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Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc.
Building RAID device for vehicle

New MessageJeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) GMontag@dc2600.com
OK, here is the idea but have not started the hack yet.

First, my WS was always going to be a server in my Jeep Cherokee with an I-Opener and assorted other devices networked to it. This will be my first "ground up" network project, if I break something that is the cost of learning.

Was planning on OpenBSD or FreeBSD for the WS, pull the onboard power supply and build an isolated DC power supply in the vehicle (12v in, 19v, 12v and 5v out, filtered, isolated) to have a real "always on" system.

After pulling the WS powersupply, was going to add laptop drives in that space. I think the board (after COM1 hack) only supports 4 IDE devices (one per port)? Using 6.4 Gig drives in RAID 5 is still some hefty storage for a Jeep. Will have 128 Meg (or more, not sure yet) RAM and overclocked CPU.

Also, USB hub inside WS and maybe a couple of hubs in different places in vehicle or just run USB to well placed sockets in vehicle.

The vehicle WILL have DVD, CD-RW, ZIP and Floppy in the console (forward of shifter), may want to use the video out on WS to go to a VCR (big maybe).

Big questions for you real-deal network guys: will OBSD or FBSD with USB support and RAID5 support fit onto the 16 Meg flash?

If not, will using WS as a RAID server and having the multi-media devices run on the I-Opener in Linux?

Thanks in advance, looking forward to your ideas.

05-02-2000 12:02:33

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) websurfer
hope you park in a safe neighborhood... :)
05-02-2000 12:14:03

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) hevnsnt
In fact.... What neighborhood will it be parked in?! =)
05-02-2000 16:53:41

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) GMontag@dc2600.com
Actually, all of the components will be hidden in panels and under seats, other than the removable nedia like ZIP, DVD and CD and those will blend into the console and dashboard.

When I-O is installed it will be folded over to dashboard/radio area when not in use.

In my *nasty* neighborhood, for some reason, I have never been busted into even with camcorders and computers/monitors, etc. sitting in the back in plain view. Go figure!

05-02-2000 20:41:42

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) Dr. Evil
Good luck, I'm willing to be that it's not going to work =) Even if u you do make it, what the hell are you going to do with DVD/ZIP/CDRW in your jeep? Are you going to move into it?

Let's be practical folks, I have a WSP and I'm 90% on my way to building a MP3/GPS receiver, no one really needs anything more than that. ok, *maybe* DVD to keep passengers busy/awake on long trips but anything else is pushing it.

05-03-2000 20:56:15

New MessageWhy do it in a Jeep? (modified 0 times) GMontag@dc2600.com
1. Mainly because I usually have my Jeep with me all the time. The computers do me no good sitting elsewhere while I am traveling.

2. Before you say "open a connection" all of the placew where I can locate computers have nothing but low bandwidth (POTS) connections available.

3. Also, playing a DVD movie while driving is a little more interesting than listening to static on AM in the middle of nowhere.

4. Because I can

05-22-2000 10:36:32

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) digits65
I'm also planning the same type of thing installed into an '88 Jeep Cherokee. My rational is that 3.5" drives are much cheaper than laptop format drives, so the cost of the server is worth it. Instead of a WS, I'm using a single-board computer picked up off of eBay that has everything but ethernet built in. It mounts into a passive backplane that will hold a couple more PCI cards. This all fits inside a small metal box that hides behind some of the plastic behind the spare tire.
05-22-2000 16:31:37

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) Blast
Where's a good place to look into either buying or making a good dc to dc power inverter?

Thanks

05-22-2000 22:35:53

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) digits65
Blast,

I use a laptop auto power adapter to step things up to 18 volts with a couple of amps. Then, I use 7812s and 7805s (several of each in parallel to provide the necessary current for the drive) to step things back down. Gives me nice, clean, regulated supplies for everything. Even fits inside the case!

05-26-2000 09:10:32

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) greghol
Can you give more details on the laptop power adaptor you used?

tnx
Greg

05-26-2000 10:21:30

New MessageRE:Jeep installation, RAID5, networked to I-O etc. (modified 0 times) DaDuc
Profile
Hey,

I had done an embedded Linux system for a car for a Sr. Design project. First off yes using 3.5" drives is cheaper but they also pull more current than the smaller drives (Startup current is where it will peak). This is an issue as though your car can supply ~14 volts when running but can actually drop well below 12 with the ignition off.

The laptop step-up supply is a good Idea to start with, but don't use regulators. Look into using a step down converter as they are almost twice as efficent as regulators. National Semiconductor has some great "Demo Boards" that are prebuilt for $20 for stepping anything higher than 6 Volts down to 5 Volts @ 5 Amps (25 Watts). They also have stuff for 12V.

As for a step-up/ regulator for 12v that becomes more difficult as you have to deal with all the spikes, peaks and drops of the system. Maxim also makes stepup demo boards but they are a bit more expensive.

Both of these companies will give you limited quantites of samples for free, just tell them it is for a school project.

If you do decide to go the regulator route at least get regulators with low drop outs. Cherry semi-conductor is a good place for regulators.

I will be designing an ATX based PS at the end of the summer (no time now) with the on/off comming from the ignition. Anyways feel free to contact me.

duc@aircooled.net

Oh one other thing is that Laptop drives will handle shock a lot better than any 3.5"

06-21-2000 21:53:05

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