carpc in BMW

[emilc]

very nice

[pete_c]

Just finished "building" my IBUS interface for the X3. It will be connected to the Sirius IBUS interface.
Pic-1

[pete_c]

Finished wiring/mounting G-NET video module (moved it from previously placed location) and IBUS Resler Interface. The G-Net module is mounted via two brackets to a BMW metal horizontal bracket which goes almost behind the main amplifier. I took apart the entire assembly before mounting the G-Net module. I initially removed the GPS Nav unit and left the Sirius radio unit in place. There are 4 bolts and 1 nut holding the assembly in place. Tested connectivity to IBUS. All OK except for my trimming around the USB connection (a bit sloppy) One thing to note, as I had forgot this regarding the 330XI CarPC endeavor. The 12VDC connection to the IBUS Resler interface has to be disconnected as it will cause some issues with the rest of the devices you have on the IBUS. The interface will draw its power from the PC USB interface and work fine with that. Attached are a couple of pictures.

[pete_c]

Attached are a couple of PC's which I will be testing. A third one is just a micro ITX running a "D" Pentium 3.X processor. I have not installed it in a case yet and not sure if I want to use it. I purchased it because of its size and SVIDEO/RCA video output.

[pete_c]

This PC is a 6 X 6 inch dual core processor - 1 GIG memory - 180 Meg HD. (MAC like but running XP). It has a ASTC tuner (via mini PCI card), S-Video, RCA video and slot loading DVD/CD RW drive. Monitoring temperatures on it and it appears to get somewhat warm. Very tight insides. This PC though would mount under the NAV computer with no issues. The VROOM case CarPC would have to be mounted outside either on the main deck or the removable panel. I purchased a second panel to mount this PC and use quick disconnects to replace the panel with regular panel.

[pete_c]

My first test is with a low powered motherboard.
Runs pretty quick for XP SP3. Seems to be designed for being a CarPC. Video - Audio are quick. I like the additional PCMCIA amd CF memory options for additional media.

Processor
Model : VIA Samuel 2
Speed : 600MHz
Performance Rating : PR540 (estimated)
Type : Standard
L2 On-board Cache : 64kB Synchronous, Write-Back, 4-way set, 32 byte line size

Mainboard
Bus(es) : ISA AGP PCI CardBus USB FireWire/1394 i2c/SMBus
MP Support : No
MP APIC : No
System BIOS : Award Software International, Inc. 6.00 PG
System : VIA Technologies, Inc. CLE266-8235
Mainboard : EPIA-M
Total Memory : 992MB DDR-SDRAM

Chipset 1
Model : VIA Technologies Inc VT8623 Apollo CLE266 CastleRock CPU to PCI Bridge
Front Side Bus Speed : 1x 133MHz (133MHz data rate)
Total Memory : 1GB DDR-SDRAM
Shared Memory : 32MB
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 133MHz (266MHz data rate)

Video System
Monitor/Panel : Digital Flat Panel (800x600)
Monitor/Panel : Generic Television
Monitor/Panel : Plug and Play Monitor
Adapter : VIA/S3G CLE266

Physical Storage Devices
Hard Disk : WDC WD800VE-00KWT0 (75GB)
CD-ROM/DVD : TOSHIBA CDW/DVD SDR2612C (CD 24X Rd, 24X Wr) (DVD 3X Rd)

MultiMedia Device(s)
Device : VIA AC'97 Enhanced Audio Controller (WDM)

Power Management
AC Line Status : On-Line

Operating System(s)
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP/2002 Professional (Win32 x86) 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 3)

Network Services
Adapter : VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter

Tested some new software called CarMedia - It is a basic no frills interface similar to CarX. One of the features was a plug n play IBUS module. The application found the IBUS interface and provided the choices for use (AUX, CD Changer, tape, etc). Once configured for AUX worked and very similar to CarX but without the video media player.

Because of the size of the VROOMII case I will not be able to fit it inside and below the NAV/Sirius unit. I ordered a second cover which I was going to modify with quick disconnects so that the CarPC could be installed on it with reinforced brackets. I found an Ignition on only power feed (which I am using for the Video GNET interface) and only have to feed power directly (fused of course) from the battery. Another feasible location is under the floor cover adjacent to the battery. This would present an issue though of lack of ventilation.

[LeMansX5]

Nice setup, pete.

[Tobmag]

Low budget version in my E39 Touring; Works fine though.....

[pete_c]

Tobmag, How did you connect your PC video to the Video on your E39? Are you using the NAV screen or did you use a separate LCD?

[Tobmag]

Hi Pete.

I'm using the origional 16*9 screen up in the front,TV out from the grafics card, also running with CarX over AUX sound. I-Bus inteface according to the drawing in NavCoder file.
Shut down controller (the one on the inside of the lid) comes from Mp3Car shop.

//Tobmag