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)
Related
Does anyone have any experience with SOTI Pocket Controller and the Kaiser (Tilt)? It looks like a decent application but I wanted to check with other Kaiser owners. Feedback is appreciated. Thank you.
I've used this on both my Wizard and my Kaiser and it works as advertised. It definitely saves me time after a hard reset being able to use my keyboard!
I use it with my tytn II all the time. its so much easier typing out sms messages using the pc keyboard and for general use for entering information onto my phone
great for doing screenshots with the phone as a background or just the screen capture also
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n218/dolbe666/pc_capture3.jpg
I use it as well on my Hermes and my Kasier. Hard to beat for remote control from my desktop for sms and screenshots.
Ryan in support has been great the few times I have needed support.
Brad
Purchased and...
I purchased the software and it is really nice. I was hoping the File Explorer would allow me to see everything but it appears that I am not able to see all files; even with show system files checked. Does anyone know of a workaround?
Thanks for the feedback. It is defiantly worth it.
MyMobiler is free and I think it does the same stuff:
http://www.mymobiler.com/
I use it with my Tilt and it works perfectly. Couldn't ask for more.
xfive420 said:
MyMobiler is free and I think it does the same stuff:
http://www.mymobiler.com/
I use it with my Tilt and it works perfectly. Couldn't ask for more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not quite the same. with pocket controller you also get full use of your d-pad and buttons and you can configure hotkeys
Use it, love it. If you look hard enough you can get it really cheap.
Great Program. I believe upgrades are free for 1 year, which is a bummer....but still the best program out there for remote control/display.
The new 6.x version even has Explorer, Registry, Task Management and System Info right from your PC Desktop.
I use it on my Tytn and love it. I don't know how I lived without it. I leave it running on my desktop all the time. Just being able to use my mouse to quickly grab a phone number or send a text pretty much makes it worth it to me. Oh and being able to install software without having to install half from the desktop and then pickup the handset to tell it where to install it is another great thing. Oh and one last thing, because my phone is plugged into my computer as soon as I sit down, the bonus is that my phone is always charged. I don't have to think to stop and plug my phone into charge as its just a natural extension to plug it into the computer to use it as soon as I sit down. Its just plain wonderful.
I have a robot lawnmower, Friendly Robotics Robomow RL500. It's like a Roomba for the lawn, you set it loose and let it go. Problem is, it's not very smart. For one, it gets stuck on occasion, requiring me to check on it regularly and free it if it gets stuck. It also needs to be driven out onto the lawn and turned on, and when it's done I need to go find it and drive it back. Worst of all, there is a part of the lawn that is too narrow for it to function automatically so I have to manually mow that part with an annoying wired controller, and it is much slower than a regular mower so walking behind it at a snail's pace holding a wired controller is very boring.
My idea is to make it so I can put a camera on it so I can drive it via Wifi from the comfort of my home. Somehow I will need to be able to stream video over Wifi and send commands to the robot as well, and whatever device receiving the commands will need to be able to activate the switches on the wired controller.
2 ways I thought of to do this:
1. Use one of my extra Windows Mobile phones as a "brain". They all already have a camera and Wifi. All I would need is the software to stream video over Wifi and a control program to control the robot. Microsoft has a Robotics Studio that may help me to write my own program using VS.NET. None of my phones have a serial port or USB Host controller, so I was thinking maybe I can use a Bluetooth-to-UART board and connect that to some kind of controller to activate the switches on the control panel.
2. Use a WRT54G and run Linux. This will probably cost more because I don't have a 54G. I will also need to buy some kind of camera for it, like a networked camera. It has an RS232 port that can be used to connect to some kind of controller to activate switches on the control panel. I KNOW this solution has been done, because there is a video out there of a 54G-controlled R/C car being controlled via Wifi and streaming video back. I would probably need to write my own program in C in Linux (I don't know C), unless I can find the link to that RC car again and see if that guy will share his source.
Any thoughts on which way is the best way to go?
Jejeje
Try this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaquxmK-kp4
I've seen these simple USB GPS receiver antennas that hook to a laptop for GPS duties so naturally I'm thinking why can't this be done for the nook. Ideally we would have a dual/split port so power could still be supplied at the same time.
I'd rather have this config since I don't like the idea of tethering to a GPS capable cell for privacy reasons and it ties up the cell too.
Why couldn't this be possible? Is it just a matter of the Nook recognizing the GPS antenna and being able to get a software package to recognize it?
Any ideas?
With CM7, and a bluetooth GPS reciever, this is no problem. We will never be able to build a GPS into the device, but we can get close enough...
Yes, my intention would be to leave the GPS antenna in the vehicle and just hook up when I get in. Along with MP3 duties of course. It shouldn't be hard to find or make a USB gender changer with dual connections.
KDOG2020 said:
Yes, my intention would be to leave the GPS antenna in the vehicle and just hook up when I get in. Along with MP3 duties of course. It shouldn't be hard to find or make a USB gender changer with dual connections.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not following, sorry.
I just ordered a "kit" for my NC actually - a car window mount, and a stand-alone BT GPS. I plan on attaching the the GPS to the window mount via velcro, and leave it in the car. You don't need USB at all (nor would it work, since our nook does not currently support usb host). Just get a BT module, and leave it in the car; connect it to the nook when you need it. done.
Ok I see what your saying. But Im not familiar with Bluetooth recievers. Are we talking about just a regular GPS with a screen and all? Then why hook it up to the nook? Or are we talking about a little box that just sits on the dash or tucked away somewhere?
KDOG2020 said:
Ok I see what your saying. But Im not familiar with Bluetooth recievers. Are we talking about just a regular GPS with a screen and all? Then why hook it up to the nook? Or are we talking about a little box that just sits on the dash or tucked away somewhere?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, let me fill ya in then.
What i am talking about are standalone recievers - nothing more than a GPS and BT transmitter. No screen, no frills. Most have batteries that will last for weeks, and are small enough to store anywhere in the car when not in use. YOu can see a good selection here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...eiver&keywords=bluetooth+gps+receiver&ie=UTF8
Hope that may give you some new ideas.
Aaaahhhh..... yes I see now. So it would be just a matter of finding one thats compatible with our NC's and the software for it... cool. Anyway to know which one works the best for the Nook?
KDOG2020 said:
Aaaahhhh..... yes I see now. So it would be just a matter of finding one thats compatible with our NC's and the software for it... cool. Anyway to know which one works the best for the Nook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now, i guess i cannot guarantee, but in theory, ANY BT gps should work with our system, since all GPS's transmit in the same standard. All you should need for software on the nook will be:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
Assuming my GPS arrives sometime soon, i will be able to give ya some first hand advice.
You will still need a data connection if you intend to use Google Maps for your GPS software.
If you want to use it without a data connection, you will need something like this:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alk.copilot.market.usa&feature=search_result
"maps stored on your phone, not downloaded"
Also note, Bluetooth range is very limited on the NC. My BT GPS has to be within 2 feet of the NC to connect.
That is true, a stand alone program is the best, but google will cache the maps if you pre-plan the route.
As for distance - with a car mounted GPS< you really don't need to worry about that - the GPS should be by the windshield anyway, so keeping it close to the nook isn't an issue..
What about this Google "Navigation" program that is on the nook? (the blue arrow)
KDOG2020 said:
What about this Google "Navigation" program that is on the nook? (the blue arrow)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd still need a data connection. The best probable solution would be to tether to a smartphone that has GPS - so the Nook has a data connection for the Google Maps and Navigation, and GPS data from the phone's GPS.
I was interested in the same thing and went so far as to successfully pair my Garmin bluetooth gps unit with my CM7 nook, but I was not able to actually read any gps data. (This unit was successfully used with a linux laptop and car computer, so it works in linux.)
While looking for a way (hack or software) to read the gps data I found the TetherGPS app, which meets my needs- and yes, I have received phone calls and browsed the web on the phone while using nav on the nook without problems.
The biggest issue I have found in the past and NOW is that I do not think much of the other gps nav options available on Android (or linux!) and caching a limited tileset with Google maps is not enough for my needs. My routes often change.
I do have another bluetooth puck around, if I can find it... I will test to see if that one is easier for the Nook to read data from.
rogerdugans said:
I was interested in the same thing and went so far as to successfully pair my Garmin bluetooth gps unit with my CM7 nook, but I was not able to actually read any gps data. (This unit was successfully used with a linux laptop and car computer, so it works in linux.)
While looking for a way (hack or software) to read the gps data I found the TetherGPS app, which meets my needs- and yes, I have received phone calls and browsed the web on the phone while using nav on the nook without problems.
The biggest issue I have found in the past and NOW is that I do not think much of the other gps nav options available on Android (or linux!) and caching a limited tileset with Google maps is not enough for my needs. My routes often change.
I do have another bluetooth puck around, if I can find it... I will test to see if that one is easier for the Nook to read data from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will pair, but you need to use an intermediary program to access the GPS, like this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
or this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or this:
https://market.android.com/details?...oid.addon.bluetooth.GPS&feature=search_result
I had trouble with some GPS apps.
I was able to use the GPS and data access on my Motorola Cliq to have GPS voice guided navigation.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12076390
That is how I accomplished it.
If you have a hardware GPS, then you only need the 1 app, which is even easier, but I still recommend wifitether or barnicle for data access (you can download the maps for offline use if you plan ahead.)
colorado_al said:
It will pair, but you need to use an intermediary program to access the GPS, like this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps&feature=related_apps
or this one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=de.mobilej.btgps&feature=search_result
or this:
https://market.android.com/details?...oid.addon.bluetooth.GPS&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually tried those apps to no avail, which is why I started looking for the other puck (not as accurate but easier to connect) and alternative solutions.
I actually had looked at all of the other (non- Google) nav apps for Android before to use with a now unused Droid (original) but found them all to be ... less than desirable for various reasons.
Note that I am NOT trying to discourage this project- it is possible, I am certain, but much like linux navigation software... lacking a certain "polish" if not functionality.
ok so i was very excited to get the wpa tweak working, got my DS7 on adhoc. have the front end installed and working, gps, internet radio, video player and thinking of how i'm going to build a mount and where to FG it into my truck. then my wife shattered my good time by asking "how are you going to hook up the back up camera?". my heart dropped, it sank even lower when i searched for video cables and couldnt find anything. so i ask, is there a way to get video in to have a back up camera play on my DS7?
wow 106 views and not one reply? i'm guessing that means no video in nor out huh?
since the wifi or bluetooth are about the only way to connect I would suggest trying that. the cable's not likely to work. try the droid wireless webcam app, for a starting point.
I'm not a dev so that's the best help I can offer.
Chemus said:
since the wifi or bluetooth are about the only way to connect I would suggest trying that. the cable's not likely to work. try the droid wireless webcam app, for a starting point.
I'm not a dev so that's the best help I can offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you misunderstood, i want to connect my back up(attached to my vehicle) and have it displayed on my DS7
no I understood, I'm suggesting that you look for a way to make your backup camera wireless. I realize that the program I talked about is used to send video from the droid over ip. It's the closest thing I can think of to what you would need, even though it in the wrong direction.
well, I suppose the best thing to do would be to find a bluetooth webcam and some ducttape. elsewise a usb to bluetooth converter. unless you're willing to go the insane route.
1. get a cheapy Latitude off Ebay.
2. hook your backup cam to the laptop.
3. keep the laptop on car power with an inverter
4. Install Ubuntu, set up webcam software, hook it to the net with skype, set skype to auto answer with video and set the laptop to stay on when closed.
5. install a working skype on your tablet.
6. Call your bad laptop w/ skype whenever you need the backup cam.
cheap old latitudes are everywhere, for instance:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Latitude-C...ptops_Nov05&hash=item27bd70783c#ht_500wt_1156
http://cgi.ebay.com/DELL-LATITUDE-C...43370682?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item4aadcb6fba
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Latitude-D...ptops_Nov05&hash=item43a8fbe4ab#ht_656wt_1185
Ummm yeah, the DS7 has no video "input" for analog or digital video, output only via the PDMI through the dock (or hacked cable with decoder/encoder chip) .. So the only way to get video IN to the DS7 is wireless of some kind.
well i think i will get a used mirror for my truck and try to back mount a small monitor. that or just get a nice double din and retro fit that
angruss said:
well, I suppose the best thing to do would be to find a bluetooth webcam and some ducttape. elsewise a usb to bluetooth converter. unless you're willing to go the insane route.
1. get a cheapy Latitude off Ebay.
2. hook your backup cam to the laptop.
3. keep the laptop on car power with an inverter
4. Install Ubuntu, set up webcam software, hook it to the net with skype, set skype to auto answer with video and set the laptop to stay on when closed.
5. install a working skype on your tablet.
6. Call your bad laptop w/ skype whenever you need the backup cam.
cheap old latitudes are everywhere, for instance:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Latitude-C400-Notebook-/170681989180?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item27bd70783c#ht_500wt_1156
http://cgi.ebay.com/DELL-LATITUDE-CPi-PENTIUM-NOTEBOOK-LAPTOP-Loaded-Clean-/320743370682?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item4aadcb6fba
http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Latitude-D600-ST-D3KBG41-1-4GHz-Used-Laptop-/290597889195?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item43a8fbe4ab#ht_656wt_1185
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I used to do this as a baby monitor. Worked very well !!
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