Notice: We request that you don't just set up a new account at this time if you are a previous user.
If you used to be one of our moderators, please feel free to reach out to Chris via the facebook Outerlimits4x4 group and he will get you set back up with access should he need you.
Recovery:If you cannot access your old email address and don't remember your password, please click here to log a change of email address so you can do a password reset.

Laptop car audio questions?

General Tech Talk

Moderators: toaddog, TWISTY, V8Patrol, Moderators

Post Reply
Posts: 293
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2003 5:32 pm
Location: sydney (penrith)

Laptop car audio questions?

Post by ROCKMUTT »

Guys im planning on setting up a laptop in my truck in the next few months will be running a seperate touch screen on the dash and using Ozi explorer for gps

What i want to know tho is it possible to use my media player on the laptop full of music and connect it to a head deck via usb connection and play my music through my car stereo ?? is it possible do i need some sort of program to do this? and can i do this while running Ozi on my touch screeen at the same time?

cheers shane
94 GQ ST LWB TD42 ,DTS turbo,3 inch exhaust,snorkel,dual batts,3 inch lift,30mm coil spacers,Warn 9000,ARB bar,33x12.5x15 MTz's on black sunnys
Posts: 249
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2004 6:00 pm
Location: West Aus

Post by KaMo »

Do you already have a head unit with USB capabilities do you?

A lot of head units have means for an AUX input in the back. You may need an adapter to go from the head units particular plug too a left and right rca plug. And then you just get a cable that has two rca plugs to a headphone jack plug. Headphone jack into your computer...rca plugs to head unit/headunit-rca adapter...set head unit to 'aux' and wala.
Posts: 286
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:13 pm
Location: Perth WA

Post by smileysmoke »

headphone jack being 3.5mm if you are looking at dicksmith.. i would do that personally.
an mp3 deck would be a lot easier and wouldnt require having your laptop running all the time.. plus laptop hdds can take a beating but i doubt it will last too long with prolonged bumping round whilst reading and writing..
just a thought.
Posts: 293
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2003 5:32 pm
Location: sydney (penrith)

Post by ROCKMUTT »

i havent got a usb head deck yet but might be getting one soon
94 GQ ST LWB TD42 ,DTS turbo,3 inch exhaust,snorkel,dual batts,3 inch lift,30mm coil spacers,Warn 9000,ARB bar,33x12.5x15 MTz's on black sunnys
Posts: 2944
Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2003 5:47 pm
Location: Manjimup, Western Australia

Post by ausyota »

It would be a great idea for watching DVDs on the lappy.
Plumb the audio though the stereo with subs etc :D
R.I.P Brock Fontanini 28-3-06 - 16-2-08
www.teamcarnage.net
Banned
Posts: 382
Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:50 pm
Location: Brisbane

Post by striker99 »

Another option is to get a hold of a connection for laptop audio output that outputs a FM raido frequency so you can tune it in on your radio to get the audio.
http://www.4wdtv.com.au - The best 4wd show on earth!!!!
Posts: 293
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2003 5:32 pm
Location: sydney (penrith)

Post by ROCKMUTT »

can you get these connections striker?
94 GQ ST LWB TD42 ,DTS turbo,3 inch exhaust,snorkel,dual batts,3 inch lift,30mm coil spacers,Warn 9000,ARB bar,33x12.5x15 MTz's on black sunnys
Posts: 200
Joined: Sun Mar 19, 2006 4:29 pm
Location: Launceston

Post by CairnsZook »

ausyota wrote:It would be a great idea for watching DVDs on the lappy.
Plumb the audio though the stereo with subs etc :D
Just like being at the drive in....

Not many around these days. :cry:
Posts: 3099
Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2002 10:55 am
Location: Central Queensland

Post by BundyRumandCoke »

You could use an MP3 transmitter for the same purpose. Instead of into the headphone jack of the MP3, it would be into the jack of the laptop.
Mud makes excellent toothpaste.
Posts: 271
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:13 pm
Location: Melbourne

Post by Shorti »

CairnsZook wrote:
ausyota wrote:It would be a great idea for watching DVDs on the lappy.
Plumb the audio though the stereo with subs etc :D
Just like being at the drive in....

Not many around these days. :cry:
Only one in Perth and i live 2km away from it :D
Posts: 286
Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 11:13 pm
Location: Perth WA

Post by smileysmoke »

theres a drivein over here? for real where?! :D
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:53 pm

Re: Laptop car audio questions?

Post by Dak Dak »

Shane, another option to throw into the mix: Replace your car stereo with an amp. Run an audio jack - RCA lead from your laptop to the amp and power your speakers this way. Can do away with the head unit (leaves a nice space for extra mounting gauges or UHF radio) and you can crank things up a little with the amp. Only thing is you don't have radio....
Posts: 1950
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2005 2:15 pm
Location: While you were reading this I sent dirty text messages to your mum.

Post by Mowie »

ausyota wrote:It would be a great idea for watching DVDs on the lappy.
Plumb the audio though the stereo with subs etc :D
Even better being able to watch all that pr0n that ya have downloaded from the net :D :D :D
[quote="chimpboy"]I might be reading that wrong, but it sounds like you are saying you want to come out of the closet and then rape my bottom or something..?
[/quote]
Posts: 293
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2003 5:32 pm
Location: sydney (penrith)

Post by ROCKMUTT »

94 GQ ST LWB TD42 ,DTS turbo,3 inch exhaust,snorkel,dual batts,3 inch lift,30mm coil spacers,Warn 9000,ARB bar,33x12.5x15 MTz's on black sunnys
Posts: 5714
Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2002 3:55 pm
Location: Perth WA.

Post by nicbeer »

smileysmoke wrote:theres a drivein over here? for real where?! :D
Near my place :lol: kingsley

Nic
[url=http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/viewtopic.php?p=930942#930942&highlight=]Zook[/url]
U SUK Zook Built and Sold.
New rig is 97 80 DX. 2" list 33s
Posts: 3132
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2005 3:22 pm
Location: Newy

Post by HotFourOk »

Can anyone comment on the sound quality when using FM transmitters such as the units available for iPods and the eBay link above??
If it is normal radio quality, I would hate it....
[quote="RockyF70 - Coming out of the closet"]i'd be rushing out and buying an IFS rocky[/quote]
Posts: 271
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:13 pm
Location: Melbourne

Post by Shorti »

HotFourOk wrote:Can anyone comment on the sound quality when using FM transmitters such as the units available for iPods and the eBay link above??
If it is normal radio quality, I would hate it....
I think it is average. You really notice it when you turn up the volume a bit.

Personally if I were to do this setup id use a small laptop or even better a 12v computer from Bitdistribution.com.au and also an 8 inch touch screen. You could run the output from the sound card to an aux input on the audio deck. You could also run tomtom and oziexplorer, watch dvds etc.. Corugations and hdd is something to worry about though.
Posts: 357
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2003 3:30 am
Location: Mount Beauty

Post by Trusa »

HotFourOk wrote:Can anyone comment on the sound quality when using FM transmitters such as the units available for iPods and the eBay link above??
If it is normal radio quality, I would hate it....
It is like normal radio quality. There is no comparison between using a cable link (any cable link) and an FM modulator. Especially if using at high volume and wanting clarity, it's just not possible using FM. However, they do serve a purpose well.
Posts: 271
Joined: Mon Mar 13, 2006 7:13 pm
Location: Melbourne

Post by Shorti »

Trusa wrote:
HotFourOk wrote:Can anyone comment on the sound quality when using FM transmitters such as the units available for iPods and the eBay link above??
If it is normal radio quality, I would hate it....
It is like normal radio quality. There is no comparison between using a cable link (any cable link) and an FM modulator. Especially if using at high volume and wanting clarity, it's just not possible using FM. However, they do serve a purpose well.
I think they are sub radio quality ... but that may have been the one i had (which is gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere now).
Banned
Posts: 382
Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:50 pm
Location: Brisbane

Post by striker99 »

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BELKIN-TuneCast- ... dZViewItem

Thats almost same as one I have except mine is different colours :D works great.
http://www.4wdtv.com.au - The best 4wd show on earth!!!!
Posts: 2158
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:16 am
Location: New Zealand

Post by KiwiBacon »

Shorti wrote: I think they are sub radio quality ... but that may have been the one i had (which is gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere now).
The one I bought was absolute crap. Picked up a steady tick, tick, tick from somewhere and put it straight through your speakers. :bad-words:

Serves me right for paying $15 (incl postage) and expecting something useful.
Posts: 236
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2005 8:24 pm
Location: Brisbane

Post by Rb25sil80 »

ROCKMUTT wrote:can you get these connections striker?
You can buy them for an ipod so I dont see why not!
2002 Hilux Dual Cab - 2.7L Pet 5spd - TJM Steel Bullbar - 31" Wrangler MTR's - Lightforce 240's - Backyard Custom's Roof Console & DIN Slot Panel
Posts: 394
Joined: Mon Jan 15, 2007 2:03 pm
Location: Perth - NOR, WA

Post by Dooley »

Shorti wrote:
HotFourOk wrote:Can anyone comment on the sound quality when using FM transmitters such as the units available for iPods and the eBay link above??
If it is normal radio quality, I would hate it....
I think it is average. You really notice it when you turn up the volume a bit.

Personally if I were to do this setup id use a small laptop or even better a 12v computer from Bitdistribution.com.au and also an 8 inch touch screen. You could run the output from the sound card to an aux input on the audio deck. You could also run tomtom and oziexplorer, watch dvds etc.. Corugations and hdd is something to worry about though.
Hookup a laptop HDD, they're better for vibration and shock.


To the OP, thought about a DAC... ?

I've got one right here that goes from USB to 2 x RCA, this one is DIY but you can buy them. May be a bit expensive though...
04 Ford Courier TD
Bye, bye Sierra... :'(
Posts: 26
Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:22 pm

Post by muckute »

FM transmitters have reasonable quality but if you want clear sound straight off your computer then you will need a head unit or amp with an aux line that will run direct from the laptop.

The USB input in most head units will only read USB flash drives they won't allow you to connect the laptop direct to the head unit.

I run a laptop when touring for GPS duties also but for the music i have a head unit that will read USB/SD cards and have 2x2Gb memory sticks that i use for music. If i get sick of what's on the stick (not often since they hold about 40 cd's worth) then i just use the computer to load more tunes

The sound quality is great and cos its not on CD theres no skipping or scratched disks
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 47 guests