<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
I went ahead and ordered a board with the wireless slot to see if the wireless PCMCIA card is effective or not. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
If you are using an EPIA board, you should be pleasantly surprised. I have had excellent results using these boards with a Sierra Wireless card in my AutoPCs. Beats the 'old' days where PCMCIA slots were not available, so I had to shell out $250 for PCMCIA slots that connected to the PCI slot.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by md_sailor:
What about connecting an Ipod? Will the uspec adapter allow it to function in place of a CD Changer? I cant dump the Ipod contents to the Car Cpu as it is Paired with my Desk top. Can you think of a better option that would allow ipod menu access on the Touch screen? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
You might be able to use a different input, too. There are several iPod adapters for our headunits that also offer an auxiliary input, which the PC would use.

Is the price still $1800 or have we changed it?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by YNGMD:
Is the price still $1800 or have we changed it? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Price is still $1879, no changes. To be honest I have had a TON of interest, but have not sold one yet. I am very excited about selling some, none yet.

Let me know if you are interested.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
Price is still $1879, no changes. To be honest I have had a TON of interest, but have not sold one yet. I am very excited about selling some, none yet. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
It sometimes takes awhile to separate those who are genuinely interested from those who are just curious. I have only sold AutoPCs locally, because people want an opportunity to actually use it first. Very few have been sold any distance from here, and only from recommendations from those they trust who I have installed for. It is really disappointing, because I can relate to what you are saying here. I've received about 175 e-mails or instant messages from people interested, but have only sold about 5% - 10% that. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, though - your clean installation will be a great benefit to the end user.

I certainly appreciate it. This is definately more of a hobby thing for me. I have put a few together and had several suggest that I put them for sale. Either way I love mine and the flexibility that comes with it. I am just a gadget nut at heart so sell them or not I will continue to develop and use mine.

Thanks again.

If you need a beta tester - let me know!

If by beta tester you mean free unit.. sorry.

Again as I said.. I have a good paying "normal" job, not looking to get rich here.

For $1879.. you can TEST AWAY... LOL

I know, I know...just trying to make you smile!

I hear that "beta" stuff every day in the Datacom field I work.

I honestly think it looks great. If I was not on a newborn baby budget - I would be all over it like a wet t-shirt.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
I certainly appreciate it. This is definately more of a hobby thing for me. I have put a few together and had several suggest that I put them for sale. Either way I love mine and the flexibility that comes with it. I am just a gadget nut at heart so sell them or not I will continue to develop and use mine.

Thanks again. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
That is the same way that I found myself in this situation. The first four prototypes were built for myself and a few friends recommended that I start offering to build them for others. If you sell 100 or 10 or none it does not matter, since anything extra is just a bonus. At the very least, you have an AutoPC for yourself.

I have not built one for my H2 yet, since I ordered the navigation system from the factory. I am still considering a new one for the H2 though, as time and money permits. There is a hardware and software combination that I am looking at that allows multiple people to connect to a single Windows XP PC, with their own keyboard, mouse, and monitor. The goal is to allow a monitor in the back of each headrest to display a separate Windows desktop so two people in the second row can be doing their own thing on their own virtual PC. Most of my friends are nerds, so mobile internet for the purposes of chatting is something I want to implement in my own vehicle. So far, mobile internet is something I have only done for others.

Can you still use the volume up/down from the steering wheel?
what about the band control(FM/AM/CD, etc)? can it be controlled from the steering wheel?
How fast is the start up time? I would imagine that you'd put the system into either sleep mode or hibernation mode when the unit is not powered up. That leads me to another question. How much of bettery power does this unit draw when the vehicle is not running? Can you integrate both XM and Sirrus?
How good is the voice recognition on the Atlas?

thanks in advance

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JetEyeNite:
Can you still use the volume up/down from the steering wheel?
what about the band control(FM/AM/CD, etc)? can it be controlled from the steering wheel?
How fast is the start up time? I would imagine that you'd put the system into either sleep mode or hibernation mode when the unit is not powered up. That leads me to another question. How much of bettery power does this unit draw when the vehicle is not running? Can you integrate both XM and Sirrus?
How good is the voice recognition on the Atlas?

thanks in advance </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The buttons on the steering wheel only work to control the ONSTAR, nothing related to the radio.

From boot, I would say it is about a minute. The way the power supply is setup it put the computer into standby and when you come back it just returns from standby, which takes about 3 seconds. I don't know how much amperage it draws when the vehicle is not running. The power supply will no let the battery go dead. If it senses the supply voltage is below 11V, it shuts the computer down. I parked at the airport for about 4 days.. came back, no problem.

I would assume you could use both Sirius and XM is you wanted to, it is compatible with both.

I have not used the voice recognition on the navigation to know how well it works.

Thanks,
Nick

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JetEyeNite:
Can you still use the volume up/down from the steering wheel?
what about the band control(FM/AM/CD, etc)? can it be controlled from the steering wheel?
How fast is the start up time? I would imagine that you'd put the system into either sleep mode or hibernation mode when the unit is not powered up. That leads me to another question. How much of bettery power does this unit draw when the vehicle is not running? Can you integrate both XM and Sirrus?
How good is the voice recognition on the Atlas?

thanks in advance </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The buttons on the steering wheel only work to control the ONSTAR, nothing related to the radio.

From boot, I would say it is about a minute. The way the power supply is setup it put the computer into standby and when you come back it just returns from standby, which takes about 3 seconds. I don't know how much amperage it draws when the vehicle is not running. The power supply will no let the battery go dead. If it senses the supply voltage is below 11V, it shuts the computer down. I parked at the airport for about 4 days.. came back, no problem.

I would assume you could use both Sirius and XM is you wanted to, it is compatible with both.

I have not used the voice recognition on the navigation to know how well it works.

Thanks,
Nick </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Depending on what auxiliary input adapter you are using to interface the AutoPC to the factory headunit, the steering wheel controls should still allow you to select between AM/FM/CD/Auxiliary Input. I recently finished testing a new auxiliary input in my H2 for this purpose and it seems to work well. Unfortunately, there is no easy way for the steering wheel controls to control the XM, Sirius, or other functions of the AutoPC, as far as my knowledge goes.

The power supply that I use in my AutoPCs connects to the motherboards using their 'power on' pins, so that when you turn the keys in your vehicle, the AutoPC turns on. Likewise, taking the keys out turns the AutoPC off. (This is all configurable in the power supply.) You can also setup a delay so that once you take the keys out, the AutoPC will remain on for 5 - 45 minutes before turning off. You can also configure the power supply to not turn off the AutoPC, but put it in hibernate mode, again using pins on the motherboard. This is all transparent to the user and results in an illusion of instant on, a big requirement for most users of these systems. With the AutoPC in hibernate mode, there is absolutely no power draw. The power supply cuts itself off until it detects ignition again.

Just my two cents!

If you are going to use the stock radio with the PC the controls on the stereo will work with the stock radio functions.

If you are going to do standalone. You are pretty much out of luck.

The power supply and turning on and off are really a non issue, the setup works very well.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
If you are going to use the stock radio with the PC the controls on the stereo will work with the stock radio functions.

If you are going to do standalone. You are pretty much out of luck. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I do wonder what sort of protocol is used for the steering wheel controls, though. A few times, I have considered tapping it to see how difficult it would be to make a homebrew setup that would interpret the steering wheel controls into a series of keystrokes on the PC.

It would not be hard. I have already investigated it. The biggest programming issue is what to do with the commands when they come into the computer. If you have someone who can get the commands from a USB relay to a PC key stroke, the integration is easy. You would only use the buttons to activate relays. I already have had them integrate the outputs to the relays in the front end.

I just don't miss the buttons, I thought I would, but I really don't.

On a side note.. I have been using a new front end that someone created.. it is very nice. Here are a few screen shots of it.





There are some things I still want to change on it, but it is very nice overall.

I have also been using some free software to compress movies from my personal DVD's and have about 15 movies now stored on my HDD for viewing. It is really nice.

ANYONE EVEN INTERESTED IN A DEMO UNIT?

I really want to get one of these out on the market for others to see.

I will sell the one that I have in my vehicle, to the first taker for $1500 including shipping. I really want to see one of these out somewhere.

Anyone? All the interest we had to begin with in the other thread I am surprised no one has jumped on this.

I can have it out and in your hands by next week.

I love the skin that you are using in those screenshots. Road Runner is an incredible piece of software, and it looks even better with that skin. Very professional.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Boar-Ral:
I love the skin that you are using in those screenshots. Road Runner is an incredible piece of software, and it looks even better with that skin. Very professional. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am going to modify a few things with it, but overall it is great. The guy who created it PUT a lot of time into it.

Blown, has anyone jumped on your demo offer yet? It is one hell of a great offer and somebody should jump on this. I would love to do it but can't at this time. After I get my H3 I will be in the market as long as it can be interfaced. Do you know how difficult it would be to interface with other vehicles? I was telling a buddy of mine who has a new F150 about your setup and he may be interested in one after the first of the year. I have recently been looking at some Nav software for my PocketPC that integrates with Outlook for addresses. Do you know if the Nav software you are using will do this?

Is is possible to intergrate real time traffic data into the NAV?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NJ H2:
Is is possible to intergrate real time traffic data into the NAV? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If it has its own software, yes. Anything with its own interface can be integrated into the software and can be accessible from any place you would like in the software.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
The first run of my H2 PC's are now for sale. Here is what is included:

PC - 1Ghz Processor
512 RAM
Onboard Video
Onboard Sound
CDRW/DVD ROM
Adapter to hook this system to the stock Bose sounds system - NO AMPS NECESSARY
7" Wide screen monitor with touchscreen
Mount as shown in the dash below
XM Radio Box and Harness
XM Antenna
GPS Antenna
All necessary cables for connection
Windows XP Pro
Delorme Street Atlas 2006

I will personally setup each of the PC's, check the screens, setup the necessary drivers, GPS, etc.

There are a few things you will need.
1. Wire to run to Power (I will show you where)
2. Wireless of your choice (There are too many options here so I have not included it.)
3. Ability to install it. (If you wanted me to install it, we can discuss that, I am in Knoxville, TN)

The introductory price on these is going to be $1879 USD and will include ground shipping to the continguous US.

I would like a $1000 deposit via PAYPAL at nick.steffens@usionline.net
If I don't receive 5 deposits the projects costing will have to be reviewed and anyone who sent in a deposit will be notified and their money refunded.

I have set this up to build 5 at a time and expect a 3 week delivery to the first 5. If I can get them done sooner, I will. You will be notified that your unit is complete and I will expect the balance of the payment for the unit in 24 hours unless we make another arrangement and after reciept of the balance your unit will be shipped.

OPTIONS:
If you want the scanning software that I use, please contact me. It would be a $700 option, I can work that out with you.
A few have expressed interest in a dual processor. I personnally see no use in it, but can provide that as well. This would be an additional $325. Any optional equipment would need to be included in you initial deposit.

The frontend software will be installed and setup as well. This software is an open source front end and all pertinent information will be provided to each purchaser. I will provide support for the software, but I am not charging for the inclusion of the software with the PC.

I think I have included all of the necessary information to get this started, if there are any other questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Here are some pictures of the units:











Paypal for deposit is nick.steffens@usionline.net </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Will this PC have wireless internet connection? Can the SlingBox be used with this setup?

You can use any type of wireless connection with it. It is not included. There are USB ports or a PCMCIA port if you would like one as well.

I have never seen that slingbox... that is pretty neat. Anything that will work with a PC will work with this computer. I see no reason why this would not work, you would just have to have some sort of wireless connection active at all times when you were using the unit.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
I have never seen that slingbox... that is pretty neat. Anything that will work with a PC will work with this computer. I see no reason why this would not work, you would just have to have some sort of wireless connection active at all times when you were using the unit. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I have seen some very impressive things done with AutoPCs in the past. That is the really great things about these devices. People like me, BlownZ06, and others can build the hardware and give general guidance, but since they are actual PCs, the real power is what the USER does with them. Slingbox reminds me of one owner of an AutoPC I saw who used Slingbox so that he could watch all of his satellite TV from home, streamed over the internet, to his vehicle. He made a nice front end to go through all of the channels and even bring up the TV guide, to see what was playing. It was just as if he were at home, except streamed over the internet, to his vehicle. People are truly limited only by their imaginations with this technology.

I agree.. my goal here is to put the basics and the hardware together in a package that he cost effective and pretty user friendly. I am open to pretty much any application and will do what my time allows to help integrate it into the software for all to use.

I am still very surprised that not one person has been on this yet.

I have been loving every minute of mine. I really don't even miss the local FM at all. I have also been using a free program called Gordian Knot to compress my DVD's and put them on the PC. I have about 20 movies on there now and have about 30 music videos as well. Using the music videos whenever I demo the system for people.. gives a much better effect that just listening to the movies.

I am looking for a rear fold down screen for the truck now.. something more to integrate.

I may go ahead and order of these slingboxes and see how it works. I don't have a roving broadband connection yet.. if you have some ideas please PM them to me.

TTT - What a great Christmas present!!!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
I agree.. my goal here is to put the basics and the hardware together in a package that he cost effective and pretty user friendly. I am open to pretty much any application and will do what my time allows to help integrate it into the software for all to use.

I am still very surprised that not one person has been on this yet.

I have been loving every minute of mine. I really don't even miss the local FM at all. I have also been using a free program called Gordian Knot to compress my DVD's and put them on the PC. I have about 20 movies on there now and have about 30 music videos as well. Using the music videos whenever I demo the system for people.. gives a much better effect that just listening to the movies.

I am looking for a rear fold down screen for the truck now.. something more to integrate.

I may go ahead and order of these slingboxes and see how it works. I don't have a roving broadband connection yet.. if you have some ideas please PM them to me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I'm very interested in what you have done with this PC. I really would consider buying one from you but I've already spent about $4000 on the system that I have now.

It is really ashamed the money that some are spending on some of this NAV and audio stuff. I was talking to the Pioneer guy at the SEMA show and he was telling me about how great their new AVIC unit was with a 10 Gig HD, the screen, etc. is just no where near the quality of the monitors that are available.

Granted this is not just a simple plug and play operation, there is some work involved in getting it going, but the potential of these system is leagues beyond your normal radio.

I built and installed my first AutoPC in my second vehicle four years ago and when I bought my next vehicle, I decided to skip the AutoPC and purchase an aftermarket navigation system. (I purchase Pioneer's top-of-the-line at the time, and my original AutoPC is still in storage.) When I bought my H2, I decided to go even further and bypass all of that by purchasing the factory navigation system. Looking back at all three options, I can see that they all have their merits. In my current circumstance, I wouldn't build a new AutoPC for the navigation aspect, since the factory system is more than sufficient. But I still like the idea of having mobile internet, more A/V support, and something to keep passengers happy. Everything for a reason.

TTT

I wanted to let everyone know that I sold my first one last week, just shipped it today. Thought since the holidays were over with I might generate some additional interest.

Congrats on the SALE

Sure is a SWEET setup!