.net platform for automotive

Question

I'm looking to write my own software on the .net platform that I can run in my car.

• Beed to package the form factor in a way that I could install in the dashboard or out of sight
• Need to support lcd panel
• Need to support a wifi connection to my home network when parked at home
• Support low power usage when car is off
• Support external storage, likely ssd
• I would like to leverage existing software for media playback - audio mostly, video isn't a concern for me.

Would I be looking at a platform that can run .net embedded, or full .net? Any suggestions on hardware platform as well?

Answer 1

I would look into a micro ITX case with a 12vDC power supply that is designed for automotive use. There is a bunch of that stuff listed here: http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.101/.f

The power supplies designed for cars are nice because they will monitor ignition status of the car, and will send a sleep or shutdown signal to the motherboard when you turn off the car.

From there, you can just run normal Win XP or Linux with Mono on it, and use the regular .NET framework, instead of messing with the micro framework.

And of course, put an SSD in the thing, because a spinning mechanical drive won't last long on rough roads :)

Answer 2

I would recommend using either and iOS device (iTouch, iPhone, or iPad) or an Android device (phone or tablet) programmed using one of the Xamarin applications (Monotouch for .Net or Monodroid for Android).

These apps support a good set of the .Net framework and we have used Monotouch to successfully port a very large .Net windows tablet application to iPad in a very short period of time.

Answer 3

If you would like to go with .NET framework (as you mentioned) then Micro Framework or Compact framework (with Windows CE 6 or Compact 7) would do the job. Micro framework is less powerful especially when you want to get some display-rich application. It's often run on ARM7 and few with ARM9, but there will be more work involved on your side. Plus is that many boards cost less and can be easily adopted to your needs with add-on boards.

Second choice is Windows Compact7 or Embedded CE which has Compact framework. More powerful but with higher requirements on hardware than MF.

You can try with x86 and go with desktop Windows (or Windows Embedded Standard) and have full .NET framework as well.

For micro framework I would recommend tinyclr.com as they have quite big and very helpful community around it.

If compact framework is the choice the hardware then it really depends on what exactly kind of peripherals you need. For example display resolution, touch interface, keyboard/keypad etc.