Thread: New Car setup! Please give me some input!

Originally Posted by sc30317

1. Get http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...1&osCsid=c385a e9e12e3d648c906298b0262fdda This monitor for my car

That monitor is composite only. You'll need TV-out on the PC to use it. You may have that.
Also, image quality will be less-than-ideal (usually ****ty). Text will be difficult to read, especially smaller text, such as street names on maps ina GPS nav application. If this isn't an issue for you, then rock on.

2. Make a custom mount for it with fiberglass? for insertion in the CD holder
3. Run an FM modulator from the stock head unit for 2 RCA sound inputs

FM Modulators aren't the greatest sound quality, but they will work. You'll be giving up an FM frequency in the process. Again, if this isn't an issue, then rock on.
The better situation is to have a headunit with an AUX-in and connect the audio fromt he laptop to that.

4. Run the VGA cable and the USB cable for the touchscreen under the passenger seat
5. Put My thinkpad docking station under the seat, put my thinkpad in it and connect it to the VGA and the RCA sound inputs

That all sounds good. Does the docking station have its own audio outputs? If not, you're going to be disconnecting the audio fromt eh laptop everytime you take the laptop out of the car and reconnecting it everytime you get in. Again, this isn't a horrible thing, but it would be a major inconvenience.
If I were going the laptop/dock route, I'd want to be able to put my laptop in the dock to use in the car and have it ready to use.

6. Run my DC to AC converter to power it

Depending ont he docking station, you may be able to use a DC-DC power supply like a Carnetix unit. That's a lot more efficient, and it includes a startup/shutdown controller for added coolness. It may not work, but it's at least worth looking into, IMHO.

7. Run my COWON iaudio x5 mp3 player's USB Cable to the dock, run it into the glove box
8. Be able to access my hard drive, play movies, music, and sync my mp3 player in my car, probably add a GPS system eventually, bluetooth, etc.

That all sounds good. You may also want to add WiFi capability to mode music files from the home PC to the car, as well.

Thank you so much for your analyzation!

I actully picked the wrong monitor. I am going to pick one that has VGA

I have used my Hardwired FM Modulator, and it works a TON better then the wireless ones, IMO. They are like $50, and They are definately worth looking into. THe AUX in connector is $100 for the car, and I already have the FM modulator, so I think Im going to use that

Yes, the docking station has its on audio outputs, so that wont be a problem

I am going to look into the DC-DC power supply thing

Any more comments?

Originally Posted by sc30317

Any more comments?

after reading the FAQ section, check out the show off your project section. you will find many examples of installations, and other members experience-based comments/suggestions. although you can get ideas from almost all the projects, search for accord to see what other accord owners installed their car computer. also, search for laptop to see how they are generally installed / problems / solutions.

it's very easy to cram a screen into the cuby hole, although I think you'll have a hell of a time seeing it all the way down there....I have my HU there, and I don't see it a lot....which is why my screen in in place of the OEM HU. food for thought, but our cars are not as easy as others, so there is a lot of custom thought to go into it, to not make it look like ****. Also think about still using the door on the cubby hole to hide everything as well.

My $0.02 worth, ditch the wired FM mod, and get the aux converter, it will be hella better

hrmm - 4 month old thread....hrmmmm

Originally Posted by Red GTi VR6

hrmm - 4 month old thread....hrmmmm

eh, I didn't realize that until after I posted....oh well