[plug] A Call for help regarding embedding linux

[shayne]

If you go for LCD. It's pretty straight forward to buy one of those
nifty "basic stamp II" kits from paralax and a hitachi LCD + four little
buttons. From there it's verrrrry simple to build an interface that
hooks in via RS-232 to the back & bobsyeruncle. For the true
goon-with-bucks vibe, theres always the option of one of those
industrial lcd touch screens. AMX/PANJA make black and white ones that
look freakin aweeesome, are programmed easy and can output RS-232 but
youd be paying big bucks. We used some of these on an embeded system
used on a mining site. Verry nice.

I think btw you could definately do this with an old P200 and mount it
in the boot for form factor issues.

On Fri, 2002-10-25 at 01:06, Sham Chukoury wrote:
> On Thu, 2002-10-24 at 20:58, Harry McNally wrote:
> > Here's the strategy I'd use.
> > 
> > 1.  Cancel BigPond account
> > 2.  Sign up with less costly ISP and start saving :-P
> > 3.  Purchase a http://www.mini-itx.com/ from http://www.dma.net.au/ (i think) with savings.
> > 4.  Purchase a 20GB laptop drive with rest of savings (they handle lots of G's).
> > 5.  Wire up some DC-DC converters to make vehicle 12V into the board volts needed.
> > 6.  Load debian and MP3's on drive and attach to mini-ITX.
> > 7.  If you're fancy, attach LCD display for coolness using available interface on one model (can't remember which).
> > 7b. Alternatively, just a power LED for the price sensitive. Claim it is the enhanced Bang and Olfson version.
> > 8.  Attach an IR led pair on serial interface.
> > 9.  Write Java code or perl to download playlist from Palm.
> > 10. Wire amp to available audio interface.
> > 11. Wire speakers.   
> > 12. Press <Play> on Palm_MP3_Vehicle_Player killer app.
> > 13. Turn up the volume.
> > 
> > [...]
> > 
> > Overall, a car CD player is cheaper, simpler, easier and of course completely lacks any geek cred. You _know_ what to do ;)
> 
> Just went and had a look at the mini-itx. I have to agree with Harry -
> buying a CD player simply lacks any kind of geek cred... The Mini-ITX is
> da ultimate heart of any geek dream concoction! :P~~ I've already got
> ideas on what i'd do to my car, when i get one. ;)
> 
> The DC-DC idea is definitely good - no need having to convert voltages
> up and down the scale and losing power all along. However, I reckon some
> electronic regulating gizmo should be in place between the battery and
> the PC... Ya never know - car batteries ain't exactly made to be
> friendly to silicon-based intelligent life forms. :)
> 
> BTW, how bout throwing in a CD reader of some kind - might make swapping
> MP3's and things easier. Always useful for refreshing the mobile music
> collection. :)
> 
> If you do go for the Palm controlled version, I reckon an LCD screen can
> be overlooked - got plenty of LCD on the Palm itself. :) That is,
> assuming you don't check your calendar (why would you do that while
> driving, anyway?) while playing the MP3's... Just need a kind of in-car
> cradle for the Palm so it looks like an integrated geek-style audio
> system. ;)
> 
> > Are you a computer angel?	http://www.ca.asn.au/
> No, but I heard about these people yesterday... I'm thinkin' about
> volunteering some day. :P
> 
> §:)
> O yes, finally got RH Linux 7.3 running under VMWare... No more using MS
> Outlook with Bill's enhanced character set. :) Go Evolution!
>