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Buying the Hardware

Now that we can control the popups with Unity we need some hardware like a computer and screen that will run all the software in the Miata.

Buying the computer​

If you're also using SmartifyOS for making the system you can't use a Raspberry Pi (at the moment) because it has an arm based system and Unity can only export to x86 and a Raspberry Pi probably doesn't have enough performance to run the 3D rendering at 60 FPS.

After a while of searching I decided to go with the youyeetoo X1 because it seemed good for this project (It has pretty slow boot times, if you know of a mini computer of that size and price range that is better let me know!).

Buying the Screen​

I decided to use this screen because it is 10 inch and matches all of my search criteria.

Other things we need​

  1. Buck Converters I used one XL4015 DC-DC to power the computer.
  2. Some smaller Buck Converters there I used one LM 2596S DC-DC to power the popup controller Arduino and the RGB controller. You can get a 10 pack of them because it is really easy to read the high or low state of the 12V car with an Arduino (because it needs 5V) and I will use them later in the project.
  3. 3 Arduinos, I used two Unos, one Mega and one Nano for the central locking, but this will depend on your needs. I have one Uno to control the popups one for the GPS and RPM reading, and the Mega for everything else.
  4. A GPS module for the speedo and position, I used the NEO-6M.
  5. TODO: Link better gps antenna (if it works)
  6. For controlling the popups you need some relays, I used these and if you want used my 3D models without changing anything use some with the same dimensions and screw holes.
  7. If you want any connectivity like Bluetooth you need a Bluetooth USB Dongle or a Bluetooth card if your mini computer has a slot.
  8. If you don't have any you can also get some M3 screws to screw everything together later.
  9. Also get 2 USB Hubs with 4 ports each.
  10. If you want to add a USB reverse camera you also need an around 5 meter USB cable.
  11. A fan to cool the mini computer
  12. And some cable ties, shrink tubing and wire could also be useful if you don't have any.
  13. (I also got new speakers and an AMP)