An In-Car "Squeezebox"

Having tried and failed to persuade Slim Devices to build an in-car version of their SliMP3/Squeezebox, I was forced to take matters into my own hands. I've managed to build a system which works in-car and runs the standard SlimServer software. This page gives some details of the result.

Some in car photos:

(This car was borrowed for these photos as mine wouldn't do the unit justice!)

The device consists of three parts:

A display unit.
A processor box to run the display which I've called the MyC3
A remote control. I've been using the Slim Devices remote control but just about any remote control could be used instead.

Display Unit

This consists of a VFD display (the some type as used in the SliMP3 and original squeezebox), an IR sensor, a control IC running some custom software and some power regulation components.

It communicates with processor unit via a serial protocol using RS485 and can be situtated a significant distance from the controlling unit (I've tested to 10m so far but it should be capable of much more).

The development board photographed above can also use RS232 although a separate power cable would then be needed. I have plans for a much smaller PCB (30mmx30mm ish) which would shrink the size of the display unit to that plus the VFD unit. This is why a case for that board hasn't been made!

The MyC3

This box contains plenty of features in a very small space (176x105x72mm)! The CPU is a 1Ghz VIA C3. It takes a SODIMM as memory and a standard IDE harddisk. The unit runs as a standard PC with a choice of either Windows 98SE/XP or Linux.

The I/O available on the box includes:

Standard monitor connection (15-pin HighDensity D)
Keyboard and Mouse (via a splitter cable) (6-pin mini-DIN)
Line Out (Phono/RCA)
Line In (3.5mm jack)
Mic In (3.5mm jack)
USB 1.0 (x2)
RS232 Serial (9-pin D)
RS485 + Power (RJ12)
10/100MBit Ethernet (RJ45)
CF Slot
Composite Video Out
S-Video Out

I/O available inside the case but unused is:

CD In
Standard FDD Interface
Parallel Port
LVDS Video Interface
TTL LCD Interface
IrDA
Two further RS232 Serial ports
Two further USB ports

Power is supplied via a 2.5mm plug and the unit contains a special PSU to allow it to operate from sources ranging in voltage from 9-14V DC. This allows for fluctuations in the supply voltage when the vehicle is started or stopped. Power and HDD activity lights are present as is a power and a reset button.

The Future?

At the back of my mind is a plan to use the CF wifi card I have and have it rsync with the copy of SlimServer running at home to keep the music collection up to date. I've also been using the MyC3 to play films on my TV so it has a number of other uses of which I suspect I've barely scratched the surface!

Any comments?
Mail me (Richard Purdie) at myc3-web@rpsys.net