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RangerPC Features There are many tasks that I want
my vehicle PC to perform. The first task that the PC needs to perform is
Audio. This includes standard audio CDs and MP3s. With the extremely large
audio collection that I have it is more convenient to use MP3s as opposed
to carrying around hundreds of discs. The next feature that the PC will
perform is navigational tasks. This will be accomplished via a GPS system
that will track the vehicles position and direction. This will allow for
step to step directions and trip planning. The feature can also be used to
locate local attractions or services. The third function that the PC will
perform is FM tuning. Since this PC will be replacing the in dash stereo,
I still want the ability to listen to radio stations. Since I will not
have continuous internet access, I cannot just stream the audio across the
internet. One of the most efficient ways to get FM tuning capabilities is
to use a TV/FM tuner card. This would also allow me to receive local
television stations as well. The next feature in not something that is
necessary but might as well be added due to its minimal costs. The feature is
DVD playback, since I don't plan on watching DVDs in the vehicle this
feature will probably be used more for moving software between
systems and playing audio CDs and DVDs. In addition to DVD video, I plan to
add the capability for playing Divx as well. This would allow me to store
DVD movies as Divx files while saving storage space on the drive. Along
with DVD play back this feature will probably be the most unused features
on this PC. Networking capabilities are a must. This is mainly to allow
files to be transferred to the system from my home PC. This will also
allow me to wardrive just by running some software on the PC. The PC will
not have an always on internet connection mainly due to the lack of need
and expense of those types of connections. This isn't to say that I won't
ever use it for internet access but it will be limited to specific
locations. I will setup capabilities for email access, internet browsing,
weather updates, and traffic conditions for times when I have access and
the need for these services. The next feature probably won't be used much
either but is very cheap to implement. The feature is Note capabilities.
This can be accomplished very easily with any text editor and/or audio
recorder. I am sure the more work that I put into planning, designing, and
building the system, the more features that will get implemented.
Eventually I would like to be able to use this PC as a diagnostic tool
for the vehicle. Since many parameters can be read from the
OBDII connector on a vehicle, this is very possible. The biggest
limitations at this time is the cost required for the hardware and
software to complete this task. Well maybe later on down the road I will
decide to add this as an upgrade to the system. Another feature that could be added relatively easily is
power door lock controls. |
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This file last modified 05/21/21 |