Custom Mp3 stereo

[XAlliedYouthX]

I'm in the process of building one for myself from my own ideas and even the interface will be programmed by me. I just wanted to post and let it be know that I was working on it and I'm wondering if there are any people that would like to "bug-test" it for me from their own computers. All that is needed is XP Home/Pro and Windows Media 9 and some other files I have bundled together for it. Post if you'd like to help me out. After I get it to a point I feel is sufficient I'm probably going to start selling all the part in a kit so others can use it, and for a price that isn't insane.

[car audio dave]

so does this hook up to the factory stereos or what?

[Fink1320]

Ill bug test it. Be happy to.

[Night Wolf]

I don't understand what this is.... a MP3 player on the PC?

Either way, if you need any help with anything, I have XP home, so drop me a line for any testings.

[Fink1320]

Forgot to tell you i have media player 9 and XP Pro, so im in.

[XAlliedYouthX]

so does this hook up to the factory stereos or what?

It has to be plugged into an AUX "port"

I don't understand what this is.... a MP3 player on the PC?

It's basically a program I'm writing that is set to play Mp3's that will be on a computer thats rigged in my car and setup in a way so I can control it from the driver seat

[XAlliedYouthX]

And for that actual bug testing I'm gonna quick throw together a page that will have the link to it aswell as the versions that I have so it's easier then just following a link and now knowing if the program was changed or not to accomadate a found bug.

[zero53121]

y not just get a deck with mp3 or wma and burn either of those formats onto a cd-r and play them in the hu it would be tons easier.

[XAlliedYouthX]

1) I get alot more satisfaction making it myself
2) For most decent units that play mp3's they are a bit pricy
3) They play from cd's, mine can play from cd's aswell as the biggest hard drive you can afford to put in it

[kmikl]

mmmm home brews....

I'll tell you what, If you can put together a decent kit, cool, I'll bug test.

However, this has already been attempted a bunch of times, including by me, and it's a ROYAL PAIN.

Here's what I ended up doing:

1. use windows 98, it was just as stable as XP purports to be, and I could tweak it when it wasn't connected to the same computer. (your choice on OS though, a lot of people use *nix because you can lock the os to read-only, also it helps with start time)

2. use Laptop drives mainly because desktop drives are a little more prone to head impact unless mounted on their side, and then the articulating motor throws a fit after 20000 miles, laptop drives don't have this problem.

3. For playback, I'd go with a stable release of Winamp personally, because it supports multiple file-types and you can set it up to work with the aid of an IR remote. This makes life a little easier than having to constantly type on a numeric keypad. Take it from me, the extra $100 (at least, that's what it was when I made mine) is totally worth it.

4. FOR GOD'S SAKE: MAKE THE HDD REMOVABLE!!! sorry to scream, but I know from experience... it's a lot easier to get a hdd carrier or 2 and have 2 separate drives than take the unit out and transfer using WI-FI or cable.

5. Make sure the box can be ventillated easily. Now that computer modding is hip, get 1 or 2 120mm fans and filters to keep the sucker cooled. if that's not in the cards, at least have a vent over the CPU and the BIOS chip.

Those are my little nuggets of info. I'd advise mounting everything using rubber grommets and secure all the wiring. Oh, one last thing: don't go the route of using an inverter, its a cop-out, there's a few schematics of how to wire up an AT or ATX mobo for 12v power (ATX is cheaper and a LOT easier to fabricate a ps for).

If I can help any more, let me know and I'll do what I can.

[XAlliedYouthX]

I've already taken all that stuff into consideration before. I chose to use XP cause thats what I have on here and already had started programing my interface on it and don't feel like rewriting it for 98. I understand what you mean with the HD, thats the first thing I was sure I was gonna do when I got the idea. I didn't want to have to take the damn computer out and hook it up just to add/remove files.

[XAlliedYouthX]

Link to a little page with my program: http://xalliedyouthx.spiralx.com/gamp3.html

[HoosierDude]

haha, damn... I didnt know anyone still did this since MP3 CD players have come out. I'll be sure to test your software first chance I get. I'll do what I can to help out a hobbyist.

[XAlliedYouthX]

The link for it is a few posts up

[mitro]

Originally posted by XAlliedYouthX
1) I get alot more satisfaction making it myself
2) For most decent units that play mp3's they are a bit pricy
3) They play from cd's, mine can play from cd's aswell as the biggest hard drive you can afford to put in it

1. And more crap taking up space in your car.

2. I just put a Pioneer CD/MP3/WMA/XM HU in my girlfriends car that was under $200.

3.Thats fine; but at 20 cents/CD-R you could burn all your MP3s to disc for real cheap. :D

I can't argue with the coolness factor, but if it was me, I'd go with a CD/mp3 HU.

[XAlliedYouthX]

I know what your saying with your list. Most people would rather just buy a HU and be happy with it but I personally prefer to make the stuff on my own if possible. The personal satisfaction is great and having people be all "ooohhing" and "ahhhing" at it, asking me how I did it and all is awesome too.