I've been pondering adding a PC to a car (another one of those old projects that keeps getting put off) and I've listed these requirements:
-connect to the OBD or OBD 2 onboard computer, and log performance data
-have a wireless connection to upload the data logs (automatically) to the home PC
optionals:
-communicate (voice / music) to another similarly equipped car
-a network port for a laptop
-control various parts of the car automatically (i.e. lights)
-act as a security system
-GPS
-MP3
The PC hardware is actually the easy part of the project. The hard part is the power supply! Anyone have any *cheap* ideas?
I've looked into DC-DC converters from Vicor, and now I'm looking into automotive PSU converter designs by TI (i.e. TPS40100)
http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folder.../tps40100.html
a Buck converter
Linear Tech's LTC3780
http://www.linear.com/pc/productDeta...2,C1116,P10090
a buck-boost controller
and I haven't been over Atmel, yet. ( atmel.com )
Otherwise there's a dude on eBay selling these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6824180729