[SC.LUG] Next meet

[Ian Molton]

Simeon W Farrington wrote:

> Wow, just looking at the photos - l;ooks a pretty serious modding 
> exercise of a humble tape deck - what features will this be bringing 
> into the car?

MP3/OGG playback
GPS
WiFi (wardriving)
Bluetooth (handsfree for the mobile)
possibly movie playback if I install LCDs on the rear seat headrests
Engine sensor capture
full X desktop if I add a keyboard / mouse /screen (mobo  will have all 
its ports available via a flip up cover on the front of the unit)

The (drivers) head unit will be a 'Simpad' (linux PDA with 8 inch 
screen). On this will be a map, speedo, trip, fuel consumption, engine 
status display (stuff like Manifold presure, turbo speed, exhaust temp, 
oxygen sensor, etc. basically anything I can find a sensor to measure 
from car transplants)

Im seriously considering a 'flight recorder' too, with a forward facing 
webcam and microphone.

The system has no moving parts, including the harddisc, which has been 
replaced by a USB 'key' which will contain a full OS and rootfs, albeit 
*read only*. Main storage will be on a second USB key, in a place thats 
easily accessible. (the OS one is *inside* the unit)

its got just four wires out the back - fewer than the original radio!

power, ignition, and a USB 2.0 port on a flying lead.

the USB 'flying lead' will go to a hub under the dash, which in turn 
will supply power and USB to the GPS, bluetooth, extra memory stick, USB 
audio device, and (as yet not built) engine monitoring module (will be 
built around the Cypress EZ-USB controller).

the USB audio module will be routed to a mic that will accept voice 
commands fromt he driver, and to a small 'plate' amp that will drive the 
speakers (10W ought to suffice).

> Should I be building such a moster for my beloved (!! :p) 20 year old 
> Nova?

Sure, why not? :)

Have fun :)