'08 Dodge Dakota, Console Fab, Install Pix

**tempgp** · 07-18-2009, 07:17 PM

do u own cnc? Can i borrow one for 30 min =)

**NitroLarry** · 07-18-2009, 10:44 PM

Don't know if you've seen the website canhack.org but if sign up check out this thread, I think this will get you going with your factory amp...along with getting yourself an interface from www.canusb.com
http://www.canhack.org/board/viewtop...&t=209&start=0

**blk02si** · 07-19-2009, 11:38 AM

Wow, thx for the link Nitro, even though the CANbus interface costs more, it would allow me to access more things and read/write to the entire vehicle network. Also looks like the amp turn on code has already been written!

**blk02si** · 07-26-2009, 09:47 PM

So I think I am just going to get the module interface, as much as I want to hack the CANBUS the PAC module is tested and true way to tap into the OEM system. I may be able to pick one up tomorrow. I finished the rest of the LCD trim and system. Texture painted the PC cover and siliconed some parts on the PC and the screen. Set it up on the test bench for tonight and everything is working great. I'll be installing it tomorrow so hopefully I can get the PAC module an get some audio pumping through the OEM system. Oh yeah, also added a 500Gb Western Digital 2.5 external for all media.

**blk02si** · 07-26-2009, 09:47 PM

more pix

**tempgp** · 07-26-2009, 09:50 PM

now u cant afford coffe spills there ;-)

**blk02si** · 07-26-2009, 09:56 PM

um no, although it would probably survive a coffee spill since its liquid tight, I would not be careless enough to spill coffee on my interior anyway.

**tempgp** · 07-26-2009, 10:40 PM

yesh my friend spilled 1 litter if tea on tranny shifter =) all electronics burned out

**blk02si** · 07-27-2009, 10:10 PM

Ok, well I obtained the last two missing parts of the puzzle!

A creative sound blaster X-Fi 5.1 sound apparatus, complete with volume knob! It works amazing, I am really pleased with the sound output and audio processing. It has all kinds of different modes and surround themes. It has separate line level outs for 4 speaker mode which will work perfect with part #2. Only drawback I have seen is increased boot time with the USB sound but I am going to do more research on that and play with the bios settings.

Part #2 is a factory interface to turn on the amp and give me line level inputs to the factory alpine amp/system. It has a RCA for each speaker. (went with axxess instead of PAC because of the input style) I will be able to have fade and balance along with really tweaking the audio with the sound blaster.

Since this module has a blue / white wire to turn on the amp (keep in mind it's designed for after market stereos) I figure I can just run 12v switched and the amp will turn on with the key and be ready for PC input.

Hopefully I will have the time tomorrow to install everything. I took some pics of the parts and the part #'s for reference. I got the module for $78 (wholesale price) I think it retails for a buck and a half or so.

**blk02si** · 07-28-2009, 05:20 PM

It's ALIVE!!! Muhahaha

I installed everything today and all went well. The interface worked out great and I am now running the OEM system with no head unit, only a pc! Sound quality has exceeded my expectations and there is absolutely no unwanted noise at all no matter the volume or what the truck is doing. I'll get some pics and maybe a vid together so all can see. I have noticed the center compartment running a little warm so I am going to monitor MB temps and add a fan if they are too hot.