[Cipher13]

I have an iceBook 500. It has a smashed screen.

Well... had a smashed screen. It now has no screen, after I performed a little surgery on it. So now, it's just the bottom half of its former self; keyboard, cpu, hard drive, and so forth.

Anyway. I want this machine to output audio to my car stereo system.

I need to get a new stereo with audio input jacks on the back, but that's a minor complication. It's also a monetary complication, with no technical merits; so I don't particularly care to consider it for more than a second.

This is what I'm planning so far.

I stash the iBook in shock-absorbing mounts either under the passenger seat, or in the glove box. Hell, maybe even on the ceiling, depending on how fancy I feel at the time.

I hook up a Griffin PowerMate to it, and stick that on the center console, somewhere, for secondary volume control (I'll use the stereo itself for primary volume control), and mostly for track skipping/playing/pausing, and so forth.

I'm also going to get a foldable LAN keyboard (you know, the rubber ones), or maybe a half-keyboard, and mount that somewhere in reach; a half keyboard on the door would be perfect, but those are also minor details. vmarks suggested I use a chord keyboard when I spoke with him, which is an excellent idea.

Anyway. The problem, of course, is the screen. Outputting the audio to the stereo should only be a minor issue, most likely one that could be rectified for under a dollar at radioshack.

What I want to do is buy a very small LCD screen, somewhere in the order of 5", and cut a hole in either the dashboard of the car to mount it, or in the steering wheel (depending on which car I decide to install this in; if it's the 626, that has airbags, so I can't go and cut up the steering wheel. It's also a new car, which I'd rather not mutilate...). Anyway. I don't know much about these miniature LCD screens, and I havne't found much usable info online about them (mind you, I haven't tried hard; my connection right now is capped, and so browsing is horribly slow).

What do people know about these? The iBook 500 has a VGA output port, and I have the dongle that goes with it. That's how I currently use the machine, hooked up to a standard vga monitor.

Do these LCDs have VGA inputs? I doubt it.

My best guess is that they have RCA. I'm pretty sure the iBook 500 has an AV output port (the headphone port), into which I plug the AV cable; from that, I have sound and video output. That would be perfect.

Anyway, I've mostly got this figured out, apart from the finer details. I'm just wondering if anybody has done anything similar/has any suggestions, or whatever...

Thanks.

EDIT: typo... finder = finer.

[k_munic]

nice idea, post the pix after finishing.

here something for you, don't panic, it's in german, but i help you:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...;category=3698

these guys sell a7" tft; on the pics yous ee the vga connector PLUS video in (ntsc/pal/audio, you can switch the input signal from computer to video, dvd, whatever) PLUS a rs232 connector, 'cause this tiny beats has a build in touch screen!!

absolutly no idea, how you make this touch screen run with a mac (drivers???).

unfortunately, there is no word about the manufacturer of this screen, the german distributor is just... a distributor, not a manufacturer, i'm sure it is assembled somewhere in the far east.

have a look at "your" ebay, keywords monitor, 7".. i'm sure you'll find something similiar in your language

good luck with your project! vorsprung durch technik, as we say in german

[Cipher13]

Awesome, thanks for that info! A touchscreen would be incredibly cool, if it was doable; for the moment, I think I'll leave that go, until I have a little more cash to blow on this. Maybe I'll put the first LCD I get in the back where the ashtray is or something, and have a touchscreen in the front, and mirror them.

My other idea was to get a BlueTooth module for the iBook, and a T68, and use that as a remote control... or, alternatively, get an IR remote kit for the system.

I checked out eBay.com.au, and they had nothing in the way of small LCD screens, but I'm sure I'll be able to find one... it's just the price that concerns me, but hey. In the end, I might just end up going with a larger screen, like a 10" old colour one ripped out of one of my PB190s or PC laptops or something, and make it collapsable. That wouldn't be my preference, but it would indeed be cheaper...

Thanks again.

[scdean]

BTW, I think the same screen is here but in English.
http://www.action-replay.co.uk/Mobil...ts/Monitor.htm

[tr]

we bought one of these at work for a project. it's actually not that bad, has a single composite input, runs 12V. and pretty cheap here in the US. check out this search page on the site for more models and brands. you might be able to find them locally.

tr

[The Godfather]

Used iPods can be had for $99, and they weigh 1/10 the weight of the iBook.

oh that's right. It wouldn't be a project anymore

Beware of small VGA screens. I don't think iTunes+OSX would be usable at 640x480.

Don't you think that car MP3 projects are too "1998"?

[misc]

Are you sure your iBook has a A/V output?

The iBook I have has a headphone jack and also a funky video out. The video out to RCA costs $20 I believe...

[tooki]

Early iBooks had composite video via the headphone jack, using a special cable (which the Apple store near me has/had on clearance for $10).

Cipher, have you looked at the Pathintosh? (Only available as cached pages on google.) That guy's how-to may have some useful info, even if you don't go as extreme as he did!

tooki

[permanent68]

The problem is any of these little screens you get are TV screens, not MONITORS, so even if you run 640X480 (which you must do) it will look like ASS, and it will be extremely difficult to read any text whatsoever. :|

If you can find a true SVGA smallish LCD screen, let me know about it.

- Rob

[Cipher13]

Originally posted by scdean:
BTW, I think the same screen is here but in English.
http://www.action-replay.co.uk/Mobil...ts/Monitor.htm

Originally posted by tr:
we bought one of these at work for a project. it's actually not that bad, has a single composite input, runs 12V. and pretty cheap here in the US. check out this search page on the site for more models and brands. you might be able to find them locally.

tr

Awesome, thanks guys - looking into that as we speak.

Originally posted by The Godfather:
Used iPods can be had for $99, and they weigh 1/10 the weight of the iBook.

oh that's right. It wouldn't be a project anymore

Beware of small VGA screens. I don't think iTunes+OSX would be usable at 640x480.

Don't you think that car MP3 projects are too "1998"?

Too 1998? No. This device has a purpose. It isn't just a "for the hell of it" thing. And besides; when I'm through this thing, it'll be a hell of a lot more than just an mp3 player. I'll be able to answer my phone even if it's in the boot of the damn car.

And even THAT is just the beginning.

But yeah, you're right - if I just did that with an iPod, it wouldn't be a project anymore.

Originally posted by misc:
Are you sure your iBook has a A/V output?

The iBook I have has a headphone jack and also a funky video out. The video out to RCA costs $20 I believe...

100%.

Originally posted by tooki:
Early iBooks had composite video via the headphone jack, using a special cable (which the Apple store near me has/had on clearance for $10).

Cipher, have you looked at the Pathintosh? (Only available as cached pages on google.) That guy's how-to may have some useful info, even if you don't go as extreme as he did!

tooki

I hadn't heard of it until you mentioned it, then I looked it up... that's almost exactly what I want to do (though mine will be far more extreme). Looks very cool.

Originally posted by permanent68:
The problem is any of these little screens you get are TV screens, not MONITORS, so even if you run 640X480 (which you must do) it will look like ASS, and it will be extremely difficult to read any text whatsoever. :|

If you can find a true SVGA smallish LCD screen, let me know about it.

- Rob

640*480 is the minimum resolution I'll run; but that should be plenty.

I'll kill the Dock and have iTunes run full screen - that's more than enough.

[permanent68]

I don't think so man. I've seen computers output onto tv screens and it isn't pretty. You can barely read anything.

- Ca$h

[k_munic]

Originally posted by permanent68:
I don't think so man. I've seen computers output onto tv screens and it isn't pretty. You can barely read anything.

- Ca$h

when you convert a computer video signal into HF for connecting it to a tv screen, yes, the pic quality is a mess.

BUT:
1) may be, our friend finds a screen with vga connector,
and 2), some tricky psycho effect. the resolution is physically small, but the screen is smaller. what i want to say is: the small resolution of 600something on a lets say 6" screen results in a "readable" quality...

keep on running!

[Cipher13]

Thing is, this will not be going to a "television", but to a small LCD computer monitor, so it's a non-issue.

Now, here's a thought.

I have a working PowerBook G3 (233, original, 12.1"). It has only the onboard RAM (32MB), and no hard drive. The screen, while discoloured, works.

This screen is identical in proportion (x,y) to the iBooks; I'm not sure about depth. Surely, that could be used, if I could extend the cables.

I'm currently removing the LCD itself from the LCD housing; I will then insert the LCD from the PowerBook into the iBook. Any reason this won't work?

[Cipher13]

Just dismantled the two machines, and the LCD panels are identical in size. However, the frame of the PB panel is slightly wider than the iBooks; the location of the data/inverter/power cables are different (not an issue), but unfortunately, the connector types are different. I'm sure they're all the same in the end, but that doesn't really help me; i can't imagine that adapters for one type to the other would be the easiest things to come by.

Getting one machine to interface with the other LCD would be rather difficult.

[signal68]

Time to bust out the soldering iron. I'm going to be needing to do something similar in a year or so.....

G'luck!

- Rob

[BuD-TheDude]

During my freshman year at college, 3 years ago, I came across a website where a man illustrated doing this with his Powerbook and a Landrover, a 2001 model I believe.

His setup was elaborate, to say the least. Not only did he set up an in-dash screen, but also Airport to wirelessly network, several custom mounted buttons linked to a keypad to control the music from the steering-wheel, etc.

But alas, I cannot find his website for the life of me. I did a ~15 min search on google with only one good lead, but it ended on a defunct website. I even checked out MacNN and PowerBook Zone. I will be getting a new car w/in 2 years myself; I think this would be a fun project. But I guess this is a useless post..

I know the article was out there at one point. Can anyone dig up this site?

[Tomster]

a Landrover, a 2001 model I believe. [/B]

Are you thinking of the Pathfinder? There was the famous Pathintosh out in 2001. The original site is down but there are still photos on Macnn and more via google.

[tr]

just saw this on Gizmodo.com

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cowici...mputerwebsite/

not bad, but my question: why the hell did he take all the pics in the dark?!?

tr

[Link]

Now that's a cool mod to do with a 12" powerbook and make the mount so that it looks like they are mounted in police cars.

Best of all when you get out of the car you can take it with you

[shrink]

I'm bumping this. Cipher13 - any updates? I'm thinking about doing a similiar project.

[Cipher13]

Originally posted by shrink:
I'm bumping this. Cipher13 - any updates? I'm thinking about doing a similiar project.

Whoa, long time ago, sorry 'bout that... I don't frequent this forum.

Infact, I came back to check out this thread and post some new info.

I acquired the top half of a clamshell iBook (well, I have the whole thing, but the logic board is dead, so I've removed the screen), and intend on using it for this project (which was put on hold for a while).

I even think I'll leave the LCD in the blue/white housing - maybe I'll paint it black or something though. Anyway, I'll drill the hinges into the car somewhere, so I flip the monitor open as per normal. It'd be very cool if I could attach it to the ceiling, and invert all screen data (easy) and then fold it DOWN.

Anyway, I have the same problem now - the screen plug.

I have the iBook 500 (which is my router) or the PB233 (the iBook 366 this was from is dead), and I have the screen from the clamshell, which is in perfect operating condition.

12", big for a car, I know; but hey. Gotta make sacrifices

Anyway, now I need to figure out how to either A) output from the video-out on the 500 to the TFT cable/inverter cable on the clamshell screen, OR; rig something up going directly from primary video in the 500 (maybe it's the same kind of plug - I'll check on that now), straight to the cables on the clamshell.

Anyway, I'm very intent on getting this done.

I never posted the rest of the project initially, because I was primarily concerned about the screen adapter; anyway, it'll have an AirPort card in the end so when I put the car in the driveway, it'll auto-sync my music and calendars and whatnot; it'll also have BlueTooth for handsfree from a bluetooth phone; and a USB GPS system for navigation/wardriving.

EDIT: Just checked the connectors... they don't match, of course. That will complicate things.

[Cipher13]

Originally posted by tr:
just saw this on Gizmodo.com

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cowici...mputerwebsite/

not bad, but my question: why the hell did he take all the pics in the dark?!?

tr

He has some nice ideas - the camera one, for example - very cool. I didn't think of that.

I don't like how it's done though... pretty dodgy No integration whatsoever. If that's his only machine, then that's understandable... but I want this system integrated into my car, completely. I don't want a laptop sitting between the passenger and drivers seats... poor implementation, IMO. Where's the modding fun in that?

[IamBob]

The CarMac forums could use a few more active bodies.

[Waragainstsleep]

I am planning a similar project.
It won't be for a while, as the destination vehicle requires restoration before its worth bothering.
My plan originated when I bought half a PB Pismo with the intention of swapping the screen from my Lombard onto it, and using the Lombard in the car.
Since the Pismo Logic board does not recognise the internal HD, I have decided to use the Pismo in the car instead. (I will either replace the DVD with an expansion bay HD, or boot from a firewire HD).
When installed, the machine will deal with MP3s, DVDs, and will have Wifi to connect to my home network. I will wire it to the car battery, but include the main battery from the PB (I can use it charge my Lombard battery on the move that way). I also plan to make use of the Pismo as an Xgrid agent when the car is parked in the yard.

I spent some time looking into LCDs. There is one company doing a large range of in car TFTs of various sizes at reasonable prices with worldwide shipping. They have some touchscreens too. One of the nicest items I found was a 6.5" LCD widescreen built into a sunvisor (available for left and right hand sides).
Most of these ran from a composite video (RCA) input.
Here is the visor screen:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...71130&rd=1

(Don't worry if the item has ended, they have plenty of them.)


My project was inspired by this one:
http://www.mujmac.cz/art/hw/tatra_mac_eng.html

It raises an important point: Most cars are not waterproof. Condensation can kill an electrical item with a good heat source in it (In other words a computer with a CPU.
Thats why the guy above sealed his G4 in a perspex case with goretex valve stem packing to keep out moisture.
This problem is particularly worse with older cars.

Another tip. If you have trouble reading iTunes due to the screen resolution, there is a freeware app available which provides a floating iTunes control panel to play, stop, skip tracks, volume, etc.
This should be easily readable. Pity I forget what its called. You'll have to look.
Having said that, my PB Lombard was easy enough to read on a 21" TV screen. It was a PAL TV though, not NTSC (I live in the UK). PAL has better resolution.
Chances are your iBook will support both, (and so will many in car LCDs) so thats another trick to look into.

[rag on a muffin]

those mads are awesome

EDIT: A DUO AND A DUO DOCK!