Installing a PC in the Cab: How I Did It

[AndyMan]

Big Hammer, you and I are thinking along the same lines... . The stumbling block to me has always been finding software to invert the image on the monitor to compensate for mounting it upside down... I've also been trying to devise a "dock" so that I could remove the laptop and take it with me, leaving behind kvm type controls that I use to operate it while docked in the truck.

 

[EricBu12]

There is a Flat screen Computer that is all in one I saw in Comp USA. It docks into a holder and If you want to work on something outside or whatever, you just take it with you and do whatever... Can't remember the name of the Brand it was but it is cool.

 

[TBrennan]

There are issues with dissambling a laptop. The cable for the LCD is a flat ribbon that would be hard to source and would have a small maximum length. There are issues with power for a standard ATX power supply, although companies do make them.



I just got a 7" 840x480 LCD USB Touchscreen from Japan (a Lilliput) for about $300 shipped. This is a big price breakthrough for this size with a touchscreen and has only recently become available at that kind of price.



Many of these issues are covered in discussion at www.mp3car.com. Anyone serious about this would be amiss not to spend some time there.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

TBrennan: A friend of mine bought this same LCD touchscreen..... it's amazing how much you get for the price.



He's using it to control a WinXP Media Center server... .



Matt

 

[TBrennan]

That's a cool idea. I'm still deciding how to mount mine in the truck.

 

[GCrowell]

Ryan, really cool project!



I wonder where I can find a list of all parameters available at the OBD connector. Specifically, can you get any info on the EGT or transmission fluid temp? (probably not because neither of those directly affect the emissions), Does the Pepper software allow any 'tinkering' with it? ie; can you select which parameters to monitor etc? I looked their page over and couldn't tell how flexible it was.



Thanks for the good write up.

George

 

[Mschevey]

I see that they say to ask about group discounts for the software. Has this been looked into in the past? If not; how many of you would be interested?



Mike

 

[HoleshotHolset]

transmission fluid temp = yes, if it is an auto transmission truck.



EGT = no... the ECM has no idea what the EGT's are... since there is no probe in the exhaust stream.



the ECM might be able to interpolate the EGT's based on engine load, RPM and some other environmental variables... . but I doubt that it would convert that into an EGT temp reading... . and I question the accuracy of such an interpolation, if such a thing existed.



Matt

 

[rbattelle]

I've gotten comments by several people who seemed like they wanted to be able to read more stuff from the OBD-II port. Truth of the matter is, there just isn't as much to be read as there would be on, say, a gasser. On my gauge panel I actively monitor: % Load, RPM, IAT sensor reading, ECT sensor reading, vehicle speed sensor, and % throttle. I could also monitor MAP, but I don't bother because I already have a boost gauge. (Note: I monitor speed and RPM because the position I put my steering wheel prevents me from reading the full speedo sweep). It is nice, though, to be able to see my average, maximum, and minimum boost at all times (in the "Data" section you can click on any monitored parameter and see statistics like max, min, std. deviation, etc). As Matt mentioned, you can't monitor EGT because there's no thermocouple in the manifold. What else is there to monitor on a diesel? I would like to be able to see rail pressure, which the engine certainly is monitoring, but thus far I can't see how to do it. Admittedly, I haven't put much effort into that.



I really like Alex Pepers software. It's very flexible, and really does quite a lot. In some ways it's crude, but that's one of the things I like: with crudeness comes flexibility. The latest version (which I have not yet installed in the truck) allows you to build equations. So you could convert MAP in inHg to psi, for example. I do have an email into him asking him to include the ability to set the background color on the gauge panel... it's rather bright at night (current color is light gray).



When you run his software, you can select individual parameters you want to monitor from a list, or you can hit "ALL SUP", which automatically pulls off every parameter that is available to be monitored. Matt, I'm not sure whether transmission temp would be in there. I'd say % load is my favorite. And having a digital ECT readout is convenient too.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Transmission temp has been a parameter in every OBD-II car/truck I have worked on that had an auto transmission.



I will admit that I never really got around to playing with the Dodge OBD-II systems a whole lot. Most of my OBD-II adventures were with the Snap-On MT-2500... .



Some OBD-II systems will even display auto transmission input torque... in ft-lbs!



Matt

 

[MCrossley]

Pretty cool setup, I actually have everything but my monitor to set mine up. Only difference is I am running a MiniPC whihc is the size of a standard PC CD-ROM Drive and has modem, network, vga and also TV Out, sounds, usb and even printer and serial ports all in one very small and so far very reliable package true it is only a 1ghz but it runs well with XP I have been running it at home for a year non stop and no issues with heat or anything so I figure it will be killer for the truck as small and also no big Power supply either. I will post a pic of it if you guys like.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I'd be interested in seeing pics of that MiniPC... . sounds like a slick little box.



Matt

 

[rbattelle]

For those who would be more interested in an already-assembled unit, I happened across this one. In their catalog, they show it next to a ball point pen, and it's one extremely small PC. Would easily fit under the seat. The only disadvantage I see is a complete lack of upgradeability.



Also, I found www.mp3car.com , which seems to be mostly ricers, but lots of good research and advice can be had there.



I just bought a new monitor for mine here. It will allow me to run a navigation system. I'll review it when I get it installed.

 

[scotty1]

Originally posted by JR2

THe OBD stuff is nice, MP3's would be fantastic... how about adding a 8021. b wireless reciever and then you could get internet.



Now even better would be a gauge set up. You could wire all kinds of sensors to the engine and hook them up via the compter and then record all the data to the hard drive for later play back. I know there is someone on the board that could build the software and associated black box to hook the sensors too.

I was just going to ask how long the phone cord is for the dial up service... LOL



cool idea.

 

[MCrossley]

Yhr PC listed above is simalar to the one I have I just have not had time to post a pic but thats it in a nutshell; as far as upgradability I don't know that it is necessary other than drive space you are pretty much only doing certain things with it unless you plan on doing autocad while your driving...

 

[marksp]

another approach would be to use a Pocket PC with one of the many OBDII apps available. This method leverages the smaller form factor, touch screen, solid state technology, and of course, car adapter for power. Extra bonus points for ability to play media files (MP3) as well as GPS based navigation, 802. 11...



http://www.obdmeter.com/obmeforpopcm.html

http://www.injectoclean.com/English...eneric_Pocket_PC/obdii_generic_pocket_pc.html

http://www.autologicco.com/pocketline/pocketobd.shtm

 

[rbattelle]

Here's a shot of the new monitor installed. All I can say is, it's a night-and-day difference from the old junker I had. This monitor was specifically designed for a PC (it has a VGA connector on it). I can finally read everything... down to the tiniest text! Plus, the bezel is significantly smaller than the old one (screen itself is 0. 2" smaller diagonal, too), and it doesn't block any of the factory gauges or radio anymore. It looks so much more like it's "supposed to be there".



Next step: wire the PC sound into the factory speakers!

 

[mgonske]

OK Ryan, we need specs (and sources) for the new monitor...

 

[rbattelle]

Originally posted by mgonske

OK Ryan, we need specs (and sources) for the new monitor...

Sorry about that, I thought I had posted it earlier. I got it at www.digitalww.com (they happened to have the best price). The link directly to the model I bought is here.



I will also note that this monitor is significantly dimmer than the older one I had. That's good and bad. Good: at night, it doesn't hurt my eyes or otherwise distract my view outside. Bad: it's a little harder to see in sunlight, especially when wearing sunglasses (remove sunglasses and I can see it fine).

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Truck to Truck Networking!!!!!! Wireless

I can see it now going to muncie file sharng the whole way LOL!

Anyhow here is the config setup of the unit.



#ad