Here I am after couple months of planning and waiting. Im begining my worklog on my CarPc project.

Step 1 - Planification
----------------------------------
-Im replacing the stock LCD with a 7" touchScreen.
-Relocating the stock LCD in front of the shifter (2 storage compartment)
-Install PC in trunk or GloveBox
-Connect Pc with accessories

Step 2 - Harware
----------------------------------
PC
-Mini ITX - MII10000 Via Board 1Gh
-1G Samsung RAM Memory
-30Gig 3.5" IDE Hard Drive (for OS)
-300Gig SATA for Data
-Power Supply OPUS 150w
-Casetronics black case

Accessories
-GPS antenna
-USB WIFI
-USB TV Broadcast
-USB HUB
-USB extension
-VGA extension
-Car2PC Module
-Audio jack Extension
-On/Off Switch
-10 Gage wire
-Xenarc 7" touchscreen Monitor

Step 3 - Configuration/Preparation
----------------------------------
! See you next POST !

 

Sounds good. What front end are you going to use? What skin do you like?

I've had mine in my car for about 7 months with no problems. My first PC was a mini ITX but I decided to go with a AMD 3200 64-BIT in a cube PC. I'm using a opus250 to power it.

 

Step 3 - Configuration/Preparation
----------------------------------
PC configuration
1-Install OS (Windows XP Sp2 embeded)
2-Adjust Windows for best perfomance
3-Install front-End RoadRunner
4-Choise Skin for best perfomance/usability
5-Install utility software (GPS, wireless, TV, DVD, etc...
6-Configure RR/Skin
7-Test Utilities and software with frontEnd
8-Search for bugs
9-Configure for booting in Shell FrontEnd
10-TEST with the on/off switch on workbench(ignition)

Relocating stock LCD
1-Extend ~40 wires for stock LCD with female/male connectors
2-Remove console + stock LCD from car
3-Test wiring with stock LCD
4-Fix Stock LCD in place of the 2 compartments with plexyGlass + epoxy
5-Fix Xenarc Screen on stock Bezel
6-Modify stock bezel for the Xenarc remote control
7-Pass wiring
8-TEST stock LCD + touch screen with computer resolution
9-Install Bezel with screen and install center console in the car

 

What are you using for connecting the Audio Card with the HeadUnit ?

 

I am using the E-MU 0404 sound card. It has RCAs out. This is tapped into the XM input on the HU. So when I press the XM button I get the PC sound.

Here's a link to the card

http://www.emu.com/products/product....&product=10447

 

Heres' the Stock LCD Spare that I found for 24$ on ebay


This is my case from the back


Front case


This is the back of the stock LCD, I need the 4 green female connectors so I could extend the wiring (the only way I found so I dont have to cut anywires IN the car )

 

Good luck with your project, you won't regret it I did mine about a month ago and this is my 3rd car with a PC, I can't live without it since I've had them for like 6+ years now

Nice find on the stock non navi LCD, what did you search for when you found it on Ebay? I have been trying to get my hands on one also.. Since I painted my stock non navi bezel after the cutting (few slips with the dremel ), it does not match as good as I'd like it to, so I did manage to find a broken navi lcd and I'm going to install my Xenarc in that bezel that for a perfect match.. I might also try to get the navi buttons to work with the PC if I can figure it out. I just can't wait to rip the whole car apart again,

 

LOL Im supposed to dark/clear my headlights this weekend so I put a brake on my carPc! I only did some wiring in my house ..preparing for the big day (or 2) !

The stock LCD was a lucky SHOT on ebay as always I was as always searching for some ACURA TL parts on ebay (you never KNOW)...and I found this for 24$ shipped at my friends house in NY. He gave it to me when he was in MTL I was happy cause this way I can do all my stuf inside.

I'll try to keep this thread up to date.

 

Relocating stock LCD
1-Extend ~40 wires for stock LCD with female/male connectors

I finally took the time to finish my extended wiring , Im now waiting for my Xenarc in the mail hehe, happy as a child !

 

$24....Wow

I'm considering a carputer too. But I don't want to remove the two compartments just to display that information.

If I can get my hands on a cheap non-navi display like you found, I'll spring another $140.00 for the navi based upper display (where we only have a clock) to see if there is anyway to do an lcd to lcd connection or something like that.

I read one thread where someone bought a navi display and just used it to get the information to the upper display and just stashed the display inside the dash. Unless there's one that can be had for really cheap, that's a lot of expense for something that won't be seen.

As far as the radio goes, I am thinking of getting a PC tuner that has a FM tuner onboard and drive it via the PC. So the headunit will be used as the volume control only.

Good luck with your installation. Do you have a heated garage to work in? It's going to get cold up here pretty soon (I'm about 2hrs south of Montreal)!!

 

nice write up

 

Im ready to loose 2 small compartments that I dont really use for a bunch of things that Im gonna be able to do with my CarPc.

I saw the installation that you're talkin about, its to much work and $$ for what you save.

If you need help we could help each other if you're not that far from MTL.

neways I'll keep updating!

VmtSquad

 

Thanks for the offer!

What resolution are you planning on running? Did you get a std or widescreen display?

There's another thread where someone used a stock navi screen by using a scan converter and touch interface, but the resolution is only 640x480. I would go with that since you can definitely use the upper info display for navi, but I don't think I'd be satisfied with that resolution...

 

Here's the link to the screen I ordered from ebay. This is the most important/expensive part of my install and there's great review on it.

Xenarc 700TSV touchScreen

I don't know wich resolution I will use, it will depend on my VideoCard I guess. I can't wait to install everything on my workbench..a thousands of hours of PLEASUR to come !

 

Can someone post a link to DIY carputer please?

 

ok! Since I have a day off cause of the SNOW outside... Here's some update regarding my "carpc project".

My Screen: Xenarc 2008 TSV 7''


My FronEnd/Skin: RoadRunner / DigitalFX


My StockLCD Extended Wire: home made


Till this day, Im only missing the PCTV-HD adapter, should be shipped by now, and a 500Gig HDD.

Stay tuned for more......

 

Help me understand. So basically you're putting in a touch screen desktop computer, that functions with the cars dvd/cd/radio/HFL/XM(navi?)

If so that is awesome. For inquiring minds, how much would this project cost?

 

Thanks for the update. Can't wait to see the final installed. What are the hardware spec of the PC?

Welcome to the club. The fun has just begun.

I just finally added DVD and Video playback to mine. I was watching Transformers the otherday while waiting for a friend.

My USB wifi adapter arrives in a couple of days.

 

Still waiting till I can figure out how to get AC status without having to keep the stock LCD......

Can't wait to see the finished product, though!

 

Around 1000$, depends on your need. Its cheap for all the benefits!!!!

Here's the moahdib install that use a Navi screen and navi clock to display AC Settings.
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...d-ver-2-a.html

Board: Mini ITX - MII10000 Via Board 1Gh
RAM: 1G Samsung
OS HARDRIVE: 30Gig 3.5" IDE Hard Drive (for OS)
DATA HARDDRIVE: 300Gig SATA for Data
Power Supply: OPUS 150w
CASE: Casetronics black case
GPS software: iGuidance 3.0
Wifi: USB wifi Toshiba
TV: PCTV-HD Pinnacle
Screen: Xenarc 7'' 700TSV 2008

 

Here is some install with carPCs..

TheKlassic:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...tall-done.html

KingofCorona:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...ura-tl-pc.html

pimpmode:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/fabr...-oem-navi.html

moahdib:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...d-ver-2-a.html

King of Pain:
https://acurazine.com/forums/dating-relationships-14/now-one-messed-up-chick-157047/


Im working hard to be the next

 

OK guys, since I participate in a CarPC thread on here, it gives me a push to continue my worklog.

I took the time to finish those steps this weekend....

1- Soldered my 2 last extended wire for Stock LCD
2- Cut the LCD bezel for the TV mounting


King of pain : What product did you use to fix the TV on the bezel.

Im wiling to keep the Stock LCD metal housing to had more protection and be sure that everything fits in the dash.

*Let me know how you guys did to fix the TV on the bezel

Pictures comin tonight....

 

Have you done any testing with the cold weather?

Also, performance wise, how is the mini-itx working out?

I've been building my own PC's forever and I tend to go higher end so the mini-itx systems scare me off a bit.

My plan to affix the monitor is to use the stock sheild and just make a spacer that will attach to the monitor and then drill a couple holes in the shield so I can screw it down.

 

as soon as my TV is installed and my Stock LCD is relocated, I will bring the pc in and test it from the trunk with cold temp

 

man i want to add carpc too

 

Ok! Im now one step further. I finally got my ass up and fixed my LCD to the bezel. It is not 100% finished but the look is already amazing. Guess Im a picky guy.

Here it is.....
This was the RAW finish last week, didnt finish to cut and work the bezel


Here's the 85% finish fixed LCD




I'll find some times next week to relocate the stock LCD and install the TV in the CAR. After I'll simply need to run wires and antenna and finally connect the PC!

Im so close stay tuned!

 

that's nice. at lease you got your pc setup. i still waiting for OS to arrive yet. good luck. did your LCD came with remote? my didn't

 

 

I had a chance to catch up in this thread tonight.

Thanks for mentioning me twice. I posted my work at MP3CAR.COM as KingofCorona

 

LOL Didnt even realize! You have one of the finest install and you're using the best RR Skin lol its natural to show some respect!!!

 

Ya My pc was the first thing I bought!!!! I think I will change it for a better CPU/Memory, when I run Visiualization my cpu jump at 90%!!! Its a detail for now...

As for the remote, I did buy the Xenarc 700TSV 2008 Model and it came with it. I wont have to use it as far as I know.

 

Small brake with my carpc project....was waiting for some special parts

Here they are ...Comptech ShortSift
Compustar 2way remote/alarm system


23 LED Corner


You can see the small size of the Shortshift it is amazing cant wait !!!!

 

you going to install that compustar yourself? if you do, you should make a write up for it with pic, but any how my project has finish come check it out at

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...01#post1949201

 

bookmarked. =]

 

Stay tuned guys, I am writing my step by step plastic Glove Box CarPC Case !!! This should be out soon!

Whats coming:

-Monitor Bezel mods
-Plastic Glove Box case Step by step
-LCD relocating Step by step
-Final Installation!!!

 

Seem like most people use Xenarc LCD for carputer, Is there a reason why? Can i use other 7" touchscreen lcd?

 

You can use whatever you'd like. Xenarc is known to be of high quality so many go that route. They are more expensive.

I have a Dynamix and it's a piece of crap. I've gone through 2 touch panels (one right out of the box). So I'll be buying a Xenarc next.

 

Just a brand. Personally I use the Lilliputs....

And BTW, great thread. I'm too big of a women to rip apart my nice car right now, but I did this in my prelude. It turned out pretty good... I figure I'll wait till the warranty is gone then start doing this.

Also, throw that roadrunner crap out! Centrafuse FTW!!!

My schematics in the prelude...

 

Thanks for the graphic, I did mine on peace of paper, I was planing on doing a VISION version when all my Frontend config will be done. (My HDD died last week so I had to redo all my stuff with the new DIGITALFX3.0) its a new ball game lol.

How is Centrafuse working so far, did you get any issue what so ever with your config ???

So far I got the DFX3.0 working with GPS - MUSIC - VIDEO - DVD, Will have to work on PCTV and WIFI card wich is pretty easy.

Currently working on my plastic glove box case, need more Dynatron Epoxy (in the mail) will post the step by step next week when the time comes....

As for the Screen brand, Xenarc was the best for my install since I will go trough some rough wether condition (LOW & HIGH TEMP). Did some comparo with liliput and Xenarc was the one to go with. According to the mp3car.com forum users, liliput and Xenarc are leaders NO DOUBT!!

**One observation with Xenarc 700TSV 2008, the 4.3.8 Drivers doesnt work, I had to go get the older version (will post link later during the day)

**Oh one small observation : your missing the MIDDLE channel speaker in your schema lol :P


VmtSquad

 

What is the S.B.L 5.1 USB device?? I was planing on using the Car2PC thing but Im sure that I will have to go will another device to get the 5.1 to run perfectly!!

VmtSquad