Custom Carputer/HUD Setup

**Confusingboat** · 06-09-2010

Is it just me or does the stock HUD leave something to be desired? Don't get me wrong I love having it, and I'm going to have a hard time parting with it when I go to buy another car, but it's just missing something. Thus I have begun my endeavor of creating and implementing a completely custom HUD system that's integrated with nearly every system in the car.

Here's the mockup of what the HUD should look like:

It's simple for now, I'll change it after it's actually implemented to be more stylish.

Basically this will consist of replacing my factory stereo with a touchscreen monitor attached to a computer running a custom build of Android x86 or Windows Embedded (on either an SSD or dual WD Raptor for quick boot times) coupled with a piece of custom software that I'm writing that will interface with the car's OBDII port, stereo, GPS, bluetooth adapter, wireless adapter, and attached storage (for media). I'm going to cover the windshield with a transparent front-projectable material (probably Clearview from ProDisplay because it's 97% transparent), and use a short throw 1920x1080 projector as a secondary monitor to provide the means of displaying the HUD onto the windshield.

I will begin actually implementing the system in August when the funds become available. Any tips, questions, comments or things of the sort are greatly appreciated; I'm interested to see what people think.

**matt5112** · 06-09-2010

short throw 1080P projector? Do you realize that might have some "size" to it?

Just get in the factory HUD and swap panels for something that allows you to do what you want with the display.

**SlowNA06** · 06-09-2010

1. Go SSD.
2. Open source, please? I'll be happy to look at whatever plans you map out and give critique/suggestions (might as well put that bachelor's in ISD to use, right?), but I won't make the mistake of offering my programming "skills" (no time, anyway).

I've actually been considering something similar, though admittedly, I figured it would take me years to getting around to modding the HUD, and not remotely as extensively.

Good luck!

**Confusingboat** · 06-09-2010

I do plan on gutting the projector and reworking it into a more attractive housing so it's less noticable. And there's no way to get the factory HUD to do everything I want it to do. I plan on eventually working in some sonar/stereo cameras for real time object tracking and displaying their locations and distances on the windshield, discretely of course so as not to distract. But that's only if time/funds will allow

I'll be glad to post the source to my software once I get around to actually delving into it (it'll be in C#, my most proficient language). I've found some good source on interfacing with the Elm OBDII adapter, so I figured I've got the hard part done. Other than the post processing on the projection image to counteract the stretching from the curvature of the windshield.

**1LoudGrandPrix** · 06-10-2010

you should make that into a kit and sell it...

**Bio248** · 06-10-2010

sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you. a lot.

**shawngtp** · 06-10-2010

Originally Posted by turbotrav

you should make that into a kit and sell it...

this ^^^

**Spartan GL** · 06-10-2010

epic

**SlowNA06** · 06-10-2010

Oh good, C#'s my best, too. Good pick.

Part of me wants to imagine that the image distortion shouldn't be a huge deal, if you're coding it in. I don't know a whole lot about projectors, but I figure most come with the capacity to distort images in their hardware, which could probably be detached and run up to the HUD knob or something.

**Confusingboat** · 06-10-2010

If and when I complete this project, I'll consider making it into a kit. That's only if people would actually buy it though, I mean it would be pretty expensive.

**1LoudGrandPrix** · 06-10-2010

ya and also do a 6th gen one its got alot of love

**joshsGT** · 06-11-2010

Originally Posted by Bio248

sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you. a lot.

agreed

**GeosGP** · 06-11-2010

I like this idea, but I don't know that you'll necessarily need to use a HD projector. I think a lower-end style would work fine given that you'd only need to project on what equates out to a 30" screen or so as based in your example.

I also wouldn't go so far as to use up the entire windshield like you do in your example. If the projector were to do something dumb, like project a solid blue on a disconnected cable (which happens with some Dell projectors) you aren't going to see **** through the windshield. It happens while you are whipping down the highway you have two choices;

1. Pull an "Ace Ventura" and stick your head out the window.
2. Play bumper cars.

Because it'll be very difficult to see, especially if it's at night.

Not trying to pull the idea apart, just giving constructive criticism.

Cracking open the HUD like Matt suggested, replacing the LCD display with something better, maybe increasing the back-lighting of the LCD, and making that image take up a small area of windshield should drastically decrease your build time for the hardware as well as reduce the distortion issues of having to project on a convex surface.

**QUICKSILVER462** · 06-11-2010

The only thing I would want to have, is F.L.I.R.
Other than that, I am just not a bif fan of the HUD.

**SlowNA06** · 06-11-2010

Originally Posted by Confusingboat

it would be pretty expensive.

Understatement. Considering that the expected sale on that would be... what, maxing out at 10 sales in a lifetime? Split up the costs of materials used, materials purchased destroyed and discarded, hourly wage, overhead, and a wee little profit margin on top? I'm thinking a turbo would be a better investment. I mean, not that it wouldn't be cool. Just expensive.

Originally Posted by GeosGP

If the projector were to do something dumb, like project a solid blue on a disconnected cable (which happens with some Dell projectors) you aren't going to see **** through the windshield. It happens while you are whipping down the highway you have two choices;

1. Pull an "Ace Ventura" and stick your head out the window.
2. Play bumper cars.

Because it'll be very difficult to see, especially if it's at night.

3. Turn it off, just like the HUD that's already there.

**GeosGP** · 06-11-2010

In a panic situation, you don't know how you'd react though. If the existing HUD goes awry, it's a small 3" square and not the whole windshield.

**1LoudGrandPrix** · 06-11-2010

Originally Posted by GeosGP

) you aren't going to see **** through the windshield. It happens while you are whipping down the highway you have two choices;

1. Pull an "Ace Ventura" and stick your head out the window.
2. Play bumper cars.

Because it'll be very difficult to see, especially if it's at night.

Originally Posted by GeosGP

In a panic situation, you don't know how you'd react though. If the existing HUD goes awry, it's a small 3" square and not the whole windshield.

i know i would so pull the "Ace Ventura" if i was in a panic...

**SlowNA06** · 06-11-2010

You know, I'm not sure I'd be projecting at full power, so it wouldn't be blinding. If you put your current HUD above "II", then you're driving in some funky light conditions.

**Confusingboat** · 06-12-2010

Dude I have my HUD maxed on brightness at all times lol. Anyways I would probably put a power switch for the backlight next to the existing HUD knob or in my ashtray (next to the switch I have that turns my radar/laser detector on and off). I'd prefer to keep my factory HUD the way it is, which is why I'm not going to modify it.

In response to the turbo thing, I'm still on the fence as to whether I want the Z3 turbo kit or a custom interface for my car. I'd really like a turbo, but I'd also really like something that nobody else has. So I guess it's time for input on that subject? What do you all think, turbo (possibly IC) or carputer/HUD.

Budget: $3k - $4k. GO!