| Author | Message | ||
| Macgyver (91flyer)
Rating: N/A |
Hey everyone... Yup, it's me again. I have something I'd like to throw at you all for some ideas and input... Has anyone found an integrated solution for backup cameras, navigation systems, control systems, monitoring systems, etc... that is USEFUL? I've been doing some research and a lot of searching, but haven't found anything that really fits my needs for what I want. Basically, I want an expandable system that will interconnect with my other computers across a network run throughout the bus, both wired and wireless. I want it expandable to allow for ANY NUMBER of cameras, both wired and wireless, as well as support a touchscreen monitor for the driver to use, but also allow for keyboard/mouse entry when the driver isn't busy driving... For route planning, note taking, etc.... The system also must be capable of controlling various aspects of the vehicle if desired, such as headlights, marker lights, fan control, etc, etc... Basically, an "all in one" solution packaged up into a nice neat little system that's easily integrated into the dashboard and the rest of the bus. I haven't found such a system. Has anyone else? Since I haven't found this kind of system, I'm taking it upon myself to design and build this system. I have some experience with micro controllers and such, so it won't be too difficult I don't think. It will run off of 12v, and it will do all the things I listed above.... If I can get such a system designed, built, tested and functioning.... I'm thinking about building them for other people. Hopefully the system won't become so outrageously expensive that it'll be limited to those rich folks in the million dollar rigs.... I'm going to try to design this thing to be economical and useful for everyone. If I can make this thing happen, would anyone here be interested in something like this? -Kevin | ||
| Brian (Bigbusguy)
Rating: N/A |
I would like some thing like that with all the gauges in it also. somthing like this.  Brian 4905 Klamath Falls Oregon | ||
| Macgyver (91flyer)
Rating: N/A |
I'm looking at doing that. Since I now have the wiring schematics for the DDEC, I'm going to look at what it would take to tie into the computer's harness and read values directly from all the sensors without causing issues with the computer itself. It would be nice to have those guages, switches and readouts virtual. -Kevin | ||
| gillig-dan Rating: N/A |
I haven't seen an all-in-one package either. A PC based system is the way to go. Check out http://web3.automationdirect.com/adc/Home/Home for relatively cheap PLC equipment. I've used their stuff in the past and had good luck. Internet auction sites like ebay often have used Allen-Bradley PLC equipment. If I was going to automate the bus, I would go the industrial PLC route. I feel it would be much more reliable than anything I could build. Of course, I would want to find the stuff at bargain basement prices. There's not much of a market for used process control automation systems so, you might stumble across one cheap. I would love to get updates from anyone who tackles a system like this. I still have over 20 years to retirement; it will be awhile 'til I can take on such a project. Gillig-Dan | ||
| Ray Lala (Rayshound)
Rating: N/A |
One of my friends and I have been working on this for awhile. We have some parts & pieces working but not networked as yet. We have purchased off e-bay the plc's. We selected omron. Good system, cheap & endless modules, digital, analog, rtd, remote, relays, displays etc. I also have a ddec3 and the shop manuals and the handheld unit to talk to it. Also have the pro-driver screen for the s-60 that mounts on the dash. Also purchased the alpine in dash navigation with touch screen and the AI network that you plug in tuner, cd's up to 4 displays to run 4 different siginals at once. Lots of potential! Like they say keep it simple! Ray | ||
| ktrout01 Rating: N/A |
I work for a software company. We just picked up a couple of the new tablet PCs to test from Motion Computing. Real nice bright touch screen. Support 2 USB ports, firewire, up to 512MB RAM, 40-80GB HDD. The OS is Windows XP so it's fairly easy to use. You could probably run sensors into a USB hub to get all your parameter data. You could use multiple USB cams as well. | ||
| Mike (Busone)
Rating: N/A |
I have spent many nights trying to fall asleep thinking about this. I am thinking of a system that will monitor the headlights, turn signals etc. I hate having a light burn out and not notice it before a cop notices. I also plan to have climate control and a ton of other things. I have an old laptop that will be the brain and screen of the thing. If you guys could come up with a way to connect to the DDEC system that would rock. Next all we need to do is find a way to modify the DDEC sytem from the touch screen. It would be fun to increase the HP of the engine when you know you are going to be going over some mountains. | ||
| Merlin Moon (Mrmerlin)
Rating: N/A |
Something like this? http://www.snowaviation.com/mtc.htm |