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Jan 11, 2008 13:04:21 GMT
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Given how helpfull the web / forums are these days, I think it more & more practical to have a Computer in the Garage / Workshop.
Got a problem - find the answer on a forum or website.
need a specific data sheet or page of a manual - find somewhere on the web.
Keep soft copies of schematics or manuals on the PC.
This would also help to mend issues on more modern machinery, that gets linked via USB or RS232 to the in car diagnostics (which my Alfa 156 has).
Anyone already done or got this ?
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71 Alfa GT 1300 Junior
89 Alfa 75 3.0 V6 Veloce
89 Alfa 75 3.0 V6 America
2015 C220 estate Daily shunter
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Jan 11, 2008 13:12:47 GMT
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i have an old laptop for just that purpose, not that i do much mapping with it anymore, but it lives in the car when I'm not near the house and doing mending type stuff.
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Volvo back as my main squeeze, more boost and some interior goodies on the way.
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bazzateer
Posted a lot
Imping along sans Vogue
Posts: 3,653
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Jan 11, 2008 13:13:27 GMT
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Set up a webcam and we can all watch you skinning your knuckles, swearing and drinking tea!
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1968 Singer Chamois Sport
1972 Sunbeam Imp Sport
1976 Datsun 260Z 2+2
1998 Peugeot Boxer Pilote motorhome
2003 Rover 75 1.8 Club SE (daily)
2006 MG ZT 190+ (another daily)
2007 BMW 530d Touring M Sport (tow car)
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bryn
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,913
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Jan 11, 2008 13:17:42 GMT
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As much as I can see the benefits of this, I'd also see it as too much of a distraction. My mobile doesn't work too well at my garage, which suits me just fine. I like the fact nobody can reach me...
Just got a big ass stereo, a tv that only plays DVDs and my toys. It's like my own personal fun pub down there some days.
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Volvo, Buggy, Discovery and an old tractor.
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bazzateer
Posted a lot
Imping along sans Vogue
Posts: 3,653
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Jan 11, 2008 13:23:29 GMT
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Me too  ;D |
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1968 Singer Chamois Sport
1972 Sunbeam Imp Sport
1976 Datsun 260Z 2+2
1998 Peugeot Boxer Pilote motorhome
2003 Rover 75 1.8 Club SE (daily)
2006 MG ZT 190+ (another daily)
2007 BMW 530d Touring M Sport (tow car)
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Jan 11, 2008 14:16:05 GMT
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I'm literally doing that NOW ! Going to connect it to my wireless, I'll be able to plug into the Skoda's OBD port as well .  |
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DutyFreeSaviour
Europe
Back For More heartbreak and disappointment.....
Posts: 2,944
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Jan 11, 2008 14:57:03 GMT
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Got the stereo and DVD player - bulb gone on the projector so no films at the moment..... the laptop is sitting waiting for me to get a motor I need the mapping done on - external HDD takes care of PDFs etc... I just copy across if I need it - print out the relevant pages of the manual and get 'em covered in cr*p while I work....... sorted!
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Back from the dead..... kind of
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Jan 11, 2008 16:09:41 GMT
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only have a PC at home will at some point get a laptop but i think i would just end up on the computer instead of the car if i had one down the workshop ;D
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Jan 11, 2008 16:26:17 GMT
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When i have finished building my garage it will have a computer (with internet) in it, usefull for finding out information on repairs etc, I also have a copy of autodata which has lots of usefull information about most cars and its a pain going backwards and forwards to the house between stages,
Ive even found myself looking at pictures on the net of things I have taken apart without properly remembering how it went back together.
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Jan 11, 2008 16:48:34 GMT
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My Cosworth manual is a PDF so I take a laptop to the garage with me. It's wireless and sometimes I can leach data from the neighbours.
Charlie
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Nathan
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 5,627
Club RR Member Number: 1
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Computer in Garage / WorkshopNathan
@bgtmidget7476
Club Retro Rides Member 1
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Jan 11, 2008 17:16:21 GMT
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I run a PC in the garage, in fact 2 of them.
I find it excellent when wanting to find info, plus I have PDF copies of all my Haynes manuals.
The other good thing is internet radio, so I no longer have to use a crappy small fm thing.
Upon moving in I got NTL/Virgin to install the cable into the garage, then CAT5'd the house from there, basically due to me knowing a garage PC would be excellent.
I used to use wireless with a set of AP's in various spots, but I find it a bit sh1t TBH.
For normal use you can now buy 'home Plugs' this would give you the ability to use your house leccie supply as a virtual network, they work really well too.
Sorry went off on bit of a tangent there.
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Jan 11, 2008 18:02:15 GMT
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only have a PC at home will at some point get a laptop but I think I would just end up on the computer instead of the car if I had one down the workshop ;D Hahaha ! Thats what I'm worried about - we shall see what happens with mine. Just need to bodge up a case for it and I'm in business....its not going to be pretty though.  |
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Jan 11, 2008 18:39:15 GMT
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Take my laptop down with me, or leave it in the kitchen just in case. Job only falls down when I need the net and i've forgotten to switch the router on, cos its upstairs.
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205 GTi Mi16
205 XS - Now in filmidget's signature
Clio dci 80
I've found in life if someone is an idiot, they generally stay and idiot.
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ezzyrs
Part of things
Posts: 81
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Jan 11, 2008 21:49:04 GMT
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As this is my game (and what pays the mortgage), I will give a few pointers. A hard wired CAT 5/6 internet infrastructure will always give a faster download speed and a more reliable connection over Wireless. Wireless is good for short term convenience, and I use it myself, but it will have limitations. If you can run copper cable to your garage, and terminate it within a wall box (with RJ45 modules) you will have the same bandwidth capability as if you were on the Family/House PC. Avoid bending CAT 5/6 Cable on a tight radius less than 90 degrees, as this might contribute to attenuation problems. At the end of the day, you can't beat a connection in the Garage.. |
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Jan 11, 2008 22:10:48 GMT
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WOOP WOOP ! and I'm now posting from my garage, in the rain...with Soma FM on. With beer and a cylinder head.......oh the bliss.... |
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ezzyrs
Part of things
Posts: 81
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Jan 11, 2008 22:13:22 GMT
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WOOP WOOP ! and I'm now posting from my garage, in the rain...with Soma FM on. With beer and a cylinder head.......oh the bliss.... Nice one... |
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Jan 11, 2008 22:20:45 GMT
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Crappy pic !! haha...had to pop back into the house to upload this. Full photo uploading and webcam streaming coming soon. and a proper box that doesn't let me spill stuff over the MB.....yes, woops.  All free apart from the motherboard which I bought about 6 years ago. ! |
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Last Edit: Jan 11, 2008 22:22:11 GMT by Thrasher
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Jan 11, 2008 23:20:14 GMT
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other problems with having one down the workshop is the workshop is 10 miles from home and has no phone connection and if i did have one down there i would never be at home the computer is one of the reasons i'm not down there 24/7 ;D ;D ;D
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Rev
Part of things
Devo Morales
Posts: 205
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Nah, I couldn't have the computer in the garage, no room for a start, and besides I'd never get anything done, I'd get fed up or stuck with some aspect of the Imp that was proving difficult and end up coming on here and moaning about it instead. ;D
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;D
