Thanks to Roger and company for all the ideas and assistance in getting the VMSpc setup.
I decided on Roger's method of using the Asus Eee Box PC (a very small PC, about the size of a paperback book, as seen in the pics.) I ran the USB cable from my 9-pin plug through the dash, up behind the trim near the edge of the windshield, to the left of the driver up through the cabinet to the PC. I ran an HDMI cable from the TV to the PC in order to have the option to use that as a monitor.
This did not require any additional drilling in the dash or in the overhead cabinet where the DirecTV box is located, I just followed the existing wire loom, (but the USB cable was a tight fit.) I mounted the PC and the wireless router in the cabinet to the left the TV. I plugged in the PC and router where the TV was plugged in before (up behind the TV.) This is also on the same circuit as the rest of the AV equipment, connected to the new small inverter, installed in the back under the bed. The only modification to the cabinetry was the hole that was needed in the back panel of the cabinet (for the USB cable from the VMSpc unit, the power cable for the PC, the power cable for the router, and the HDMI cable from the TV.)
Unfortunately, I have not been able to install the drivers required for the VMSpc. Silverleaf is not open on the weekends. Might anyone have any ideas? I have the error messages below. I did not get the "New Hardware Found" message. So I tried to load them manually, as suggested in the instructions. I tried to use the 64 bit installer, hit "Run" and got the first error message below. When I go to the control panel, I can see the VMSpc Adapter there, but it says "Needs Troubleshooting." I tried to search for and install the drivers, but no luck.
This sounds like the Driver Signature Enforcement scheme in Windows 8 & 8.1. This page should help you out VMSpc USB driver installation | SilverLeaf Electronics, Inc. (http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/node/4137?q=node/4143) It's from the VMSpc driver installation page.
Bob
Hi Jennifer,
I'm not sure why it doesn't find the drivers It may require the JIB to be connected and the power on.
But there is another way to get this done.
On the install Disc from Silverleaf there is a text file that reads
Alternative Driver Installation
When the Add Hardware Wizard does not succeed in installing the VMSpc USB drivers, this alternate method can be tried.
It does not require the VMSpc jib to be plugged in.
1. Run DPInstx86.exe if you have a 32-bit system (Win2000, XP, Vista 32) or DPInstx64.exe if you have a 64-bit system (Vista 64).
2. Allow drivers to be installed even if Windows doesn't recognize them.
3. 2 drivers will be installed after you see the installation wizard complete.
The file DPInstx86.exe is on the disc. Windows will whine because it is not "Signed" Go ahead and say "Yes" or "OK" to let it proceed.
When it is done it should display a Device Driver Installation Wizard that says it is done. (see picture)
if you don't have a CD or DVD external drive to connect to the ASUS PC you can copy the entire disc on to a USB thumb drive or SDHC card (about 6GB or larger).
At some point make a folder on your ASUS called software and copy the entire VMSpc Disc to a folder named VMSpc in the software folder. That way you always have it with you.
I have a 1 terabyte USB3 external disc drive that I use for all of this sort of stuff as well as backups, dash cam video, movies. $65
Amazon.com: Toshiba Canvio 1.0 TB USB 3.0 Basics Portable Hard Drive - (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005J7YBRW/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Disc drive
Amazon.com: Samsung 8x Slim DVD+/-RW Slim USB External Drive, Black (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009QBIZ60/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Hope this works. Send me an email if you need some more help.
I'm outside polishing the roof of my coach today. Fun!
Roger
Bob, thanks so much for responding. While I'm not running Windows 8, (have 7, which I should have mentioned) your response prompted me to look for something like this for Windows 7. I was able to find a tutorial USB Driver - General Fix for Problems - Windows 7 Help Forums (http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/165554-usb-driver-general-fix-problems.html), which I was able to follow through step 9. Once I was unable to proceed, I decided to try installing the drivers once more.
Success, I'm actually looking at all my engine history and current status! Thanks again for your help!
Roger, thanks for all the detailed info, I really appreciate it. I got that "Drivers were successfully installed on this computer" message! I'm looking into those external hard drive products right now. All of your recommendations have been spot on. Especially "Air Display!"
I was not fully aware of the capabilities of that app, now "Air Display 2." It does not merely project the image of your main display on the second device, iPad or iPhone, but actually extends your desktop, allowing mouse and touchscreen capabilities on the second device. So while I thought Silverleaf had to be completely configured, and then adjustments would have to be made on the main monitor, any adjustments, changes, etc, can be done directly to the iPad. Plus, the main monitor can still be used, without affecting the iPad screen displaying Silverleaf. This is so much better than I thought it would be. Thank you!
I've made a couple of changes, namely in the location of the PC. The temps were shooting up quickly in the cabinet next to the TV, to about 106 degrees. Instead of adding louvers or fans to the cabinet, I relocated it to a nice spot, right behind the TV, with plenty of ventilation. The PC is on one side, with the router on the other. I used Industrial Velcro to secure both. It's also much easier to access the USB and other connections.
The only reason I found this spot was because another member was inquiring about a new TV renovation, and while I was taking the pics for him, I noticed the plywood plate that was used for my TV installation. So pretty nice that I was able to help solve my problem while trying to help someone else!
Now I've got a separate PC issue. My new Windows 7 ASUS PC goes to sleep fine, but when I wake it up (by pressing the blinking power button) the PC powers up fine, but the TV (Samsung model LN37B650) does not "connect" with the PC, so it just says "No Signal." If I disconnect the HDMI cable, the message on the TV changes to "No Connection." so I know it is communicating with the PC somehow, but it just won't display the desktop until I do a hard reboot on the PC (which brings up the dreaded "Windows was not shutdown properly" message. I've just updated the latest firmware from Samsung, and I've also disabled all the automatic sleep, hibernate, etc., settings in Device Manager. I've been battling this issue for days now, and have read any Google hit I can find on the subject.
Any ideas? I'd really like to use the Sleep feature as it uses such minimal power and powers up in seconds. It would be great to just put it to sleep at a stop while traveling rather than shutting it down completely, or just leaving it running.
Hi Jennifer,
My Vizio seems to connect OK when the Asus wakes up. You might want to try changing the input selection on the Samsung. Mine has multiple HDMI plus USB, cable and antenna. Try switching from one input to another and then back to the PC.
I will take a closer look at mine tomorrow.
Roger
Tried to turn on the Silverleaf today but nogo. I just did not have enough time to look closer. Do I need wifi to get this started? I have the drivers and the program installed. Dan
Dan,
It should start up without wifi unless you are trying to use a tablet as a remote display. You don't even need to have the data port device connected.
Do you have the VMSpc icon on your desktop? Double click on it. Let me know. Sent me an email if you want.
Roger