Alan

Early model fader ***** are still available and are about the right size (they are the 928 rubberized style) - the decals can be removed/replaced with something else... to me the 944/968 ***** don't belong on a 928


http://www.automotion.com/product.as...dept%5Fid=4858

I have used these in several places... example (in combo):

Alan

jsherid1

I would be very interested in adding this to my list of "must haves" and look forward to more pictures and pricing.

blown 87

I am for that part of it.

blown 87

I think those would be more fitting for a 928 myself.

S4ordie

Hans - have you thought about putting a slight bevel to the edge of opening for the screen? Could help the visual transition look less abrupt.

droy3

Agreed. Rounded bevel would work.

Champagne

That's pretty much it. Centrafuse can be customized and skinned of course.

Also, the **** just below the screen is the master volume. The buttons on either side are optional. Those who choose to have them could have them programmed to about any function.

The back of my screen is Ostrich of course

Paul

Champagne

Guys, what you are looking at in these preliminary pictures is the base insert. The backbone that holds everything, from the PC to the illumination hardware.
There is a top layer missing in those pictures. Options will be factory black or charcoal, with a fine texture. Some metallic, like brushed silver, carbon fiber and of course leather.
The leather covers will have stitched borders and all the other options will sport those profiled corners.

Paul

RyanPerrella

That center console however is going on 7 years old though now. The DB9 came out when?

This is an awesome project!

I have a question though. How does one go from a digital audio source like a computer, which usually just has speakers through a 3.5mm jack or something, into a car amplifier? I assume this is easily done, then the amp would wire all the speakers? How do you take an MP3 file from a computer and get it into an amplifier to power 10 or more speakers? That part of the chain I dont know anything about.

Is an 8" screen possible?

Also in regards to things being flush. I get your insert being recessed, but can your touch screen LCD be flush with your bolt in panel? I would hate to see that further recessed from the base itself.

What about OLED's? I assume since this is really all an assembly of components that as technology improves, that newer things, higher resolution, better viewing angles and such could later be added. This also assumes new technology also just gets smaller so it will fit in the space that is created for it TODAY.

Sounds very very cool!

Would it now be possible with this computer to have a sharktuner running onboard from this PC motherboard all the time, or when you want? and the diagnostic tool as well, so that the need for a plug in laptop is eliminated? Or is that asking too much of the processor or hardware setup?

RyanPerrella

yeah just curious how an audio signal from a pc gets to a bunch of car speakers?

is an amplifier necessary or is there some other option

Also

The new Audi A8 has a thumb pad for navigation, any possibility of implementing this type of navigation interface? somewhere? perhaps close to hand when its on the center armrest? Or perhaps have 2 window switches and a square for the thumb pad?

Also, I have to say the current rotary **** arrangement leaves allot to be desired in my opinion. can you get all 3 ***** (for what purpose they serve i dont know yet) to be in a single line, and not in the shape of a triangle? I dont think that looks very good.

I also like the idea of the large *****, thats something very 928ish. I remember somewhere people talking about how all the controls on the 928 are BIG for fat american fingers or something like that. Its clearly a design feature if you look at the switches on the pod as well, that should be integrated into the **** design, just make them in one line though if possible? but i imagine face plates could be altered to relocate the ****

Another thing, i love audio controls on the steering wheel. I was going to try and fashion some simple controls to go on the back side of the spokes of the airbag wheel so that you could have even simple function, like volume up and down, and track skip and rewind at the very least.

And would blue tooth be built into this system? Will you be able to sync your iphone to this so that you can take calls hands free through the system? This is a requirement in California and I assume you have integration with this as well.

"carputers" sure allow you to do allot of stuff by just modifying one area of the car. This should drastically change the interior functionality of these cars.

Also, the screen as pictured looks like its plastic? can you have glass over it? I love that the iphone screen is glass, it doesnt scratch, it looks very expensive and so on. The screen pictured looks like it is wavy due to that fact that its pliable or flimsy, i would prefer a solid looking screen. Especially when its there mainly to be touched. You would want to touch something with some substance right?

also what would go in the slot below the 7" touch screen? Could you put something like a simple digital display like the digital dash where track names or turn information could be repeated in simple text on that area which looks like its 3/4" x 7" even s simple dot matrix display. When pertinent information comes up, it could flash there or scroll across there for easy viewing. I assume the screen will show mainly images or video, it will also display text but perhaps a secondary display for just text (important information first) would be desirable ?

Just throwing ideas out there?

oh and i assume the AC system would still be actuated by the vacuum? Or would you put in new servos to eliminate the vacuum system which opens and closes vents?

I LOVE THIS THING!

mickster

Definitely can see a backup camera connected to this system as well as a road recording and 360 degree event recording program running to capture any theft attempts or accidents with a system like this.

Ninespub

Hans and Paul, you have created a monster. This is so huge that you will get 100's of different interpretations of what "should be done" (including several of mine) from the entire 928 community. If we don't leave you alone pretty soon to get the first generation completed, you could get distracted and that will extend the time before it gets to market. It is obvious that there is an overwhelming support for what you have conceived and for that, congratulations once again for your vision.
NOW STAY OFF RL, GET TO WORK AND GET THE DAMN THING DONE!

hans14914

Ryan,

That sure is a lot of questions. I will try and answer a couple briefly, as I am trying to focus on getting this in your guys' hands.

Yes - an amplifier is required. Most people will be perfectly satisfied with the on-board audio solution from the recomended mainboard (Zotac) - however, if you decide you want to improve upon it, you can add any number of pro-audio grade soundcards through a USB, Firewire, or PCI(E) expansion port.

A thumb pad is possible but likely not to be offered. There are a slew of good wireless options, and it woudl be less expensive for everyone to use one of those.

We are looking at other control options. The centered **** is for the volume control, and the other lower two are for climate functions (fan speed and temp) - I dont think you would want them all on the same plane.

Steering controls could be added fairly easily with an off-the-shelf IR remote option, but again, unlikely to offer this directly, but you should be able to implement it yourself without much challenge. You could also go with a direct-wired version if you wanted to sacrifice your horn.

Bluetooth is easily added with a USB port and $5 at your local Fry's or BestBuy - so yes it will be bluetooth compatible if you buy a dongle.

The screen selected for the job does have a glass touchscreen overlay, but I have a screen protector on it for now so its not damaged during the prototype process

OLED is not a viable option for the main display - the small 1.5" version that I am using in one version of the climate is $60 alone, it quickly breaks the $1000 barrier when you get past 5". If you send me a 7 or 8" OLED, I wold make you a custom insert for it.

8" LCD is not compatible with the existing frame. If manufactures shrink the circuitry package, it will be possible in the future, however the underlaing boards do extend past the edge of the screen, and with the fasteners, would be a very tight fit on the 8". Plus, the only company I know of offering 8" transflective screens is in the UK, and they run around $530 before shipping - again not a viable option.

Hope that helps,
Hans

mickster

The beauty of the design is it is very, very extensible and customizable. It's a brilliant solution. Add a USB hub and you can hook up damn near anything!

pcar928fan

Reading all these comments about what you should and shouldn't do...I'd make a note of those folks and tell them to go make their own damn center console and screw off! Jeezus the thing is not even to functional prototype stage people!

I would like mine to have a full on auto pilot so I can take a nap on a trip... Oh, and can it have a hot blond to service me at stop lights... I prefer one that is 5' 5" and 105# with a full C cup and a nice button nose! OMG!!!

I would also like mine to have a PDA and read my mind so it knows what kind of music I want it to play....

Oh, Oh, YOU HAVE TO have....

I think I am getting sick! Paul and Hans ignore about 90% of this thread and in fact maybe just quit reading it altogether...this is WORSE than the watch thread!