My E39 Bezel Attempt

**sama** · 03-24-2006, 05:25 AM

glad to hear it fusion.

I forgot to mention that I would want the keyboard to come out on a fly lead. I was also thinking the lead would have an auto-retractor, which I'll take from a keyring or something. That might be tricky, given the miniscule space in that compartment. I really do not wish on anyone the space limitations that I have inside the car. Every space is used.

As for the shifter, mine's an auto so it's not often moved, and the purpose of it being there is for typing things like a postcode/address into the navigation system, text message, or jotting a phone number. Perhaps some shortcuts to things. But I couldn't agree more that anything like an email (or forum repose

) would have to be a lap job.

Another idea I had for the keyboard, was to have it on a folding swinging arm, that would come out either from the door or the center console. Kind of like the screens yo uget on planes, in the business class section. That would be quite tricky to pull off, but it could just work. all we need is to find someone breaking an airbus!

But I'm commited to getting this solution to work now, till it works or fails horribly. I'm thinking of how to build some frame inside, that would make sure the path of the keyboard is always clear. I welcome any ideas, even if they are silly jokes... there's an old arabic saying that says "wisdom is often found in the house of retards"... not that this is a retard house or anything!

**redbullah** · 03-24-2006, 05:54 AM

Cool man. I wish i was that handy. A keyboard would come handy in the car.

Btw my brother told me about CNC and DXF tables that can print anything in 3D.
He is going to draw me the bezel piece in a CAD program and i will look for someone who can cut it for me in 3D.

**sama** · 03-24-2006, 06:04 AM

sounds interesting. keep us posted on that, especialy of cost!

**redbullah** · 03-24-2006, 06:33 AM

http://www.zcorp.com/products/printersdetail.asp?ID=1

this colored 3d printer cost 20.000$
isn't it a great investment for growing carpc industry.
If you print only 80 bezels and ask 250$ for each you can pay the machine back.

Architects have that kind of stuff and they wouldn't ask too much money if you have the universal dxf format of the object. Now i am sniffing around about the material they are using in 3d printer.

**sama** · 03-24-2006, 07:00 AM

ooh no, I don't want to buy one! I meant I'd be interested to see how much you can find a place to do one for you.

**redbullah** · 03-24-2006, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by sama

ooh no, I don't want to buy one! I meant I'd be interested to see how much you can find a place to do one for you.

I know
I was also looking for a place to get it cut.
This wonderful machine can fabricate up to 10 bezels with any usb, any keyboard texture color option on one day without any single mistake.

BTW
I got my screen. I am going to put it on the dash till i have an adaptor.
I will try to remove headunit and din adaptor this weekend and see how can i manage the wiring. I need to find a temprorarly opening for the cables in dash for the wiring.

**sama** · 03-27-2006, 07:05 PM

right... I've got a new idea and I need help/thoughts...

Recently I wanted to hide the screen when away from the car and just coevered it with the mini keyboard! what an idea I thought! I can make the screen and keyboard in such a way that it can open like a laptop. The images kinda say it all:

This is how I currently have my screen. I need to go over that aluminium with some fiberglass then spray it to make it look neat and dandy. but work is still in progress hence the workshop look.

voila! nothing to see here, move along!

Using hinges at the top should make it do the correct motion. I'm not sure how and where to mount them to yet. Either I drill into the trim, and reinforce it with some plates at the top and bottom, or I attach some plates to the LCD panel. I also need to limit the motion the hinges allow. If this could be made to softly open it would be fabuloustic!

The keyboard can go down as far as the gear, and even further if need be. I've tried to drive with it there and it doesn't affect things. It only gets in the way when the car is in the parking gear. So the range doesn't not bother me, as long as it can stop at some level.

If a theif will see that, they will think there's nothing there. It sholuld be easy to fiberglass that too cos it's just a flat bit of facia, and the wooden trim is already there from the stock radio. The key will be in getting the mechanics reliable, robust and smooth, to get the OEM look and feel.

Finally, here's a quick photoshop version of what I'd like it to look like in the end.

**redbullah** · 03-27-2006, 11:54 PM

wow so cool

you can use an old cd-rom to get your keyboard flip forward.
and put the eject button somewhere visible

**redbullah** · 03-28-2006, 03:27 AM

i would put a elegance square analog clock at the middle of the plate that covers the laptop. Like library turns into computer lab if you pull a book.

You gonna have the most nicely integrated carpc of the world.

**sama** · 03-28-2006, 04:14 AM

Originally Posted by redbullah

i would put a elegance square analog clock at the middle of the plate that covers the laptop. Like library turns into computer lab if you pull a book.

that's a good idea. I've been thinking what to put on the front of that. one idea I had was to use an LCD display, like this one, which looks like the BMW display. I'll have to photoshop it and see. But first, I need to get the mechanism working properly.

Originally Posted by redbullah

You gonna have the most nicely integrated carpc of the world.

I hope it works first