Custom Installation
I have searched the posts, and I haven't found any relating to this...
Has anyone installed the computer inside the car without a normal marketed case? I was thinking about this option, and I want know how much work needs to go into something like this. Also, if the computer is near the front of the car (not under the seats), I wouldn't have to deal so much with the IDE cable length problem.
~2000 Impala LS
~Soon to be (among) the best in car audio...
I've used an aluminum case that measures 12"x10"x3" and just cut the necessary holes for cables, fans and cooling with my dremel. (gotta love dremels) This way I could put the unit where my spare tire goes in the trunk under the "floor".
The case I just ordered from an electronics store and the actually manufacture is called Bud Industries. They make all sorts of boxes.
I will have some pictures up somewhere when I get my digital camera back.
-Al
95 Honda Civic DX Coupe - In Progress
mp3civic site
I used an old case from a VHS video camera, it is much smaller than the original case, but, i still want to upgrade to a book pc. I have to finish my page, and then i will put pics of both cars up,
I don't know if this is some impossible wish, but I would like to put most of the components of the computer (mobo, pci, power supply?) in the lift-open storage in the center console of my car. Then, I can put the hd and/or CD/DVD drive somewhere near the glovebox if not in it.
How does this sound?
Is there something special about a real computer case that I'm missing?
~2000 Impala LS
~Soon to be (among) the best in car audio...
No.
A real computer case has all the hardware to mount everything already placed. And probably there is a bit of shielding with the metal case.
But the Macs (and laptops) have had plastic cases for ever, so there is little value there.
Look at the installs some folks here have done (not me) a lot of custom cases, clear plexiglass or wood (pretty or inexpensive).
Just make some measurements and build some mockups using cardboard until you are ready to make something more permanent with wood. Then if all that works and you want to be fancy...then use the plexiglass.
(mine will be made cheaply)
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http://www.geocities.com/mr_bubba_zanetti/
I just got done making a custom case. I used sheet metal from Home Depot. Actually its metal used for air ducts, but it was cheap and works great. From there, i measured it out, and cut the holes. Works great.
2004 F-150
Shuttle XPC, 80gig HD, Wireless Internet, DVD
"How piMP3d is your ride??"
I built a custom case out of Lexan. There's nothing really complicated about it, just takes time.
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Aaron Cake
London, Ontario, Canada
Player: Cyrix 200, 32MB RAM, 10.2Gig Quantum HD, Onboard EtherNet/Sound/Video, Custom Lexan Case, Arise DC-DC, Win95 Kernal w/Custom Player
Car: '86 Mazda RX-7 w/Basic Performance Upgrades
Player: Pentium 166MMX, Amptron 598LMR MB w/onboard Sound, Video, LAN, 10.2 Gig Fujitsu Laptop HD, Arise 865 DC-DC Converter, Lexan Case, Custom Software w/Voice Interface, MS Access Based Playlists
Car: 1986 Mazda RX-7 Turbo (highly modded), 1978 RX-7 Beater (Dead, parting out), 2001 Honda Insight
"If one more body-kitted, cut-spring-lowered, farty-exhausted Civic revs on me at an intersection, I swear I'm going to get out of my car and cram their ridiculous double-decker aluminium wing firmly up their rump."
About how much would you say it cost you to build that case? It definitely looks cool and I think I may want to do the same thing.
~2000 Impala LS
~Soon to be (among) the best in car audio...
I have seen 2 guys with trucks who reconstructed their center console and
places the computer inside of it. I is all in taking the measurements, being creative, and having the resources to do so
Hmmm...Originally posted by pacochi:
About how much would you say it cost you to build that case? It definitely looks cool and I think I may want to do the same thing.
Lexan (bought surplus)=$9.99
Box of Nuts and Bolts= $3.99
About 20 angle irons= $8.00
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Aaron Cake
London, Ontario, Canada
Player: Cyrix 200, 32MB RAM, 10.2Gig Quantum HD, Onboard EtherNet/Sound/Video, Custom Lexan Case, Arise DC-DC, Win95 Kernal w/Custom Player
Car: '86 Mazda RX-7 w/Basic Performance Upgrades
Player: Pentium 166MMX, Amptron 598LMR MB w/onboard Sound, Video, LAN, 10.2 Gig Fujitsu Laptop HD, Arise 865 DC-DC Converter, Lexan Case, Custom Software w/Voice Interface, MS Access Based Playlists
Car: 1986 Mazda RX-7 Turbo (highly modded), 1978 RX-7 Beater (Dead, parting out), 2001 Honda Insight
"If one more body-kitted, cut-spring-lowered, farty-exhausted Civic revs on me at an intersection, I swear I'm going to get out of my car and cram their ridiculous double-decker aluminium wing firmly up their rump."
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