Custom mobile pc box/case

**LowFreq** · 06-05-2004, 08:23 AM

I've been reading posts for awhile and I think I'm ready to get started with my carputer project. I've got a Jetta that I drive most of the time and an RX-7 that I pull out on the weekends. I'd like to make a portable carputer system that I can take out and put in the trunk of either car.
I'm thinking that I can setup plugs for items like power, grounds, audio in/out, video out and other stuff I may need in the trunk of both cars and then plug it directly into the computer case.
Has anyone tried a project like this before?

**Shelbrain** · 06-05-2004, 08:33 AM

What about using a laptop with two separate docks? That would make it a ton easier to switch between the two cars...

**starfox** · 06-05-2004, 09:34 AM

You might run into problems with power if you can't find a connector that has an adequate maximum current rating. A jack that can pass through 10A DC is quite rare!

Other than that, for the rest you could probably just use a lot of RCA connectors..

**Mage** · 06-05-2004, 12:37 PM

What Model year rx7 do you have? Remmber the alt on the s4 sucks 65amp only! (I belive Arron cake can conferm that) I had to upgrade to a s6 to get my carputer to work all the time killed 2 batt's before then. I have a 87 GXL.

Mage

**LowFreq** · 06-05-2004, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by Shelbrain

What about using a laptop with two separate docks? That would make it a ton easier to switch between the two cars...

I'm trying to stay away from laptops because of upgrade issues. Laptops are too proprietary. They charge ridiculous amounts of money to upgrade things like hard drives, memory, etc(compared to desktops). Plus I'll have more flexibility in terms of add-ons if I stick with a desktop motherboard.

**LowFreq** · 06-05-2004, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by Mage

What Model year rx7 do you have? Remmber the alt on the s4 sucks 65amp only! (I belive Arron cake can conferm that) I had to upgrade to a s6 to get my carputer to work all the time killed 2 batt's before then. I have a 87 GXL.
Mage

Mine's an 88 TII. I didn't know about the alternator prob. Thanks for the info. I need to replace my alternator anyway, so I'll prob look for a 3rd gen alternator. Is that a simple bolt-on?

**Mage** · 07-05-2004, 04:17 PM

sorry for the late reply Work and all, it's ALMOST a direct bolt on. Look at http://www.rx7club.com for the writeup on it. mainly it take is plug,bolt and pully need modified. the plug is just set wrong easy fix I made a converter (stock S6 plug cut off with a end added that plugs into the S4 harness) the bolt I belives nees to be smaller due to the placement and needs a nut (where on the s4 it's smaller and has a theraded end) and the pully needs to be borred out to fit the bigger shaft of the S6.

Mage

**shchua** · 07-05-2004, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by starfox

You might run into problems with power if you can't find a connector that has an adequate maximum current rating. A jack that can pass through 10A DC is quite rare!

Other than that, for the rest you could probably just use a lot of RCA connectors..

How about using 50/68 pin SCSI connectors for the signal lines like VGA, USB, RS232 etc ?

For power, a 4 pole Cannon connector should be able to handle 5A per contact, so you could pair up 2 contacts each for +12V and Gnd to get 10A DC.

This would mean having only 2 connectors to disconnect when you need to remove the CarPC for tinkering or whatever.

**LowFreq** · 07-05-2004, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by Mage

sorry for the late reply Work and all, it's ALMOST a direct bolt on. Look at http://www.rx7club.com for the writeup on it. mainly it take is plug,bolt and pully need modified. the plug is just set wrong easy fix I made a converter (stock S6 plug cut off with a end added that plugs into the S4 harness) the bolt I belives nees to be smaller due to the placement and needs a nut (where on the s4 it's smaller and has a theraded end) and the pully needs to be borred out to fit the bigger shaft of the S6.

Mage

Thanks, I'll be picking up a 3rd gen alternator as an upgrade to my S4 alt.

**LowFreq** · 07-05-2004, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by shchua

How about using 50/68 pin SCSI connectors for the signal lines like VGA, USB, RS232 etc ?

For power, a 4 pole Cannon connector should be able to handle 5A per contact, so you could pair up 2 contacts each for +12V and Gnd to get 10A DC.

This would mean having only 2 connectors to disconnect when you need to remove the CarPC for tinkering or whatever.

That's a good idea. I was also thinking of scavenging the connectors from the back of my stock radio for speaker and signal wiring.