NAV screen VGA Input

[davissteve80]

Re-posting after site crash...

OK, so I've seen the topics that ansewer the delema of adding DVD playback to your existing Navi screen.. Neat, cool, wow...

What I want, and what I consider would be the true killer-app here is the ability to interface a true to life PC to the nav display. And for icing on the top, make the touch screen work.

So here is my thinking:
It's my understanding that the Nav system runs a Windows CE OS. This may be wrong, but i'd be willing to bet its not. That said, it stands to reason that the screen would run as a VGA display for the conputer, it may not br 640x480, it may only be 320x200 but it's just as likley that its 800x600. So, it wouldn't be a streach in logic to belive that if one device sends VGA signals too it, then another device could as well, it's more a matter of connection logistics.

Furthermore, it would not be a leap in logic to belive that the touchscreen function of the Nav unit is running as a mouse driver, as many traditional touch screens do (Elo, and the like) so it may be sending back an RS/232 signal or perhaps a PS/2 signal to dicate click coordiantes. I would hope that this, also, could be tapped and fed to the corisponding port on a PC... Or, as coolcat has so boldly suggested, a mac mini... An opinion that I share, as the Mac Mini almost begs to be installed in an automotive environment.

Now, I am a professional computer hacker (the kind that gets paid by companies to keep their networks running) and I come with a long history of hardware hacks and ticks and other such fun. But I certanly lack the knowledge and resources to perform such delicate surgery on the Nav computer in my Ridge...

That being said, I already own just about every conciveable component (even the mac mini) to test and attempt this Frankenstein esk contraption, so if others out there have the knowledge, but lack the resouces, might I suggest that we "put our minds together" as they say...

Please supply your thoughts...

--S
BTW, please forgive the typos... Blackberry are convienet, if difficult to type on...

[hkmail1]

I am finishing the install of the following:

- Thinkpad T21 with port replicator.
- svideo out on laptop svideo to composite converter from radio shack ($20)
- Power wire from port replicator jumpered to remote switch. (no way to turn on the laptop without reaching under the seat)
- Gnetcanda.com navvideo device (direct wire Y connection to Factory Nav) 2 composite video inputs, I am going toinstall a backup camera when I finish with this.
- Windows 2000 (640x480) enable Accessibility Options, enabled high contrast (still can't read text very well, but icons are very readable)
- Hibernate when laptop loses power, (turn off car)
- Bought Honda factory heated seat switch ($24)put it in the blank space inbetween the other two heated seat switches (switch it to High heat and the factory nav screen changes to laptop screen) If someone got into my RL they might think the back seat is heated too!
- Media engine software (Front end software to navigate common applications easily, MP3, DVD, Game Emulator, etc) http://www.mediaengine.org/
- Gamepad (control mouse and keyboard functions- since I couldn't get touch screen option to work) http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=302914&pfp=cat3
- don't get the logitech gamepad - their software for mapping gamepad buttons to mouse/keyboard functions didn't work very well during hibernation and reboots
- I still need to get into the dash and add a Y adapter to the aux input so I don't have to have audio cable hanging from the aux port to my laptop under the passenger seat.

The system works flawlessly. The gamepad works great for control although if you get the touchscreen to interface with a computer let me know because that would be the perfect solution.

If you want me to test anything or want any additional info let me know.

Kevin