Stepping Stone Project

I have had a project on my mind for a while now.

Gather information from my car and log it into a database. Additionally, have a well designed low intereactiviety display modes that let me drive in a more informed fashion, but not get in the way of driving.

Why would I want to do this? Other than the geeky notion of it all, because I like info when I drive, especially on long trips. I want to know if the heat from the afternoon Florida summer sun is reducing my fuel economy, or if the engine is over compensating for bad fuel and could lead to knocks, before I hear knocks. I want to have an error message to go along with my check engine light.

But I want more. I want GPS, Accelerometers, Thermometers. I also don't want to put an extra battery in the car to support it all. I think I am in luck. Embedded Linux kits and usb powered GPS, accelerometers and thermometers bring down the power requirement and make it easy... or just seem easy.

I am giving myself a long time line on this one, stay tuned.