GU Patrol Car PC Install

[happpyg]

Hi all, found this site browsing around a Nissan Patrol forum, making for some interesting reading during lunch hour(s) :)

Anyway, here is my setup, a work in progress finally "almost" finished after about a year, always something new to play around with.

Heaps more pics & install description here:
http://www.happyg.mine.nu/carpc/index.html


http://mail.westcountry.com.au/aaron/carpc/img_2468.jpg
http://mail.westcountry.com.au/aaron/carpc/img_2476.jpg
http://mail.westcountry.com.au/aaron/carpc/img_2479.jpg

Thanks

[Craigus]

Looks sweet mate.. Did you do the job you're self?

Can I suggest you try running FreeDrive? I found it sooo much better then MapMonkey. :cool:

[Dooghan]

very nice setup there

[pt539]

Thats a great setup Dooghan.

[Moo73]

That's schmick!
How did you get the dash customised to suit the monitor?

[Moo73]

Actually just checked out your web links - I can see the mdf build up to fit the monitor, filler sanding and final coat to regain the original finish look. Great job.
How did you get the angle right for the monitor? Was that part of the trial fit too?

[Craigus]

Lot's of work..

http://www.happyg.mine.nu/carpc/images/IMG_2401.JPG

http://www.happyg.mine.nu/carpc/images/Trial%20fit%20for%20a%20few%20days%20to%20make%20sure%20viewing%20is%20ok.JPG

http://www.happyg.mine.nu/carpc/images/IMG_2405.JPG

[Moo73]

I notice you've removed the original surround of the monitor to fit - how do you access the display adjustment controls? Or is it set and forget?

[HappyJacky]

:eek: :eek: AWESOME :eek: :eek:

very professional looking job. hats off to you Happyg

[happpyg]

First up, thanks for your all kind words. :)

Yep, did it all myself including the roof console & battery monitor in the console, took quite some time but worth it. I can't imagine having a car without it now.

Craigus - Actually started looking into freedrive the other day, from what i've read it looks pretty good so far! Will be trying it out very soon.

Moo73 - The original buttons are still plugged in but floating around behind the screen, I have removed the IR sensor, extended the wires & mounted it on the little grille bit in the lower right hand side, I can do everything with the remote that I could do with the buttons. I was going to somehow incorporate them but it is sooo tight how it is now & the only button I really use is the power off/on button when driving long distances at night.

The screen angle was trial & error, I originally had a Lilliput 7" but was not quite bright enough. I was managing ok with that screen but wanted something a little bigger for off road GPS mapping & this screen is about twice as bright, I am very happy with it considering what it cost me & what true "sunlight readable" screens are worth! I installed it rough into the car as in pictures posted by Craigus from my site & left it for a couple of weeks to make sure it was right. It is mounted so that there are the least amount of reflections, the worst are from passengers clothes when sun is shining in through the front window so it is now angled so that if it were a mirror I would see the roof pretty much directly above the passengers head.

Thanks again!

[Craigus]

So... What screen are you using now? Xenarc?

I find my self getting cranky with the 7" Lilliput rather often in the moning sunlight.

[happpyg]

Yep the 10.2 (not 10.4) Xenarc is in there now. The lilliput was OK but I found it had to be angled back & set back in the dash a bit which all helped a lot (you can see that from the pic's on my site, I had the lilliput mounted flush & then angled back but never got around to moulding it into the dash)

What advantages did you find using Freedrive over MapMonkey?

[Craigus]

Kool.. I've been hunting the wreckers for the last month looking for the dash insert for the 4 Runner so I can start the custom install..It seems that this is the piece of the dash broken when people steal sterios out of them :( and I don't really want to wreck the current peice incase I change my mind.

As for FreeDrive the biggest change was the bloody reliabillity, I had a lot of trouble with Mapmonkey crashing, half way along a route it would just close on me.. Great when you're relying on it to navigate for you. :eek: I also had problems getting my USB GPS setup for a while too.. I ended up sorting it out but I was left with a sour taste!

As soon as I seen FreeDrive I was sold :D

[happpyg]

Kool.. I've been hunting the wreckers for the last month looking for the dash insert for the 4 Runner so I can start the custom install..It seems that this is the piece of the dash broken when people steal sterios out of them :( and I don't really want to wreck the current peice incase I change my mind.

As for FreeDrive the biggest change was the bloody reliabillity, I had a lot of trouble with Mapmonkey crashing, half way along a route it would just close on me.. Great when you're relying on it to navigate for you. :eek: I also had problems getting my USB GPS setup for a while too.. I ended up sorting it out but I was left with a sour taste!

As soon as I seen FreeDrive I was sold :D

Yeah, I was hesitant to start hacking up the dash too but if I ever sell the car I figure i'll just cough up for a factory one again.

I have got all the bugs sorted with MapMonkey now but looking at Freedrive there are some skins that have some nice features/looks, guess it just comes down to user preference in the end.

[mitchofsutho]

Happyg,

The setup looks great and very professional.

I noted on your website, you stated the PC runs "Road Runner" as the front end. What is "Road Runner"? Is this the operating system, or do you still use Windows (XP or whatever)?

Mitch

[energizer61]

I noted on your website, you stated the PC runs "Road Runner" as the front end. What is "Road Runner"? Is this the operating system, or do you still use Windows (XP or whatever)?



Yeah, I was going to ask that, i've been Googling "Road Runner" with not much luck....

Excellent Insall there HappyG, ever thought of selling the Patrol "As Is" ;)

[Craigus]

Have a look at MP3 Car (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=60)!

RoadRunner is a 'front end' for your carputer.. Kinda like an all powerfull media player? I used RR for a while and ended up going back to Windaz as it's easyer :D

[Nemesis]

Kool.. I've been hunting the wreckers for the last month looking for the dash insert for the 4 Runner so I can start the custom install..It seems that this is the piece of the dash broken when people steal sterios out of them :( and I don't really want to wreck the current peice incase I change my mind.
:D
I think i've got mine lying around mate if ya want it? I've got my TX4400 in there.....

[happpyg]

Yep, what Craigus said. Best of all it is free along with heaps of other goodies over at mp3car. Download it & try it on your pc. I prefer Road Runner as everything is contained in one package & I can use photoshop to add new buttons or have a completely different skin at the push of a button whenever I want.

When time comes to sell the car I would leave everything as is but would be asking quite a bit more as i'd have to do it all again in a new car. I could not have a car without it now :)

[Craigus]

I think i've got mine lying around mate if ya want it? I've got my TX4400 in there.....

YES PLEASE!

[mitchofsutho]

Have a look at MP3 Car (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=60)!

RoadRunner is a 'front end' for your carputer.. Kinda like an all powerfull media player? I used RR for a while and ended up going back to Windaz as it's easyer :D

Thanks for that Craigus, I'll check it out.

By the way, where do I find Windaz so as I can compare the two?

I'm still in the early stages of looking into a carputer, so all the advise and hints I can get will be great.

Regards
Mitch

[Craigus]

Sorry mate.. I was being a clown refering to 'Windaz'

I ment I just made windows XP do the job :)

[mitchofsutho]

Sorry mate.. I was being a clown refering to 'Windaz'

I ment I just made windows XP do the job :)


Got me..no probs.

Mind you, with the weird and wonderful names, and play on words for different applications these days, "Windaz" could very easily be the name for the next new product! :D

Keep up the good work with the site.

[Craigus]

Hehe.. Have a look at this. Then you'll understand :D and thanks :cool:

**Windaz XP Broz** (http://www.iwinterbottom.freeserve.co.uk/new_page_1.htm)

[mitchofsutho]

Hehe.. Have a look at this. Then you'll understand :D and thanks :cool:

**Windaz XP Broz** (http://www.iwinterbottom.freeserve.co.uk/new_page_1.htm)

Yep, seen it before, the problem is, most of it is true!!

[vincentvega]

Happyg: that is one VERY impressive install. The screen and keyboard install is very schmick! I just went through all your photos on your site, the fold up keyboard idea is brilliant.

Is that keyboard USB? I am trying to find a compact USB keyboard to throw in my glovebox. I am carrying round a full size one at the moment and the novelty is wearing off ;) Mind telling me where you got it?

Also where did you source the xenarc? Looks like a beautiful screen

[bayvu]

Bought a flexible keyboard to use with my Toshiba Pocket PC. Rolls up nice and small. Good value for $20 odd dollars. Check out
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Flexible-Washable-Foldable-USB-PS2-Mini-Keyboard-I15_W0QQitemZ5824518230QQcategoryZ33964QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Dave

[vincentvega]

how would you use it in a car though. do you need to roll it out on a flat surface?

[vincentvega]

this looks interesting
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1-USB-Keyboard-4-LAPTOP-Notebook-PC-IMB-Compaq-Toshiba_W0QQitemZ5823098182QQcategoryZ33965QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

EDIT: looks like problem solved:

http://www.pc-abc.com.au/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=16&cat=Mini

[happpyg]

Happyg: that is one VERY impressive install. The screen and keyboard install is very schmick! I just went through all your photos on your site, the fold up keyboard idea is brilliant.

Is that keyboard USB? I am trying to find a compact USB keyboard to throw in my glovebox. I am carrying round a full size one at the moment and the novelty is wearing off ;) Mind telling me where you got it?

Also where did you source the xenarc? Looks like a beautiful screen

Thanks!

The keyboard is a PS2 one but USB versions are available, check it out here, I got mine from EBay from memory. I went with PS2 because I can run a 5m extension cable down the A-Pillar to the PC without worrying about cable lengths with USB.

http://www.directron.com/psk3100u.html

The fold-up/roll-up ones are a great idea but need a flat surface to rest them on.

The Xenarc is the 10.2" widescreen, heaps of people have mistaken it for the 10.4" which is nowhere near as bright last time I looked at the specs. This one is heaps brighter than the 7" Lilliput I used to have and is readable 99% of the time, even in direct sunlight you can still make out what is on the screen although obviously never as good as a true "sunlight readable" lcd but for the price I am very happy with it! It was a VERY tight install though!

http://www.customcarputers.com/Xenarc%201020YV%20and%201020TSV.htm

[Craigus]

It seems your install is famous....

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1858814,00.asp

[happpyg]

Nice! Thanks Craig.

[Rolling Stone]

happyg, I know it is possible to run a radio skin on RR, however, just wondering as to the set-up of getting the signal in. You have replaced the radio in the dash, do you still have radio acces or all your own tracks? I know an FM card can be placed in the computer, but do they also have any cards for AM?
Just wondering!

[happpyg]

I am using one of the old D-Link USB Radios. I bought that because when I started out with the Car PC I was going to use MediaCar (or MediaEngine - can't remember now, one of them had support for the DLInk). Then Road Runner came out & continued support for it so I stuck with it. The signal comes in through the line in input on the soundcard & Road Runner autmatically mutes/unmutes this line when you start the radio up. I think now RoadRunner supports other radios through software called Radiator but not sure about AM support. I am sure you would find answers over at mp3car.com though. I have not really missed it & don't even really use the FM radio but it is handy every now & then.

Hope that helps!

[Rolling Stone]

Thanks happyg, will check the site.

[mgemin]

sweeeet man

[Mr Router]

Gday I bought a wireless key board that looks just the same for $15 at the computer fair, that was in June ! now they are $20.
I mounted it on a travel table with some velcro.
We used the system for 24 hrs constant with no problem.

[wazza4wd]

This is a work in progress but basically a 10inch touch screen 120 gig hdd 512 ram 3ghz process Ozi Explorer cars stereo through media center wirless and bluetooth enabled for mobile phone handsfree usb GPS antenna
CO pilot for around town wirless phillips keyboard ps2 :hatoff
Photos to follow soon

[Mr Router]

Man oh man I wish we took photos of the system we took to mission impossible ! Bluetooth everything and a 15 in tft in front of the passenger, it was cool. :wave

[Jasper]

It seems your install is famous....

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1858814,00.asp

Almost 2 years on and that link still works with that photo.


Follow the link and look at the car pc component list...

one of them is "Counter-Intelligence: Smoke Screen, Oil Slick, Flip-up License Plate, Hideaway Machine Guns"

I'm sure alot of people have that in their car...

[happpyg]

Almost 2 years on and that link still works with that photo.


Follow the link and look at the car pc component list...

one of them is "Counter-Intelligence: Smoke Screen, Oil Slick, Flip-up License Plate, Hideaway Machine Guns"

I'm sure alot of people have that in their car...

haha, no but now you have me thinking....... :)

[blade828]

Hi mate
What skin have you used for road runner?

[happpyg]

Hi mate
What skin have you used for road runner?

I have settled on one called Triton for a while now with my own small mods and made my own gauges for the main screen. You can find it here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/rr-skins/69760-triton.html I can put a link up to it here if anyone wants it, I changed it around a bit to suit embedding oziexplorer etc in RoadRunner.

[blade828]

I am starting to get the hang of making my own skin. Its a very slow process! How did you go about embedding Ozi into RR?

[happpyg]

I am starting to get the hang of making my own skin. Its a very slow process! How did you go about embedding Ozi into RR?


Yeah, I started one but it is such a big job I didn't have time to finish it. Embedding Ozi wasn't fun at first but I ended up getting it to work reliably using a program called skinbedder from the mp3car website. I have everything you need zipped up somewhere, I did post it on the mp3car website somewhere but can't remember where. I am leaving for holidays tomorrow morning for a week so if you haven't got it sorted by then pm me and i'll dig it up for you and post it here.

[happpyg]

Hey blade, how did you go, get it all working?

[blade828]

Hi Happpyg I downloaded the file and with a little bit of fiddling I got Ozi working. I would never have been able to without that file :mighty Now im trying to figure out what I want to use for my radio.

[happpyg]

Hi Happpyg I downloaded the file and with a little bit of fiddling I got Ozi working. I would never have been able to without that file :mighty Now im trying to figure out what I want to use for my radio.

No probs, it works well for me. I just have to make sure I don't leave any dialog boxes open (skinbedder won't keep them embedded) like the file open etc. If you do and click the back button in Roadrunner to go to another skin, when you come back to Ozi, they will have disappeared behind roadrunner. I just make sure I have closed them or finished with them before going back to another screen.

Radio was a bit of a headache, I originally used a D-Link DRU100 USB radio, it was a pain, driver problems, really buggy. Have since bought a Radioshark V1 as it has AM and FM but have not had time to hook it up yet and mod the skin with an AM/FM button. There is a list of radios that work with RoadRunner here : http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/rr-faq/45534-how-do-i-setup-my-radio-sat-tuner-tunners-work.html

[vincentvega]

I use a SILABS USB RADIO. I think they are the best available.

Braemac (an electronic components supplier) sell them. Last one i boguht cost me about $50

www.braemac.com.au

http://www.silabs.com/usbradio/

[happpyg]

I use a SILABS USB RADIO. I think they are the best available.

Braemac (an electronic components supplier) sell them. Last one i boguht cost me about $50

www.braemac.com.au

http://www.silabs.com/usbradio/

Might have to try one of them out, how do you find the reception with this one? Can you hook it up to your cars aerial?

[vincentvega]

reception is brilliant.

there is info on mp3car.com and on digital-car.co.uk on how to add a car antenna connection. very easy

[happpyg]

Are they AM/FM or just FM, I am really looking for both, it is a very nice compact unit though!

[vincentvega]

FM only mate. As i only listen to one FM station it suits me fine

[happpyg]

Yeah, I rarely listen to the radio and usually FM when I do but one year we went on holidays and the grand final was on, first night out in the sticks. We took a telly thinking we could get reception but no! Couldn't get AM radio obviously so wasn't too popular with the wife :(

[Harry Cal]

Anybody interested in Xenarc and computer setup in Troopy ?
Is great to use with wireless keyboard and roller ball mouse, all in 1.

[blade828]

I asked Braemac for a quote for the Silab USB radio's..
Please see below quote -

SI4701-B-EVB - Price EA $139.94 AUD :exclaim
And its a 4 week wait!

Is this the same as what you are using?

[Nev]

Not in the same league but only NZ$21.00. I'm sure ebay au would have something very similar.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Peripherals/Other/auction-159912453.htm

Neville

[blade828]

Not in the same league but only NZ$21.00. I'm sure ebay au would have something very similar.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Peripherals/Other/auction-159912453.htm

Neville

The thing with the Silabs one is that you can easily connect your cars antenna to it and it has been proven to work with the most popular front ends.

[vincentvega]

I am using a radio from braemac. We are one of their biggest customers though so they looked after me on price.

there is some cheap clone radio available that they talk about on mp3car. Maybe you should look for one of those. apparently they work just the same

[blade828]

Just an update on the Silabs radio, I found another Aussie supplier
http://au.farnell.com/1186925/semiconductors-tools-accessories/product.us0?sku=silicon-laboratories-usbfmradio-rd&_requestid=94930
I oredered today and I should have it tomorrow and all for just under $60! Makes Braemac look like thieves!

[blade828]

Received it today, 20 hours after I ordered it! Plugged it straight in and had the radio on my computer in about 30 seconds. Reception in very good in the house. The computer isn't in the car yet so I will let you know in a month or so.

[GU5STS07]

Hi all, found this site browsing around a Nissan Patrol forum, making for some interesting reading during lunch hour(s) :)

Anyway, here is my setup, a work in progress finally "almost" finished after about a year, always something new to play around with.

Thanks


And heres another

http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21003