Did some more research on gps and decided to go with iguidance. Anyone have any experience with it? I also recieved my power supply today so i will run the wires for that tomorrow. I am running a 4 gauge wire form the batteries to the center console where i will use a distribution block to split power for everything. I already have a 1/0 gauge wire running my amplifiers, time to look into dual alternaters. I have been downloading software and other programs onto the carputer(from inside the warm house) so that it is ready to go once put into the truck(cold outside). Also have been learning how to use the software since this is my first experience with carputers. I am using road runner as the front end(a program that ties everything together, gps, music, movies, cell phone, obdII communication, and all other programs you would use in a truck and it has a screen with buttons on it so you can access all these features easy while driving without opening all these different programs. I have all my parts, minus the gps for now which i can install once the console and carputer are in, and have the carputer loaded with most of the software i need to make it work and work efficiantly as a carputer so tomorrow i will try to get things finished up and installed, won't be painted but installed and tested to make sure everything is running how i want it to. I keep giving updates in case anyone else is interested in doing something like this. I have spent probably close to a hundred hours researching this and how to make everything work, since i don't have alot of experience with computers or how to put them in a truck. So i thought i would post some of my learnings for others to read and not have to do as much research as i did. Hope someone finds this useful!

 

About to start another work day. Took some time to figure out how to upgrade my single alternator to a dual alt setup. After three days of researching found out it can be done and doesn't cost that much! Much better than running one high output alt. I have the carputer all setup, still trying to figure out how to use all the features on the front end but i'm learning. Got a good deal on microsofts streets and trips so loaded that on there now till i get iguidance. It's been cold here so progress is slow but i am going to just bare the cold today cause i am excited to get this up and running. Have the computer power supply all configured to start up and shut down how i want it. Once it is all in i will play with it in the drive way and also on the computer in my house so i am not learning how to use the navigation while i drive over the top of a saturn! I am excited about the computer part of this build right now, the two 15" subs are something that i have been doing for 10 years now so that isn't as new and exciting as putting a full pc in the truck that can do all the stuff this one can. But when i get time i will go down to my stereo shop and db the truck just for fun. I didn't build this stereo for spl but it should hit some decent numbers being 2-15" mtx 9500 subs in a ported enclosure and a rockford fosgate power bd 1000 amp. And next week i will have the dual alts installed and not have to worry about drawing to much power. I will post more pics in my webshots gallery tonight.

 

Just a little update, i have been really busy with work and haven't had much time to work on the truck, plus have a ton of other projects going on with this truck and my f-150! To much to do and not enough time. I have figured almost everything out for the computer and have all the software working together like it should. I bought a wifi adapter and now have wireless internet in the truck when there is a signal. Also have my gps working with iguidance and ms streets and trips. Also have the music and movies working and pretty much have it how i want it. I am almost done with the center console, changed some things and need to paint it. The wiring is run and just need to throw everything in. Hopefully it will all come together real soon, i'm going to n.y. city in june and this will be great for the trip. Hopefully i will get some pics up soon so you can see this all, it's amazing what you can do with computers, i'm not exactly the most advanced computer user but i have been doing tons of research and learning alot and to be able to put a computer in your truck that can manage your music, movies, gps, wifi, and a ton of other things is amazing.

 

Hey Ponch, How's the carputer project going?
I'm thinking I would like one in my van.
Been looking at the Toughbooks too.

 

Wow this is an old thread. I finished everything and finally got it working. Never got around to ripping the console back out and painting it. It took a little bit to get everything working right but it was worth it. Since i'm not that good with computers i had to get some help from friends with setting up the software. It didn't cost me much, alot cheaper than the toughbook. I haven't had any problems with the weather, cold winters and hot summers didn't affect anything yet. If you have any questions just let me know and i can help you out.