New skin.......(somewhat long post, w/pics)

**dragonjo8** · 09-15-2005, 01:28 AM

Well....sort of. First a little background...

I am currently using a PDA based carputer solution. It works pretty well, however, I must admit I'm starting to get an itch to implement an in-dash system (ala scott_fx's). After seeing Scott's work (and a lot of other's work on this forum) I'm giving serious consideration to having a go at it (I know....I must be out of my mind).

My wife's Navigator has a built-in navigation/audio system that works really well (one of the better OEM solutions I've seen) and has a nice interface. My goal is to design a system, for my Vette, that has a similar OEM feel. After lurking around this forum for a while and evaluating different front ends, I decided to download Centrafuse, as it has the closest feel/look to my wife's system.

While the default Centrafuse skin is very nice, I was looking for something with a little more flair. The Brushed Aluminum/Metal skins by emdzey01 are very cool, however, not exactly what I was looking for. A new skin (in progress) by proximo is more along the lines of what I had in mind. Unfortunately, it seemed like he (she?) was taking forever to get it finished. I got tired of waiting, so I decided to use the screenshots he posted as a starting point and try to finish it.

Well....after messing around with it for a couple of days now, I can see why he's taking so long. What a pain in the a$$!!!! The fact that I have less than optimal photoshop skills doesn't help. Thankfully, some of you out there have lent a helpful hand. Specifically, mercury7 for the awesome automobile logos and rpm_vr4 for not chastising me too hard because I didn't use the search function to answer a configuration question (which he graciously answered anyway....can't say the same for shakes

....just kidding shakes, I guess I had it coming). At any rate, this skin is definitely a work in progress and is not at all complete. In fact, some of the screens are from emdzey01's Brushed Aluminum skin. I hope he doesn't mind. I also hope proximo doesn't mind the main screens I borrowed from his design. BTW if anyone wants to finish it up, by all means, please do!!!

One other thing, if anyone likes what they see, please let me know where I can have the files posted. It's over 6MB.

Without further ado, here are some screenies of the hybrid skin:

Here's a Photochop of what it I would like to implement in my Vette:

**lostreception** · 09-15-2005, 01:31 AM

NICE!

**xdjxklusivex** · 09-15-2005, 01:32 AM

looks sick

**aoLhaTer** · 09-15-2005, 01:32 AM

Very nice design, really like it

The CF skin is nice but not really clean and professional looking; this however is much better

**dragonjo8** · 09-15-2005, 01:53 AM

Originally Posted by aoLhaTer

Very nice design, really like it....

Me too!! However, I can't take full credit. As I stated earlier, I had a lot of help. The only pieces of artwork that are mine are the buttons on the bottom. I spent most of my time editing the .XML files to get everything to line up/work.

If I get some more time, MAYBE (and that's a big MAYBE) I'll finish it up so it doesn't use any of the screen art from the Brushed Aluminum skin. We'll see....I am kind of hoping someone with better Photoshop skills will do the artwork. I can work on editing the .XMLs as I pretty much have a handle on it now. Anyone interested?

**lostreception** · 09-15-2005, 02:03 AM

if you released it as is id be greatful as it looks just fine now

**dragonjo8** · 09-15-2005, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by lostreception

if you released it as is id be greatful as it looks just fine now

That is my intent, I just need somewhere(one) to host the files for me (it's over 6 MB in size). Know of any free services that accept files that large? Please advise.