H2 PC - NOW FOR SALE!!

[BLOWNZO6]

I have decided to make my first rounds of these.

I have put up a thread in the for sale section.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/t...1/m/7921084341

Thought I would share what I have been working on over the past few months.

This is a stand alone PC, using the factory BOSE speakers and sound system. Has full mp3/cd capability, XM radio, Navigation, DVD, wireless network, etc. etc.

I would say it is about 90% right now. I have included some shots of the screen installed in place of the factory radio, this is a complete bolt in installation, no cutting the factory faceplate, etc. It is really a slick setup.

7" Touchscreen






Here are a few pics of the frontends I have been working on as well.





Enjoy for now...

[HummerNewbie]

Does anyone know what the power consumption is for a PC in standby mode? I know that we design capacitors into a number of our boards so they do not loose memory if power is lost. These are generally very small for our applications but could work here. If anyone knows the consumption I can ask one of my engineers if a large cap or series of them could sustain the PC for a period of time. Probably not worth it but depending on the current draw, might be a good solution to save the vehicle battery.

[HummerNewbie]

I would definitely be interested. If you could include me on your list and if there is anything that I can help you with, just let me know and I will do what I can. This is something I have been thinking about for a few years now just haven't done it.

[H2Finally]

Blown, I am also interested to beta test. I would NOT be concerned with flash drive to transfer data, since the carputer has wireless g already which will be easy enough to transfer media files with home desktop. However, the drive should be durable enough to handle some heavy shock (as I regularly "thump" my frame off a big rock during offroading).

The key imho is to have the carputer come out off hibernate ASAP, as most drivers are used to listen to radio the moment the ignition turns on. Perhaps you can wire-in "on" command to remote unlock to buy a few extra seconds?

[BLOWNZO6]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
On second thought, I'm not sure a flash drive could dish up the info fast enough to take the place of a hard drive... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not only is this possible, it is already being done. There are more than a few running the OS on flash or CF memory.. something solid state. They are doing for durability, but I have to be honest with you.. I see no reason for it because of the the cost. I have a normal size desktop hard drive in mine right now. Really there is just the music on the computer and a few basic things. I just have these backed up on a hard drive on my home computer.

The one thing you are missing is that these PC's have power supply that is design to work with a car. So every time you get in the car you don't have to have the PC boot. You can set the amount of time that it takes for standby and shutdown. For a daily driver it is realistic to leave the PC on in standby, etc. all the time. If by chance the voltage in the car got below 11V the power supply would automatically shut itself down. There is enough power there to power other 12V and 5V things from the rails. I power my GPS sensor from the rail since it is already back there.

The possibilities are really endless.

[BLOWNZO6]

While I appreciate the offer, I have web space to put up a page. The goal of the first run is have about 5-10 people that will receive and install them. From that we can discuss the instructions, any issues they have etc. Then I will up a web page and try sell on a larger scale. I would like to get some small scale feedback first.

[Dick Renaud]

Taz,
For some more ideas you may want to look at the Panasonic Toughbook. They use a gel pack mounted hard drive. The ruggedized units we used in police cars have a nearly unbreakable screen and super rugged case. The laptop could be dropped on concrete from 6 or 8’ feet while running and not have a problem. You might be able to use some of the components.
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/home.asp

Hitachi makes a 6 and 8 GB micro drive if you want removable media that can work into a usb reader to transfer data. They are working on 10, 12 and 14 GB versions.
http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/?epi_menuItemI...6934ab937c27aac4f0a0
I use an 8GB in my iPAQ and it works great.
This is were I bought my microdrive.
http://www.mobileplanet.com/us/product.asp?code=121717

Keep me posted on both your systems. I was going to start looking for a vehicle mounted computer to integrate with my Ham radio to handle packet transmissions. I use a Panasonic Toughbook for my portable radio system. The iPAQ would work but the screen is so small. The Toughbook has a great daylight screen with touchscreen built in and it is tough.

Keep me on the list. Price is not important, I need quality.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Dick no problem and You must be sneeking into or shop at night with the suggestions you made.
Bad boy.
We are looking at those and trying to get dealership and with different ones. You know the saying buy a PC now and in less than 6 months it will be out dated. This customizing has turned out to be a much harder process than I had first realized. I'm Blessed I found Dragon. He let's Me just roll, take care of other business's and brainstorm ideas, and so does he, but, then He works on figuring out how to make it work. Or I go to Drew who will be with us at SEMA as well as the rest. Sometimes I just call up Dean Specialty Perf. Products who is 15 minutes from Me and I have developed a personal relationship with Him and He is fully CNC'd and he will look at making a test part. He is one of My sponsors and has a new valve cover kit that will blow everybodys minds. He was hoping to have it ready for SEMA but, it is running close but they will have a booth. If they do not have the newest they have the patent and will have a mock up of the next generation of the one I'm usng now i think. He does have a coil cover kit that i'm running now that you will like allot. It hides all that messy stuff. We are a dealer with his company so We will have their stuff on site. But, ask for Dean and tell Him Rick with the Stealth Gray H2 that they sponsor told You to come buy and see the coil cover kit that i had been telling Our national club members about. They will sell some at show i guess and He may give you a break if he knows We are club mates.

We have been accumalating dealership for 2005 since last summer. Motorspsorts has over 6000 parts for rice rockets, truck, SUV's. He has to have His site made allot bigger. Hummercustoms is starting off with allot of room so We do not have to go through a rebuild like MSA did. We are still waiting on manufacturers to send us price list and photo's of the products so, that is slowing us down. We are getting near having to have a CNC shop not to build stuff to sell they can do it cheaper than us and let Us make money on their billet. We need it for the one of items We have to make all the time to make something fit. We are going to need a complete metal shop really with pipe benders, water jet cutters, etc. so We can have a R&D to build things to get patent and find some one to produce as We cannot get big enough and it is just taking us away from what We want to do. Build prototype and get patent and find a factory to produce it. We have already outgrown this brand new bulding Dragon put up during last winter. WE will need to move the Motorsportauthority.com down the road into a building and leave new one for Hummer stuff or vice versa.
These kids blow My mind as to what they will pour money wise into these rice rockets. We had a mustang that We or I should say Drew has been helping with supercharger etc. and building Him a forced ram air. The engine is hard core etc. but, it is running right at 1000HP on the ground. He has His 0 to 60 down right at 4 seconds. He thinks after he builds back his black mustang with twin turbo's he will get it below 3.6. Drew will get it there as they plan to be faster than the 360. If You have a mustang and want special stuff done to it then call shop 1-501-327-MODS and ask for Drew. Drew will give you more than you pay for because everyone has their favorite ride and mustang is his and he will go that extra distance. He will work on his own time because he loves them so much. He took one of those old mustang 2's back in the day and built boxes in the fenders to house the twin turbo setup he added to the car. One turbo in each fender well. Get in touch if you want serious mustang power.
We do anything. Drew rides a crouch rocket that has 221HP at the ground but, He has the clutch so tame that this old man can get on it and it just starts rolling not trying to jump out from under You. We have a guy that We have to tune His ride in about 30 days when My sponsor get's Us the software for it. but, He has a navigator 5.4L twin turbo in His Ford Lighting and he has been to everybody and can not get it tuned. We have a program that We can get it closer than anyone else when it comes in and then we will have program for His lighting in 30 to 45 days wrote for him. Not cheap but, if You are going to mess with stuff that is one of and no one else has it You got to have deep pockets.

Well anyway Dick We will be happy to try and help you in Your situation since it is a little more special and has specific needs. PM me if You would with a phone number and I'll get with You Monday. I would like Our Raytheon engineer to visit with you. But We will have to get Him into shop which is usually on Friday after noon so it could be till then when he calls You back but, at least i will have spoke with you and can have some details on paper and emailed to Him. The guys are finishing paint today on my rig and We get the outside all put back together finally but, then We have to finish inside. Guys anybody that has something special or a situation that is special, that is what We are known for in Arkansas. We will do or try things for people that no one else will try. Our address is the edge of the envelope.

Guys getting dealerships from some companies depending on how special the stuff is, it can cost a truck bed full of money. They do not care how good You are or how much You will do in business. Many get a truck load and if You have not reached a sales goals in 6 months you lose it completely.
Our PC is rugged not like You mentioned Dick but, it will take off road We feel. The trick is not the drive itself being tough enough it is the head seeker or how am I trying to explain it. The arm reading the disk had got to be real stable and not vibrate or it will skip info etc.or scratch the disk. You can see why i'm not the puter specialist. I do know allot as I have rebuilt laptops and stuff for friends for years and never been to a school for it. i just liked messing with it.
We searched and searched and found one that it did not cost us an arm and a leg. You can go out to many websites and get stuff at a good price in fact a real good price but, You will end up with lost data. It really is a tight rope walk to get something tough that is affordable. One dealership cost $25,000 and that did not include anything with it. You started buying after that. The billet and stuff are more reasonable but the electronics is where they rip you a new one. they have allot of R&D and they try to get it back as fast as possibe. Well i'm just repeating things you guys most likely know anyways. It is an expensive process to build a custom shop along with a webstore. We started adding things last summer. Our webmaster finally has it now so We can start plugging product in. We try to do everything close to home as possible to control quality more. I'm going to be the sales/info@HUMMERcustoms.com for a while while I get Our front counter guy up to speed. We jsut got a new guy that is sharp and can build engines ec. and it makes Himwork with customers so well. the first We should Him nothing the computer was on and He walked in and started selling at the counter using the puter and pulling out books and then came and should us what he had done and if that is what We were looking for. WE standing there with Our mouths hanging open like We are catching flies. I'm thinking if it would not look bad I kiss dragon right now for finding this guy. So it has been a week and he has not asked us anything and stuff just flying over the counter with profit on it. I saw His knowledge and I asked Him hey in between you would measure all the lines on the H2 vacuum, water wahtever and order stanless braided. Sure he said do you want blue or red or chrome end coupings. I again stood there with My mouth hanging open and said I think I would like blue. So real quick there were a couple of other items and i told I need this for H2. OK no problem rick I'll get it done ASAP.
While at SEMA We have several lines We need to pick up. You take a bank line of credit with you to see how much they want. There are some that are just great in helping You take their line on, especially again the billet. SMA is still the most outragious cost in My humble opionion for a dealership not counting you can get the master dealership. I was offered and said thanks but, no thanks. I have smaller manufacturers that are building as good and more progressive acc. than some of the big guys resting on their laurels. They are no longer the leading edge that i can see by checking around. BUt, I will have allot of sponsors there and I have to have rig near by so they can show potential dealers etc. My rig and waht there part of the rig has done to make it what it is.
But, Dick the parts from the toughbook would be great but, if You need that kind of toughness i would buy a toughbook as all your screens can have cables run to hook to the laptop etc. etc.
Most of the users are not going to cough up the price of a PC unit with much of the toughbook in it. Some of their parts cost as much as the conplete PC We a building.
PM Me Dick and let's talk.

TAZ

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dick Renaud:
Taz,
For some more ideas you may want to look at the Panasonic Toughbook. They use a gel pack mounted hard drive. The ruggedized units we used in police cars have a nearly unbreakable screen and super rugged case. The laptop could be dropped on concrete from 6 or 8’ feet while running and not have a problem. You might be able to use some of the components.
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/home.asp

Hitachi makes a 6 and 8 GB micro drive if you want removable media that can work into a usb reader to transfer data. They are working on 10, 12 and 14 GB versions.
http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/?epi_menuItemI...6934ab937c27aac4f0a0
I use an 8GB in my iPAQ and it works great.
This is were I bought my microdrive.
http://www.mobileplanet.com/us/product.asp?code=121717

Keep me posted on both your systems. I was going to start looking for a vehicle mounted computer to integrate with my Ham radio to handle packet transmissions. I use a Panasonic Toughbook for my portable radio system. The iPAQ would work but the screen is so small. The Toughbook has a great daylight screen with touchscreen built in and it is tough.

Keep me on the list. Price is not important, I need quality. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[BLOWNZO6]

Guys I am very close on this.. the more I think about it I really see the interest, which has me really pumped.

I would like to start a list of those interested. Of course pricing is the issue, I will come up with a price and expected deliver, etc. and send that out next week. Along with that there will be a full list of what the system will include, etc.

Look for it next week.

Nick

[HGW]

Very Slick. I am looking for a set up like yours.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

I use a USB external hard drive myself for backup. They are making flash drives bigger for backup.
But, Wed have been thinking about USB flash drive with the OS on it at least maybe to help with theft but, do nt think it would protect much. We actually discussed the flash drive instead of an enternal harddrive at first but, using a laptop drive right now.
We are looking at the external harddrive more seriuosly in place of the internal just for the sercurity reasons in case of theft. You can tak it out just unplug the USB cable from board and then you can still sync it with home pc and download. We just set around and brainstorm and there is no end to what could be done or the versatility of the unit make up.

TAZ

[rodster]

On second thought, I'm not sure a flash drive could dish up the info fast enough to take the place of a hard drive...

[BLOWNZO6]

NOW FOR SALE!!!! READ THE FIRST POST FOR A LINK

[BLOWNZO6]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
The issue is still the software and how well everything meshes together. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

IMO, that's the real value here. Building a carputer is easy and cheap enough but getting it to intergrate with existing onboard systems? That's a fine bit of engineering. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It is already to the point where someone that knows computers decently could use it without issue, if I was not intending to market this at all and just was going to post a list of things I bought to put it together, it would be good enough. But I want to make sure that was people are getting is worth it.

I have also bought some gadgets today that will run things, really anything external to the computer.. I bought a 4 relay system to start with, not sure what I am going to run, but the possibilities are endless.

You are right, the integration of it all is where the value is.

The DVD player is not quite where I want it either. It is cool though to watch a movie in surround in the truck.

I have chosen components that are easy to buy and high quality. This helps us all with respect to cost. I really don't expect to get rich from this at all, I have really enjoyed the project.

[captainmike]

Has anybody looked at using a pocket pc type device instead of a full blown computer? A Win mobile 2005 can do everything the full computer can do including built in WIFI g and Bluetooth. My Ipaq even has GPRS/GSM phone capabilities. I use it today for GPS, ,web, sms, mms,DVD or TV programs and MP3's.
I like the security that i can take the brains out of the system and possible take it with me to other cars. I would like the larger video touch screen. Anyhow the size and power are so small its not an issue.

[HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ]

Racer WE thought about Bluetooth but, the engineer and My vendors for all the varous parts agreed that bluetooth securty is suspect at best. We are for the time being staying away from it.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RiverRacerX:
I know a guy building a Mac Mini into his VW. It is bluetooth and he uses his cell phone as the remote to control iTunes, iPhoto, iDVD,wireless internet and anything else you can run on a mac.

The Mac Mini will be installed in the glove box area so you can see the glowing Apple icon. He has a wireless mouse and keyboard if he needs them as well. Plus a firewire hard drive runs off of BUS power so he can take files in and out of the car easily.

Looks like a cool setup. I think it is just missing navigation. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BLOWNZO6:
It is already to the point where someone that knows computers decently could use it without issue, if I was not intending to market this at all and just was going to post a list of things I bought to put it together, it would be good enough. But I want to make sure that was people are getting is worth it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well you know, if you need a geek-in-a-Hummer beta tester...

I agree with your focus on making the system accessible to the (my words) non-geek consumer. Most folks just want to turn it on and go, I imagine.

Thinking out loud here: What happens if the user has a drive failure? Does the front end and existing component integration reside in firmware? Will you ship a customized version of Windows so catastrophic failures are fixable and hardware upgrades are possible? No response requested unless you feel like it.

Surround sound in a truck?

If you can get this in front of the dealer network I bet you'll sell loads of product.

And who's to say the H2 is your only market? There are many other barely useful NAV/radio systems in the world today. The world is ready for an easy-to-own carputer.

[BLOWNZO6]

I will try to answer all of the questions.. I am glad to see this is being received as well as I thought it would be.

1. Internet Picture: Using Firefox embedded into the front end.


2. Intention to package and sell them?
** Yes the intention is to package and sell these. It is pretty straight forward to install and hook up. If you can hook up a home computer, you can hook this up. The issue is still the software and how well everything meshes together. There is some configuration that the end user has to do. I am working as much of this out of the package as possible.

3. Where does the disc go?
** The PC and XM unit are mounted under the back seat on the drivers side. A drive can pretty much be put anywhere you could possible fit one. This is something that will be worked out as well. Right now you just put it in the DVD drive in the PC. BTW the seat is FULLY FUCTIONAL. I have my up and down all of the time, this was a MAJOR design concern of the system. I have attached a picture of it installed here.


4. Are basic computer functions still active? Wireless keyboard or mouse?
** This is a fully functioning PC, while I have it setup so that the front end boots directly, you can launch explorer or ANY program from the launch part of the frontend. You can use any USB keyboard, wireless, remote, etc. I have a mouse in the car that I used for setup, etc. With the touchscreen you can use the on screen keyboard to type in URL's, etc.

5. Wireless connection?
** Right now I have just have an 802.11g USB dongle on the computer, but again.. ANY type of wireless you could use on a laptop, etc. you can use on this as it is a fully functioning PC.

I don't have any pricing, when they will be available, etc. but am working with a forum member and vendor to bring these to you guys. No price is determined yet, but this project started to have something SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than what is currently available on the market.

There is one significant drawback.. right now there is no good FM solution. I have about 6,500 mp3's on it right now and with XM as well it has not been a problem for me.

I forgot to mention, the Onstar is still fully functional with this as well.

[VTSTOMPER]

Holy drool baby! I would love to have one of those in my truck!

[H2_SUT_SC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HUMMERcustoms.com/TAZ:

Call West Coast or Unique and ask them for a computer as described by Blown and see what you get quoted.
TAZ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I kind of doubt Unique could even do that. Have you seen Unique Whips on the Speed Channel? All I've got to say is I'm seriously not impressed with the work they do. All of their sub boxes are completely generic. And that marble type stuff they spray on consoles is so 90's. I'd be pissed if they did that to my truck. I've yet to see them do any advanced stuff on that show.

Now WCC on the other hand has basically proved they can put a kitchen sink in your car, literally. They've proved they can do anything and everything thing when it comes to cars. Although I think most of their stuff they do for PMR is kinda gay they do show they can do a ton.

WCC has been putting those computers in H2's since 03.