So you'll need the following for this project.
PC of at least P90 capabilities
Windows 98
12v Invertor (or some sort of PSU for the PC)
Substantial sized hard disk (none of this 500MB crap)
Sound card (preferably with line level output)
Network card
Audio cables/connectors
LCD display (more about that here)
Numeric keypad
Soldering iron, well stocked junk box, etc
Time (about double what you expect)
Firstly assemble your PC. I used a Toshiba Libretto 110CT as its much smaller that a standard PC and is easier to hide in the car. Laptops lend themselves to this project well as they have all the things you need in one small package. Install the sound card and network card. The network card is needed to update the MP3 player with new music files.
When the PC is working install Windows98 and prove to yourself that it all works like a windows PC should. Next install the Winamp software as well as some MP3 files. Don't forget to install the NetBEUI protocol and share your hard drive otherwise you won't be able to update the files.
Connect the audio cables from your PC to the audio input on your car's amp and play an MP3 file from within Winamp. You should hear the music coming out of your car's speakers. If this works put a tick in the success column.
Next comes the numeric keypad. If you bought the one that plugs into your laptop plug this into the keyboard port. Run up Notepad.exe and check that you get numbers when you press the keys. Now install the WinAmp keypad plugin and test.
Attach the LCD display to the printer port of your PC. Install the WinAmp LCD plugin and test. You should see track details relating to the MP3 file being played.
Finally, install the whole lot into your car. Also make a cable long enough to reach from your parked car to your other PC. I'd put a PC and a hub in the garage so that you can access the net whilst fixing your car.
© & ® Mark A Phillips, G7LTT 1998/99/2000
This page was last updated Monday December 11, 2000 21:05 -0000