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NERD ALERT! Has anyone hooked a PC to the car computer??

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Old 11-01-2004, 01:46 PM
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Default NERD ALERT! Has anyone hooked a PC to the car computer??

Hi Everyone,
Has anyone around here ever hooked up computer to their Bonnie (or other GM) Car? I am looking to interface everything in the car (speed to locks to trunk to headlights) to my upcoming Carputer. I have seen handheld devices where you can do this but never a PC. Anyone want to throw this nerd a bone?


Alllllso has anyone ever tried hooking the stering wheel controls up to a comm port on a PC? This would be a sick application!

Timmay
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Old 11-01-2004, 02:43 PM
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I have used auto tap on my dad'* '96 GMC Suburban. It'* easy to setup on OBD II cars, but it'* also expensive. I think he paid $200 for the cable and software.. maybe less, not sure.


-justin
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Old 11-01-2004, 06:30 PM
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Here is my idea...maybe you or anyone else can comment or add something to it:

Laptop w/USBs and video-out, mounted either in the trunk or under a seat.
A head-unit with audio inputs AND video capable (folding screen)
USB hub(*) mounted somewhere in the front (need for keyboard, pointer device at minimum, possible jump drive or zip disk for MP3s, etc).
Interface for ALDL or OBD II to monitor engine functions.
Hardwire a remote power button for the laptop so you can power it on w/o actually going to it.

I'd recommend either an IBM Thinkpad or a Toshiba Satellite as those seem to be born, not built (die-casting...a lost art indeed) and will hold up well in an automotive environment.

Nothing Ebay can't help with.
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Old 11-14-2004, 11:17 PM
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http://www.meisners.net/aldl/

This website has the hardware I am looking for. All i have todo now is figure out how to write a program with the data.

Timmay
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Old 11-16-2004, 01:08 PM
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I built my own interface and used software i found on the net to hookup to a computer. It is very difficult to program unless you do that alot.. im am more mechanically and electrically inclined so i built the interface, adn used someone elses software... there is free stuff out there... i just have to find it again...
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Old 11-16-2004, 01:19 PM
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did someone say nerd alert?.... oh sorry my ears were burning
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Old 11-16-2004, 02:43 PM
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Hey... im a nerd... and im dang proud of it im putting a touch screen in my car to control MP3'*, On Board Diagnostics, and GPS... im selling my stuff on Ebay to make some bucks for the screen.
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Old 11-16-2004, 09:42 PM
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Originally Posted by bmsgaffer86
Hey... im a nerd... and im dang proud of it im putting a touch screen in my car to control MP3'*, On Board Diagnostics, and GPS... im selling my stuff on Ebay to make some bucks for the screen.
I hear ya man, I'm selling my Treo 600 + all the stuff with it so I can pick up a Treo 650. Best part is the two look alike so my girl will never notice

I also have a 1.7 Ghz tower i am going to sell to raise money to get my VIA ME10000 (or 6000) motherboard (it'll be hard hiding that frome the gf though....)

Thanks for the info ppl, let me know if you find that software!

Timmay
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Old 11-16-2004, 11:33 PM
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How about so you can have a scantool running all the time???

Here'* the President of OQCGP Grand Prix;





And another awesome system in a GP;





Why not have front and rear facing video cameras too;





Cheers,
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Old 11-17-2004, 03:51 PM
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nice lookin work there pressss. do you guys all use FM modulators to put the sound over the speakers or something eles...............did bonneville ever have a factory cd changer, because it woul be better to go into that input than to FM modulate...........
this car computer thing is relly takin over the audio after market forums......
maybe the moderatores can make a new subjsut based on COMPUTERS IN BONNEVILLES, a more advanced section of forums than the light bulbs, and fuses of the everthing electrical section........................................... .............

nickyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
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