YEP! you sure could. THe only problem then, and the only reason i havent done it yet, is that you would have to COMPLETELY rely on the computer for those functions (unless you had bypass switches, etc)


Have you ever COMPLETELY wanted to rely on windows? The other issue is boot time. If you didnt have bybass, then you would have to wait the 30 secs or so for your computer to boot before anything is usable.


Linux and windows CE are viable quicker booting more reliable alternatives im looking into.

Check out DamnSmallLinux. A buddy of mine has sub 15sec boot times with full graphics/RAID/802.11G support.

I have looked at various distros. I like them all but have run into major issues.

A. There is NO good mapping (gps) program for linux. Period. (and i am not good enough to mess with wine or the like).

B. I am not good enough with linux to convert yet, but im getting better

C. Last i checked front-end programs were hard to come by (to control the music and switching of programs)

D. My OBD 1 software isnt linux compatible.

So windows is the way to go really. For now anyways.

Now that i have two batteries i could have my computer SLEEP instead of shutdown. Battery life isnt an issue since i have run 1200 watts of amplifiers off of my spare battery for the last 6 days without it being hooked up to the alternator.

I need to look into compatibility of Windows CE because you build it from scratch with a program, but then have to port drivers. And also Windows XP embedded but that is EXPENSIVE as i get windows CE free through school.

Random updates on a mildly old post:

Im back in school so progress is moving slowly. The first isolator crapped out, and so i returned it and found a second revision from the same manufacturer so it should work better. BUT the bolts on it are shorter, so all my wires don't fit on. I will have to make some sort of buss-bar system to let me attach more stuff to the bolts.

The battery in my trunk ran my amplifiers for TWELVE days before the voltage dropped too low.

I think im going to put all my car electronics on that battery, and get a smaller, lighter battery up front for starting... havent decided on that yet though.

Im also kinda on hold, i have some rust issues on some sheet metal seams in the trunk from the wheel well... They need to be taken care of before a hole forms... so i dont want to fill up my trunk too much.

Thanks for the updates.
Do you have an FM receiver card in your TouchDash?
Do you know if anyone is making an HD AM/FM radio rceiver card?
Yes, I said AM. Some programs just aren't available on FM. Noon to 3!