DashAmp Version 1.0 By Dave Clement
Released into the public domain December 1999
Download from http://Dave.Clement.Net
E-mail Dave Clement at Dave@Clement.Net

OVERVIEW

DashAmp is a skin for the Nullsoft WinAmp Player.  It is designed to match the amber dashboard illumination in vehicles that use an amber lighting scheme.

INSTALLATION

With Current versions of WinAmp, simply copy the DASHAMP.ZIP file to the skins directory under the WinAmp directory, normally "C:\Program Files\WinAmp\Skins".  If you do not have an up to date version of WinAmp, you can download the latest version from www.WinAmp.com.  The latest version of DashAmp can be downloaded from Dave.Clement.Net.

HISTORY

I had been searching for some time for the best way to build an MP3 player for my car.  I looked with great interest in the various ways that people built computers into their trunks, under their seats and in other locations within their cars and then hooked up LCD displays, IR receivers and various keyboard number pads.  This was never quite enough for me, as I wanted a way to use a keyboard and actually see what I was doing on the computer so that I could use it for other purposes such as mapping and GPS navigation.  

After purchasing some used laptops and investigating the possibility of separating the screens for mounting on the dash, I realized that I already had the perfect solution... Why not just mount the laptop on a portable mount in much the same way that mobile data terminals are mounted in some police cars.  That is exactly what I did, I fabricated a mount and strapped in my laptop.

With that done, I wanted to find the right look.  Although there are hundreds, if not thousands of WinAmp skins out there, none of them were close to what I was looking for.  I wanted something that would match the dashboard of my BMW as closely as possible.  Like many imported and high performance vehicles, as well as most aircraft, my BMW uses amber lighting for better visibility at night.  I wanted my WinAmp screen to look the same.

CREATION

I searched through hundreds of skins, but couldn't find anything close enough to use.  I downloaded dozens of skins that had features, looks or ideas that I thought would help me.  I was able to use some elements from other skins by modifying features such as buttons, but most elements were either drawn from scratch or extensively edited one pixel at a time.  I worked hard to avoid "creating" something that was merely a minor rehash of an existing design.  By creating my own anti-aliasing for all of the text, I was able to make small letters and numbers appear to have a more smoothly rounded appearance than they otherwise would.

I also worked hard to make sure that all of the graphic features of the current version of Winamp (presently 2.5e) were supported.  I found that many skins returned to the standard WinAmp look when certain features such as window shade mode or the mini-browser were activated.  As new features are supported by WinAmp, I expect to revise my skin to match.

MINI BROWSER

A modified DashAmp default page, based on the WinAmp default page has been created.  It is designed with colors to match DashAmp and includes a link to my web page for possible DashAmp updates.  To enable this default page, copy the WINAMPMB.HTM from the .../WinAmp/Skins/DashAmp directory to the .../WinAmp directory.  One element of the WinAmp mini-browser that I would like to change is the color of the text in the web address field.  It shows up as green text.  I would like tot change this to the same amber color used throughout the rest of WinAmp.  If anyone knows how to do this, please e-mail Dave@Clement.Net.  

DISCLAIMER

DashAmp is being released into the public domain.  Feel free to edit, modify or otherwise improve DashAmp to suit your needs.  All that I ask is that you do not resell or repackage elements of this creation for profit.  If you have made an improvement that you believe is worthwhile or would like to suggest one, please e-mail me at Dave@Clement.Net.  Please respect my privacy by not adding my name to e-mail distribution lists, by sending "Spam" or by otherwise encouraging the sending unsolicited "junk mail".

Use common sense when driving.  Drivers should not attempt to operate a computer while you driving.  Please observe and follow all local traffic laws and regulations.  Some jurisdictions may prohibit or regulate the mounting or operation of computers in vehicles.  

If you decide to mount a laptop or other computer in your car, use common sense and reasonable security precautions.  Do not advertise your expensive computer equipment to potential thieves.  Do not leave the computer in your vehicle where it is visible.  Use an alarm system and lock your vehicle if you leave it unattended for brief periods.  Remove your laptop and take it with you if you leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time.   
