On board computer...

[jimothy]

One of my ideas for things to do this year to the Chim is to build in a computer.

I've never done this sort of thing before, but it should be fun. I'm thinking about a mac built into the boot providing music (copied from my home mac via a wireless network), GPS, internet access at home for downloadng weather and traffic reports...

Most of this should be fairly straightforward (I hope!).
However, I'd like to do enging reports and fault diagnosis. Does anyone know of an ECU reader that I can keep connected permanently and access from a computer?

[JonRB]

As far as I am aware the ECU on the Rover V8 (ie. on the Chimaera) is extremely basic and restricted to just a few fault codes. It is probably not worth the programming effort to intergrate it into your computer, particularly since it is a Mac.

[2 Smokin Barrels]

Perhaps a dishwasher & a microwave might be a good idea too?

[jimothy]

Got an in car dishwasher, well only when she's a passenger

[2 Smokin Barrels]

jimothy said:

Got an in car dishwasher, well only when she's a passenger

That's you for the tumbledrier matey!

[ChimBungee]

if it must not be a Mac: check www.mini-itx.com

Especially with the Trevla cases, that might well fit under the seat.

[trevorw]

So you will be wanting to do something similair to what this guy has done to his Focus

www.ffoc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=56648&highlight=

[tacoma]

SparkytheCat recently gave me some advice when I asked about stainless steel braided hose and other engine aestetically enhancing products. It was excellent advice that i have been looking forward to passing on to someone else....


Just drive the thing!

Seriously though would love to see the finished result, but it is one mod that even i wouldn't consider.

mike

[ATG]

Have thought about doing this too, except would go for a mini-itx PC rather than a Mac. Any idea where you would stick the monitor? A rough and ready soln would be to make a bracket that sticks out through the gap between the top and bottom sections of the dashboard surround to the left of the handbreak and use that as a support for a mini monitor mount. I've started knocking one of these up but have images of passengers getting impaled on it in a crash.

[kevp]

wot about mounting the monitor on the passenger sun visor? put a camera there & it can ba a mirror as well.

[PeterC]

Sell the car and buy a Play Station!

[jimothy]

PeterC said:

Sell the car and buy a Play Station!

Got one already.

I know this seems a sily mod, but I'm a complete geek, got 2 PC's (one Linux and one windoze) and a Mac in my home network.
Just thought it'd be fun.

I've had 2 ideas for the monitor, either sitting in front of the CD player, dippng down into the space in front of the gear stick (I wonder if I can get a touchscreen that folds into the CD player bay?) or on the dashboard obscuring the bit of windscreen that is normally obscured by the wipers. First task is to find a suitable touchscreen, get its sizes and try with a suitably sized piece of cardboard to see where would be suitable.

Not sure about the passenger side visor, the missus would keep moving it (or use the camera to check her hair) at just the moment I need to look at the screen to find out where I am!

I could use a PC if its cheaper and easier. I just prefer macs cos they look nicer, work better, are faster,...

[kevp]

I know; I know;

Seriously this time- head up display with touch screen!

[Corin Denton]

On board what?