Common FAQ's

CustomCarputers · 02-08-2008, 08:02 PM

I'm posting some questions for folks that may have never done this before:
If you have a question, please post, or email me.

Q. What is a Carputer?
A. A Carputer, simply put, is a computer in a vehicle. It operates the same as the computer that you are reading this with. Most systems use the Windows XP operating system, with the capabilities of adding any software compatible with Windows.

Q. What makes Carputers different?
A. The Carputer hardware components are generally the same as your home computer. However, the components used to build these system are mostly smaller for obvious reason...the room in a vehicle. Additionally, the power supply unit (PSU) must be compatible with the vehicles electrical system.

Q. How difficult is it to install a complete Carputer System?
A. Our goal is to make system installation as easy as installing an aftermarket CD-Changer in a car. Our system takes 3 power wires as input: Constant 12V, ACC (Accessories) and ground. The rest is mostly consists of plugging in cables. For cosmetic reasons, the cables, wiring and hardware components should be hidden. You will find that this is the most labor intensive part of the whole job.

Q. Do you provide installation instructions?
A. Yes, our systems come with installation instructions. We also provide e-mail and phone support.

Q. Can I play music?
A. Yes. There are many ways to play music. Music files can be transferred in several different ways; with the addition of a CD or DVD Drive, WiFi, or memory cards. All music can also be heard directly from the CD or DVD Rom.

Q. Can I play movies?
A. Yes. Generally the same as with music files, files can be transferred in several different ways; through the addition of a CD or DVD Drive, WiFi, or memory cards. All movies can also be watched directly from the DVD Rom.

Q. Will a Carputer drain my cars battery.
A. While the car is running...No. When the car is turned off, the power supply is designed to turn of the PC in proper shut-down sequence after a preferred pre-determined time.

Q. Why are prices higher than cheap home computers.
A. There are several companies that sell cheaper systems and components. Don't be fooled by the prices. Remember the saying: "You get what you pay for". Through years of experience and some mistakes, we have learned what components are of higher quality. We could easily sell cheaper components, however, we build our reputation through quality control. Xenarc has the highest quality components and monitors available. We cannot stress enough not to settle for other monitors. Even if you buy from somewhere else, we recommend Xenarc Monitors only.

Q. I do not need some of the components as I have some spare ones laying around.
A. Contact us by email or phone and we can recommend specific components for you.

Q. How does auto power-up/shut-down work?.
A. By default the system is configured to turn off automatically after 10 minutes, following complete soft shut-down procedure, whenever the ignition is turned off. When the ignition is turned on, the system will initiate boot-up process after a 5 sec delay. In other words, it operates the same way a car stereo does, without a need of an input from the end-user.

Q. I am concerned with current high speed processors and memory generating heat. How is that addressed?
A. The enclosure was designed and tested for proper cooling. Constant software monitoring of the fan and temperature provide extra security and will shutdown the system should any overheating occur.

Q. I have read on another manufacturer's website that there may be computer related audio noise reflected in the audio system. How do your components perform?
A. When properly installed, our components do not interfere with audio functions.

Q. I am planning on feeding the sound signal directly into my AMP. Are there any issues?
A. No, There shouldn't be. Many people (including us) have their system set-up this way.

Q. Can your system be interfaced with my OEM/Aftermarket stereo?
A. Yes, that is possible by different means. The best way is to utilize AUX input, if your stereo has one. If not, it is possible to use an FM modulator as an option, which would feed FM signal at a programmable frequency into your stereo. We also have Car2PC adapters.

Q. I plan to remove my OEM head unit, which has an amplifier built in, do I need to buy an amplifier to use your system?
A. Yes, you do. The system only provides sound output which is intended to be interfaced with an amplifier, an AUX input of a stereo, a FM modulator, a Tape Adapter, or a Car2PC adapter.

Q. How can I synchronize my data?
A. Same as with music files, data can be transferred with removable media (CD's & memory cards) or through the use of WiFi.

02-08-2008, 08:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
CustomCarputers Registered User Car: 2004 Hyundai Accent My TRGarage Littlestown, PA : 10	Common FAQ's I'm posting some questions for folks that may have never done this before: If you have a question, please post, or email me. Q. What is a Carputer? A. A Carputer, simply put, is a computer in a vehicle. It operates the same as the computer that you are reading this with. Most systems use the Windows XP operating system, with the capabilities of adding any software compatible with Windows. Q. What makes Carputers different? A. The Carputer hardware components are generally the same as your home computer. However, the components used to build these system are mostly smaller for obvious reason...the room in a vehicle. Additionally, the power supply unit (PSU) must be compatible with the vehicles electrical system. Q. How difficult is it to install a complete Carputer System? A. Our goal is to make system installation as easy as installing an aftermarket CD-Changer in a car. Our system takes 3 power wires as input: Constant 12V, ACC (Accessories) and ground. The rest is mostly consists of plugging in cables. For cosmetic reasons, the cables, wiring and hardware components should be hidden. You will find that this is the most labor intensive part of the whole job. Q. Do you provide installation instructions? A. Yes, our systems come with installation instructions. We also provide e-mail and phone support. Q. Can I play music? A. Yes. There are many ways to play music. Music files can be transferred in several different ways; with the addition of a CD or DVD Drive, WiFi, or memory cards. All music can also be heard directly from the CD or DVD Rom. Q. Can I play movies? A. Yes. Generally the same as with music files, files can be transferred in several different ways; through the addition of a CD or DVD Drive, WiFi, or memory cards. All movies can also be watched directly from the DVD Rom. Q. Will a Carputer drain my cars battery. A. While the car is running...No. When the car is turned off, the power supply is designed to turn of the PC in proper shut-down sequence after a preferred pre-determined time. Q. Why are prices higher than cheap home computers. A. There are several companies that sell cheaper systems and components. Don't be fooled by the prices. Remember the saying: "You get what you pay for". Through years of experience and some mistakes, we have learned what components are of higher quality. We could easily sell cheaper components, however, we build our reputation through quality control. Xenarc has the highest quality components and monitors available. We cannot stress enough not to settle for other monitors. Even if you buy from somewhere else, we recommend Xenarc Monitors only. Q. I do not need some of the components as I have some spare ones laying around. A. Contact us by email or phone and we can recommend specific components for you. Q. How does auto power-up/shut-down work?. A. By default the system is configured to turn off automatically after 10 minutes, following complete soft shut-down procedure, whenever the ignition is turned off. When the ignition is turned on, the system will initiate boot-up process after a 5 sec delay. In other words, it operates the same way a car stereo does, without a need of an input from the end-user. Q. I am concerned with current high speed processors and memory generating heat. How is that addressed? A. The enclosure was designed and tested for proper cooling. Constant software monitoring of the fan and temperature provide extra security and will shutdown the system should any overheating occur. Q. I have read on another manufacturer's website that there may be computer related audio noise reflected in the audio system. How do your components perform? A. When properly installed, our components do not interfere with audio functions. Q. I am planning on feeding the sound signal directly into my AMP. Are there any issues? A. No, There shouldn't be. Many people (including us) have their system set-up this way. Q. Can your system be interfaced with my OEM/Aftermarket stereo? A. Yes, that is possible by different means. The best way is to utilize AUX input, if your stereo has one. If not, it is possible to use an FM modulator as an option, which would feed FM signal at a programmable frequency into your stereo. We also have Car2PC adapters. Q. I plan to remove my OEM head unit, which has an amplifier built in, do I need to buy an amplifier to use your system? A. Yes, you do. The system only provides sound output which is intended to be interfaced with an amplifier, an AUX input of a stereo, a FM modulator, a Tape Adapter, or a Car2PC adapter. Q. How can I synchronize my data? A. Same as with music files, data can be transferred with removable media (CD's & memory cards) or through the use of WiFi.