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I've bought a used xv6600 off ebay which I'm going to convert to a carpc.
As a first time BA user, i have a few questions.
I have read the wiki/searched the forum, but I'm a bit mixed up and hence posting this thread.
installed versions on the phone:
model: PH20A2
ROM version: 1.36.00 WWE
ROM date 01/13/05
radio HA01_151
protocol AA.3.3.3.01
PRL 50619
extrom 1.36.116 WWE
hardware version 0041
a few notes:
- Its not going to be used as a phone as I can't register it with my local cellular provider (although they do support CMDA EVDO) - so I couldnt care less about if its radio works..
- Its going to be paired to a BT GPS from socket.
- the BA/xv6600 is going to be permanently mounted into the car (I'm still designing how, it would be in horizontal mode though).
- since It'll be permanently mounted, I won't (and couldnt) use the keyboard..
- audio out is going to be used to connect to an external speaker
- the BA will be charged from the car's 12v (always connected).
my questions are:
1) where could I find schematics for getting audio output (if exists), as well as where to connect the charge directly to the BA's connector.
I have only a cradle, no sync cable, which means I'd probably have to open up the BA and soldier directly, or get a connector...
2) should I connect audio out to the connector (if possible?) or the 2.5mm output on top of the device.. ?
3) I'd be interested in upgrading to WM5, I've read on the forums that it isn't possible on the CDMA versions because the radio doesnt work (or does it?). Since I don't care about the radio, could I install WM5 ? which ROM would be suitable for my BA model ?
awaiting your answers,
thanks!
Sounds like a neat project
ido said:
- the BA will be charged from the car's 12v (always connected).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be a bad idea...car batteries are designed to give out high power for short periods, not low constant drains. Personally I'd connect it to the ignition circuit so it's only powered when the ACC line is live. This will also turn it off for you after X minutes if you use the "auto-power off on batteries" function. It may even turn it on for you!
1) where could I find schematics for getting audio output (if exists), as well as where to connect the charge directly to the BA's connector.
I have only a cradle, no sync cable, which means I'd probably have to open up the BA and soldier directly, or get a connector...
2) should I connect audio out to the connector (if possible?) or the 2.5mm output on top of the device.. ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The connector does have audio available. Buy a cable and hack it because if you mess it up you just buy another. Messing up the connector itself on the phone is more fatal. I think the schematic is on the wiki for the actual pin outs.
You might also find these useful:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Connectors
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-235616.html
yes after constant searching , i also found those threads.
Yet I'm wondering, some connectors don't include all 22 pins, but only the ones actually used for charging (for example) - and then it'll be really hard to hack them.
I guess i'll just have to hope I buy one that does have all 22 pins installed... unless you have other idea's for me.
Also, for the charger, you're right, I didn't mention that, but thats somewhat my intention.
Since the unit will be permanently mounted, I won't be able to sync it (unless I bring a laptop to my car) - could I somehow get a two SD cards installed at once to the unit ?
ido said:
yes after constant searching , i also found those threads.
Yet I'm wondering, some connectors don't include all 22 pins, but only the ones actually used for charging (for example) - and then it'll be really hard to hack them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's correct. If you get a charge & sync cable you'll have most. Might need to take audio from the 2.5mm jack in that case. That's probably the simplest solution if you cannot get a fully wired one. I'm interested in this sort of thing, so if you could post an update on what you go with I'd be grateful.
Since the unit will be permanently mounted, I won't be able to sync it (unless I bring a laptop to my car) - could I somehow get a two SD cards installed at once to the unit ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt you could get two SD cards. What may be possible is some sort of SD card extension device. Never seen one (never looked), but if it existed you could have a dash-mounted SD card.
Bluetooth or WiFi might help you e.g. with WiFi you could browse a network share to copy music over from your house. Also, there is a tool for WM5 that turns the phone into a keydrive, i.e. a USB mass storage device. Unless you need contacts etc sync'ed, that might be a bit simpler & give you more options to what you can hook up for.
PS bluetooth on WM5 isn't all that great. There is a "fix" that wakes the device now and then. This would light up your car overnight and might possibly be a thief magnet. On the other hand, if the battery dies on WM2003, you lose the data on it.
- At first I thought of making the device extractable, so I thought it'll be better to use the connector on the bottom for audio, but I've decided not to go this route (more complications and harder to make - also makes it easier for thieves.
So I'm probably going to go for the 2.5mm jack for audio.
- as for SD, since the SD slot won't be accessible, I thought of making an SD slot on the dashboard - and I'd like to switch between both.
an SD is connected via 9 pins, meaning making an SD switch is possible, but you wouldn't be able to use both.. thus I was wondering if software/hardware wise there is a builtin capabilty of such a thing as using two SD's at once. that'll be really cool.
- unfortunatly my XV6600 does not have WIFI, and BT is NOT an option for syncing (too slow !! - just imagine syncing 2gb of audio/vid via bluetooth..)
the two idea's I've had is making a USB connector on the dash (just incase I can get a laptop in the car..)
and the other, was the dash SD slot..
- for bluetooth, can't I just disable auto wakeup ?
- how will upgrading to WM5 save my data even if the battery drains ? its the same RAM chip's, not flash ROM, isn't that right ?
- as for HR's, the question is if I can somehow get the unit to 'working order' by installing software from the SD card, without actually syncing it to a computer..
fraser: Since I'm going to be connecting the ppc to the ignition circuit, and I'd also like to have a USB connector on the dashboard, I'd need to switch between the two.
i already have a car 12v connector -> usb charger device.
Should I buy a SYNC cable and convert it to charger, or car charger and convert it to USB cable ?
(although car charger might not have all the right pins..)
ido said:
thus I was wondering if software/hardware wise there is a builtin capabilty of such a thing as using two SD's at once. that'll be really cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never heard of that I'm afraid. A switcher may work, but make sure there aren't any other physical switches that get tripped when you put a card in.
- for bluetooth, can't I just disable auto wakeup ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, this BT issue is the biggest one on WM5
- how will upgrading to WM5 save my data even if the battery drains ? its the same RAM chip's, not flash ROM, isn't that right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's different ones. WM5 uses the "storage" area for your personal data; you now no longer have /storage as it's all in there. The RAM becomes proper RAM, although you can use some of it as a ramdisk with the same loss-of-power issues as WM2003.
- as for HR's, the question is if I can somehow get the unit to 'working order' by installing software from the SD card, without actually syncing it to a computer..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I do. I've stopped using the PC installers, there is enough junk on my PC. Just find the cabs for the apps and keep a copy on the SD card.
Not all apps have cabs.. so that might be a problem.
as well as I'll have to make pre-made .reg fixes just incase I'll have to HR.
as for WM5, if I install it, won't I have less free space then ?
ido said:
Not all apps have cabs.. so that might be a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can extract the cabs in various ways. Some exe's can even be opened in winrar.
as for WM5, if I install it, won't I have less free space then ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can reformat the storage area to 60 meg before the upgrade. Only before though. You don't get a memory slider like in WM2003.
Still, I'm not so sure on WM5 being the best for you. You'd want to have reliable BT and I'm not sure it is on WM5.
So I guess I'll stick with WM2003 for the time being.
I'm ordering an SD slot for the dashboard, as well as a USB connector.
Another Idea I've had is the need for the hardreset as well as reset button.
to which version should I upgrade my rom then ?
ido said:
- an SD is connected via 9 pins, meaning making an SD switch is possible, but you wouldn't be able to use both.. thus I was wondering if software/hardware wise there is a builtin capabilty of such a thing as using two SD's at once. that'll be really cool. ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry to butt-in but, someone had done that before: SD-WiFi & SD Mem Card in parallel on the same 9 pin source: pda sd expansion.
a switch might be of help if you don't want to use the two slots simultaneously.
Yes I've seen that. Its a pretty lame hack if you read it to the end.
there's a better link with larger photo's for anyone interested:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.hutchinson27/pockpc/
also, his project doesnt seem to work at the same time, and I've decided not to go with the switch route.
I'm reading a lot of the SD specs, So there is a very slim possibility I'll be able to get two cards to co-exist (and I would love some proffesional help if any of you guys know more about SD's then I do).
if not, then I'll just make an SD slot on the dashboard..
Here is a little something I wanted to share with the group though it is quite possible it will be of no interest to anyone here. Still, blabbing seems to be allowed in this section so here goes.
Today I was going through some long unopened drawers at the office and ran in to a real antique: An HP Jornada 710.
I read about these devices before, how some people still experiment with them running Linux and stuff.
Well, I decided to see what the fuss was about but of course non of its original accessories were anywhere to be found.
Fortunately I have a 'heavy duty' 1000mA universal DC adapter at home that after some struggling I managed to connect to the device. (Mind you this is a particularly hungry little toy - 12V, 2.5A)
And to my surprise it came to life almost immediately after at least 3 years of lying dormant in a draw.
What surprised me even more, was what I found on the desktop of the unit. I worked with Win CE 4.2 and 5 devices but I really didn't expect that the old "Hand Held PC" derivative would have Power Point and Mobile Access apps preinstalled in ROM. (Just for the power point we had to wait through 3.5 Windows Mobile versions 2000, 2002, 2003 / SE).
All in all I found this 6 year old device to be more impressive then many WM5 devices I've seen.
Well right now I left it to charge over night and will take it back to the office in the morning for show and tell.
I doubt I will attempt changing the ROM, but I am trying to think of a neat use for it since it seems a shame to put such a device back in the draw.
Ow well, just thought I share, any comments, thoughts etc. are welcomed.
You should read Pocket PC Expert more! They have adverts in every magazine asking to buy, and also selling these devices. I still think that they were nearly the best form factor ever made - I loved my Psion 5, and still think in many ways it's the sexiest device I've used.
Someone should really refactor these devices - slightly thinner, foldback screen to use as a tablet (like Univeral), and it would be a beautiful "on the go" business companion.
Then again, we have Athena. $1100 right?!
V
Is that the one with the built in dial up modem?
OdeeanRDeathshead said:
Is that the one with the built in dial up modem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not unless there suppose to be some special cable for it that plugs in to a phone socket.
The software is there, even a dedicated button on the side of the screen but nothing that would look like a modem socket on the device it self.
One crazy though: I have a 3COM PCMCIA WiFi card for my old Toshiba laptop.
If that had a driver for CE (which I am pretty sure it doesn't) maybe it could have worked on the Jornada (probably not because of power requirements or interface version) and that would make a neat terminal.
Oh well, for now the adapter seems to have fried (no external damage, but the indicator light no longer comes on and something is loose inside).
I think the unit is still OK but the battery doesn't hold charge so for now all experiments are on hold.
I still have my iPAQ H3630 (UK) which I upgraded to PPC2002. I have the Stowaway Keyboard and the PC Card Expansion Jacket and used to use a 2GB PC Card HDD in there way back when!
Last week the internal battery died :-(
I need to see if its economically viable to repair....
Hey guys,
Well I wish to start a small project, where a computer should be able to access wireless internet (3G/HSDPA), WiFi, make calls, maybe use bluetooth, etc... Then I realized that my old HTC TyTn II has all that features... And its faster than the PC im gonne use.
Problem is my HTC screen cracked. So I cant see anything. Thats why I wondered if its possible to set up a Headless Linux System. With that in place I could prob traffic all the things I need via usbnet to the PC (like internet).
The purpose...
Well the reason for this project is a small computer in my car. I ripped out a old laptop and started mounting it in my car. The laptop will then be used to control the HTC, seeing as I doubt one can add external inputs on the HTC. My laptop also has a 10GB HDD and a working screen. So a combo of the two seems fair...
Any advice on this would be very appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Xethron
I am about to do the same, replacing radio console.
I have some touchscreen lifebooks for this purpose, you can get one for
$100 $200 in miserable state, but to disassemble, who cares
idea was to change dpi in XP and replace explorer on startup, put a 8 button big startup window, with gps, media, video, internet
now you can hook up mobile by "Pocket Controller" it's a reverse remote desktop. you see mobile screen on pc
hope this get you some ideas
How insane is it that you have a computer that is slower then your phone?
There is a program to remote control your phone, I forget the name.
would it be the one I wrote in prev post
you can buy it at soti.net. working pretty good.
no, this one is free. I shall do some digging.
------- edit ---------
Cha Ching
http://www.mtux.com/
and a friend suggested this one.
http://www.julien-manici.com/
can't understand how could I have missed this when I was searching for one, and it's pretty old too. good tip, though too late for me.
Hey guys,
Thanks allot for the replies... I tried MyMobiler but it doesn't want to connect and seeing that I cant see the screen I am not sure whats happening... Appart from that you guys seem to be misunderstanding me totally!
Problem 1, MyMobiler only runs on windows, and I run Linux...
Problem 2, scripts cant be excecuted on the fly and communications between my two computers wont be possible with Windows Mobile.
Problem 3, Windows mobile crashes and my system will fail totally if my system ever crashes!
Besides, windows mobile have allot of junk I dont need. All I want is a simple Linux system on my HTC on which I can ssh in that will give no video output nor receive input from hardware, but that acts completely as a headless system.
It would also be cool if someone can tell me what hardware I can remove and how (Like the screen) in order to minimize power requirements...
So all I need is a version of Linux and a guide to install it so that all the functions work...
Hope this makes more sense...
Xethron
no Xethron, we didn't misunderstood you. I simply wrote what is my concept of laptop in car and ChumleyEX reacted further on my post too.
winmo is not stable, we all know that, but you should know too that linux is not so on winmo devices too. and that it is much more unstable.
It would be very nice indeed if there was no windows at all and everybody would be using linux, but if that would happen, linux would be the same commercial crap as is windows now, because that's what people are after. and that's the market. Nice fancy easy crap.
Though I encourage you to go with your linux idea, with a lot of effort, there could be perfect solution, but again, it would be much easier to just use what we've got.
If you would look around here, you'll see that on xda-dev you'll find a lot of solutions how to make a very tiny and fast winmo ROM. Stripped of all the crap. You can learn here how to strip even more, leaving only kernel + some drivers if you want.
What hw can you disconnect. I reckon you mean from pda. As you said screen backlight, that's a power eater, otherwise, devices could be turned ON/OFF from sw, which would by much safer/easier way. And you said you want to use them. instead, if you'll connect external antenna, that would spare you a lot of power while transmitting.
You should write more specific questions in order to get specific answers.
for example I am not getting it why you would want to spare 20mA consumption on some pda device and not better think about replacing HDD by CF card or ssd?
what would be your application requirements?
back for using pda in linux, it's in test state, you won't find any better working linux in pda as here. no one is hiding it nowhere. bluetooth is not working yet, phone functions are limited. wifi ok, but I doubt you could route it to PC.
as I doubt one can add external inputs on the HTC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can. bluetooth can create virtual com ports. there are BT keyboards, pointing devices too. and generally anything else what uses com port could be made. even video can go out. (all just in windows of course)
for the pda remote programs:
you need a client on pda side. it's automatic simple installation. You may try soti controller it have trial period, with that one, you only need to press left soft key on kaiser to confirm client install. After you'll have this one workingt you would be able to see what you would need with the other one.
wow... that was a useful post!
The reason I want to use the phone is so that my PC can do all the things my phone can do... Reasons for this would be the following.
I come to my car. My phone syncs via bluetooth remotely to unlock my car. I get into car. Type password. Security system goes down... I stream songs via bluetooth to my pc which plays on the car speakers. I get out. Phone looses bluetooth connection and locks automatically. Someone comes and opens the door. PC picks up door is open and sets off an alarm. Phone calls me, and sends me a sms of the GPS location... If I dont respond it sends a email to all my friends. I connect to my car via ssh and keep track of its current position. depending on other connections I have made (Like you said bluetooth might be a good bet) i can controll parts of the car via ssh. Maybe install a fuel cutoff switch or whatever. With allot of effort I get my car back. Come home. It syncs wia wifi. New music gets uploaded... And my car is ready for day 2!
Simple direction of where I wanne go...
So now that you understand what I want to do... The linux on my HTC was a way for me to simply control the hardware and run a few small scripts... Wanne run some security scripts on the HTC instead of PC because it has the backup battery and the laptop will be running off the car battery...
I really don't care how we do this... But I know it must be possible to do all this somehow...
Let me know if you have some rad other ideas... As you can see I do not really want to "see" wats going on on my phone... It must be there like the PC of a car... Tell you the tempreture on some LCD. Let you know the water level is fine... But you dont see the PC... Thats my idea anyway...
Thanks for your help so far
I come to my car. My phone syncs via bluetooth remotely to unlock my car. I get into car. Type password. Security system goes down...
........
I get out. Phone looses bluetooth connection and locks automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bluetooth is a secure way, but not very safe, I've been using 3 different Hsets, with 2 diff phones, it kept on loosing connection and some even pairing. other thing, you need to iniciate BT connection (not always with audio, but yes with activesync) that means no touch-less access. and the last is battery consuption. I've been reading long time ago about an application for garage doors based on wifi connections. they discussed BT as well, decided wifi would be much better, try google (open garage wifi) there is even an soft for pda for this.
but there are $50 - $80 ready applications, it's years out there, I reckon the last version would be very reliable.
There is option to put serial GPS, which you can get off ebay for $50 (here is 5pcs for $50 now, if you'll buy it, i'll get two off you)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/5-LOT-Garmin...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35a9b4b768
and the application:
http://www.bladox.com/products.php?lang=en
and I saw other brand with the same thing too.
with this bladox, you can simply set that if you take out key and open & close drivers doors it would lock with timer (that's option what most of available classic alarms too) or a button to lock with timer to leave could be hooked up.
you can set plenty of outputs and inputs, freely configurable. e.g remotely shut the engine, horn the horn, knock on window function...
consuption would be around 20mA on charging mobile. with car battery 100mA is a concern and 200mA permanent current is an issue. (all time running PC = 2A = 2000mA = NO WAY)
locking-unlocking could be done through ring (without answering) or sms.
I would say ring is pretty safe, as who would go through trouble of tempering with gsm switch control to fake your caller ID? (+ who would know about you have this setup + know your car phene num and your phone number)
and if a friend would call you he forget a wallet in your car, you don't need to get up of bed to unlock, just dial.
I stream songs via bluetooth to my pc which plays on the car speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
audio quality isn't 100% plus maybe switching/pairing and your mobile needs to be on a charge for playing longer through BT -> no wireless.
use your phone in a disk drive mode and play from PC in car OR
your pda in car through SD to USB adapter (TwinMOS GoGo Egg Card Reader)
there would be limit 64GB for sure, maybe 2GB limit (is it SDHC compatible?)
I don't know nothing about it, only that it exists
Someone comes and opens the door. PC picks up door is open and sets off an alarm. Phone calls me, and sends me a sms of the GPS location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..
bladox can do + power on your PC which would start streaming video from web cam, you can call to car and tell the guy how he looks like and where he's going and that police is already waiting there.
It must be there like the PC of a car... Tell you the tempreture on some LCD. Let you know the water level is fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ha, stop dreaming get OBD II and live it!
connect your car engine through cable OR WIFI!! to PC or PDA!! and look at all temperatures, compression levels, exhaust system, error msgs, and if you like make it active and let your car know you feel like having fun now, or maybe more econo mode other time.
OBD II - all cars since yr 96 on US market, $50 -$100 for interface (soft free)
Could it be possible to use an external video camera in lieu of the camera on the back of the Captivate? What I'm thinking of here is how to mount a helmet camera that would just go straight to uStream. But without having to mount my phone on my head.
Thanks!
the captivate cannot be used as a usb host device.
also with the upload speed/quality of 3g would give horrible results for live steaming.
you would be better off buying a helmet cam with built in storage and upload good quality after.
Maybe strap one of these to your headmount with a cellphone battery and a big usb flash drive or SD card.
http://beagleboard.org/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00400O8PO
Looxcie Wearable Bluetooth Camcorder System, Android Compatible
Get a Go Pro. Problem solved.
Yeah, I knooooow that's a helluva lot easier to do but I wanted to show my friend in the UK a bit of what I do. I've tried the uStream app over 3G and you know, it's not terrible.
Those go pro cameras are pretty cool but they're so bluky. What I'm thinking here is a camera the size of like a webcam that you'd find in a laptop or even on a cellphone just permanently mounted into my helmet. I can plug it into my phone and then from there I can write a program to upload pictures at say, 1 minute intervals (if we're ruling out the uStream thing entirely) to a server with geostamps - I think that would be pretty cool.
I'm planning a big tour on my moto this summer and I think it would be good fun for those who wished to follow where I was and what I was seeing.
It might end up being easier to just teather my phone to a homebrew solution though (like K2340 is saying). That way it's independent of the phone and all. Easiest would be to mount the camera to the bike itself, but the helmet view would be much preferred.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys - keep em coming
Hello guys, I'm planning to build my first carputer. 2 years ago I have modified a tablet, Asus zenpad 8, very similar to Nexus 7 in my opinion. Now I want something more.
What I want:
Fully automated pc that works exactly like an android head unit but much better and more flexibility when it comes to external devices like an external DAC with optical output. Actually this is the main reason for not buying an android head unit, didn't find one that works very well with an external DAC. Some other things that I want from this carputer: the compatibility with steering wheel controls, backup camera, fm or even DAB radio, gps, phone calls( via bluetooth), 4G internet and so on. Many of those things are pretty simple to integrate, will talk about them later.
The components:
1. The pc - didn't think about it yet because there are loads of mini pc on the market for good prices. The only problem I'm thinking is the start up on ignition. First I wanted to go for a Remix mini pc but I don't know how could I make it start on ignition and after that automatically play the last song. If I would go for a normal PC, I found a smart PSU which has the possibility of ignition start and stop and puts the computer in sleep mode. That way I will avoid the waiting time for the boot, in fact the computer will be permanently turned on. The only problem I can think of, is the compatibility of this PSU with the android Remix OS. Is it possible?
I've tested the Remix OS and I like it, very quiq, easy to use in car with a touch screen, support all the external devices( wifi, 4g, fm and DAB, external DAC with optical output) and the launcher can be changed. I know I can opt for Windows OS and that way I will be sure that the PSU works but in my opinion windows is not so "mobile friendly", not so easy to use in car.
2. The screen: not so many to talk about, found on ebay some 9" tft touch screens, very good resolution, hdmi connectivity and USB for touch. The best thing with these screens is the AV2 input for the backup camera. The screen automatically switch to this input, has guidance lines, and this way I solved the problem with the camera. And also is quite cheap.
3. Steering wheel controls. Found on ebay the Joycon steering wheel adapter that is compatible with Android. I just have to make an initial configuration and that's it, nothing more, simply works through USB.
4. The other external devices: all of them can be found on ebay for good prices. The only thing that worries me is the bluetooth compatibility. I remember when I built that Asus zenpad tablet, I couldn't find a solution for this. Now my question is, what type of bluetooth adapter should I buy and how do I integrate this in the carputer. And I'm not talking about physical connection, I think I will need some kind of software, app, that knows what to do with this bluetooth adapter.
So, in the end, I would need some help regarding the ignition start, just the hardware part of it, all the other automatic things (launch the app and play the song) can be made with tasker very easy. Also I would need some help with the bluetooth phone calls.
Hope I didn't miss any important thing and I will appreciate any help. Thanks.
yoiedi said:
Hello guys, I'm planning to build my first carputer. 2 years ago I have modified a tablet, Asus zenpad 8, very similar to Nexus 7 in my opinion. Now I want something more.
What I want:
Fully automated pc that works exactly like an android head unit but much better and more flexibility when it comes to external devices like an external DAC with optical output. Actually this is the main reason for not buying an android head unit, didn't find one that works very well with an external DAC. Some other things that I want from this carputer: the compatibility with steering wheel controls, backup camera, fm or even DAB radio, gps, phone calls( via bluetooth), 4G internet and so on. Many of those things are pretty simple to integrate, will talk about them later.
The components:
1. The pc - didn't think about it yet because there are loads of mini pc on the market for good prices. The only problem I'm thinking is the start up on ignition. First I wanted to go for a Remix mini pc but I don't know how could I make it start on ignition and after that automatically play the last song. If I would go for a normal PC, I found a smart PSU which has the possibility of ignition start and stop and puts the computer in sleep mode. That way I will avoid the waiting time for the boot, in fact the computer will be permanently turned on. The only problem I can think of, is the compatibility of this PSU with the android Remix OS. Is it possible?
I've tested the Remix OS and I like it, very quiq, easy to use in car with a touch screen, support all the external devices( wifi, 4g, fm and DAB, external DAC with optical output) and the launcher can be changed. I know I can opt for Windows OS and that way I will be sure that the PSU works but in my opinion windows is not so "mobile friendly", not so easy to use in car.
2. The screen: not so many to talk about, found on ebay some 9" tft touch screens, very good resolution, hdmi connectivity and USB for touch. The best thing with these screens is the AV2 input for the backup camera. The screen automatically switch to this input, has guidance lines, and this way I solved the problem with the camera. And also is quite cheap.
3. Steering wheel controls. Found on ebay the Joycon steering wheel adapter that is compatible with Android. I just have to make an initial configuration and that's it, nothing more, simply works through USB.
4. The other external devices: all of them can be found on ebay for good prices. The only thing that worries me is the bluetooth compatibility. I remember when I built that Asus zenpad tablet, I couldn't find a solution for this. Now my question is, what type of bluetooth adapter should I buy and how do I integrate this in the carputer. And I'm not talking about physical connection, I think I will need some kind of software, app, that knows what to do with this bluetooth adapter.
So, in the end, I would need some help regarding the ignition start, just the hardware part of it, all the other automatic things (launch the app and play the song) can be made with tasker very easy. Also I would need some help with the bluetooth phone calls.
Hope I didn't miss any important thing and I will appreciate any help. Thanks.
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Have you thought about using a rock 64 single board computer like a Raspberry Pi that Android is really supported something like that could work really well as it has gpio outputs for various functions USB inputs for audio dacs and DAB radio and can work with touch screens or even projectors for heads up.
The truth is I know nothing about raspberry pi, heard about them but nothing more. Can you please explain a bit more? Is it possible to make it automatically turn on/off on ignition? How? Apparently that's the hardest part of the job. I've read on the internet that Remix OS doesn't work very well with stand-by function and if I'll make it to shut down completely, I'm afraid that will take too long to boot back. I was thinking about Remix mini pc and a controller that simulates pressing of the on/off button simultaneously with the ignition but it has to be tested.
So, quickly searched on google about raspberry pi and banana pi possibilities, there are some power supplies for in car use, basically they simulate a shut down from the button with a delay. That looks very good, very easy to do and also very cheap. But, how fast can boot a raspberry or banana pi running Remix OS? Does anyone know?
yoiedi said:
The truth is I know nothing about raspberry pi, heard about them but nothing more. Can you please explain a bit more? Is it possible to make it automatically turn on/off on ignition? How? Apparently that's the hardest part of the job. I've read on the internet that Remix OS doesn't work very well with stand-by function and if I'll make it to shut down completely, I'm afraid that will take too long to boot back. I was thinking about Remix mini pc and a controller that simulates pressing of the on/off button simultaneously with the ignition but it has to be tested.
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To make it turn off and on with the ignition, just plug it into a 12v line that is powered when ignition is on. Generally the 12v line to your head unit fits that criteria. If you want constant power to keep the device in standby mode, you can connect a relay to an a wire that is powered when the car is powered, then use the relay to short the pins of the standby button.
For boot time, you can achieve quite a bit of improvement by getting the fastest sdcard you can buy.
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
yoiedi said:
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
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Check these out http://www.hardkernel.com/main/main.php
yoiedi said:
Thanks for advice. I've searched on youtube how android works with raspberry pi and in my opinion they don't do it very well, I mean it struggles even on youtube playing videos. So, I bought an ssd hdd, 32gb and made some tests on my pc. Found a version of android 7 special made for in car use and I'm quite happy with it until now. This android has a "special" feature, when the power button is pressed the pc shut down without displaying any confirmation message on screen. That means it will work perfectly with an intelligent power supply like m2-atx, m3-atx etc. In the next few days I'll get a new pc, micro atx mainboard so I'll begin the tests on that. Until now I've got a boot time around 30-40 seconds. Is not a bad time but I'll try to remove the unnecessary apps from startup and see what happens then. I'll post some pictures or even videos when I'll have good results. Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
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Why don't you get an android head unit?
gtxaspec said:
Why don't you get an android head unit?
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I think you didn't read, I couldn't find any that works with an external sound card(DAC). My audio system is quite expensive, made for sound quality, and of course I want the head unit to be as good as possible. An external sound card with optical output I think is the best you can get.
Google search "raspberry pi alternative" theres lots of these little gadgets now adays, raspberry pi 3B is one of the most popular ( and cheapest) but there are more out there that are more powerful & better hardware.. The ASUS Tinkerboard is becoming popular as well I think I may be getting one for a streaming machine.
I've already purchased the PC and ordered the PSU. The price for all those components(+ a 30gb ssd) was under 100£ so not very expensive. Why I went for a pc instead of a single board pc? I don't know, maybe because I have no previous experience with them. Yes is true that is way much bigger than a raspberry alternative and the power consumption as well but I don't mind, maybe in the future when I'll get bored again I will try one of those pc's.
So, I've tried to install the Android X86 64bit (there is one version on internet with a patch that removes the confirmation message when you want to shut it down) on this pc with no success, all I've got was a black screen or a continuous reboot. Found out that Android X86 64bit is not so friendly with AMD cpu's. Should've search for that before buying it. Anyway, tried the 32bit version so that one works very well but I didn't find any with that patch installed. How can I remove that confirmation message when the power button is pressed?
Thanks.
first tests, quite happy with it, still lot of work to do.
https://youtu.be/lNJmRjXG81A
Odroid C2 with android + kodi