- Introduction
- Part 1 - Installation of the Car PC
- Part 2 - Adding a Rear-View Camera
- Part 3 - Time for some Software!
- Part 4 - An LED message sign
- Part 5 - Voice Commands
- Part 6 - Phone Integration
- Part 7 - XM Radio Integration
- Part 8 - Permanent Internet
- Part 9 - Front Camera
- Part 10 - Digital Dash
- Part 11 - Shuttle Jog Wheel
- Frequently Asked Questions
The LED Sign
One of the things I've always wanted to have in a car is a programmable LED sign facing the rear, to send messages to the drivers behind. I've always had an interest in LED signs and recently added one to my home. So I finally got one for my car put together and working!
Before you implement a sign like this in your car, it's important to check the local traffic regulations. In Ontario, the Highway Traffic Act governs everything to do with lighting: What kind, what colour, which direction, flashing or non, etc. Many stores sell cheap red LED signs, but not only are these nearly impossible to see in daylight, they are also illegal. Same goes for those license plate frame message signs.
So, what I ended up buying is a "semi-outdoor" Amber LED sign. Amber is allowed, unlike red. Semi-outdoor means the sign has high-brightness LEDs, unlike indoor signs, so the message can be easily viewed in direct sunlight.
I reverse-engineered the serial data protocol that the sign uses, and with the help of Grinthock, we installed it into the rear of my car. I ordered a 3 amp 12V to 5V regulator from mp3car.com to power the sign.
I whipped up some software; here's what it looks like:
There's lots of space left as I expand the available messages. There's also a CUSTOM button where you can type your own message:
You can see some video of the sign in action on the front CarPC page. It works very well!