Onboard Computer/Navigation setup

[Westy]

A friend was nice enough to let me have his old laptop as he just recently got a new one. My plan is to use it as a GPS/navigation system on my truck.

I will be getting protective covers for the screen and keyboard and probably a case to hold it in. Dust inevitably will work its way into the computer but hopefully this will prolong its life. Hardrives are replaceable anyways and usually the first to go out from what I understand.
http://www.protectcovers.com/images/case-open-close.jpg

I have not decided on a mount system yet.

My question to those who use computers in their vehicles, have they held up well? Any suggestions to protect the computer from the elements? What mount system seems to work best for you? Pictures? Do you run off cig. adapter or inventerter? Whats proven to work best.

I run a dual battery setup so I've got plenty of battery power.

[Scott Brady]

Brian,

The biggest issue I have found with non-ruggedized laptops is the hinges. The vibration can kill them in a single trip. The new larger screens are even more problematic.

The older Dell latitude units were pretty beefy. My Winbook (titanium frame and shell) also holds up well.

Just make sure that the mounting configuration you use supports the monitor too. :)

[Westy]

Scott - Thanks, I never even thought of that. Very good point, I will have to figure something out, however in my application I dont think it will be as critical. My truck doesnt see the higher speed roads as I'm sure you encounter frequently in the baja, etc where I'm assuming you've got the laptop open and viewing/navigating as you travel. On the other hand I've got a pair of heavy duty Rockstomper motor mounts in place of the factory toyota and they transmit a good amount of vibrations themselves.

Also, I've been meaning to respond to your email you wrote me awhile ago in regard to CBs, etc. I will get on that later...sorry for the delay.

[gjackson]

With regard to power, I would suggest getting a 12v adaptor instead of running off the inverter. Inverters get hot when running for a long time, and it always struck me as stupid to convert 12v to 110v then back to 18v (or so, depending on what laptop you have).

I built a small table for the laptop using an alluminium platten and a RAM mount for movability. It mounts to the seat base and has a rubber mat under the computer to help get rid of vibrations. Works a treat! Never had any problems with the laptop jumping around. And the laptop survived on the table for 200+ days straight running all the time we were moving.

I've posted a *bad* pic of the laptop setup. I'm on the road right now and this is the best pic I have on my laptop. I'll post better pics when I get home if you are interested.

cheers

[Westy]

Alright good, I did purchase a 12v adapter as that was my intial plan but I'm just getting into this project and was looking for some first hand knowledge.

Thanks for the picture, if you have any more pictures of the mount I would be very interested. The aluminum table looks great, did you construct the entire piece?? How do you support the monitor?

What GPS satelitte antenna are you guys using to connect to the PC with? or are you using an actual handheld GPS connected to the computer?

[GeoRoss]

For on the road navigation, I just throw my handheld on the dashboard connected to the computer. I find that is usually good enough for navigation.

Ross

[Westy]

I dont own a GPS unit, so I hope to use a GPS satelitte reciever instead connected to the computer, plus those little GPS screens dont do it for me. :ylsmoke:

but they are great for backpacking, flyfishing and those types of activities.

[GeoRoss]

Before you purchase, think about what you want a GPS to do. If you anticipate ever needing the GPS away from the vehicle, you should get a handheld. If you don't need a GPS away from the car, then just get the reciever. If you have money for both then go that way.


plus those little GPS screens dont do it for me. :ylsmoke: This is why I hook mine up to a computer when I need to navigate in the car:ylsmoke:

Ross

[BMAN]

You should check out JOTO Desk mounts. They are what the local law enforcement uses and are very sturdy. They have a built in screen support strut. The only downside to the product is price. They are pretty pricy, but have performed flawlessly in every application I've witnessed.


I am planning to run a similar setup in my FJ60. When I bought the 60 it came with an external antenna and a Magellan Colortrak GPS unit. The unit was the top of the line stuff back when new but by todays standard is very minimalist. I plan to use the Magellan as a handheld away from truck unit and the laptop for in-truck navigation. I'll run Ozi-Explorer on the laptop with imported and calibrated GIS maps for offroad use and streets and trips for in town use. The laptop will also be used as a dvd player and external camera monitor.

[Scott Brady]

Interesting solution that I was able to check out at SEMA:

Churchill Navigation (http://www.churchillnavigation.com/at1.html)

http://www.churchillnavigation.com/product_medium.jpg

There is something about these guys I dig... Funny stuff on their website, like: "Our latest product is still under wraps. We could tell you about it, but then we'd have to kill you" :ar15:

[gjackson]

Brian,

The alloy platten I made myself. Just got a sheet of 1/8 inch alloy and cut and bent it to shape. I then put down 2 thin foam sheets to help protect against vibration. I don't support the moniter independantly. The iBook is pretty strong in that department, and I've never had trouble with it.

cheers

[gjackson]

Finally got some pics of the laptop stand. Helps give an idea of how it works. You can also see the RAM mount that supports the platten and allows movement. The Z shape in the mount allows use from both drivers and passenger seat. Pretty simple. Hope that helps.

cheers

[Westy]

cool. very helpful, thanks.

[gcec]

My "real" job is in IT, so I have considerable experience in the tech field.

We use a number of systems depending on what we're doing on the day:

- For on-road navigation TomTom Go (www.tomtom.com) can't be beat. It's an all in one unit that sticks to the windscreen and can be moved from car to car. Wicked kit, which is why it seems like 4 out of 5 cars in the UK have one stuck to the window. They're everywhere!

- In the Defenders where even your teeth can rattle loose after a couple hundred miles of washboard dirt roads we use a the iX104 ruggedised tablet PC form www.xploretech.com

- When the going won't be too tough, we use tablet PCs from Motion Computing. The LS800 is the sweetest tablet I've ever seen; nice and small, well equipped, excellent display. I'm using a LE1600 right now to send this. Also a cool piece of kit.

- Our actual GPS units are little Bluetooth ones that we can throw on the dash. They have rechargeable batteries and no cable connection to the PC. Plus, because of their size they actually get close enough to the galss in a Defender to pick up a signal - most Garmin handehelds won't. There's a bunch of them on the market so take your pick
(http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=122496)

- On the PCs we use a variety of software for navigation; OziExplorer, Memory Map, and our favourite - Fugawi (www.fugawi.com). We like the feature set in Fugawi, the Skyview UK product has aerial photo maps of the UK, their North American map sets actually have Canadian maps (although far north coverage is slim), and you can use your own maps.

Always happy to "talk tech" if anyone has questions :)

[flyingwil]

Always happy to "talk tech" if anyone has questions :)

Steven-
I am looking into building a CARPUTER in the double Din of my rig... If you could post any suggestions here (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=703) it would be greatly appreciated.

[gcec]

Steven-
I am looking into building a CARPUTER

Ouch. That's a project :) There was a chap in Germany, can't find his web address right now, that had an awesome Carputer that he produced. It had all the typical functions, plus all sorts of navigation aids, links to Terratips, etc. It was originally aimed at Rally markets.

If I find it again I'll pass it on :)

I'm sure you've already trawlled all the websites (www.carputers.org)