So a while ago I bought an Ibox500 mini system because its the type of toy I can’t help myself from not buying.  In case the link dies at some point, to summarize:

I can’t remember all the possible uses I’ve dreamed up for this little thing, but for one reason or another I’ve always bumped into roadblocks trying to implement them.  However today, we are going to try and use this as the basis of a computer for an automobile.

So, lets decide some basic parameters we will want to adhere to as much as humanly possible.

• All software must be free, non crippleware, non demo version.  GPL or the like.  However if there is a compelling piece of software with a reasonable license fee to help the independent developer feed his hungry kids …
• Must interface with current stereo system preferably via some sort of digital (spdif) connection.  Analog auxiliary connections will rely on the computers own (usually) horrifically poor quality DAC.
• No keyboard or mouse.  This might be a flexible parameter.  I’m sure certain uses will necessitate at least a keyboard.  But for the most common tasks, would prefer to either use touchscreen or some other form of simplified input (ie can-bus input systems)

Ok now lets figure out what tasks we absolutely must have out of our car computer :

• Music storage/streaming (must support flac file format)
• GPS & Maps navigation

And now for some secondary tasks we wouldn’t mind exploring :

• Aftermarket ECU integration for tuning performance and whatnot.
• ECU integration for reading and display of typical gauged information, ie digital speedo and tachometers.

I’m sure there are other uses for a car pc; web browsing, email, pornography.  However I’m just going to consider those directly effecting the driving experience.  These are things I am absolutely not interested in exploring :

• Feeding hi-def video to 50″ lcds mounted in every seatback, door panel, trunk lid, hubcap, etc.
• Visualizations that match custom vinyl graphics.
• Receiving twitters from the drunk underage starlette / troubled pro athelete of the month.

So now to explore some potential bottlenecks :

• Touchscreen drivers
• Automatic power-management.  Turn on/off with ignition key.
• Physical interface between computer and stereo.  It looks like ‘Disc Changers’ and Ipods provide protocols for transmission between a car stereo and an external library device.  The disc changer interface might be proprietary and unique to manufacturer, although I am finding some software emulation packages.  The Ipod interface would be more portable.  However the folks at Apple do not like to share.  I’m not finding any software solutions for emulating an Ipod device.
• Manufacturers for aftermarket ECUs are less than likely going to offer a Linuxy type software interface for their products, possibly out of fear that will expose some trade secret.  Typical corporate paranoia.
• Even though ODB2 uses a standard for its codes and data, there are a few unique communication protocols for transfering the data.   One of which is the Can-bus protocol.  A universal solution applicable for every vehicle manufacturer might be impossible, or costly.

So now a list of potential hardware and software solutions, and just anything of particular interest in no particular order :

• car2pc.com – hardware interface between stereo and computer.
• Megaquirt – DIY Ecu
• TuxMobil – mobile linux knowledge base
• ODB2 Howto – writeup of ODB2 and some hardware/software options
• tlcdcemu – cd changer emulator project
• DashPC Dashwerks – similar linux based carpc project
• timekiller.org/carpc – another similar linux based carpc project lacking humility
• ipod dock pinout – explanation of ipod dock pins
• more to be added …

Without a particular car project on the go, I don’t really have a purpose, and this makes any research blind and accidental. Demotivating.  I’m currently using the power supply to power a little mini-itx router running pfsense.  I’ve ordered a new power supply for it.  Once it gets back I’ll look over some linux distros, touchsceens, and sat-nav packages.

to be continued …