marcucci

Who here would be interested in a trunk-mounted box to play MP3's? I'm working on one right now to interface to a Sony head unit (using the Unilink changer bus) that will be approximately 8"x10"x2" and take a regular PC HDD. It will hook up to 12VDC like any other audio component and work (functionally) like a changer.

If there's enough interest I might look into other interfaces. This unit will run Linux and also have ethernet to hook up to a home LAN and act as a server for MP3 files.

I'm almost ready with a prototype, was curious who might be interested...

Elistan

Definitely me, although I don't have a Sony headunit. I'm gettin' so freakin' tired of Dallas radio, and dealing with single CDs is starting to bother me.

The $1000+ price tag on the Empeg (err, Rio Car now) was a big turnoff, however. What price are you shooting for? (Heh, looks like they really want to clear out their inventory. $399 for the 30gb version, now.)

marcucci

The empeg is what motivated me, and the Phat Box (http://www.phatnoise.com/) almost stopped me except that they were pricey and didn't have a Sony interface.

What I'm working on is this:

- Matsonic P2 board + Processor
- 128MB RAM
- Standard 3.5" IDE HDD
- Custom ATX-compatible 12VDC power supply
- Custom sheet metal enclosure
- Custom cabling
- Linux OS
- Custom operating/serving/transfer software
- Custom driver for head unit (Sony, etc.)

I have a Sony and the Unilink info is in the public domain, makeing development easy. I'll look at others as time/public knowledge permits.

I'm shooting for a cost of around $300 for the package sans HDD (I figure the end user can stick that in there). If I were to resell it, the cost would probably have to go up. I figured that a "kit" form would be best, since most people that can install one of these could probably put it together. The software, case, and power supply would be the custom items people would need/want to buy, I would think.

arich

Im interested. In fact, Ive been working on just this exact project. I have the factory 2002 head unit, but Im still interested.

What are you using for the voice feedback? What is your control device?

thanks,
Aaron

marcucci

[QUOTE]Originally posted by arich
[B]Im interested.