The Media Engine Vauxhall skin is now coming together

Still waiting for the Opus ITX DC to DC PSU. In the mean time the guys over at MP3car.com have worked their magic by getting a discount for their members. Please note that there are terms and conditions in place so it will only benefit those that are in the USA.I have asked the question about those out side and if a discount can be got.Here is some of the text."Thank you very much for your interest in our DC-DC power supplies. We do have the 150 W DC-DC power supply but the 90 W unit will be available soon in about 2 to 3 Weeks time frame. We can offer $10 Off or free shipping via UPS Ground with in continental USA to MP3Car Forum members. This offer must be indicated at the time of order by email and one per MP3Car forum member only. Effective from June 01, 03 to Sept 30, 03."

The project its self is almost there, I have ordered a couple of bits today so I am now really ( bar any major hard work ) waiting for the PSU. I also managed to get a really nice mini USB hub which will do to minimise the cables I have to run to the front of the car - it will also make it easy to add extra hardware on - i.e. a joystick or hard drive if needed. The Media Engine Vauxhall skin is now coming together so hopefully that will be released very soon. Lastly, have you thought about where to mount your machine ? I have after some time of thinking that I don't want to drill any wholes or cut any bits out I have come to the conclusion I need a custom mount making. Well not for the moment. My brother has come up with a cheap and easy alternative which he uses now, Velcro. It sticks to the carpet in your boot and wraps round your box. Pictures soon when I take them.
Lastly I have been asked a lot about using on-screen keyboards, well there is good news if you use Windows XP or Windows 2000. Click start, run then type 'osk.exe' then enter - bosh its there. For other Windows user click here for a product called Virtual Keyboard - and it does not cost the earth

Well I've done it. I've bought Destinator 2

Well I've done it. I've bought Destinator 2 as its out now. £149 delivered for the UK only version is not bad. All that's left now before complete installation is the IR sensor, to be ordered next week & the Opus DC 2 DC ITX PSU - still waiting. The GPS fix to Auto start it is now available in the downloads section, more details of how to use it and how it was created are contained in the zip file. There are two versions one where it just starts Autoroute and the other were it loads a pre-defined map and settings created by your self - handy for customising the screen. Lastly version two of Mitokondria's 'Interface' is now available. It removes some of the bugs with the last skin. Oh and I got my new car today :)
Here is the Destinator 2 feature list how ever you can find a full review of the Pocket PC version here which has the same screens etc.

New Map Data for UK
Latest version of map data for UK and Europe from Navtech®.
Full coverage map data available in most regions.

One-of-a-kind 3D View
Unique 3D navigation enhances overall driving experience.

Improved Voice Guidance
Advanced driving instructions on the next manoeuvre.
Voice alert if the driver goes over the speed limit.

User-Friendly Interface
Newly designed and improved dialogue boxes.
Larger on-screen buttons for easy reading and use.

Superior Compression Technology
New and improved compression engine and algorithms. Compression has been increased from 16:1 to 30:1.

Optimised Routing Algorithms
-Routing improvements enable faster and more accurate re-routing calculations.
-New installation screens to match Navtech's map cutting application.

NMEA Protocol Support
-Offers built-in NMEA protocol support allowing you to use a wide variety of GPS devices.

Other Destinator Features
- Easily input your destination or select from address list

- Destinator always knows where you are

- Turn-by-turn voice prompts guide you to your destination- Your option - shortest or quickest route

- Shows dynamic and interactive maps throughout your trip - Automatically recalculates alternate route if you miss a turn

- Fully-featured menus and audio-visual navigation

- Speaks English, French and Spanish

- Stores up to 4000 destinations in address book

- Instant recall of last 15 destinations - Completely Portable - No Installation Required- Detailed street maps.

- World Class Navtech® mapping technology

- High quality 12-channel GPS Receiver included

- No activation or monthly user fees

- Manual use of maps including off-line routing within the reach of your pocket

- Advanced Points Of Interest (POI) database is now available and is included in the Destinator software free of charge

GPS & Auto Start In AutoRoute

This one is a real short entry as I have been so busy. Very quickly I have got my own little script developed now to auto start the GPS unit when MS Autoroute starts. It is one exe and starts the Autoroute software up, once that's done it enters the correct keyboard commands to start the GPS up. More news soon when its available for download.

IR Keyboard

Am I chuffed with my self or what ? Went to what is called over here in the UK a 'Car boot sale' - or 'garage sale' in the States I think... any way while wandering about the place I came across a stall selling remote controls. I dived straight in with my figures crossed that I would find some thing that could be of some use. Even better, I found the perfect one from a Bush Internet TV Box Set and only £8! This Infrared remote not only contains the normal TV remote controls but underneath you find almost ( minus an ALT key but that's not a problem ) full QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard only activates when its open which mean the is so many different keys to use for all sorts of functions. On the right hand side is a fully usable mouse ! The plan is to use a infrared sensor with Girder software to translate the IR commands in to PC commands. Now here is a warning for all those out there thinking you can use you PC IR sensor... and I learnt this my self on recently. The PC sensors are only for the IRDA protocol and this works on a totally different frequency to most home remotes. What you need is one of these USB IR sensors. ( More info and serial versions can be found here ). I am in the middle of trying to buy one of the USB versions at the mo' so once I have it I will let you know what its like.

Bought A Load Of Video And Audio Cables From CPC Today

Bought a load of video and audio cables from CPC today in preparation for the install. The plan is that the interface is going to get its final testing next week - time allowing. Finally the UK VW MkIV forum has been interested in this site. I have given them some basic information which may be useful for others so click here to see the conversation.

New Car Vauxhall Vectra SRI 150 Facelift

Just put the deposit down for my new car today. Its a Vauxhall Vectra SRI 150 Facelift model ( B ) variant and very quick. Have a look here at the photos and spec.