The Web Page of Kristopher Linquist

My CarPC is installed and works great. It consists of the following:

• EuropeanAutoSource Video Source Module: This runs in-line with the connector on the back of my navigation computer in the trunk and gives me two RCA inputs for video. One input is hooked to the reverse camera, a second is for the PC. The reverse camera input is triggered by the reverse lights- the PC input is triggered by a switch I have wired into the cabin. This is the only part of the CarPC that is not completely 'seamless.'
• IBM Thinkpad and port replicator. The thinkpad has S-Video out and I've got an S-Video to RCA cable plugged into the Video Source Module.
• w3bm4st3r's power on module. I've got this wired directly to the port replicator. As soon as the car is turned on, this device presses the power button on the laptop.
• Ralf Resler's USB iBus controller. This allows the software I'm using to be controlled by my factory navigation control knob.
• CarX software made for CarPCs in BMWs.
• Factory BMW Auxiliary input kit for getting sound into my car.
• Solid state relay made by my Dad.
• iGO Juice70 power supply with DC/DC cigarette lighter adapter

I've got the laptop securely mounted on top of my spare tire cover underneath my trunk floor. Connections go from my battery to a 10A in-line fuse to the relay to a female cigarette lighter adapter that the iGo power supply plugs into.

The whole setup is made to be easily removable for my autocross and track days.

The MODE button on my Navigation screen toggles between AM/FM tuner, In-dash CD (located behind the flip-down nav screen, iPod (via the Intravee), Sirius satellite radio, and AUX input-which is used for the CarPC. After I select AUX input I have to flip a hidden switch to get the PC input. Hopefully I'll get it setup so that it'll auto switch.

Here are some pictures:

Completely clean trunk!

Inside the navigation/storage panel. The Intravee II is my iPod adapter. I compare it to my old iPod adapter here.

Thinkpad under the spare tire cover. My spare is still in there- underneath the laptop.

Windows desktop on the navigation screen. This is something that I'll rarely see since I have the PC setup to run the CarX application all the time.

Here's the CarX application. I need to rename 'Car Info' - it actually takes you to a menu that lets you record things like fuel fillups (the CarX application automatically reads your location, date/time, and the car's current mileage from the BMW iBus!

Finally, some shots of the car playing my favorite TV show: