So I have this really really nice laptop. Ive got a hard wired FM modulator hooked up so I can play music through my car stereo. I've been using winamp with keyboard shortcuts "ctrl+space" for next song in playlist and "ctrl+z" for previous song in playlist, and I put on random play.

Well, I feel like im not fully utlizing my laptop like I possibly could. Ive been thinking about buying a usb gps unit so I can get road maps and such while im driving, and also for wardriving .

I feel as if there is a whole world of possibility that im not even thinking of.

I would use it to tune my car but I run a carbeurated setup.

Is there any form of sensors that I can install on my car that I can hook up to my laptop to get data such as acceleration g level, braking power, etc? I love the idea of having a laptop in my car, and I feel like im really not using it to its maximum potential by just listening to music.

What do you guys think?

 

Not out of the realm of possibility, but most lap tops(and the software) are used for adjusting certain components,mixtures,timing,measuring ect. and are used while the car is parked; usually for modification or repair reasons not for continuos monitoring while actually driving. Although having a monitor with a on board, CPU which monitors your vehicles status sounds cool, but I already have my GUAGE CLUSTER to do the monitoring and me to do the reading.

I would however, like to see my transmission temp, rear axle fluid temp,tire PSI,brake fluid level, air temp (inside the air cleaner and ait tunnels) outter enviroment tempature, and a cool digital compas.

 

how do you have the laptop set up in your car? is it just sitting on the seat? got any pictures?

 

Yeah at the moment its just sitting on my passenger seat, if I hvae a passenger, then they get the privledge to place it gently on there laps and caress it.

No pictures at the moment.

I will eventually be building a stand for it, ive seen custom laptop stands that use hot water heating bendable coper tubing.

 

good deal....well when you get something let us know I would love to see it!

 

I was thinking about how to go about doing this as well, is there a program that can run through the OBD1 connection and show you statistics? Or is that just for reading trouble code only?

 

Im not really sure, if you have a fuel injection setup then its totally in the realm of possibility.

 

i run tunerpro on my carputer. gives real time engine data, graphs, virtual dash... its's very nice. Plus, I never have to wonder why my check engine light is on.