CarPC Plans for my 2004 Suburban

**TexasSuburban** · 10-21-2007, 07:25 PM

I've been reading this forum and believe I have the makings of a plan for installing a CarPC in my 2004 Suburban. This will be done in stages for time and budget reasons. I'd appreciate experienced advice.

The goal is to have a integrated system that looks factory installed.

Stage 1: Screen + Backup Camera.
My truck has a center console that resides all the way from the dash to the back row. The portion under the dash looks like a perfect place for a touch screen. Right now there's nothing there but storage cavities and a CB (yes, a CB radio) in this area. My hobby is woodworking so I plan trim the touchscreen with nice wood. I have not decided on a screen yet. I plan to get as large as will fit in this area.

Stage 2: Add iPod/Auxiliary Adapter.
There are a few to choose from but I have not seen one that has everything I want. I have the original head unit which has XM and internal 6 CD changer. I'd like the iPod adapter to have the capability of displaying the song information on the head unit.

Stage 3: Add the computer
It's too early to say what components I want. By the time I'm ready the products will be better and cheaper. Right? I am at a loss where to place the unit. I have not explored too much yet. Under the seats is unlikely because of the power seat motors. In the back? Well, I haul a lot of wood so that us unlikely too. I'm not sure how much space is under the center console. There's a lot of electronics and wires there.

After adding the CarPC there are several sub-stages. I plan to add wifi initially for internet access at home, GPS for navigation and bluetooth for phone. Also I plan to integrate the backup camera. I read where there is a video input adapter that switches between feeds. People are using this adapter and sending the camera feed when the backup lights power on.

Sound reasonable?

**RedGTiVR6** · 10-23-2007, 10:00 AM

to the forums!

You should also consider mounting the computer behind interior panels. There's a ton of room behind them.

You don't need an adapter for the video feed. Most of the monitors people are using either autoswitch when they sense a signal on the video input or they switch at the press of a button.

**TexasSuburban** · 10-23-2007, 12:02 PM

Thanks Jan.

So if I power my backup camera to the backup lights, then I can use autoswitch. That makes sense and seems straight forward. Now all I need to do is understand the autoswitch function. I'm sure it will be apparent when I get closer. Is the a feature of the front end (like RoadRunner)?

Thanks for the tip about space behind the dash. I assume you were talking about locating the CarPc in this area. If so, that's where I'll start looking.

MG

**RedGTiVR6** · 10-23-2007, 12:22 PM

Actually, I was talking more about areas behind side panels and the like:

**Dennis5587** · 10-23-2007, 03:02 PM

like the molding in your trunk area by your wheel wells

**RickS** · 10-26-2007, 09:53 PM

There's a TON of space under the center console and behind the stereo and cigarette lighters (at least there is in my 2004 Tahoe). The nice thing is it's really easy to pull that stuff out and look, it all pops out by pulling on it.