Touch Screen for GPS in car

Post by **LOCKEE** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 6:58 pm

Used for the first time, a 8 inch touch screen linked to computer with Ozi Explorer and GPS.

I was impressed.

What would be the best way to achieve this set up on a budget?

My concerns are power supply and reliability in a pig truck.

Does anyone have experience with the dedicated car computers and wireless links in this application.

Looking forward to your input.

Post by **beretta** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 7:41 pm

Lots of different styles around, you can get a complete set up that is DIN sized with an 8" monitor for around $1500-$2000, search on ebay theres occasionally a couple on there.

Post by **LOCKEE** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:16 pm

Already have a Garmin 128 that can interface, so was looking for a set up other than a FX324.

Thoughts were,

8 inch Touch Screen

Dedicated Car computer with OziExplorer rather than laptop with power supply issues.

Wireless Keyboard with traking mouse for easy input.

Could also be used to play dvds etc

Post by **longlux** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:39 pm

I like this setup

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic ... ht=#964449

Post by **turps** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:44 pm

Lockee-
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... :IT&ih=001
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... :IT&ih=019

this should work well. Full car pc.

Post by **DaveS3** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 8:59 pm

I am in the process of doing this - so far cost me $330 (I already have GPS)

Got a computer for nix (P4, Disk drives,CD etc)

Went to a computer swap meet and bought a really small desktop case (Slimline flat ones not tower for 20 bucks)

Bout 8'' TFT Screen @ $300 new from a local shop/bloke with 1 year warranty. (PM for details, I'll throw you the guys number)
You could probably do better over ebay but its not in Aus for convenience and theres heaps of messing about.

Next is power supply - anticipating about $70 from the stages or less.
With these I will rip the 240V power supply and wire/plug directly as I dont want some dodge240/12v converter

This is for a 12v one with shut down controller etc.

I can build myself (Its piss easy) then install which shouldn't be a drama

Maybe some extra bits and pieces for that but no more than $20 or so.

Will be in the car for ~$400 - $450 which will be sweet.

I was trying to buy a FX324 but couldn't find any for a reasonable price hence this route. There is a bit of messing around but hopefully should be worth it.

Cheers Dave.

Post by **-Scott-** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 9:21 pm

Sounds a little like my car PC - built for downloading camera pics, and also used to keep a trip log. I keep telling myself the GPS will come "one day."

Mini-ITX board & 8" touch screen - left-overs from R&D project at my last job.
Case with DC-DC ATX supply, laptop HDD, slimline CD burner, WinXP all from Eyo.

Works well - when my dodgy-brothers wiring holds up.

Post by **T_Diesel** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:32 pm

I went up the Savannah Way a couple of years ago and one of the blokes that came on that trip had a lexus with an 8" touch screen connected to his laptop and GPS off an inverter in the back. He just mounted it on a swivel bracket and had it hard wired down to the rear of the truck where his laptop was. It worked well and was a great setup. I think from memory, the touch screen was about $300 from Jay car.

Post by **Chucky** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:55 pm

I just bought a 7" touchscreen off ebay for $92 delivered.

I have built a 12v car pc using old peices lying around and used parts from work, I am using a garmin etrek gps at the moment but will get a usb mouse gps reciever soon off ebay, their only about $100 delivered.
I am also using a free front end I got off http://www.mp3car.com that runs the music (MP3) and by using designator software and mapmonkey I get turn by turn navigation as well as the oziexplore when I need it.
Not including software my system has come in for way less then $400.
Soon it will also have wifi as well as bluetooth, so it will also become a in car phone kit, the wifi will be able to check emails and will automaticaly udate music off the home computer as well as load into the home computer photos, gps plots and anything else I feel it.
Takes abit to organise and learn, well worth it in the end.

Post by **ISUZUROVER** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 3:08 pm

-Scott- wrote: Works well - when my dodgy-brothers wiring holds up.

You're an electrical engineer - the wiring should be perfect. A mate of mine (also an electrical engineer) rewired his landie, and it looks better than the wiring on the space stuttle!

Back on topic, who has been using a computer for a while in dustry conditions, and how is it holding up?

Post by **-Scott-** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 6:26 pm

ISUZUROVER wrote:
-Scott- wrote: Works well - when my dodgy-brothers wiring holds up.
You're an electrical engineer - the wiring should be perfect. A mate of mine (also an electrical engineer) rewired his landie, and it looks better than the wiring on the space stuttle!

Sorry boss. I'll fix it before my next trip.

Post by **Pinball** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 8:46 am

ISUZUROVER wrote:
-Scott- wrote: Works well - when my dodgy-brothers wiring holds up.
You're an electrical engineer - the wiring should be perfect. A mate of mine (also an electrical engineer) rewired his landie, and it looks better than the wiring on the space stuttle!

Back on topic, who has been using a computer for a while in dustry conditions, and how is it holding up?

Just coz he got the brains... (assuming he's had a few years in the field to recover from the stupefecation of getting the degree) don't mean he's got the hands...

however... i got a similar question... i already run a setup, but we are looking at decking another rig and as this one won't be playing quite as hard, the thought of in car DIN mount units etc seems viable... how do they stand up to vibration/bumps of dirt track touring and low level mud/rock work?

btw... mines a MIG from Control Synergy;

http://www.pointnshoot.org/modules.php? ... ntent&id=2

Post by **Loanrangie** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:02 pm

A couple of weeks ago i got a gps mouse off ebay from the uk for $58 delivered, you get the choice of pda connection with cigi adapter or usb for pcc connection, its a sirfstar chipset and sat fix is good.

Post by **GUJohnno** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:19 pm

LOCKEE wrote: What would be the best way to achieve this set up on a budget?

Talk to Rudi, as with everything, his was done on a budget but works well by all reports. Around $400 including screen.

Post by **stuee** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 1:33 pm

Chucky wrote: I am also using a free front end I got off http://www.mp3car.com that runs the music (MP3) and by using designator software and mapmonkey I get turn by turn navigation as well as the oziexplore when I need it.

What front end are you using? RoadRunner? When operating the other programs do you have to quit to the OS then open them or can you intergrate them into the front end so they open through that?

Post by **Chucky** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 5:27 pm

I run media impact at the moment, I just run the front end all the time and when I want to start something else (such as oziexplore) I just run it as a application from the front end.
The front end deals with all my music, blue tooth car stuff, photo and video's, as well as turn by turn navigation, this is based on the designator maps.

I am alot happier with media impact than road runner as it is alot more user freindly, but know I kinda know what I'm doing I might give RR another go and see where I end up.

Post by **Rb25sil80** » Sat Apr 28, 2007 11:12 pm

DaveS3 wrote:
Next is power supply - anticipating about $70 from the stages or less.
With these I will rip the 240V power supply and wire/plug directly as I dont want some dodge240/12v converter

This is for a 12v one with shut down controller etc.

Cheers Dave.

Hi Dave could you possibly give us some more information on the powewr supply you plan on using? I was looking at using my old desktop pc through a 300W inverter but havnt gotten around to it yet. I was a bit concerned about the power dropping out when you turn the car off/on ect. Any links to the 12v converter and shutdown controller you are using?

Thanks
Brad

Post by **LOCKEE** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:15 am

Thanks all.

My thoughts are either to grab a new dedicated 12v Computer or do as Dave S3 is doing and changing the power pack in a desktop to 12V,

My concerns, just like some FX324's and almost all of the laptops running inverters is that when winching or starting they loose enough power to shutdown.

Great when you are in the middle of a stage and have to replot or even reboot and reaquire satalites.

The other problem is my truck is only used for 4wding, and the electrics are set up to give maximum winching and cranking. Also the dust mud and water ingress is pretty high as is falling over and general rough treatment.

Was also thinkink that touchscreen could be redundant if I had a wireless kewbord with tracking styke mouse like a laptop. The stylus on screen was a bit dodgy or was it my bourbon intake?

Post by **-Scott-** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 10:59 am

LOCKEE wrote:My concerns, just like some FX324's and almost all of the laptops running inverters is that when winching or starting they loose enough power to shutdown.

Great when you are in the middle of a stage and have to replot or even reboot and reaquire satalites.

Look at a small SLA (say 7Ah?) mounted near the computer, to hold up the voltage at your computer while starting/winching.

Worst case, you may need an isolator to isolate the small battery while winching/starting. Many isolators will automatically isolate the second battery when the main battery drops - to protect the main battery from being flattened. It will effectively protect a small auxiliary battery from trying to drive the starter/winch.

Post by **V8 Middy** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 4:28 pm

-Scott- wrote:Sounds a little like my car PC - built for downloading camera pics, and also used to keep a trip log. I keep telling myself the GPS will come "one day."

Mini-ITX board & 8" touch screen - left-overs from R&D project at my last job.
Case with DC-DC ATX supply, laptop HDD, slimline CD burner, WinXP all from Eyo.

Works well - when my dodgy-brothers wiring holds up.

Pretty much exactly what I'm running. Mini ITX board and I think the DC-DC power supply from eyo.com.au

Post by **MKPatrolGuy** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 6:36 pm

-Scott- wrote:
LOCKEE wrote:My concerns, just like some FX324's and almost all of the laptops running inverters is that when winching or starting they loose enough power to shutdown.

Great when you are in the middle of a stage and have to replot or even reboot and reaquire satalites.
Look at a small SLA (say 7Ah?) mounted near the computer, to hold up the voltage at your computer while starting/winching.

Worst case, you may need an isolator to isolate the small battery while winching/starting. Many isolators will automatically isolate the second battery when the main battery drops - to protect the main battery from being flattened. It will effectively protect a small auxiliary battery from trying to drive the starter/winch.

For a small SLA battery, look at the battery from a key start push mower (ie Victa or Rover) they are 7.2Ah and retail for about $55. If you want on PM me and I'll sort you out a better price

Post by **V8 Middy** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:17 pm

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.as ... &SUBCATID=

I did exactly that, charged through a diode to make sure its never drained by anything else

Post by **Hardy** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 10:18 pm

What about a Tablet PC?

I've got two of 'em - they cost me more than I'd sell 'em for - not factoring in time spent working out way to re-install OS.
One is PII 500mhz 64MB W2000 other is PIII 600mhz 128 MB XP1 both w/ 15GB HDD
$330 & $550 respectively.
Old School but compact, cheap AND THEY HAVE TOUCH SCREENS !!!

I bought a new Laptop for work plus I have kick-arse Tablet PC / Wireless Rovacoms in stock so don't need these units anymore.

Have a search on eBay too - Tablet PC's tend to pop up from time to time.

Hardy

Post by **stephen** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:30 am

I also use a Tablet pc in my opinion if you can get a hold of one they are by far the best option, I have a Fujitsu tablet pIII they have an 8.5" touch screen are very compact with a 20gig drive, It runs XP with ozi and free drive, they have a cf and pcmcia slot on the side, I run a cf gps and a wireless network card to update it from the driveway, For power they just have a 12v travel adapter, plus obviously a built in battery as well. In addition to the gps I can get online at wireless hotspots from the car, audio out to a fm transmitter for MP3's and play movies.

Post by **grazza** » Tue May 01, 2007 11:48 am

I am thinking of setting one up for the boat.

I would use an old laptop since these are designed for low power for long battery life, and a reasonably rugged, unlike cheap PC cases.

I have a 1.8" 4Gb compact-flash hard disk and a converter so I can mount this in the 2.5" hard disk bay. The 1.8" drive uses 10% power of the old hard disk. (Dont use a flash disk for this)
I will remove all unneccessary components from the laptop, such as modem, LAN card, etc...to make it even lower power.
Pick a laptop which natively runs aorund 12V - then you dont need an inverter. I have heard of 10V-16V laptops working fine off 12V.
I will probably run XP Embedded (Windows PE) or Windows 98 (cut down for fast boot) and run in suspend mode.
Then run OziExplorer with either my old Magellan GPS or a GPS mouse.
8" touchscreens are around $200 on eBay.
The laptop will live under the passenger seat when in the car.

Post by **eliteforce32** » Tue May 01, 2007 5:51 pm

can i ask what programs you need to run these gps mouse recivers? just got given one with some lead-tec? software..... i can start the program and it show the current position for satilites but nothing else. do i need this program to run the map software... like the ones listed above? or do these software bases run it all on a computer? any help would be great or pint me into the rught directions

cheers
simon

Post by **Loanrangie** » Tue May 01, 2007 9:18 pm

eliteforce32 wrote:can i ask what programs you need to run these gps mouse recivers? just got given one with some lead-tec? software..... i can start the program and it show the current position for satilites but nothing else. do i need this program to run the map software... like the ones listed above? or do these software bases run it all on a computer? any help would be great or pint me into the rught directions

cheers
simon

You will need something like Ozi Explorer if you want mapping capabilities and to use a moving map feature.

Post by **eliteforce32** » Wed May 02, 2007 5:22 pm

ur a scholar and a gentleman

........ thats the info i needed

cheers
simon

Post by **The Crow** » Thu May 03, 2007 7:15 am

I built my DC - DC computer using old computer parts it has a 12v power source that turns the computer on when I start the car. I have set the jumpers on the psu so the the computer will shut itself down after 40mins. The computer sits under the passenger seat. It is a pentium4 1600 with 1.2 gig Ram and a 60 gig laptop hard drive running XP professional and Digital Dash 5, Trackranger Pro 5 and UBD City Street directories, DVD burner and wireless network card so I can get updates off the net. It is also connected to the car cd player so that I can play the 11gig of mp3 music on the hard drive this saves carrying a lot of cds. I have a 7ins indash touch screen it all works well. The 150w PSU and touch screen came from the states these were the most costly things for the build. I had everything else on hand.

Post by **LOCKEE** » Fri Jul 20, 2007 3:27 pm

So who can supply everything I need at a reasonable price?

Touch Screen
12v Power supply PC
Etc Etc.

Sure some of you web wheelers can makethis happen.

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