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Modding Project FR1080 - In car 15.4" Touch Screen

Discussion in 'Modding' started by Ternix, 30 Mar 2010.

  1. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    This is also posted on mp3car.com but thought I'd share it with you guys.

    (Started in 2008)
    History
    The dream started all the way back before I even had a car license I owned a Ford KA for you who don't know its this thing.
    [​IMG]
    Didn't own it long enough to have my own picture :)

    6 months after passing well let’s just say it was no longer drivable after flip here and fence there. Now 19 and paying off my second car I'm now continuing my dream of a car-pc.

    After:
    [​IMG]

    Rental, nickname dumbo
    [​IMG]

    My car
    SEAT Ibiza 1.9 TDi FR 170Bhp Revo
    [​IMG]

    Project Summary
    I've noticed many successful projects here and they look fantastic but I wanted to do something different. Then with all this hype of HD I thought why not.

    Objective
    Take Full HD Movies to the beach.

    (13th Oct 08)
    After many months of research I took the first step in buying the first part. The 15.4" LCD, be careful when buying from sites such as Smart Micro because you may buy a LCD then they send you something they think will be compateble. In my case I ordered an LG LP154WU1 for its specification and they sent me a Sharp screen, reasoning "we were out of stock and that screen will be compateble" even though they don't know what its going to be used for. To this day I don't know the spec of the screen due to there been no datasheets on the net for it. Return was not an option due to shipping costs so they refunded me the difference as the screen they gave me was $20 cheaper.

    Specs:
    Max Resolution: 1920 x 1200
    Response: 25ms
    Supplier: http://www.manhattanlcd.com/

    I started playing around and to my frustration HDMI the reason I bought it just wouldn't work:mad2:. All I got was a Black border and taskbar got cut off. After weeks of trouble I finally picked up the phone and paid international price and called the USA. After about a 5 mins call finally got an answer that most graphics cards have this trouble and its what the GFX card interrupts what the controller is. As such it thinks the native resolution is 1280 x 720 then from there the digital signal is just wrong and the controller doesn't understand the signal been feed.

    I then took the gamble in buying the updated controller board but to no luck. So now got 2 of these 15.4" LCD screens.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    Just this weekend bought the touch panel.

    Whilst waiting I ran into a problem with my design. The problem is I want my engine to recharge the UPS / Glass Batteries but when parked up I can just plug it into the wall and it then takes the power from the grid whilst charging the UPS / Glass Batteries. Need some kind of auto switch.

    Here’s my design. (Update 14th Oct 08)
    [​IMG]

    (14 Oct 08)
    Obviously I don't own an iPod as I'm a M$ person (bad I know) and own WM6.1 phone so this is the reason I went for the Gateway 300 and not 100. So I went ahead and bought it, another $300 in dept but should be worth it.
    [​IMG]

    Just got the Gateway 300 and here are a few images.
    [​IMG]

    I'll install it tonight and test it with my dads little iPod.

    I'll use either USB or Aux to connect my PC.

    (22nd Oct 08)
    Got a little carried away and forgot to post, anyway I love this device everything works. Still waiting on the touch panel, UPS lost it grrr. So whilst waiting went to pick up my new pocket thing to go below the radio in case I screw up, only $6 worthwhile investment. Also new cup holder to replace my broken one.

    Also popped into JKM Performance in Portsmouth and decided to finally REVO it. Took my 130TDI upto 170bhp estimate. Old top speed 125mph (130 when new), New top speed 143mph.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    After spending well over $1500 I'm not going to leave this project alone till its done.

    Here's the network plan for the car. Not much to do with the car but important;
    [​IMG]

    Finally got the steel brick into my flat, weighs an absolute ton.

    After opening up the server and finding a very different format of motherboard I started to find out what everything was. Specs for the server;

    1 POWEREDGE 2650 - AC - XEON 2.8GHZ/512K,
    1 2GB ECC DDR MEMORY, (2X1GB)
    1 ADDITIONAL XEON 2.8GHZ/512K, 533FSB CACH
    3 146GB SCSI ULTRA320 (10, 000RPM) 1IN 80 P
    2 36GB SCSI ULTRA320 (10, 000RPM) 1IN 80 PI
    1 SPLIT HARD DISK DRIVE HOT PLUG BACKPLANE
    1 PERC 3/DI DUAL CHANNEL ONBOARD RAID CARD
    1 24X IDE CD-ROM DRIVE(N)
    1 AC REDUNDANT POWER OPTION (2 POWER SUPPL
    1 ENGLISH - WINDOWS 2003 STANDARD SERVER 5

    All of this for a neat $349.42 and only 4 years old.

    [​IMG]

    Now installing Windows Server 2003 with raids set;
    C Drive
    Raid 0 Stripped - (2 x 36Gb 10k)

    D Drive
    Volume - (3 x 146Gb 10k)

    Don't think I can watch TV with this on. Its like a small jet especially without its case on.

    Once tested I shall swap out those 36Gb with 73Gb 10k from work.

    --------------------------------------------------

    Got home from work and brought home with me 6x 73Gb 10k u320 hard drives. I'll bring the other 6 tomorrow as they weigh a ton.

    Just swapping out the 146Gb for 73Gb and compare speed when all 5 put in RAID 0.

    5th Feb 09
    Finished the sync code. Decided vb was to long code for something this simple so just created a .bat file to run @3am every night from the server.

    ^^^^^
    It takes copies of TV recordings from MCE-S01 then pics, vids and music from PULSE-G01 (main pc).

    To save space it then deletes TV recordings off MCE-S01 as its only got 100Gb. Also deletes everything else from the car so if I watched and deleted stuff at home changes will be reflected in my car.

    The server then uploads the whole lot to the car. Thank god I invested in N300mbps 1Gb router or it be all day long uploading.

    29th Mar 10
    I'M FINALLY BACK!

    After moving home 3 times and country I now got time to settle in and complete this. Still going for the crazy 15.4" screen and have had plenty of time to think about this.

    Due to MOT and police warnings I have been advised not to go ahead with this as it causes serious restriction when driving. Few modifications have had to been made for one the LCD panel and controller are no longer together to make the panel 1/3 of its original depth meaning I can now indicate without hitting my screen also slimming down the bezel to no longer block the passenger air bag (personal request from family).

    Right now with the log. Bought lots of tools jigsaw, drills and plenty of L, U, ali poles and some ali sheets. Now there will not be any sketchup this time as been in my head seems to work -self injury due to stupidness with jigsaw. PS ALWAYS clamp down small metal when cutting :)

    No camera so please bear with me using my phone :(

    Buisness;
    First to start was adapting the dash pocket to hold the controller board.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Main frame done and once its been bench tested I shall add a front grill with dim red LED's behind showing off the board.

    tomorrow will be finalising the pocket to insure good fit, possibly will turn board upside down to have a fan on the bottom of the pocket as the controllers tends to get very hot. Also start work on the LCD bezel which I'm still thinking about.

    Me playing with Vista and 15.4" touch screen.
    [​IMG]

    Location where it shall be install. (LCD, Just above hazard light button)(Controller in pocket)
    [​IMG]

    Any advise on the easiest way to extend the LVDS cable?

    That's it for tonight, stay tuned for more tomorrow.
     
    Last edited: 10 Apr 2010
  2. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Mmmm biscuits

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    touch screens in cars are the worst idea ever. Seriously!

    You will have to take your eyes off the road to see where to press for selection as there is no tactile feeling.

    If you just place the screen in the car, sit in the drivers seat and think about how much your eyes shift to select things. And you started the thread if a rolled car.....

    Nice project, but get the controls sorted.
     
  3. kinghong1970

    kinghong1970 Just a Clumsy Ape

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    while i commend you on the technical know-how to achieve this project and the creativity of it all...

    i've seen too many reports on the news that says...

    "entire family killed when a tractor trailer hits them from behind... driver was using his laptop..."
    "...accident caused when driver was texting..."

    and seriously... take full HD movies to the beach? um... on a 15" screen? and sand + girls in skinny bikini's is not enough?

    sorry... just don't think it's a good idea...
    but that's just my opinion...

    here's some links...

    truck driver kills family of 6


    truck driver kills family


    porn watching driver kills family


    here's a mess of driver distraction accidents

    accidents caused by texting...


    just to name a few...

    there's just too many of these sad events out there...
     
    Last edited: 30 Mar 2010
  4. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    Not much is done today as getting papers ready for tomorrow morning to register as a Dutch resident.

    Yer there are a few laws with screens in cars, most have a link to the handbrake to stop you using it whilst driving. I shall be using a remote control for quickly changing tracks etc like with many car stereos.

    Very true yet you still see people driving whilst reading the newspaper. Of course there are dangers with this just like smoking whilst driving or using hands-free or GPS. They are all some form of distraction but it all depends on the degree and driver. Although I did find the porno one amazing that he did that.

    My set-up as said above will use a remote control so whilst driving it wont be any more of a distraction than a normal radio.

    To your question of "...sand + girls in skinny bikini's is not enough?" if they were around of course they take priority but remember this is UK and The Netherlands not Miami.

    Although I still appreciate your opinion.

    This project though is mainly for those moments where your tail to bumper traffic on the M25 and can sit and watch a movie whilst not moving. Also for me when travelling to and from UK to NL it can be a while waiting at the Channel Tunnel terminal or on the train.
     
  5. kinghong1970

    kinghong1970 Just a Clumsy Ape

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    well Ternix, you sound like a responsible person... in lieu of the upside down car... lol... i won't ask...

    but on the other hand...

    1) yes, there is too much madness on the road these days... gps and smoking being one of them... but because others do so... does it justify you to do it as well?

    2) this is something i say to my wife and my employees very often... if others starts to eat dung, knowing what it is, will you also eat dung? and justify yourself by saying others do so...

    3) does a remote control really make a difference?

    4) do you know how many accidents happen in bumper to bumper traffic?

    again, it's not my job to discourage you... but the world being as crazy as it is...
    funny thing about life... i stopped short of crossing the street because of a fluke-ish incident... lucky that i did... else, i would have been a hood ornament... does not take much to create a catastrophe...

    i'd just get myself a nice laptop...

    but again, my humble opinion... and with that, good luck...
     
  6. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    kinghong: Upside down car was caused by black ice and over correction. Yer I'm not saying its safe like just normal driving but the idea that whilst driving this will become no more of a distraction than a normal radio. Remote will help a lot as I shall be able to feel buttons like a radio instead of just touching glass, of course touch can still be used but pref will be remote so track can be changed without having to look at the screen.

    I know too full well about this 1st and 2nd hand experience and this is why I shall try to make it as safe as I can with a 15.4" in a hatch back. Lastly option of buying something nice is out the window as all of this was bought over a year ago when it first started, I'm just finishing what I started.

    Small update with been busy at work due to Easter holiday and all here is some new piccys of the controller board finally in its mounting position. Underneath the board will be a 100x100x10mm fan to cool the Pixelworks CPU.

    [​IMG]

    Need help, does anyone know how I can get the VGA to turn 90 with in 10mm? Got plenty of cables to try on but not keen on soldering it onto the board as its worth a lot.

    Also can I take 12v directly from a 12v battery or will I need a DC 12v regulator thing. I have a AC-DC adapter but be cleaner if I can take direct 12v DC.

    All nuts are locking nuts to prevent movement of vibrations with silicon washers.

    Tomorrow it's time to attack the LCD bezel. :D
     
    Last edited: 4 Apr 2010
  7. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    Back again, not much done this week but finally became part of the Dremel Club :)

    New Toys:
    [​IMG]

    Today and tomorrow is extending the LVDS cable with a SCSI cable. Preview of my work to be done:
    [​IMG]

    Also finish one part of the LCD and touch screen casing, needs a bit of smoothing.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Also second screen case made but doesn't have touch. This shall be used in the rear of my car to say

    GET BACK BEFORE I BRAKE!
    or
    MOVE YOUR ISSUES OFF THE ROAD!​
    [​IMG]
     
  8. skybarge

    skybarge just chilling at work

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    Yeah, especially one this big. A 6.5-7" one maybe in place of the factory DIN stereo with:
    Volume, cd track/mp3 left/right and a graphic equalizer is all you need :)
    :thumb:
     
  9. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    It's all you need yes but I really don't want to have what all other cars have, a 15.4" is very different. Plus I don't really care to much about looks just more that the original car is left mostly untouched. I'm more of a what's under the bonnet kind a guy.

    Update and thank god for safety goggles, 2 Dremel cutters shattered into my face.

    First off last night I was working on extending the LVDS cable using SCSI, so far I've done one side of the cable with 1:2 LVDS:SCSI also all have been continuity tested.

    Also got a few shoots of the casing loosely put together to find errors in dimensions and faults in design. Shall also see the new 100mm fan hole ready for installation. Going to have to add another leg for the screen as it is bouncing quite alot also considering changing its mounting method to create less impact.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  10. barry99705

    barry99705 sudo rm -Rf /

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    You're not actually going to mount it there are you?? Honestly that looks like crap, and I'm sure with that setup you'll get to know all the local police officers names pretty quick. I know you've seen the other carputers at mp3car. There are much better ways to install the screen
     
  11. M_D_K

    M_D_K Modder

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    I have to agree with the above comments, If that doesn't cause a distraction when its off it'll certainly do when you switch it on. after seeing the KA on its roof do you think it wise to add more distractions in your car?

    Whats up with sticking in the back of the seat if your going to be parked up when using it wouldn't it be better in the back of the car? then atleast you can mount it neatly in the chair or flip down from the roof?
     
  12. Puk

    Puk (A shrewd and knavish sprite)

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    I had great success with my carpc, this thread would suit the UK version of mp3car.com which isnt majorly full of arseholes like mp3car. If your not a member www.digital-car.co.uk/ is a cool site with lots of friendly helpful people that aren't biased against carpc use. I had a 5" retractable screen in my dash, under the ns seat a itx system that I used for storage of music, movies and mainly satnav all operated via the centrafuse front end, the gps reciever sat nicely under my taxdisc holder and the whole system was remotely updatable by parking it in my drive and using my wifi. Had the xp system booting from hybernate in around 15seconds. Worked out well as I own a fiesta with a double din stereo slot, the lower half for my pioneer system, the upper slot for the electric retactable screen.

    Remember it's against the law to have a movie on whilst driving that is visible to the driver, as long as you don't do that you shouldn't have any issues :)
     
  13. PureSilver

    PureSilver E-tailer Tailor

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    I've got to agree with the others, that screen sits in your line of sight and blocks your view to the left of the car, not to mention how distracting it will be if it's on when you're driving (and if it won't be, why don't you make it fold-away or something?). It's got nasty sharp edges, which would definitely be an IVA failure and might even get picked up on MOT for obstruction to driver's view. You can bet that if you crash this one and are injured by the heavy, sharp, metal and glass object you've secured in front of you, the insurance will refuse to pay out for modifying your car and not notifying them. Is your dash going to take the strain of the heavy screen's acceleration or deceleration if you're rear-ended or run into something? The flimsy angle aluminium certainly isn't robust enough; if it's bouncing at the <0.5G strains of you driving on bumpy roads, there's just no way it's going to hold up to the instant 15G loading of a 30mph impact. You can be quite easily killed by heavy objects unsecured on the back seat in a crash; imagine how much greater that risk is when there's the potential for a screen weighing a couple of kilos to be blasted by the airbag into your passenger's face at close to 200mph.

    There are a lot of problems presented by such big screens, which explains why they're usually the preserve of Pimp My Ride. Consider a smaller integrated screen, maybe? Even the pop-out ones would be a safer alternative if not quite as good. If you want to watch movies at the beach, consider a laptop?
     
    Last edited: 12 Apr 2010
  14. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    There are alot of very valid points above and I shall go through them, not to argue but what I have or haven't done towards it.

    --WARNING VERY LONG AND QUITE BORING BEHIND THE SCENE DETAILS--​


    barry99705: It will be located there but mounting has changed so it directly connects to the dash behind removing the bounce effect. Once complete obviously there wont be M4 screw threads sticking out etc and this shall be sprayed black. My vision of it is very different to its current state.

    M_D_K: The KA was flipped due to over compensating on black-ice, so it wasn't caused by distractions. There are two monitors, one has less colour so it shall be used as a warning sign. Like you see "Baby on Board" etc but mine with a touch of one button it shall change the pre-programmed messages depending on what I want it to say.

    Puk I have started to notice that about mp3car.com and I have an account with digital-car but completely forgot about it. Do you have a linky to your log as be interesting to see the GPS receiver. The law on movie issue I shall link the frontend to the VAG so once the car is in gear or hand break is off video mode is removed as an option.

    PureSilver Surprisingly the screen is in just the right place that it only blocks an inch high in the center on the windscreen. This is due to the dash been so deep and my driving position is quite high (I don't ride with my ass kissing the cats eyes unlike some). There is no eye sight blocked to the left at all. Fold away idea is good but the amount of modification to the dash would make it look even worse unless I changed the entire dash which would then fail MOT due to change in air-bag deployment.

    Sharp edges is very valid and looking into fixing this.

    MOT failure in obstruction to view I have checked the book and been to several different MOT centres for advise. All have said as long as it does not exceed more than 10mm into "Zone A" of the windscreen its fine.
    [​IMG]

    Insurance has been notified and stated that everything is covered in value except what I add. Named drivers and passengers will be covered for any injuries as long as all the extras installed comply to the law and a certificate stating its results. IE an inspection pass is sufficient.

    Crash issue of flying objects. This was solved in the change of it been secured directly to the dash frame and for my comfort I've obtained two steel safety wires used in theatre and sound productions. Change in securing method has meant it has double mounts attaching in two locations on the dash frame, also change in mount length to less than 50mm has removed bouncing all together. Weight including mounting is 500grams. I have insured it is not obstructing the air-bag and this has been confirmed at each MOT and SEAT garage I've been to, hence the reason why it slightly behind the wheel but not covering any dash instruments.

    Of course no one can predict the out come of a real life crash which I know. My driving habits have always been very relaxed and in no way a boy racer. Never loud music, never using cell whilst driving, not changing CD whilst driving etc etc, you get the idea. This is no excuse but give an idea of what kind of person I am.

    Lastly any passenger I carry if they're uncomfortable, with a few adjustments the screen can be removed.

    I like to break the norm and usually has no benefit other than to be different.
     
  15. disturbed13

    disturbed13 What's a Dremel?

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  16. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    Long time since last update, been playing with my new tri-screen setup.

    Anyway back on track, the board case is now complete and before installation I was going to do a test bed of all electronics.

    To my disappointment the LVDS cable I extended is well, on acid. What the photo doesn't show is also the noise (slightly see it around the orb).
    [​IMG]

    As you can see this is annoying and slightly frustrating as my entire design was dependent on the cable been longer. Using the backup cable it runs fine, can see the length difference in photo below.

    [​IMG]

    Time to find alternative :wallbash:
     
  17. disturbed13

    disturbed13 What's a Dremel?

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    why dont you just try to find a longer cable that is already made?
     
  18. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    Because I was trying to save money and finding the right pins on cables are very hard.
     
  19. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    SUCCESS!

    After another couple of hours doing 50 soldier joints and individually shrink raping cables I successfully extending the LVDS cable by 600mm. :bounce:

    Made entirely out of Cat-5e using the twisted pair for the +/- and untwisted pairs for power and ground lines. Just need to tidy it up a bit and its ready to rock.

    [​IMG]

    Edit:
    After playing about and cramming everything in, the controller unit is now complete.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Edit #2:
    After making extended power leads for the unit I installed the controller unit into my dash. After plenty of swearing, scratches and time I finally got the unit and normal radio installed. There really was 0 room with all the cables been rammed in. Below shot is during the smoke test, the LCD is just resting on the dash for the test as still got some work to do on the frame.

    Now after weeks I can listen to music in my car :rock:
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: 14 Jun 2010
  20. Ternix

    Ternix What's a Dremel?

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    After completing the frame and finding it looks... well crap. I decided this shall be a testing frame for me to get used to the screen etc whilst I find a local that can rebuild the dash board to fit the screen in so it's modified oem look.

    With me moving AGAIN and i40 event around the corner the PC shall be on hold for now till I buy a new gaming PC to do a hand-me-down for my car. Below are some shots of the testing frame.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    For all readers after doing this for 2 years and learning the hard way. DON'T COPY ME!

    To me this has been worth while learning experience and learnt a lot from this so called mod but has been VERY costly to the extent of a nice new 50" Pioneer Plasma, with the PC installed it shall be the same value as the car. Even if others think this looks crap, pointless and suicidal I really don't care as it's my work and happy to see it every day. It's what I want as it's my car and 99.9% of the time I'm the only one in it.

    Anyway I shall return with an update when the PC is installed (under 2 months away) or once the construction of the new dash begins.

    Sayonara for this mod till then.
     

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