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Car Computer
Today, computers are a part of almost all aspects of our daily life and this includes cars. Technology has changed the ways drivers operate their cars. Generally speaking, there are two types of car computers. The first are categorized as ECU (electronic control units). These small computers run many parts of our engine and other major components of vehicles. They are used to control the amount of fuel to air mixture, the changing of gears, emissions, electronics in the cabin, report problems and many more important functions. The second major category of car computers are the ones in the vehicle that individuals directly interact with. These can be media devices, GPS devices, etc.
ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
Many tuning enthusiasts that try to get their vehicles to achieve ultimate performance are well aware of the important part that the ECU plays in a vehicle. Today, there can be several different modules in a vehicle; however the ECU usually plays a huge role in the way your vehicle performs. Most vehicles are designed to perform optimally. Parameters for the ECU are usually set at the factory ensuring that your car gets good gas mileage, releases a low amount of emissions and offers plenty of horsepower and torque when needed. However, for those looking to achieve the highest level of performance, you can easily access the ECU or change the car computer altogether-enhancing performance such as horsepower and fuel mileage. Replacing an ECU module is normally inexpensive, costing as little as $10 and it could take only a couple of minutes to swap.
OBD (On Board Diagnostics)
Another module considered by many as a car computer is called an OBD (on board diagnostics). This computer constantly monitors your vehicle and if it detects a problem, it alerts the driver (usually via the check engine light on your dashboard). When your vehicle shows a check engine light, you usually take it to a mechanic that reads the error code with an OBD II computer reader. A simple code can help a mechanic know what is malfunctioning and fix your vehicle quickly and conveniently.
Media Car Computers
Many people that think of car computers think of media devices that are integrated into their vehicle. With the advent of cheaper and faster performing computers, more car manufacturers are offering car computers in new vehicles. In addition, car computer after market products are available for only a few hundred dollars that can be added to almost any vehicle on the road. Here are just some of the car computers found in today’s vehicles.
Audio/MP3 Players
One of the most popular options in a car today is a good audio system and since today’s music is mostly digital this includes mp3 players, adapters and integrated audio systems that use computer chips. Whether your car has an mp3 player built in that can read digital music off a CD, an iPod port or a USB port/adapter, digital music made possible by car computers are a popular feature.
Video Players
Since the 1950’s people dreamed about the possibility of watching TV while they ride in their car. Well, today this option is not only a possibility, but one of the most popular options in vehicles. Today’s vehicles can include a car computer that is able to play DVD video, games or even TV.
GPS
Getting around is easier than ever with car computer GPS systems. With a small screen and usually audio cues in the form of a voice, you can easily choose a starting point and destination and be told turn by turn how to get their. GPS car computers can be integrated within a media player or sold as an after market product.
Communications
Another technology that has benefited from car computers is communications. Today, many vehicles have integrated car computers that handle telephone calls. Either integrated or available after market products come with Bluetooth technology or other digital technologies that enable voice communication, SMS, email, etc.
Vehicle Information
While media car computers are extremely popular, with extremely high gas prices, efficiency is important as well. Many car manufacturers integrate car computers that offer vehicle information regarding fuel mileage, tire pressure, trip odometer, etc.
Tags: Car Audio, Car Electronics, Car Gadgets, Car Maintenance, Car Parts, Car Video
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Car Audio Installation
You’ve got your brand new car audio system, and now you need to install it. There are two ways to get this done; either by doing it yourself or paying a professional.
To do it yourself, you will need to purchase a wiring kit which you can pick up for about $30. The wiring kit will contain all the wires you need to connect the speakers, head unit, subwoofer and amplifier. From there it’s just a matter of reading the instructions that come with the products. Generally though, you will need to connect the subwoofer and speakers to the amplifier, and the amplifier to the head unit.
If this is all too much, then paying a professional is a good alternative. If you shop around it should cost a bit over $50 depending on the complexity. Of course, you always get your friends to help!
Tags: Car Audio
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Car Audio and Video
With technology advancing so rapidly, it is becoming more common for cars to have both a CD player and a DVD player with LCD screens. No more “are we there yet?” as the kids can be kept occupied with their favourite movies. Let’s go over a couple of the new car audio and video technologies on the market.
First, there are DVD players. There is either a mounted LCD screen on the front dashboard, or individual LCD screens in the back of the headrests for the passengers in the back to watch. Most DVD systems come with the option of either listening through speakers, or plugging in headphones for the comfort of those who are not watching the movie.
Secondly, there are bigger and better sound systems being released each year. It is now common for cars to be fitted with dual subwoofer systems, complete with powerful speakers and tweeters. These systems produce a louder and crisper sound than there predecessors.
Tags: Car Audio
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Cheap Car Audio
Okay so you want a good car audio system, but without the price tag. No problem. The best place to have a look is on eBay. The way to pick up the best bargains is to shop around, and have some patience. If you browse through speakers for example, you can get a good idea of the quality and the price tag for that quality. The trick now is to keep checking every day on the auctions soon to end and find the items which are going for below the general market price. The best order to purchase in is: head unit, speakers, subwoofer and amplifier. This is because you need the amplifier to be the right wattage for the speakers and subwoofer you purchase, otherwise if you buy yourself an amplifier first you are limiting the types of speakers and subwoofers you can buy later.
So remember, have patience, buy in the right order, and a cheap quality car audio system will be yours.
Tags: Car Audio
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Car Audio
What makes a good car great is its audio. Like everything, there are cheap setups and there are expensive setups. For about $300, you can set yourself up with a quality yet affordable car audio system.
Subwoofers are what produce the bass effect. A good 10 inch subwoofer costs around $100 in a box, which is more than enough for most people’s needs. Next to buy are some speakers. Generally called “6 by 9”, 6 inch by 9 inch speakers are loud enough to satisfy and cheap enough to be loved by your wallet. A head unit which plays cd’s and mp3’s will cost about $50. To make it all work, an amplifier with the right amount of wattage should be used.
Now you have all the parts, there are two options: Do It Yourself installation or installation from a car audio dealer. The first option requires the purchase of a wiring kit, and a couple of hours free time to fiddle around. Everything should come with instructions, so it’s a matter of following them. If you are not game enough to try it yourself, consider paying a professional.
Tags: Car Audio
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