Making a MP3 PLAYER with an old Pentium PC or Laptop.

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MAKING A MP3 PLAYER FOR YOUR CAR

Files for your MP3 player can be found here!!

The LOGO above links to a WEB PAGE for all the stuff and information on USING an old PC or LAPTOP as a MP3 player for your car. You can find other links tro other DOS based MP3 players. I am using WinAmp Lite, with the songs loaded into a play list, and I just remember keystrokes.

First, you need a system with a CPU of 120Mhz with MMX Technology. I used a very old magitronics 86 Laptop. I was fortunate that it took standard Socket-5 Pentium CPUs. So, I took out the 75Mhz Classic Pentium, and replaced it with the IDT WinChip that has MMX and 3-D NOW. It only runs at 155Mhz, but is fast enough for MP3 files. If you have an old THIN desktop or very MINI tower with the same specs, you can use that as well. SOME DOS MP3 players will run with a 75Mhz Classic Pentium, due to the low overhead in CPU time and Window O/S.

IF any of your PCs have a PCI/AGP slot for a VIDEO card with a COMPOSIT video output (for a monitor) you can use this method for a nice color LCD monitor, and use Windows Media Player, ow WinAMP for the MP3 files. However, you will need a controlling device for the PC. A mounted TRACKBALL with an extension running to the PC woudl be nice. Else, see the COM or LPT screens described below.

My LAPTOP has the Flip Monitor removed from the case, so I can still close the PC up. First, you need a MP3 PLAYER for DOS, and LCD screen drivers for COM or LPT port versions. These displays are found all over the place, and need to be soldered to DB9 or DB25 connectors for the PC. The LCD screens are very small, and have from 2lines by 16crs, to 4lines by 20chrs.

You will neet to run a Numeric Keypad wire to the PC being used. Most KeyPads plug into the PS/2 port, but there are other versions. The PS/2 version is simple enough, with a long extension cable to the PC being used. I am going to use a TrackBall for navigation, and mount it on the console somewhere, once the screen I plan to use is installed.

Next, you need a RF Modulator in-line with the car's antenna. You can find them in Audio stores, or so a search on the NET for them, unless you have a player with CD-IN jacks, or other method of input.

You will run the AUDIO OUT to the RF modulator, or other UNPUT in your stereo system. You will need to hook up a button to your RF Modulator for power when using the MP3 player.

If you are using a portable MP3 player with lots of MEGS of memory. Mount that on your dash somewhere, and use a RF Modulator in line with that! Or, if your AMP/EQ/Radio has inputs, use whatever adapter you need to convert the headphone plug into your specific needs.

Newer portable CD players with MP3 capability, have a remote control now. You can burn your "best of" CD, place that in the potable, and mount the remote somewhere. You will need your basic Car portable CD Player mount, to reduce shock. I have seen "Nike" and "Sony" players with a remote from 99-149.00.