed to endure the stress of moving and extreme conditions, unlike that of a desktop hard drive which is usually used as a stationary device, rarely if ever moved.
GPS: Provide location tracking, route planning/navigation, etc.
Satellite radio radio through external receivers. (Both Sirius and XM available)
AM/FM Radio (There are radio tuners that can be integrated and controlled by software)
Ease of operation through touchscreen display
Internet browsing through an eligible cell phone or wireless 802.11 connections
Hands free cell phone control via software with Bluetooth
Mobile office
Other external application support
Intermediate features
Display video from car mounted camera for backing up. (infrared cameras are available for backing up at night)
Record video from a webcam/mini-dv camera and store it to the carputer for later perusal. (good for recording close calls on the freeway - setup a rolling buffer which stores the last X minutes on button press)
Connect with your cars OBD-II interface and display real-time data on all diagnostic information available. (RPM/Temps/Speedo/etc.) Pull error codes immediately. Never wonder what a check-engine light is for again.
Wardriving: Using your 802.11b or g wireless connection and GPS, locate and log locations of wireless routers.
Play video games: Run an emulator and have every Atari game. Alternately include actual gaming system in the car.
Download traffic/weather information from internet. (use home WIFI or connect through mobile phone)
Connect to a mobile phone or other device using Bluetooth (useful for voice and data comms and synchronizing with PDAs, etc.)
Interfacing with factory steering wheel buttons or equivalent.
Provide night vision capability with infrared cameras.
Wireless synchronization of files between desktop and carputer
Use broadband internet phone options with cellular data card
Advanced features
Process video from car in real-time using image recognition software. Capture license plates and store in database with GPS location.
Using your GPS receiver, store logs of locations vs speed and time of day. This could be uploaded to a collaborative site for predicting travel times vs time of day. (very useful in areas where freeway congestion is variable)
Provide realtime tracking of vehicle location.
Process Audio from car in Virtual Studio Tecnology. With Consolvers, implusers, Ambiosonic and Ambiophonics. Harmonic fidelity near 100%
Advantages
Car computers can provide functions that a stereo system does not, such as internet connectivity.
No longer have to change CDs with a stereo. Rip all CDs to MP3's and store on the CarPC's hard drive
Add navigation to your vehicle
Utilize your CarPC screen even more by adding a backup camera to it
Internet connectivity available on the road
Disadvantages
Higher current draw from the car battery compared to a car stereo
Many hard drives can fail in a car environment
A brightly lit screen can be distracting at night although most complete solutions have a dim light feature
May receive a ticket in some states/provinces if playing a video, such as a movie, with the vehicle in motion and the primary display in the driver's field of view; regardless if the driver was intentionally trying to watch it or not.
The machine consists of a motherboard, processor, memory and data storage method. Data storage typically consists of a hard drive or solid state flash memory. Small form factor and low power consumption typically require the use of a micro-atx, or mini-itx board. Carputers are also available second-hand as aftermarket additions.
Screen
Commanding the Carputer is a very important factor when installaing one in a Car. Early Carputers (pre-2000) typically used LCD character displays to interface and play music. Commands were typically sent to the Carputer by means of a keyboard. Not far after the initial advent of the Carputer, many people started using a wireless serial port remote to control their machines. This was about the time that small TV screens became affordable. The majority of the first (affordable) Carputer screens were RCA video input only.
This awkward phase of sub-par display devices was frustrating to the Carputer community. Users had difficulty justifying $1000+ (now less then $200) for a nice screen, and for the most part, screens that nice were rare or just unavailable. Modern screens are leaps and bounds better than those just a few years ago. The most common modern-day screen that people use is the 7 inch VGA touch screen.[1]
Interface Hardware
In addition to the display unit, many other options exist to interact with a Carputer in a manner that does not distract the driver from the most important task - keeping the car on the road.
In 2005, users were beginning to experiment with Heads Up Display options, although these are typically custom built rather than mass produced.
Bluetooth devices are commonly used in the Carputer environment to wirelessly connect to GPS devices, mobile phones, or keyboards used to manage and maintain the system.
Other alternatives for control involve the use of either IR or RF connected remote controls for hands-only, driving-friendly control.
Interface Software
Interface software is what drives a Carputer system's hardware. The interface is very important because of the nature of the Carputer system. Typical use of a Carputer is while the vehicle is in motion. A well executed interface allows the user to concentrate on driving, rather than being distracted while looking at a screen in the vehicle's dash.
Available interface software varies depending on which operating system is utilized. Typically Windows operating systems have more options for interface software. However, there are many interface software solutions available for Macintosh and Linux as well. There are many freeware solutions available as well as shareware software that can only be used on a pay-for basis. Nearly all interface solutions offer the flexibility of customization.
Power
The most basic question those new to Carputers have is how to power the machine. Laptop users have an easier option, with the use of internal batteries. All other Carputer machines need one of two methods for power. One method is the use of an inverter; the other is the use of a DC-DC power supply.
Generally, houses (where computers are normally designed to be used) used AC (Alternating Current.) Automobiles, on the other hand, use DC (Direct Current.) PC power supplies are made to be used with Alternating Current. DC to DC power supplies are sold at most Carputer sites and are designed specifically for powering PCs in automobiles.
On a side note, when cranking a car the starter normally draws so much power that all other non-essential devices temporarily lose power. This normally would cause a booting computer to suddenly lose power, which isn't a good thing. With a bit of creative wiring, or an additional part, this issue could be taken care of quite easily. Modern DC-DC power supplies like the M2-ATX are able to provide a continuous, 12V power stream to a PC even when starting the engine.
Using the M2-ATX also solves the problem of the computer suddenly losing power when the ignition is cut. A hardware and software combination allows the computer to sense when the main power source has been cut and use the remaining power to safely shut the PC down. Several DC-DC PSUs now include shutdown controllers that connect to the car's ignition wire.
A DC-AC inverter, on the other hand, provides standard household current so that normal power supplies can be used. The disadvantage of this is efficiency. An inverter consumes more power and exudes more waste heat than an equivalent DC-DC power supply.
Audio Equipment
Typically people putting in a Carputer will use a standard audio amplifier hooked up to the Carputer and the speakers in the car. A Carputer itself does not output enough power to the speakers to make audio levels audible. Using an Amplifier will make the audio from the PC just as loud as it does when using a standard car radio.
Equalizing the audio is also very important to Carputer enthusiasts. With the use of software running on the Carputer, users have endless options to equalize the audio output from the Carputer. There are many different varieties of software that can handle audio better then any standard car equalizer. Typically car equalizers have 7-9 bands that you can adjust, but with computer software you can adjust up to 64 bands.
Other Circuits
Many people will use a series of relays to turn on devices such as the screen and amplifier. This is a very important part in a Carputer system, without these circuits to trigger on devices, other than the computer; you would have to manually turn them on after the computer would start up. Carputer enthusiasts usually want the process of the Carputer starting up easily and efficient, so these circuits make much of the process automated.
Basic features
Play music from CDs, hard drive (MP3s, other compressed files) or external device (USB/PCI FM radio receiver, etc)
Play video from DVDs, VCDs or from the hard drive (Note: Hard drives are sensitive to vibration, so driving with your Carputer turned on may shorten the life of the hard drive unless the hard drive is shock-proofed. Because laptop (2.5") hard drives are designed for such a portable device, they are generally more tolerant of shock and are an ideal choice over desktop (3.5") hard drives. Laptop hard drives are designed to endure the stress of moving and extreme conditions, unlike that of a desktop hard drive which is usually used as a stationary device, rarely if ever moved.
GPS: Provide location tracking, route planning/navigation, etc.
Satellite radio radio through external receivers. (Both Sirius and XM available)
AM/FM Radio (There are radio tuners that can be integrated and controlled by software)
Ease of operation through touchscreen display
Internet browsing through an eligible cell phone or wireless 802.11 connections
Hands free cell phone control via software with Bluetooth
Mobile office
Other external application support
Intermediate features
Display video from car mounted camera for backing up. (infrared cameras are available for backing up at night)
Record video from a webcam/mini-dv camera and store it to the carputer for later perusal. (good for recording close calls on the freeway - setup a rolling buffer which stores the last X minutes on button press)
Connect with your cars OBD-II interface and display real-time data on all diagnostic information available. (RPM/Temps/Speedo/etc.) Pull error codes immediately. Never wonder what a check-engine light is for again.
Wardriving: Using your 802.11b or g wireless connection and GPS, locate and log locations of wireless routers.
Play video games: Run an emulator and have every Atari game. Alternately include actual gaming system in the car.
Download traffic/weather information from internet. (use home WIFI or connect through mobile phone)
Connect to a mobile phone or other device using Bluetooth (useful for voice and data comms and synchronizing with PDAs, etc.)
Interfacing with factory steering wheel buttons or equivalent.
Provide night vision capability with infrared cameras.
Wireless synchronization of files between desktop and carputer
Use broadband internet phone options with cellular data card
Advanced features
Process video from car in real-time using image recognition software. Capture license plates and store in database with GPS location.
Using your GPS receiver, store logs of locations vs speed and time of day. This could be uploaded to a collaborative site for predicting travel times vs time of day. (very useful in areas where freeway congestion is variable)
Provide realtime tracking of vehicle location.
Process Audio from car in Virtual Studio Tecnology. With Consolvers, implusers, Ambiosonic and Ambiophonics. Harmonic fidelity near 100%
Advantages
Car computers can provide functions that a stereo system does not, such as internet connectivity.
No longer have to change CDs with a stereo. Rip all CDs to MP3's and store on the CarPC's hard drive
Add navigation to your vehicle
Utilize your CarPC screen even more by adding a backup camera to it
Internet connectivity available on the road
Disadvantages
Higher current draw from the car battery compared to a car stereo
Many hard drives can fail in a car environment
A brightly lit screen can be distracting at night although most complete solutions have a dim light feature
May receive a ticket in some states/provinces if playing a video, such as a movie, with the vehicle in motion and the primary display in the driver's field of view; regardless if the driver was intentionally trying to watch it or not.
source : Wikipedia
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