My Double DIN Motorized LCD Enclosure Proposal

**milkhead** · 07-24-2005, 09:26 PM

OK, I've been trolling around the board for a while and I think I'm ready to post this idea... I have an 05 Mustang and I'm going through the design stage of my carputer. Something I must have is a motorized enclosure for my LCD Screen, so I have gone through all the dimensions of various screen types and created these illustrations of my idea. It is made to fit the DIN of my Mustang which is 7.5 X 4.75... I don't know if that is the standard size. The motor, which pushes and pulls the front panel into place, will be a CDROM tray motor. These may not be able to fully communicate my idea, so any input or questions you would like clarified go ahead and ask.

This is the front view...

This is the side view...

This is a series showing the motion of the cover

Here is a quickly rendered 3-D image...

I'm posting these up to see make sure I'm not missing something obvious, if you see something please post it up. Thanks.

**0l33l** · 07-24-2005, 09:29 PM

What is the purpose of having it like this? Is there going to be something behind the screen?

**Wiredwrx** · 07-24-2005, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by 0l33l

What is the purpose of having it like this? Is there going to be something behind the screen?

leelo, the pink is a cover, to cover the screen.

Michael

**milkhead** · 07-24-2005, 10:12 PM

Obviously the colors aren't for anything other than to distinguish the different parts... the whole thing will be black ABS plastic. The main reason it needs to be so deep (About 6") is to sheath the cover when it retracts inside. There is a good deal of empty space on the inside for wiring, power supplies, etc. I also chose to use a Lilliput for reference because of its smaller footprint than the xenarc... there is also an industrial screen I'm looking into, but it may end up being too expensive.

**milkhead** · 07-25-2005, 09:03 AM

Check this out...

http://www.millertech.com/computer-lcds.htm (LCD7WVGATS)

LCD7WVGATS with touch screen
Qty 1-9: $223.00 ea

Got this quote for the one I've been eyeing and want to know what you all think of this as opposed to the lilliput or xenarc.

**silentperforman** · 07-25-2005, 09:03 AM

Please let me know how this works. I've been thinking about doing this for a while. I figured on using spring tensioned gears so the lid would flip up or down slow instead of snaping in either direction.

**0l33l** · 07-25-2005, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Wiredwrx

leelo, the pink is a cover, to cover the screen.

Michael

OH!

Wouldn't it also be smart to add a slim CD rom drive?

**milkhead** · 07-25-2005, 07:01 PM

would be great, but won't quite fit inside... it's pretty cramped already (plus my computer is going to be trunk mounted)... as far as the spring tensioned gears, that was actually my first idea, but once i started designing the enclosure, it became apparent that a motorized version would be just as easy and look a lot cooler. I'm going to be creating a foamcore mockup here in the comming week, i will post pics as I go along.

**KyleYankan** · 07-25-2005, 07:58 PM

milkhead - I'm sure with some work a slimline would fit. Heck you only need a cd's thickness! :-)
something to consider putting behind the screen:
USB hub, point-of-load PSU for screen/hub, and maybe an ir spot?

**milkhead** · 07-25-2005, 10:02 PM

Those are all things I've been considering... in fact I'm looking into some sort of infrared interface software for windows that would allow me to navigate and perform windows functions using one of those large touchscreen remotes that can be programmed with new signals. In the end I know I need some sort of quick tactile interface device (besides the touchscreen of the monitor), and I refuse to use a keyboard and mouse to interface... seems to defeat the purpose of a clean install. My first instinct is to use one of those really nice trackballs and form it into the middle console somehow (maybe under the console cover)... Obviously my monitor will be touchscreen, but I can't rely on that while driving, so if anyone knows of any infrared usb type receiver harware/software that can be plugged into the computer and have signals programmed to perform windows functions, please post.

The PSU for the monitor will be back there, but i dont know how usable a hub would be in that space... remember that the opening you see for the screen still has LCD hardware around it that sits flush with the sides of the housing... that is what pretty much kills the idea of putting a CDROM or anything else with it. Unless of course you mold it into the dash, which I am tying to avoid in every way. I want this housing to be something anyone can put together and use for themselves without having to bondo/fiberglass/etc.