Thread: car-pc to monsoon HU rundown *nooby* alert

Long time “listener” First time poster!”
I’m a noob here. For all thought processes, minus the swearing, I’ve gone over in this car pc to monsoon stock hu pursuit/passion/adventure, and to get to know me a bit, keep reading. To skip to my most urgent questions Please go to the bottom. TIA
I’ve been reading these forums, steady, for about 3 weeks now. Just call me a search Ho. Oh my aching head. Can’t you all just agree? LOL
I have visited the site many times B4 over the years as I’m an avid pc junkie and have thought about the merits of a carpc many times. I was driving a Tacoma pickup back then (the last 10 years!) and didn’t really feel inspired in that ride.
About 3 weeks ago, I got a new-to-me 4dr, 5 spd, 1.8t, 01 Golf GLS, with 38k, AND with the dreaded/desirable upgraded monsoon stereo system. The sound is pretty good, only lacking a little kick in the bass IMHO. That is also the opinion of my “Speaker Guy”. I’m very happy to leave the sound as it is and focus on the carpc to current sound issues.
I’m so confused by the whole pc – aftermarket HU-new amp - NEW SPEAKS! And on and on. After reading it all over many times, I’m sure I’m getting close to the solution. I would really like to run it by anyone who’ll listen (not my family). I’ll warn you up front. I’m a 45 year old housewife but I’m not dumb. I’ve raised 3 boys 23-17 years old now and I built my first pc in the 80’s, with a 286 processor and an amber monitor screen. It had a less than 1MB HDD. It took a while to fill it. I got onto the internet first through a university dial in BBS with a 14,4 modem and NO graphical user interface. I had dos for an os I think at the time. I played backgammon with students and others through this setup picturing the board layout in my head. I’m the goto person among my friends and family for their pc help. OTOH I’m nervous around current of any kind but will take on wiring etc if I know for sure there is nothing live. I’d rather not though. I watched a neighbor's kitten fry in a wall socket "incident" once. Not pretty.

To begin with, I’d like to integrate a car pc with my existing monsoon HU as the front end for the audio portion of the system. In other words I would like to keep my HU which resides in the bottom of the Double Din space in my dash and retain use of the radio functions and volume control (unless I want to use mouse or other input device). I’m totally comfortable with the idea of giving up the second (upper) slot over to a motorized, or not, or touchscreen, or plain, LCD TFT retractable into dash monitor. It currently holds a single slot factory cd player. I have the cd changer hookup plug in the back next to my monsoon amp.

First decision……..screen. I’m interested in opinions on quality needed for video etc on a singleDin insert screen. I’m more interested in the ability to swivel screen around for better viewing angle etc that the flush/custom mount screens provide, than I am in the OEM look that comes from all that work and mess involved in modding the trim etc for a fixed screen mounting in dash. You guys that do it are brave and amazing. I love your projects and can only dream for the moment about the mess and the fun involved.
Screens I’m looking at on Ebay:
http://tinyurl.com/razns
http://tinyurl.com/rcctq
http://tinyurl.com/jzofu
http://tinyurl.com/g2s4o
http://tinyurl.com/grfzu

Will any of the above choices work? I’m very willing to give up touchscreen in favor of viewing quality. I have a Bluetooth logitech gaming/media mouse that would make me very happy if I don’t get a touchscreen. One of those little handheld keyboard thingies would be cool too.
Okay so the screen will fit in the upper Din slot which means factory cd goes. No prob. I’m sure I’ll get enough mp3s on the hdd not to miss it. I would be willing to remove the cupholder slideout that sits on top of the cd player, if it’s a relatively easy do and replace it with a pocket to hold my remote, mouse tiny keypad etc. Does anyone have any tips here? TIA. I don’t think I’m gonna want a cup o’ jo hovering over my screen anyway.
I’m assuming it’s a fairly simple job to get power to screen. : + )
Now, the moment where it all gets complicated or remains simple. I like good sound. I’m happy with the monsoon sound for now. I know some of you aren’t, but I really can’t find a lot of fault with it at normal volumes. A small amp and sub are down the road upgrades. I’m more anxious to have a carpc in there. I’m not interested in aftermarket HU implants that will mean ripping out or ripping into the monsoon system or wiring, at least at this time. Can I keep the sound I have now and only have to interface with a plug on the back of the HU? There are a number of devices, some go to the changer plug, in the hatch, some to the headunit changer out port. Both allow you to retain some control of the pc or ipod through the HU controls. Crutchfield has a USA spec model that plugs into the changer cable at the back. http://tinyurl.com/qa4ke
Is this a risky move sound quality wise? I’m willing to take on an added step and install some sort of a filter if needed, or have someone else do it. : + )
I like the price better on this blitzsafe. http://tinyurl.com/r4gah
Right now all educated opinions on the debate of hu or changer port input are extremely welcome. I’d like to pin it all down and place orders in the next few days.
I’m more than willing to upgrade the car pc or it’s soundcard if needed. I love the sound that comes out of my pc speakers and would be happy if it was clean like that in my car, post carpc install. Of course, my pc system has a sub.

What I already have:
Compaq Presario sr-1030nx with
2.17 GHz AMD processor
512 MB RAM
160 GB Hard drive
CD-RW/DVD+RW burner
48x CD-ROM
9n1 Memory Card reader
7 USB 2.0 connections (3 in front)
2 Firewire connections (1 in front)
Ethernet connection
56K modem
Integrated audio and video cards
Windows XP Home
Added:
Haupage wintvpvr - usb with multimedia remote*
Link sys 802.11 a/g wireless card (PCI)
Rage 128 Pro 32MB graphics card (AGP)

or
Acer Aspire laptop with:
1.6 Ghz Mobile AMD Turion 64
Operating System: MS Windows XP Home
Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Drive Capacity: 100 GB
Primary Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW (Plus Minus)
Wireless: 802.11a/g
Screen Size: 15.4 inches
Screen Size Type: widescreen
System Weight: 6.5 lbs
Firewire
2 usb

+
400w power inverter from GI Joes
20GB Ipod

What I’m thinking

Starting budget now available - $300 US +-

More cash …..Sept. 01 - $5-600

So, for now I need:

Interface From PC to HU pinout on back (see above) Priority one. What makes it all tick!!
Is running direct from the back of the headunit better than from changer plug in hatch? That would sure make for less running of wire if the back plug is good sound quality. Can I check it somehow?
I would prefer to minimize any degradation, of course. No FM mods here.

In dash screen as described above. Needs to be really good to great (old eyes)
But doesn’t need the bells and whistles….touch, motorized, add on dvd etc. (I’m on a budget)


Power supply unit/card
?????
Should I be looking at

http://tinyurl.com/4ky22

immediately, or could I coast without it, gently, for a bit? (3 months)
Is there a better alternative?

What do y’all think?

PC, laptop and or ipod to HU/screen to Monsoon sound.

Will it work providing I make sure I have the right pin out from the HU, with the power inverter I have for a bit, hooked up my pc running mostly mp3s to start or am I blowing smoke here?
I could easily use the ipod/laptop combo till Sept. if that’s what you advise. Then put in a power supply appropriate for my purposes at that time. (hopefully the max without requiring extensive battery upgrades. Some sort of ups or “juice”storage box would be okay.)

I am sorry this is so long winded. I thank you so much in advance for mulling it over with me. I have lots more questions too. Just like a woman. : + )

K8