The Vauxhall Vectra / Insignia CarPC / CarPuter Project

New Hard Drive Arrived, DVD Rom Here Too

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:05:00 +0000

Having had my break I'm back and more detirmed than before to get this system installed. I'm reverting back to the old head for the short term but that will be changed at some point. I do plan still to use my Ipod as a media drive with Centrafuse 2.x for a number including getting in to Podcasts. To help here I have made a foam mold for my center arm rest including a space for my mobile too.... only problem is I'm not sure how to route the cables. In the mean time I have been searching for a new Album Art tool & a folder watch tool for my MP3 directory to work with Itunes.... no simple task believe me. In the end I found iTunes Album Browser & iTunes Folder watch where if you buy the brower you get the folder watch app free. There was a small problem that the folder.jpg files where not created so I emailed the developer and he added it for me. Add this to my MP3 ID3 Tag script ( under links & DL ) that I found and my Mp3's are compatible with the Ipod, CarPC & Media Center in one go.

Getting back to the CarPC its self now I have my DVD Rom from the Digital-Car Classifieds and the replacment hard drive I'm just waiting for a power ATX cable from Linitx so if all goes well I'll be installing my new image having used Nlite some time this week.

A Small Cheap Universal Mod That May Help Others

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 21:18:00 +0000

Of late I've had a problem with scratches and it my just be the pram going in and out of the boot, top this off with the fact that I work in the boot on the CarPC at times as its easier to access I decided I needed a little protection.

So - here is a simple solution..... simply get a good bit of carpet... in my case the same stuff I use to cover boot items / cases... cut it to size so it fits in the boot... cut out a couple of notches so its held in place when deployed and giving protection to the sides... and finally make sure it rolls up in the right direction so it hooks under the car... and your done.

Deployed in about 5 seconds and goes away just as fast it provides full protection to the length of the bumper stopping those pesky scratches...

Bad News For The Project

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:30:00 +0000

As you know I have been busy trying to make the system ready for the upcoming UK meet.... I did have most of the system in place at one point. Because of having problems getting the new head unit to work with the Car using the CANBUS adaptor I was delayed, top that off with having some hardware fail ( the M2 and the hard drive ) I will be unable to make it in time for the show this year.

As you can see from the attached photos the system fitted in exactly as planned and looked very good too. I didn’t find reflection a problem when the screen was on and it was much more crisp and clearer than any previous screen I have had.

The majority of the kit ( Hubs, GPS, Silabs, RF Remote Receiver ) was installed within the screen enclosure which was a WRX double din case. I did try a number of modifications to get the look right with this screen but in the end I used a couple of aluminium bars which although slightly raised actually looked ok. To hold the screen in place I had to be a bit ingenious and ended up using some foam pads and a bit of brute force.
The surround of the screen was simply held in place by using double sided sticky tape which I found was more than enough in this case.

The main CPU was installed in the boot cupboard located on the driver’s side. This allowed it to be totally hidden yet still vented. Supplying the power to this was very easy as it was simply a case of removing a grommet in the engine bay and feeding the AWG cable straight in to the cabin area behind the glove box.

One of the main downfalls for this car is that even though it looks big and roomy behind there in reality very little space is available. For instance just behind the glove box ( inside which was mounted the head unit ) the is the main cabin blower which presents a number of challenges. Also to get the standard double din cage in and then the WRX cage some minor modifications where needed to the space behind as it was blocked.

If you’re at the UK meet do pop over and say hello because I am still going and I will be more than happy to talk though what I have done and plan to do.

Steady Progress - Ready For The May UK Meet

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:10:00 +0000

I finally managed to complete the Double Din conversion of my screen in the WRX kit.... it fit just right how ever as you can see by the picture it did take a little while and some messing around to get it installed in such away I was happy it would not come loose. One of the main features you can see there is that the IR & light sensors where removed so I can fit them else where in the car. To enable this to happen and give me the opportunity to remove the screen if I wish I used an RJ45 cable, soldered the appropriate bits and added a RJ45 male to male in the middle. This means its a simple process of in and out now when 'servicing'. You an see a picture of it fitted to the dash to the right here. Actually this was my 3rd attempt.... the first got damaged, the second had a hiccup when I dinged it with the drill and then got super glue on the IR lens from an Xbox so when I go here I opted for a more simple approach held together by ( wait for it ) bluetack. I'm pretty sure the local Vauxhall garage thought I was mad going back for blanks every few days plus some other bits like a sports switch which will become the reset or power on off for the CarPC. Before I got this far I just had to try a test fit.... ( tip take out the heater controls before removing the dash ) to get a feel for what it will look like and size up some other things....

While I was behind the dash, which by the way does not have much room due to having the blower behind the glove box, I had a thought. The Elite models have some thing called a 'light and sight' pack installed which in short gives auto wipers and an ambient light at night from the mirror. While changing all that will be a pain and I am happy with auto wipers for loads of reasons I like the idea of ambient light just like the BMWs have in the foot well. The great bit is just above each foot well is a solid bit of over head plastic which is easy to gain access to so when I have the time I am going to fit two normal style ( like those in a glove box or boot ) lights with a low watt bulb which come on at night time. With the light coming from above near the feet it should light the foot well just nice with out a glare effect..... I'm currently trying to work on a way to do the same underneath the front seats to give the same effect to the passengers in the rear.... watch this space.

Talking of watch this space to the right hand side you can see a copy of the latest re-incarnation of the Vauxhall logo..... if I get time I'll see if I can get it on to Photoshop as I did before.

If your in the market for a few cheap bits then I am selling some of my old kit ( well I say old its not that old ) over at Digital-Car.co.uk on this thread. You do have to be a member to view it but with luck you are already ;)

Lastly a small notice - due to HP fitting motherboards to a number of laptops world wide which fail my lappy has gone to see them.... as such I've not been able to update the web site so please hang on in there as it may be a bit longer when its back as I plan a rebuild too.

Some More Bits Arrived This Week

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Some quick updates for you.... I ordered a new case this week from Cartft.com - the Voom 2. I want to stick a DVD in it purely for playing movies when I'm not on the move as such and because of where I'm mounting it a top slot load DVD would be spot on. Another reason for staying with this case is a new set of boards coming from the VIA stables... eg this 1.8ghz unit - the VIA EPIA SN18000G. I need to look in to this more but I'm hoping the bios start image can be updated like the Intel units as that is one of my requirements.

I've also had a delivery of my Fakra cable which is basically the new ISO standard for car connectors.... in this case its a specially made up lead with a MMCX to a Male Fakra for my new USB GPS to be connected directly to my factory fitted GPS antenna giving me an excellent signal.

Another part that arrived today is my Connects2 Double Din adaptor for my dash. This will allow me to fit my screen in to the hole which will be left when I remove the original head unit as planed how ever I need to have a play as its not that compatible with my WRX case I have ready.

My final thought today is that I need a new ICE to work as the amp. While the Kenwood has done me well when I remove my OEM head ( and this is daft ) I will not be able to set the time on my clock ( see I told you ). I'm currently looking at some kind of Blaupunkt model how ever which I do not know yet. This will be connected to the official Blaupunkt CANBUS adaptor 7607589541 which will allow me to access those features which only the OEM head control - how ever at £99 for that alone its no cheap addition.

v5 Is In Progress And The New Car Is Here

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 22:43:00 +0000

Well its been a busy few weeks.... mainly because I have been so busy preping my plans for v5.... and in the process I got me a new toy.

This is a Facelift Vectra C SRI 2.2 Auto ( well Auto / manual )... complete with a full Exterior Pack and 19" wheels. SO far I have changed the repeaters for darker ones, changed the locks for my crome ones and stuck my 1/4 wave arieal on. Although I looked at the VXR and could have even got one at the same price the fact that the petrol prices have gone stupid and I believe tough times are ahead for all leaned me towards this car. This time I have gone auto for a few reasons. First of all I loved my old Senitor, it was a joy to drive and to this day I still miss it. Secondly I have noticed the driving I have been doing over the last few years due to the changing roads in the UK and my own job would be advantagous in an auto. Lastly - although its an 'auto' it has also got a great manual option for when I do have the urge to control the car my self..... in all its win win win.

One last feature about the car which may be coming in to play for the CarPC is the in built CD70 Sat Nav system with TMC and colour screen. Although I looked at ditching the CarPC because of the TMC and the fact some of these you can upgrade to have an aux feature this was not one of them and in the end I decided I perfered my CarPC.... what else. The joy of this is that the colour screen can be used. This German modder has been producing a kit ( CID-Interface V4.2/OES Basekit ( details here, here and here ) to alow VGA, RGB, and scart feeds directly in to the screen :). I have emailed him for some details and will post up here when I know more. The last part of this great edition is the inclusion of an external GPS arieal, because of this I have ordered a new USB GPS but one with a MMCX connection. I'm currently awaiting a phone call from company that should be able to provide me a MMCX to Fakra cable to allow me to use it..... if the cant provide me one I'll no doubt make my own assuming I can find the parts to do it with.

For those that want to know my old GSI has gone to a very good home down in Devon, I hope you enjoy it Adamjones2000 as much as I did.

In preperation for my forthcomming v5 install I have just had delivery of the new CarTFT CTF700-H screen which has a high brightness backlight to get past any sunlight and a light sensor to adjust the screen as needed. I'll be installing this in to the double din cage I have as soon as I'm ready and as normal I will document the whole thing as normal for you guys.

I'm still awaiting some feed back on the new Sygic GPS software which I have been able to test. Aparently the new version that is been unvailed at CEBIT 2008 will have RDS-TMC ( bet its not for the UK... I hope I'm proved wrong ) and some more features. I provided them a load of comments based on my tests and other UK CarPCers so with luck they will have listened.

Version 1.7 of the new Flash based front end FreeICE from CDRSkull is now out as of today. There will probably a slow down on releases for the moment as he has hurt his hand but with this version supporting custom menu items and more to boot this should keep us going for a bit.

As for the last bit of news - it seems mini box have released a new 300w Peak PSU called the M4-ATX. It is available from Cartft and its spec details follow...

M4-ATX is an intelligent, high power, vehicle (car / boat / electric cart) DC-DC ATX PC power supply designed for use with car pc or general purpose battery powered applications. Designed to provide power and to control the motherboards's ON/OFF switch based on ignition status, M4-ATX is a wide input (6 to 30V) vehicle / car / battery operated ATX power supply capable of surviving tough car engine cranks (down to 6V) as well as transient over-voltage situations. Connect it to your car / boat / RV / solar battery and power up your PC! By using Patent Pending HyperWatt[TM] technologies, M4-ATX packs an impressive amount of power relative with its small footprint. M4-ATX has several key advantages over traditional power supplies: - Programmable shutdown / sleep modes via optional serial cable.
It its any motherboard equipped with a 20 or 24pin ATX connector.- 100% silent, fanless, no moving parts. It Operates from 6-30V, multi-chemistry batteries supported.- Highly efficient design, does not produce a lot of heat. It works with any Intel Core Duo as well as all VIA or AMD processors.

I'm intending that I will be ready for this years UK CarPC meet and with luck in with a chance for a change for winning something - even if its most Getto.....

New GPS Apps, A New Front End & A V5 Update

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:20:00 +0000

We are just a few month away from the new car arriving now and with the passing of the new year I getting my new screen on order for it. I'm still trying to work out how the back end will look but one thing is for sure I'm going to need extra graphics this time. Why ? Well in the last month or so there have been fantastic developments in the CarPC scene.

First of all there is a new Frontend on the scene called FreeICE and its from our well known developer CDR ( Freedrive ) and its completly flashed based. So far only version 0.9 has been released but wow.... what an impact it made. Its hoped a new and massivly improved version 1.0 will be released soon how ever that depends on how much CDR plays with the Car he has just built :)

Secondly not just one, not two but three CarPC GPS apps suddnely hit the scene. The first been the old classic Destinator 7.... you still need the maps though. The second been IGo 8 which features 3D POIs how ever when asking the developers does not exist. Lastly ( and this is going down a storm ) is the brill Sygic Drive. I'm in the process of reviewing this how ever its got a free SDK ( which needs improvement but is usable ) and is basically an improvement on the Navigon NavigatoR 2 app. Proper 3D graphics, excellent verbal feed back and top maps make this imho the GPS for the CarPC community. Yes it needs some addtional features how ever the community is working on these and have even come up with solutions for things like speed cam support. Watch this space for my forth coming review.

Franson who produce GPSgate have took some of the improvements I suggested and installed them in to their latest client & tracker web site. I'll be reviewing this too shortly how ever I can say having used it for a couple of weeks the tracking is bob on and the features to allow users to view your tracks ( or prevent them for that matter ) are wide and vairied. With plugins for Google maps, web pages and more you have an unlimited way of interacting with live GPS data. One of the great side effects of GPSgate is that my Bluetooth connection is controled now meaning I have Internet when ever I need it where as previously I needed an application to moniter it for me. To mark this release Franson have given the members of Digital-car a discount code.... how ever you'll have to be quick if you want to buy a copy.

My final update is that I did make a start on a new skin. Yep - I came out of retirment ( until CDR showed me how to do it :) ). Called Mercury I have completed it and offered it to the Ranger GUI team. If they dont use it I'll probably release it publically on the basis credit is given back.

UK CarPC Meet - 24th May ( At the Bubble Car Museum )

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:41:00 +0000

Next years UK CarPC meet has been anounced... and yes I'll be there.....

"Yes people its almost that time again, this year promises to be the best yet (Yes we said this last year) but with a new superb venue we defantly mean it this time.
The Main show will be on Saturday 24th May 2008,The DC Staff will be there from Friday Morning until Sunday afternoon, and welcome you to come and stay for as long as you like over this weekend!
There will be a raffle and usual prizes for best Dash, PC etc, We Hope to see as many of you there as possible and please remember you dont have to have a CarPC. Just come along for a chat,there are always plenty of people who are willing to share ideas."

More info can be found here.

And some breaking news just in.... Its now offical - the New Vectra ( D ) will not be called Vectra.... GM have dropped the name in favour for the expected Insignia..... Theres a discussion on it here at Vectra-C.com

v5 Is On The Way & Traffic Data Is Live

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 22:01:00 +0000

Well... its been a joy ride since I last posted. First of all - the traffic data.... Its live thanks to mostly to RadioTrib on the DC forum & Wicked Websites. You can find more info over on my dedicated Informatics site as well as more about the project its self on Sourceforge. Currently based on the BBC TPEG data it converts it in to diffrent formats including KML. The second version will use the upcoming DATEXII system which has far more advanced data and will be an EU standard.... meaning if its done for one contry it will work for the rest ;)

Ok - drum roll please.... yes... its here ( well in planning any way ).... v5 is now been looked at for the new car. Yes you heard right a new car. I was looking at the VXR but with the roads the way they are now... tax on the up and no doubt some other disaster ( just look at the finance markets and what they are doing to the world right now ) just around the corner it seems a little silly. Any way - because of all this I am looking at getting a 2.0t Xpack ( Vectra-c.com forum link ). This will look the same ( if you get the factory fitted kit ) and will be very punchy around town as well as having a load of top end ( so I am told ). So - some time around mid year I will be looking for the exact one I want... and as before I'm willing to wait to get the exact spec I want.

The best bit about this is oodles of space and a wacking great big double din space in the dash ( 2005 face lift models onwards ;) ) so I can create a new system them way I want to. I have a work log on the DC forum although I'll still post here so heres some basics for you to get an idea of what it will look like...

CarTFT TMR 7" Screen
WRX Double DIN Enclosure
Intel ITX Mobo
Mini ATX Tower Case ( small ) for the boot build
New Boot Door Cover to hack & some perspex
Connects2 Double DIN Kit
Connects2 Steering Controler
DAB Receiver ( TBA )
TMC GPS ( Just waiting for a new one to come out )
SATA Hard drive for the System
MP3 Player ( Prob the Creative Zen ) to act as an external HD
Memory ( 512mb )
May be an extra Video card

With luck I'll be getting the double din ( From Custom Car Computers ) enclosure very soon with the screen in the new year. There are several reasons for this including the fact that I can do with out upgrading the backend for a short time how ever I will need the screen as soon as I get the car. Plus I am rather hoping that Intel will bring a new faster board out by then. Incidenatally before I sign off... the reason I am going for Intel ITX board is that they arer a tad fasrter & they have customisable bios images :)

Before I go I'd like to mention Ranger GUI from Karputer. At last we MAY have a front end that looks after the needs of those in the UK and not just mainland EU or the US... the beta is worth a look and they are taking feed back and unlike others actually listening. It also includes the first decent GPS maps I have seen - and better yet it creates then using vector graphics for truly impressive details

Stay tunned or visit the forums to see what I am up to... ( trust me there is more ;) )

A Public Online Traffic System For Use In The car

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:28:00 +0000

For some of you lucky people who have met me face to face I been able to show you my private traffic system. This is a set of custom web pages skined to match my car & controlable by big chunky touch screen happy buttons. I did this because I can do HTML quite easily and using some of the free public systems I have a very good working system - but its far from perfect. ( BTW - Its accessable from any web browser which means I can move front ends or make major changes very easily :)

Now because some of the items I use I can not share for a number of reasons I've decided to be more adventurous and work with the Google maps API.

It all started when I found the 'Watchtheroads' widget for Opera. The reason for this was that it was the first system I had found based on Java script alone rather than a big SQL server & loads of PHP behind it to get updates.

So - I'm now going through this and picking out the bits I need and mashing it all together with serveral other services I have which work stand-a-lone. The end result of all this should be one fancy system thats free to use and is CarPC friendly.

Services planned for this are....

BBC TPEG TMC
UK Highways Agency Traffic Info
UK Highways Agency Adverage Speed Data
UK Highways Agency Motoway Matrix Signs
Motoway & Town Cameras
UK Speed Cams
US Traffic

I'm also looking at doing this both and on and offline version later on to provide directions, on screen notifications & voice prompts..... but lets get the basics done first.

More info on the project can be found in my work log here.....

Cartft.com Get A New Shop Front

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:32:00 +0000

Logged on today as normal just to see if there where any new products and found they have a brand new shop front. It looks really nice too with a picture of where they are based which gives you feeling that Cartft.com are more than just an Internet reseller.... which ofcourse they are not. Heres what they say about it.

01.07.2007 - CarTFT Shop Relaunch

Since today the CarTFT-Shop has a new
outfit. But not only the design has
changed completely, but the shop also
got new features:
New segments for business customers and resellers
Product sorting and comparison functions
Save shopping carts for later visits
List of recently surfed products
Product rating function

You can visit their new web site here.....

VXR Desktop Backgrounds From Total Vaxhall

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:30:00 +0000

Came across these today on their RSS feed ( I think I need to add that in to my site ) - Pretty good imho.

I've also added some links to the current offcial Vauxhall ones too.

http://www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/resources/totalvauxhall/vxrlarge.JPG

http://www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/resources/totalvauxhall/vxrlarge2.JPG

http://www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/resources/totalvauxhall/vxrlarge3.JPG

http://www.totalvauxhall.co.uk/resources/totalvauxhall/vxrlarge4.JPG

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/vxr/flash/images/galleryRange/vectra/1600x1200/img_01.jpg

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/vxr/flash/images/galleryRange/vectra/1600x1200/img_02.jpg

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/vxr/flash/images/galleryRange/vectra/1600x1200/img_03.jpg

Flux Media Launches Centrafuse

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:01:00 +0000

Centrafuse has finally come out of beta and still for sale. As far as the EU is concerned there is only a EU map pack and not a UK one although I think this may be forthcomming having read another post on their forums. In any case I've asked the question as well. Also with the launch of the new Destinator 7 David ( the CEO ) tells me they are just waiting for the new SDK wich Powerlock are testing currently. With this should come a host of new features and hopefully the latest maps. As such I'm just keeping an eye on this system as I do think it looks solid and tbh if I can get it to fit my purposes I may just convert. Theres two reasons for this.... 1) I want updatable supported GPS... this is because I do rely on it 2) If the FE is supported I may just get some extra features that I need added quicker. Heres the note they sent out to every one.....

"Dear Centrafuse Users,

Flux Media is very happy to announce that Centrafuse is now available!

Over two years of research, design & development have gone into our premiere edition, and it is our sincere hope that Centrafuse will prove itself to be the market leader in terms of performance and quality of design. We have studied our competition and we’ve worked tirelessly to offer our customers more features, better performance and overall…a superior user experience.

Centrafuse is now available in 3 Editions:

SE – our feature-rich standard edition XE – with Bluetooth
phone integration XLE – get all of the features included with XE + integrated
GPS navigation, provided by Destinator.
You may have noticed that we have been able to significantly lower our prices on our XLE Edition. Over the last few months, our GPS partners at Destinator Technologies maps, more options AND a lower price. We are now able
to offer customers our premium
Centrafuse:XLE Edition with integrated GPS navigation starting as low as $275.00.

For all our registered users we have created a promotional code that will be valid
for 30 days. This code can be entered in the shopping cart during the checkout
process. Use the code and you will receive 10% off your selected Flux
Media product.

Please visit our website at http://www.centrafuse.com/ and purchase
your copy of Centrafuse today!"

Yes - Destinator 6 Is On PC Thanks To A Community Effort

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 20:47:00 +0000

Every thing you want to know is here http://www.digital-car.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=7114 .... how ever heres some basics...

"D6 works great for PC, What i mean is that the pc version (the one bundeled
with Centrafuse) works great..so here is what you will need to get it up and
running..

1. Find and download borrow or whatever...CF 1.12 and use the DestCore.dll
1.12 and you will be fine.

2. get what you need from CF folder to run D6

3. BUY a map (buy a working version for ppc and take the map)

4. The App is 99% skinable..but veery difficult as there is no skin editor
. I have spent a couple of days to mod the basic skin so as to create a better
one, with larger buttons and nicer colors..and i am happy to share it with
you..

5. Now let us see what an SDK has to offer (if there was any for D6 that WE
could use) variables could be used in RR-events could be triggered by values
etc-volume could be muted when directions are spoken.The first 2 are not that
important to me that is..but the third is a must..so found this little external
app called Indievolume that could do that in a better way than any SDK could
offer

6. So go to http://www.indievolume.com/ and download (then buy)
indievolume version 2.0.61.127, this is the only version that would work
successfully.

7. Just select the 2 programs, winamp and destinator, and put destinator on
exclusive mode. don't forget to uncheck "own volume" for winamp (you will
understand when you will run the app). You will find a setting in the "options"
tab where you can put a value in miliseconds for the delay of giving the volume
back to the muted application, the default is 1000 (which is OK)

8. Put the skin i made in the skin folder of D6..and you are
ready..

9. This skin has been designed with specific dimensions.. to fit my
modified MC2 RR skin, (with an area for embedding of 800x410) so it will fit
larger areas of a skin but will not fit nicely to smaller areas when embedded
(smaller than 800x410)

10. Select the path of D6 in RRconfig, and write Destinator in "Gps window
name)

11. The voices of D6 are in a the SPX format (not readable by my PC at
least..so replace with PN voices/wav files)12. you are ready..skin link : http://rapidshare.com/files/38076647/Nomaders_skin.rar"

Now - I take no responsibiilty for any of the above as its freely available and I do suggest you buy Centrafuse just to be legal how ever I do say that Powerlock should make it easier to actually buy their product rather than hidding it away.... this is some thing I have publically said before, to them and probably will again in the furture.

My Navigator 2 App - Ended Before Its Started ?

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:16:00 +0000

I've spent thye last few days getting to grips with the basics of programming and the SDK and its seems that C++ is the most supported with VB needing the supplied interface to work. Even so I'm not sure it will do all I want and at its current price other CarPCer's are really not that intrested which in effect makes the whole project pretty unviable. Its a shame.... may be NavigatoR 3 will be better which I'm hoping will have some of the newer features such as lane changing directions that its PPC or PNA systems are getting.

Its not been helped either by the release of Directions Navigator 7 and the fact that Destinator 6 now seems to be runnable too ( only legal way is for you to buy Centrafuse ). So I'm left with the sad fact that there is still no ideal GPS system out there and the masses are still going with 'what can be made to work' rather than 'what does' off the shelf.

On a side note - if your in the UK - check out PetrolPrices.com - You can get reports of what petrol ( or Diesel ) is the cheapest in your area. Its defintily worth a look and you may even save a few bob at the same time.

NavigatoR 2 - Application Development Thread - Contributions Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 10:55:00 +0000

NavigatoR 2 is defo the best app I have tried so far how ever its lacking in some areas and I'd like to see more users in the CarPC community too... only this way will Navigon develop it further and add better features etc.

So as of today I've decided to take a great leap and start to develope some thing with the community by starting a new thread and sharing only the SDK documentation ONLY.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/other-cool-stuff/104341-navigator-2-application-development-thread-contributions-welcome.html

For those that want to read my review on NavigatoR 2 go here http://www.digital-car.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=6539. And for those of you that want to buy it ( and I highly recomend you do ) go here http://www.cartft.com/catalog/il/767.

Blogtastic News

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:11:00 +0000

You may have noticed a few changes in this Diary area... I've converted the old work log in to a full blown blog. I've done this so I can do more regular and quicker updates as thats some thing this sites lacked. The main reason behind that was because for the most part it was static HTML and took time to prepare - hence the once in a while updates. So - now I can keep you updated - I'm still doing loads and its for this reason I want to share it with you.
The blog its self can also be tracked by RSS & other methods using the links on the right hand side which also contains all the old archives too. Best of all the search function also covers the blog too so you'll be able to find that bit of elusive info quiet easily.....

Live Traffic Data & Feeds

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:20:00 +0000

Update time - Although I've not been posting here much that does not mean that the project its self is at a stand still at all. In fact the areas I've been looking at include live traffic data and live video feeds to the car and then using that information. Currently I using this though a private webs site in the car which also matches my current skin. If you want a look you can get a bit of an idea here. You might see some of the same work in certain apps around the net so keep an eye out ;)
'I've started working on an app as a result to make sure my Internet connection is a little more stable and less of a hassle in the car. Have a look here at the down load page where you will find it. Basically it makes sure that I always have a Internet connection especially when the machine has been in a hibernation mode which is where is tends to go a little ga ga. because it thinks its still connected.
I've fixed a leak that was in the car and as a result I had to remove the TV tuners out otherwise they might have shorted... good news is its fixed and it was easy.
Lastly I've uploaded some papers on various CarPC aspects. These where written by my self for the CarTFT.com Docking Station area how ever they have taken some time to appear so as this sort of information gets old after a while I thought now was the time to post. Many Thanks to Oliver for this.
Oh - Just before I go... the 2007 UK CarPC meet has been announced here... be sure to come along as its been a scream the last few times and this year ( cliché but true ) its going to be bigger and better than ever.

v4 is in and working

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 09:18:00 +0000

v4 is in and working so I've updated the whole site with pics and more. Just before I go on I'd like to say thank you to all those that contacted my self and the rest of the family earlier this year when Stephen passed on - the response was amazing.
So with events as they where this project took a back seat for some time until I was ready - v4 is basically and enhancement of v3 how ever a lot smaller and I have gone back to the VIA EPIA technology. I've now got a massively stable system that performs just right for my needs and with the current flash based skin I don't even have any lag. The question is where next - well any further changes I make will be evolutionary and not revolutionary at least for the moment. These will include the forth coming release of Freedrive 2 ( I hope ), skin changes where needed and just general updates. There is another reason for this too... as proved by v2 once you have it working if you don't mess it will never fail.... although I can see me doing some thing at some point. So what might I do ? I'll be working more on my web interface system and adding more interactive functions and I'll also be looking at tracking options too. What I eventually would like to do is tie all this together along with my now planned home automation systems to bring my life style and media tools in to one big system that not only interact with my car and my self but also the whole family when using technologies like SyncML, media devices and the Internet.
So have a surf around the site - there is plenty of new content on here on v4 including a quick presentation I gave on the system a short time ago - you may need the MS PowerPoint viewer though.

I'll miss you Stephen

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Wed, 03 May 2006 09:16:00 +0000

I know a lot of people who know me surf here so I'd like to make a very brief announcement.... On Sunday the 30th of April 2006 Stephen Wolfenden aged 29, my friend of 18 years or so and more than a brother-ing law to me died suddenly, unfortunately there was nothing that could be done. I don't want to cover the details now but for those that really want to know please contact me via email. RIP my friend - I'll miss you.

The Vauxhall Vectra Project Is Now On Sky TV

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 09:13:00 +0000

Well, if you in the UK I have a treat for you. Now if you have Sky TV you can access a mini site via Sky TV's new Skykeys / Skynet system. This is done via the Interactive menu, then choosing Skykeys / Skynet and either using the special URL ( Skynet only ) of wtv.letscommunicate.co.uk or currently by accessing the A-Z and going to 'A' and then The CarPC Project. For those that are viewing this via Skynet for the first time, welcome and don't forget to press RED then 'site' and save it so you can come back easily again and again - potentially you are one of a possible extra 8 million plus viewers that can visit my site any time with out the need for a PC and the Internet. The best bit is that this way you will never be with out the latest goings on with my project which incidentally because I sent my K301 back is about to go to v4 as I have got a load of kit instead. When I get this in I'll be able to bring you some reviews on the Voom case, the Via 12000, a IR Camera and an un-motorised screen. This does not mean I will not be replacing it with another motorised in the future - in fact if you see my review in the hardware section you will see that they seem to have resolved most of the problems I had. Well - heres to the future.

I'm also currently working on bringing at least some of this site to Digital TV

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:01:00 +0000

Well its been a while ( there's a surprise ) since I updated you all on what's going on. Well I've been well busy with No 3 Baby arriving and some other projects I have been involved in. How ever the main reason I've not got that far is due to a PIA saga with my screen - an update of which you will find on the hardware page.
I've managed to install the search function found on most pages of this site ( just the main index that for some reason wont ) which should make life easy for those that are looking for some thing. I'm also currently working on bringing at least some of this site to Digital TV, yes - Digital TV.... more about that when its done. Just in case you have not seen there are some new articles on the CarTFT.com site that I wrote, hop over an have a look. I'm currently working on the 2nd set which will include looks at front ends, TFT screens and Power Supplies.
In the CarPC software world Freedrive which is a Destinator 3 Front end has just released v1 preview. If you have not tried it yet do so by clicking here. Its the best GPS software I have seen so far and its writers are currently in negotiations with Powerlock and others to bring even more functionality.... some of which I know about but can't say :).

Last thing I want to mention is the Digital-car.co.uk forums. I've recently given the forum an over haul after becoming a moderator there. Pop over and have a look as we are trying to get members benefits where possible from various suppliers for hardware and services etc. The intention is to keep it as a free and non commercial forum for the benefit of its members and the community and its open to any one from the UK, EU and any where else you can think of not just the 'locals'.
With this in mind the yearly UK Digital-car.co.uk Spring Gathering has been organised and its going to be bigger than ever - in fact the members funded Marquee is making its first appearance. There will be a number of events arranged as part of the meet including an XBOX Gaming Tournament, film night, and prizes for installs in the the following categories. Best Overall, Best PC, Best Dashboard, Most Ghetto and finally Most Original.

Ok so V3s in and I have been very busy with getting rid of bugs

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 19:58:00 +0000

Ok so V3s in and I have been very busy with getting rid of bugs as well as doing some writing for Cartft.com. I've totally updated the site to give you the latest up to date information and just basically removed all the dross that was in there. It does not mean I am finished either as there is plenty more to do with v3 once its stable. The problem with v3 is because the design and functionality is so complex there are so many unknowns to deal with. An example of which is my Carkit I have ( the Parrott CK3000 ) is been interfered with by the Bluetooth from this system. Further to that I have has some screen glitches and skins to finish with the extra functions. Briefly though here is a quickly over view its status at this time.

MP3 play back - Working
DVD movie play back - Working
RDS Radio - Working
GPS - Working
GPS with TMC ( New enhanced web site coming soon ) - TBA
GPS with T-PEG ( New enhanced web site coming soon ) - TBA
DAB radio play back - TBA
GPRS / Mobile Web - Working
Live traffic information via the web - Working
Mobile phone integration - Working
Custom matching skin with the dash - Been Updated
Either a in-dash motorised VGA touch screen - TBA
Custom clean boot install - In
Bluetooth - In
Security System - Working ( But no details )
In Dash Motorised VGA Screen - Working
RF Remote Control - Working
WIFI - Working
CD Rip - Working
Digital TV - Working
Analogue TV - Working

Lastly the Fast and Modified article is now out - links in a sec - where you can see my self ( don't laugh please ) and some of the other guys including MC Stoo - CDR Skull and UK_MP3Car when we met up with them in the summer. The meeting was obviously a success because Rikki ( the writer ) a former IT Techy him self will be bashing his credit card soon to build one of his own systems.
If you here as a result of that article then welcome and don't forget to sign up to my mailing list and to visit the Digital Car Forums where us lot form the UK mainly hang out.
For those that have not but want to see the article now ( and yes I will be placing a copy on the 'As Seen' page when I am allowed but that wont be for w while yet ) go to www.fastandmodified.com or even F&F Online Mag where you can get a electronic PDF version for just a £.

My Telematics project will be come public very soon

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Sun, 14 Aug 2005 19:54:00 +0000

So I've been quiet - whats new ? My Telematics project will be come public very soon, that's took a lot of time up. I've been building my new v3 case - thats took ages. On top of this I have been writing a set of basic articles covering all angles a CarPC - this will be out on a well known site very soon with extracts on here.
While we are talking writing CarPC hacks dropped though my door this week and can I just say if you have not already done so this is an excellent book to buy EVEN if you are an old timer like me. I was most impressed at its content. My project can been seen at the CNET review site now - no sure I am happy about my car been called a taxi nor does the article look like what I submitted but I will leave it up to you to judge. I'll be placing copies of this and the CarPC hacks pages in PDF format on the site soonish.
And this weeks BIG ( and fast ) news is that I have bought a new car - check it out here !

I have been involved with a new telematics project

noreply@blogger.com (ccsnet) — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 19:49:00 +0000

Just a quick update as I am just so busy at the mo its unreal. So how have I been getting on ? Well I have got the motherboard ( AMD 2600 512Mb Memory ) all sorted, to power it I have decided to use a Carnetix this time along with a 150w DC PSU. This will mean I get the extra juice for the new mobo and even power for a USB hub if needed. That been said as the mobo has 6 USB ports any way I don't think I will

I have been involved with a new telematics project that will benefit the at least at first the Uk CarPC community - that is to deliver live traffic information and more across the internet for use with GPS applications. This will also include things like car tracking ( if wanted ), motorway matrix signs and safety cameras. The great thing about the system is that the information is platform independent so you can be on Windows, PPC, Palm, Linux, in fact just about any thing as long as you have the right application to read it and an Internet connection. Depending on how successful it is it may be expanded to other areas of the world. More information nearer the launch date. Because I knew this was coming I bought my self a PCMCIA adaptor and a GSM Aircard 750 to allow me access to GPRS services from EBay.
It also looks like I will have a new car soon, currently looking at a few options so just for the mo the installation bit is on hold... that been said I am in the middle of writing a few articles up which will be published on the net for you to read so I am not going to be just sitting about.
Lastly - Alturion v6 is out now and the PC version does what the PPC version does. Only problem is that there is not really a good interface for it so if you fancy having a go why not download the SDK for it... those of us in the EU might be glad of a decent replacement for Destinator.

Edit: Can't make up my mind if I want a Vectra C after looking at the specs so may just get one of the last Vectra B GSI's. That been said Vauxhall are launching the face lift Vectra C although the upgraded car does not include the GSI it does include a new 2.8 V6 24v Turbo engine.