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Here you will find out about the
hardware I have used for v1 & 2 of my CarPC. Where I
can I have given you information as to how good the
product is and others that do the same job.
The Hart Of The System A ITX PC
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VIA EPIA 800 Mini-ITX
motherboard and VIA 800Mhz C3 processor.
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1
x 128MB DIMM
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1 x 20GB Harddisk
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1 Dell 24x Slim CD ROM
Drive
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100/133Mhz Front Side
Bus VIA Apollo Chipset
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Integrated AGP4X
Graphics
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Integrated VIA AC'97
Audio
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Integrated VIA 10/100
LAN 1 PCI Slot 3 Audio Jacks - Line-out, Mic-in and Line-in 1
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EPP/ECP parallel port
1 16C550 compatible serial port
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2 External PS/2
Compatible Keyboard /Mouse ports
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2 TV output ports (S-Video or
optional RCA TV out) 1 SPDIF out TV-OUT with Integrated Macro
Vision 7.01 and supports NTSC/PAL TV formats
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Black Cubid 2688R
Mini-ITX case with twin front-mounted USB ports and PCI riser card
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External 'brick type'
Mains Adapter
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The system has many
uses such as DIVX player for internet movies, as a MAME arcade machine, MP3 and
Other codec player, and is neatly packaged in a black metal case measuring 292mm
x 273mm x 63mm.
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Further specifications
on the EPIA can be found
here.
The machine its self
it very small. Although a little tough to get in to but once in there is loads
of space ( considering ). I may need to move the fans for the DC to DC power
supply ( pictures soon ). how ever a full size PCI card fits in very nicely.
As far as Windows XP
goes the OS has most of the drivers required with out the need for any downloads
- although that can not be said for Windows ME / 98 which needed most of them to
make it usable.
I did need to update
the BIOS how ever this did mean that for some strange reason when shutting down
though Media Engine the system rebooted ? In order to make the hard drive a
little safer while on the move have come up
with a ( untested ) idea. I have worked
a lot on HP Vectra VL PCs, on their hard drive mounting trays are some rubber
bungs. These go in between the screw head and the hard drive with the idea to
smooth out any bangs. I have took these and mounted them on the tray for my PC.
Making sure that the case is not to tight when the screws are in it should
protect the hard drive from a certain amount of vibration while moving.
Lastly I have now
installed a Riva TNT 3D card. See the software section to see why, how ever you
will find further pictures here. Should
you have any problems when using your composite video screen because the PC does
not think there is a proper screen attached then
click here for the solution, a VGA Dummy from
Modasylum.com.
In all 8 out of 10 ( Version EPIA 800 Motherboard & Cubid
2688r Case )
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Lilliput 619GL-70NP (XGA)
With Touchscreen
Specifications |
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Screen size |
7" digital |
Aspect ratio |
16:9 wide TFT screen. Optional 4 display modes:
4:3<-->16:9 <-->16:9 Zoom<-->4:3 For CCTV |
Resolution |
1,152,000 pixels |
Color configuration |
RGB stripe |
Power input |
DC 12V |
Power consumption |
9W |
Video system |
2x Video inputs (PAL/NTSC)
1x Audio input
1x VGA input |
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High resolution and no radiation (better for eyes’
protection) |
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Reversible screen: X-turn (mirror picture) & Y-turn
(flip-down picture) available |
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Video input signal: 1.0Vp-p, composite video |
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Audio output: Speaker built-in & earphone jack |
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Full function OSD control (Multi-language) |
What is included ? |
- 7" VGA Touch
screen TFT with Video-support and built-in
speakers |
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- Infrared Remote Control |
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- Car dash mounting bracket |
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- AV-cord |
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- Computer-connection cord |
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- Power Adapter f. EU 230V |
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- Cigarette Lighter Adapter |
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- Touch screen Driver-CD |
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- Manual |
The Media Remote RF
Control ( Also Known By x10 or a Fire Cracker )
This
custom RF remote comes with everything you need to add control to pretty much
any application you may be writing. It comes with a USB RF receiver, and you can
download drivers as well as source code and test programs online to help you
integrate support into your program. This remote is silver in colour and has
everything you need to put yourself in control of entertainment. All the buttons are
clearly labelled with symbols that most everyone knows; this means even people
who have never used the remote before learn how in just minutes.
You will notice that each button has a few functions. When you press search for
example, you can type letters in just like you do on a cellular phone, once the
search is done, the buttons return to their normal functions. The use of
multi-function buttons allows the remote to be very small in size.
Since the remote uses RF technology there is no need to aim it at a receiver,
just be within 15 feet of it. It uses radio frequencies to transmit to the included receiver
which hooks to your computers USB port. You may also want to have a look at
Girder - the application has
a control set just for this remote, look for 'Fire Cracker'. Finally the remote is very small at only 6.25" x 2" x 1" in size
- very well worth the money.
In all 9 out of 10
http://www.mediaremote.com/
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Globsat BU-303 GPS
Receiver
BU-303 has all the hardware necessary for customer to
connect the equipment to Notebook PC or Laptop enables easy and convenient
connecting to your computer through a USB connector. If you already have
application software or you are developing own application, and you need a
GPS receiver to provide your velocity and time data, this is the perfectly
fits your needs. The USB driver and user manual.
8 out of 10
This thread may be of some interest to
those that are having problems with this unit...... |
BU- 303 GPS Receiver With USB Interface
- Features |
- "SiRF Star II/LP" high performance and low power
consumption chipset.
- All-in-view 12-channel parallel processing
- Built-in active antenna
- High sensitivity to satellite signal
- Cold start under 45 seconds, average
- Superior urban canyon performance
- FoliageLock for weak signal tracking
- Build-in SuperCap to reserve system data for rapid
satellite acquisition
- Supported NMEA 0183 command: GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, GLL,
VTG
- Super-cohesive magnetic for mounting on the car.
- Non-slip on the bottom
- USB interface connection port
LED
indicator for GPS fix or not fix.
LED
OFF: Receiver switch off
LED
ON : No fixed, Signal searching
LED
Flashing: Position Fixed
http://www.globalsat.com.tw/ |
Kenwood KDC-W6527 ( My
Head Unit )
[HIGHLIGHTS]
- 4 x 50 W
- 2 RCA preouts
- 1 RCA Auxiliary Line Input
- CD-R/RW Capability
- WMA & MP3 Decoder Built-in
- Rotary Volume Control
- 4 Tone 3D F/L Display
- Motorized Slide, TDF
- Remote Control Included
- Selectable Key Illumination
[AUDIO FEATURES]
- 4 x 50 Watt max output power
- 2 RCA preouts, 2V
- 1 RCA AUX Input, Max input voltage: 1,2V
- Rear / Non-Fade switchable preout
- Non-Fader level adjustable
- Separated tone control: Bass/Mid/Treble
- Source tone memory
- Fader & Loudness Control
- System Q-EX Sound Control
- System E’s light
- Dual Zone & Volume Control
- New Amplifier Control System with ’04 PS Amp.
- External Amplifier Control (B.M.S.)
- Built-in Amplifier Mute
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[TUNER FEATURES]
- RDS Tuner with Radio Text
- K3I Clean Reception Tuner
- 24 presets: 18 FM, 6 MW&LW
- Auto memory entry (AME)
- Up/down seek tuning
- Stereo/Mono selector
- Auto1/Auto2/Manual tuning mode
- DAB reception with optional unit KTC-9090DAB
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[CD FEATURES]
- CD-R/RW Capability
- MPEG-1/2 audio layer-3 (MP3) capability
- Windows Media Audio (WMA) capability
- CD-Text
- L/R 0-bit Mute
- Random/Repeat/Scan function
- 8 times oversampling / 1 bit D/A converter
- S/N ratio: 105 dB
- Dynamic range: 93 dB
- Channel separation: 96 dB
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[CHANGER FEATURES]
- Dual changer control capability (CH1/CH2 & AUX)
- CD-Text with compatible units
- DNPS (Disc Name Preset) with compatible units
- DNPP (Disc Name Preset Play) by remote control
- Direct access with remote control
- Disc & Track repeat / Disc & Track scan
- Disc & Magazine random play
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{GENERAL FEATURES]
- Fully motorized slide-down mechanism
- Theft Deterrent Faceplate + protection case
- Panel angel adjustment in 4 steps
- Disabled System Indicator (DSI)
- 4 Digit security code
- 4 Tone 3D F/L Display, Full Dot
- Selectable Key Illumination (Red or Green)
- Operation Panel Angle Adjustment in 4 steps
- Digital clock (24H)
- Remote Control Included (RC-420)
- Auto Dimmer
- All Off select (20/40/60 minutes)
- Built-in fuse/coil
- Disabled System Indicator (DSI)
- 2-way telephone mute
- Wired OEM Remote Out
- Kenwood H/F GSM interface with optional unit
- OEM Display Out
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[ADDED
FEATURES]
- Adaptor for the existing steering wheel controls
and in-built remote dash display
- Adaptor to enable the existing Traffic Master unit
to be used - this all so allows it to be moved in to any other car at
a later date
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Version One Hardware
TM-7002S
7" Car LCD Monitor With Touch Screen Add On - Replaced
Full Review Here
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Screen size: 7" (diagonal 16:9)
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Active
Matrix TFT LCD Monitor
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PAL/NTSC auto selector
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Resolution: 1440 (H) x 234 (V)
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Viewing Angle (L/R:50 deg U/D:25 deg)
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Full function remote with OSD
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2 video input
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Power Input: 12 V DC
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Power Consumption: <6W
Specifications for Touchkit controller.
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Power
requirements +5VDC ( Maximum 100mA, typical 70mA, 50mV peak to peak maximum
ripple )
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Operating temperature 0 to 50 C
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Storage Temperature -40 to 80 C
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Relative Humidity 95% at 60 C
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Protocol RS232 Model: 9600 bauds, None
parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit
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USB Model: USB 1.1 Low speed
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Max Resolution 2048 X 2048
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Report rate Max. 160 points/sec
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Response
time Resistive: Max. 35 ms
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Panel resistance 4, 8 wire resistive
model: 300 ~ 900 ohm
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Regulatory Approvals FCC-B, CE
Click here for my own drivers
for this screen and for use with Windows OS's (16:9)
Full
Digitalww 7002s Touch Screen Review |
So
what's it like ? Is it worth the money ? Conclusions later - in the mean
time lets look at what you get.... and before you lot with the VGA
monitors shout up just bare in mind the cost - £135 Delivered with the
touch screen installed ! Now how much was that
Xenarc ? Again more
about that in the conclusion. The order was put in via email and
Paypal from the UK
to the supplier
Digitalww in the states - 5 days later it was delivered. As you will
see from fig 1 to the left it was perfectly packed in a bright blue small
box. The 'wide screen' unit is very thin indeed and from first look shows
quality - by that I mean more than you would expect for the price.
The unit its self is fairly light and easy to control with the remote and
the pre/after sales support you get from Armen the owner is excellent.
In-case you are wondering he has an excellent reputation over at
mp3car.com.
The
screen quality is very good for composite video although it will never be
as good as a true VGA monitor. The picture is a little fuzzy how ever at
distance ( and the right resolution for you ) it will be unnoticeable. The
only major problem with using a composite monitor is that the PC will only
detect it as a general TV device. You will need to create a custom device
driver -
such as mine
- so your screen does not look out of shape. Basically what I mean by that
is if you have a round object on your screen ( well a wide screen any way
) it looks elliptical and very strange. It does not stop the unit working
how ever it can be annoying if you want to show your system off. The
software in this unit seems to have been adapted from another unit with
the volume and tint commands still been available, although this is a
little annoyance it does not impede the use of the unit as such except
that you have to press a key a couple of time to get past these non used
options.
The
unit connected to the PC / or other device through a USB cable ( which is
the add-on for the touch screen ) or through the original multi pin cable.
This cable supplies the two video feeds and the power supply to the
monitor in one easy move. Although the obvious idea behind it is so you
can remove it from the car its little tougher then you think. This may be
a case that its new how ever you do get the feeling that if you don't get
it right you may bend or break one of the pins.
My conclusion is that this is an
excellent product for the price. The company has an excellent reputation
where it matters and with my dealings that has been proven. The product
its self is excellent and does exactly what I expected how ever I did find
that the unwanted menu items and a very long USB cable which means it will
have to be cut to make it removable the only let downs. If your looking
for a monitor on a budget then this has got to be the one although there
are others available from
Digitalww and they
are always changing the models and the spec.
In all 8.5 out of 10 ( Model Reviewed 7002s With Touch Screen
Installed )
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GPS Receiver - The Royaltk RGM 2000 (
Sapphire GPS Mouse ) - Replaced
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Sirf II chip set , USB connection
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Practically no logging in times,
immediately ready for launch!
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12 channel technology
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Round shape of the housing for best
receiving characteristics
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Absolutely high-quality processing (this
mouse also works with Destinator )
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Very small
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Integrated magnetic disk for simple
attachment to metal surfaces
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The fastest and most exact position
determination available at the moment ( GPS )
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Outstanding for the placement in the
interior behind the windshield
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Works with NMEA compatible
navigation software (map & Guide, TravelBook, MarcoPolo Travel Planner, Autoroute, Route66, etc..)
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Driver for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
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The perfect alternative - for notebook
navigation system in the car
Some Hard To Find FAQ Information
1) How do I update the drivers for XP ?: The driver of Sapphire
for Winxp is only USB driver. You can download it from
http://www.royaltek.com/proditem.asp?filename=Support/software.asp
2) How do I update the firmware on the GPS with the flash
Utill you provide and what are the settings I need to use ie address space etc
?: Refer to
http://www.royaltek.com/proditem.asp?faq=yes&classx=Engineering#3Q1 or go
to the
downloads area on
this site.
Specifications of IR-receiver module
- No Longer Needed
The electronic of the module sits in the
plug. No need of an external power supply. Supply is directly by the
serial interface. Purchased from
Zapway it
will allow me to use the remote control purchased with various software. I
have asked for the D-Way head you see here to be changed for another so it
can be unscrewed very quickly when removing the unit out of the car. It
will work with the following software. Some thing to watch for which I did
not know is that the Via boards can't always power these IR sensors due to
a voltage difference on the com port,
ZapWay to
a special version which will deal with this problem. The whole unit with
mods has cost me around £24 delivered from main land Europe. I did want to
go USB - and probably still will in the future but not many of these
software packages support them properly yet. Also don't thing by getting a
USB to
serial converter will work, most of these packages address the sensor
directly to the IRQ in some strange way therefore that wont work.
Connection to PC: |
Serial
interface - 9 pole Sub-D socket |
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Sensor
sensitivity:
(maximum at customary 38 kHz
modulation of the remote control) |
Dependent of the remote control typically 10 - 30 meters (33 -100
feet) Also reflected by walls distances of some meters can be
achieved.
See also diag. below. |
Length of cable
between sensor and connection plug: |
2 - 15 meters
(6,5 - 49,2 feet) |
Measures of
sensor: |
Area as seen from
cable-axis: 5,5 * 6,0 mm |
Directivity of the sensor:
e. g. for 45° the value of 0,5 shows the sensitivity and
therefore the reach is 50 % - that's 5 -15 Meter. |
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Patriot PCBX 300/1 - The
Old PC Unit - Replaced
Because I cannot get a
DC-DC power supply for this unit I am going to buy a new
ITX system at some point soon
Below is a copy of the information from the power supply
itself. PC100 Switching Power Supply Model PS100 AC Input: 100v to 240v auto 2A
60.50Hz
COLOUR |
YELLOW |
PURPLE |
BLACK |
GREEN |
DC
- - - |
+12V |
5VSB |
Ground |
PS-ON# |
OUTPUT |
5.5A |
0.8A |
Return |
Signal |
Below is a picture of the motherboard and the six pin socket
which the wires from the power supply should go into. I have numbered the
individual pin holes next to the blow-up of the socket. The blow-up is
orientated the same way as it is in the picture. You can now cross check the
positions of the different coloured wires with the table above.
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Wires
1= Green
2= Yellow
3= Yellow
4= Purple
5= Black
6= Black |
The GPS Unit - I bought this off
EBay after been recommended it because of the it works (using a COM port via
USB )
its very compatible with lots of different software. It comes in either a USB (
mine ) or Serial Version. Effectively the same unit - the only difference is
that the USB has an in-line Serial-USB converter. Click
here for the manufactures ( Royaltek ) site. The sellers ( tsgps.de ) main site is
here...
The Original Plan ( And Like All Good
Things Its Changed Since Then )
The old diagrams off what the system was
going to be like can be
found
here
Other
Hardware Options That I Would Like ( My Wish List Mainly )
Hard Disks With No Moving Parts ? Flash IDE Drives Are Here
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One
of the major upgrades I am planning is to make the system as resilient and
as quick as possible. One of the flaws about using a PC is the hard drive
( even the
IBM Micro-drives to some degree ) - it has constantly moving parts
which don't like bumps, they can be noisy and generate heat therefore need
more cooling which in turn generates more noise. Enter the solid state
disk
other
wise known as flash memory because its a chip based storage medium which
you 'flash' or write information. Because its chip based it has no moving
parts therefore less likely to fail or be susceptible to things like
knocks etc. There are two different types and sizes but the main version
available is the one you see to the right of this text. They can be used
in all sorts of applications such as PDA storage, MP3 players and digital
cameras but now they, with the use of an adaptor ( £13 from
Linitx.com ), can be
used as a fully working solid state hard drive for a PC running Windows or
a Unix operating system. As a rule they mainly come with the FAT16 file
system formatted on it how ever as this is to allow the vast majority of
devices to use these cards straight off there is no reason you can't use
another suitable format such as FAT32 or HPFS. So what do you need ? First
of all you will need a large enough Compact Flash Card for you to write
to. The prices for these are coming down and on average you can get a
512Mb version for a reasonable price how ever I personally don't link the
idea of these as they are to small to use just like a full replacement for
a hard disk as you need to start cutting your operating system and
applications down to fit. The answer is to find a large Compact Flash Card
such as the ones from
Pretec.com where the largest one they have to use in this format is a
wopping 2Gig how ever this does come with a $999 price tag. They do other
cards up to 3Gig how ever these are a different type and I don't know
enough about them at this stage other than you need certain hardware. Once
you have connect the power and IDE cables to the adaptor and placed the
card in the slot the PC hardware and operating system will treat it just
like a normal hard disk - after that its up to you to create your own
system. |
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