DashDaq brings open-source to the open-road

While it might look like a simple LCD screen - albeit a very high-resolution LCD screen - the DashDaq is in fact Drew Technologies’ open-source in-car computer.  That it runs Linux means that, aside from the pre-programmed abilities to read engine data from a car’s OBD-II port and manage data acquisition, diagnostics, and display an extra set of gauges, sufficiently determined software-types can have it play GPS sat-nav, media centre or full portable computer.

That’s a 4-inch TFT displaying 16.7m colours at a resolution of 480×272, and given its flexibility the $595 device, when launched in early 2007, should quickly gain support among the car-modding crowd.  It’s already won SEMA 2006’s award for Best New International Product.

Features:

Display

•  4” full color QWVGA display (480×272 TFT)
• touch screen user interface
• Adjustable Backlight

 System

• 200MHZ ARM

• 64MB RAM

Operating System

• Linux

• Tools available to write custom software for DashDAQTM

 Mechanical Features

• Cabin mounted or Handheld versatility

• Small, low profile enclosure

 MMC/SD card expansion slot

• Up to 8GB Storage Expansion

Automotive OBD2 Support

• Capture, view, and record live data

• ISO9141 / KWP2000

• CAN / ISO15765

 Connectivity

• USB 2.0 Device

• USB 2.0 Host

• Optional wireless Bluetooth

• Optional wireless 802.11b/g

• Optional cellular modem

Two Analog Inputs

• (0-5V) with 97% accuracy

• Support for up to two Wideband O2 sensors

• Support EGT and other vehicle sensors

 Serial Bus Expansion

• Serial architecture for changing devices

DashDaq [via Autoblog]