Let's see your In Vehicle computers and Nav

[mrstang01]

I'm getting ready to setup my vehicles for in-car nav with a Dell 600 laptop and one of the USB pucks from the ASUS thread. I want to be able to swap this from my Expedition Runner to my dedicated trail rig, to my daily driver Rav4.

What are you guys using for mounts, and what are the most useful accessories, like USB hubs, drives, etc? What kinds of mice or other pointers are you using?

What's the most useful software for daily driving, off road, and expedition travel (if there is one piece of software that will do that).

I've done some research, and read a lot of helpful threads here, but wanted to get some opinions and pictures.

Thanks!

Michael

[TheRoadie]

I use a Motion Computing M1400 tablet (last generation, but easier to upgrade the hard drive and available on Ebay for great prices nowadays). Important option is the "View Anywhere" sunlight readable display. I use a RAM-mount base and a bunch of RAM arms to move it around. Retired the pictured laptop spring loaded tray mount in preference to a Motion Computing cover used as a snap-in tray mount.

http://www.roadie.org/DSCN0742.jpg

http://www.roadie.org/DSCN0743.jpg

It uses Wacom tablet technology with a stylus for a mouse, but I also carry a Gyration gyro-mouse and Bluetooth keyboard for when I'm stopped.

GPS-enabled software includes Delorme Street Atlas 2007 for on-road driving and finding gas stations and hotels., Delorme TopoUSA 7.0 for generic offroad, and National Geographic TOPO! for real Topo maps.

[1leglance]

I will have to dig up some pics of my setup but I know you can search my user name for thread showing it all
check out the www.jeniko.com mounts, rock solid and less money than most any other, I love mine.
Iguidance has been a great street nav setup for years
semsons.com for all my gps stuff with great prices
oziexplorer for offroad

post up a report when you are all done

[outsidr]

Here is what I did in the Chevy.

The Lowrance Baja mounted in the front console, then we mounted the Edge A2 system monitor (the thing with digital gauges changes to a map when you push the button) with tom tom software using audible turn by turn nav in the headliner. I can update the SD card with topo maps in the Baja for off road and use the tom tom for city to city.... I have been pleased with both products..

The rear view mirror has two hidden lcd monitors in it to switch from camera to camera to spot the beast off road or tight parking FYI...

[articulate]

Here's Lance's thread with the Jeniko mount:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7760

Very cool.

My brother used the same mount in his truck. He's got a post on it here:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=127108&highlight=jeniko#post127108

[mrstang01]

Just ordered the Jeniko mount for my Rav, with an extra mount for my 4runner. How is everyone mounting their power cords, and what options are the handiest for in-car computers? USB Hubs, mice, etc?

Thanks,

Michael

[Grim Reaper]

Nothing pretty or fancy on mine. A cheap $50 used Armada laptop running N-Route being fed by a Garmin GPSV with a mag mount antenna on the hood. I am using a Gamber Johnson mount with the laptop clamp replaced with ply wood (soon aluminum plate once I get my Brake built so I can bend it the way I want) so I could offset it the way I needed. Industrial 3M Velcro and a could angle brackets hold it in place.

Pics in the build thread in my sig. It looks tight but only blocks the clock and one vent from the driver side. My wife is small so it is not bad on her in the passenger seat and she can swing it right into her lap and surf the net on the go with my Cell or aircard modem.

[adventureduo]

We used RAM mounts for all our apps. Very satisfied with the strength and durability.

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/4408/2775411310034696539S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2775411310034696539OzBHgm)

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/7025/2197141910034696539S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2197141910034696539Kpceax)

[IH8RDS]

Ram Pod. I use Delorme TOPO USA.

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/laptop/Laptop.JPG

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/laptop/Laptop2.JPG

I also use the Jenson Nav System. It has been hacked to work like a computer and play any mp4 mov and divx

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/GPS/HPIM1184.JPG

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/GPS/HPIM1182.JPG

[Switch]

I'm getting ready to setup my vehicles for in-car nav with a Dell 600 laptop and one of the USB pucks from the ASUS thread. I want to be able to swap this from my Expedition Runner to my dedicated trail rig, to my daily driver Rav4.

What are you guys using for mounts, and what are the most useful accessories, like USB hubs, drives, etc? What kinds of mice or other pointers are you using?

What's the most useful software for daily driving, off road, and expedition travel (if there is one piece of software that will do that).

I've done some research, and read a lot of helpful threads here, but wanted to get some opinions and pictures.

Thanks!

Michael

I used a dell D600 as the base unit for my navigation/entertainment system (http://www.ttora.com/~switch/Tacoma_files/Page2059.htm). I use a port replicator to dock the latop. I use MS Streets and trips as the default map system and switch to National geographics TOPO when I want more detail. MS S&T records where I've been so I don't get lost. TOPO shows me trails not in the MS S&T system. I've tried to use a com port splitter without success, so my navigator (AKA wife) has to chose which program to use. Also, my system also does GoogleEarth, exploiting the 2GB cache file so I don't need to have internet access all the time.

[LC/LR4Life]

Wow... what a mess.... Nobody cares about clean installs??

I am looking at my options for Lowrance GPS etc in my 100. Most of what I have seen for options just don't look right, or there just isn't room. If I come up with something, I'll post up.

[FlyNdrive]

Here is what I did for the FJ Cruiser I got the idea form Air2Air on FJCforums. It has a large flat panel on the passenger dash. I used an 8X8 piece of aluminum and curved it on the top to match the 1.75 diameter rounded section of the top of the dash that also holds the weight. I used Velcro to attach it to the dash. I bought a Toshiba docking station and used pop rivets to hold it to the bracket.

The computer has a wide angle view, so it is easily seen from the drivers seat. I use a "floating mouse" that fits in the hand (I would like to build a roller ball into the center panel). The computer is a flat panel touch screen. I also got a small cordless keyboard that the passenger can use to surf the net via a Motorola air card and remote antenna on the roof.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x173/FlyNdrive/DSCN2336.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x173/FlyNdrive/DSCN2339.jpg

-Ben

[Grim Reaper]

Wow... what a mess.... Nobody cares about clean installs??

I am looking at my options for Lowrance GPS etc in my 100. Most of what I have seen for options just don't look right, or there just isn't room. If I come up with something, I'll post up.
Its' "lived in" :jumping:

My mess moves between three vehicles. That pretty well means I can't permently wire.

[pskhaat]

Wow... what a mess.... Nobody cares about clean installs??

I don't think any of them look unclean at all. Here's the product that I liked for the LC:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7908&highlight=ham+radio

[LC/LR4Life]

Its' "lived in" :jumping:

My mess moves between three vehicles. That pretty well means I can't permently wire.


I can understand that. We have several 4wds as well and I have done the same thing with my CB and GPS.

That's all gonna change now though... we decided the 100 will be 'the' off road expedition vehicle, so we're gonna bend our will towards installing things to look as good and function as possible.

[TheRoadie]

Here is what I did for the FJ CruiserDoes that cover up the passengers airbag, and does the FJ Cruiser have an off switch for it?

[FlyNdrive]

Does that cover up the passengers airbag, and does the FJ Cruiser have an off switch for it?

No, The airbag comes from the top of the dash.

-Ben

[Superu]

I run a Dell D600 on a Ram Mount base with the following:
http://lh3.google.com/wbanas/RsX0CFS9I6I/AAAAAAAAAvk/O03uLMuKybM/s400/outback5.jpg
* ebay special Bluetooth GPS
* Delorme Streets USA
* Delorme TOPO
* Storm Predator III for real time storm tracking
http://lh4.google.com/wbanas/Rsdq11S9JII/AAAAAAAAAyQ/dsJZodZzUU0/s800/330_radar1.jpg
* T-Mobile Aircard for wireless internet

Just picked up a Magellan Maestro 3140 for on-road trips so the kids can watch Avatar & Kim Possible on the laptop while the 3140 gives me any directions I need! :-)

http://www.gpsmagazine.com/assets/maestro-3140.jpg

[mrstang01]

Cool, tell us more about Storm Predator?

[craig]

This setup does everything with one box. I did add a HAM radio faceplate that sits just in front of the shifter where the "How to shift into 4WD" sticker is. Compared to most trucks that have GPS, FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 player (iPod), and XM/Sirius, I think it is significantly cleaner to have all of the controls combined into one touchscreen.

For software I ran:
Windows XP Embedded Custom OS Image
Road Runner carputer software w/ a custom skin
Overland Navigator Touchscreen GPS Mapping Software

It combines the following functions in one single in-dash unit:
OBDII
MP3 Jukebox
GPS Navigation
CD Player
DVD Movie Player
DivX Movie Player
XM or Sirius Radio
FM Radio

Hardware was:
Xenarc 7" Ultrabrite touchscreen
Custom Case that bolted to Land Rover factory CD Changer bracket
Epia Mini-ITX motherboard
1 gb RAM
80gb Laptop HD w/ antivibration mount
Slot-load CD/DVD drive
USB to IDE converter to allow me to run a long USB cable to the remotely mounted CD/DVD drive
Mighty GPS SIRF III USB GPS w/ through hull mounting design

Picture 1: touchscreen and DVD mounted in dash.
Picture 2: Through Hull SIRF III GPS
Picture 3: Custom case. Was mounted under the passenger seat, so it was never seen.

[jwhutch]

I run a Dell D600 on a Ram Mount base with the following:
http://lh3.google.com/wbanas/RsX0CFS9I6I/AAAAAAAAAvk/O03uLMuKybM/s400/outback5.jpg
* ebay special Bluetooth GPS
* Delorme Streets USA
* Delorme TOPO
* Storm Predator III for real time storm tracking
http://lh4.google.com/wbanas/Rsdq11S9JII/AAAAAAAAAyQ/dsJZodZzUU0/s800/330_radar1.jpg
* T-Mobile Aircard for wireless internet

Are you happy with the Storm Predator? I would like to get something along those lines for chasing. Thanks

[overlander]

This setup does everything with one box. I did add a HAM radio faceplate that sits just in front of the shifter where the "How to shift into 4WD" sticker is. Compared to most trucks that have GPS, FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 player (iPod), and XM/Sirius, I think it is significantly cleaner to have all of the controls combined into one touchscreen.

For software I ran:
Windows XP Embedded Custom OS Image
Road Runner carputer software w/ a custom skin
Overland Navigator Touchscreen GPS Mapping Software

It combines the following functions in one single in-dash unit:
MP3 Jukebox
GPS Navigation
CD Player
DVD Movie Player
DivX Movie Player
XM or Sirius Radio
FM Radio

Hardware was:
Xenarc 7" Ultrabrite touchscreen
Custom Case that bolted to Land Rover factory CD Changer bracket
Epia Mini-ITX motherboard
1 gb RAM
80gb Laptop HD w/ antivibration mount
Slot-load CD/DVD drive
USB to IDE converter to allow me to run a long USB cable to the remotely mounted CD/DVD drive
Mighty GPS SIRF III USB GPS w/ through hull mounting design

Picture 1: touchscreen and DVD mounted in dash.
Picture 2: Through Hull SIRF III GPS
Picture 3: Custom case. Was mounted under the passenger seat, so it was never seen.

Craig,
I'm starting an almost identical project in my Defender. Can you school me on what you did with the through the hull install for your gps? Also, comment on heating/cooling observations, issues and solutions that you have had so far. I'm going to have to reach out to you as I progress.

My plans are to install my motherboard and power supply in the bottom of my new tuffy console (12.5" wide mama) with a false floor about 3" up from bottom, and the fan mounted to the console side for ventilation.

[craig]

The through hull GPS is the weatherproof GPS from MightyGPS. It is a 20 channel SIRF III USB GPS, so it works as well as the high end consumer GPSs out there (Garmin 60CSx for example). In my case I just pulled the rear seat dome light out of the headliner and drilled a hole. Installed it, then ran the cable under the headliner to the B pillar, and down under the passenger seat.

http://mightygps.com/WeatherproofGPSReceiver.htm

For cooling, I used an aluminum case that had 2 fans on the top of it. The aluminum dissipates heat much better than the steel tuffy box will. When I build a new one, I'll probably go with one of these:

Morex (http://store.mp3car.com/Morex_3677_Mini_ITX_Case_p/enc-022.htm)
Opus Solutions ITX-70 (http://www.opussolutions.com/index.php?p=product&id=47)
Ampie (http://store.mp3car.com/Ampie_Car_Computer_Case_p/enc-005.htm)

I like the Opus case the best as it is a notch above the rest in terms of the power supply and the vibration dampening of the case.

Why not put it under your passenger seat? I bet you could secure the case pretty well under there and keep the cubby for your sunglasses.

Craig

[craig]

I forgot to mention OBDII in my original post. I just edited it.

Craig

[Superu]

With the rapid download of up to the minute Nexrad images and a Storm Cell Analyzer feature, it's been great in determining if those clouds gathering are likely to be a spring shower or a serious weather event. Plus you can do 24 hour modeling to double check what the local weather teams are telling you.

If I'm outside the Superu but within earshot, I switch the CB to PA so I hear the alert tones from the WX band and then check the details on the laptop.

If you have a decent aircard, the reception while in motion is no problem either. Worked flawlessly through the mountains of VT and into the plains of Canada last summer.

[overlander]

Why not put it under your passenger seat? I bet you could secure the case pretty well under there and keep the cubby for your sunglasses.

Craig

Not an option in the defenders. I'll monitor the temps in the tuffy, and if they get too hot, then I'll move it. I'm planning on having a fan in there though, with plent of space (mini-itx in a 12"x12"x3" space is more than most cases), with large holes that I can plug when things get "dirty and wet" and plenty of shock absorbtion.

[pskhaat]

It combines the following functions in one single in-dash unit:
OBDII

What OBDII stuff does it do? What software are you using?



Hardware was:
Xenarc 7" Ultrabrite touchscreen

What is the native resolution on this?

[craig]

What OBDII stuff does it do? What software are you using?

What is the native resolution on this?

I was using (carpc was pulled a few months ago so I can sell my truck) the open (non-proprietary) elmscan OBDII hardware interface from scantool.net. Because it is non-proprietary, there are other vendors that also make the hardware component.

For software, I was using a modified version of scantool.net. I added the Land Rover proprietary OBDII code descriptions, and spruced up the user interface. With OBDII software you can pull codes, monitor O2 sensors, temperature, etc. There are a variety of different software packages out there that work with the elmscan interface. I believe Palmer makes one that allows you to have fancy "soft" gauges. Mostly though, I just used the OBDII interface to figure out what was wrong with the motor if I threw a code in the field. It allowed me to determine if I had something small wrong, like a bad O2 sensor or something more important that would preclude driving the vehicle.

The Xenarc screen I used had a funky native resolution of something like 800x400, but I was running it at 800x600. It was an older screen though. If I were to build one of these again I'd spend the money to get a sunlight visible screen with a 1024x768 screen resolution. I'm using an EO TufTab right now and it is both sunlight visible an has a higher resolution. It is fantastic.

Craig