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.


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

[Scott Brady]

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

Churchill Navigation



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"

[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.