Noob DC-DC Question

**IamDan** · 05-28-2009, 04:23 PM

I better start by introducing myself, Hi i'm Dan and i stummbled across this forum a few weeks ago. I currently own a 2006 Australian/Euro spec ford focus.

After looking at the mp3Car store I have a few questions before I lay down my hard earned cash. I was looking at one of the bundled systems to build but was wondering what else i would need?

(Example)
http://store.mp3car.com/Budget_Bundl..._p/ccc-204.htm

Will i need a DC-DC converter with this?? Im also curious as to which screen seems to be the easiest to install/setup? I'm not scared of getting my hands dirty as I am a mechanic so the rest should be fairly simple eg: OBDII etc

**Fiberoptic** · 05-28-2009, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by IamDan

I better start by introducing myself, Hi i'm Dan and i stummbled across this forum a few weeks ago. I currently own a 2006 Australian/Euro spec ford focus.

After looking at the mp3Car store I have a few questions before I lay down my hard earned cash. I was looking at one of the bundled systems to build but was wondering what else i would need?

(Example)
http://store.mp3car.com/Budget_Bundl..._p/ccc-204.htm

Will i need a DC-DC converter with this?? Im also curious as to which screen seems to be the easiest to install/setup? I'm not scared of getting my hands dirty as I am a mechanic so the rest should be fairly simple eg: OBDII etc

This bundle includes the m2-atx power supply which has a dc-dc converter built in as well as ignition based start up and shut down.

Screens are very much a car specific thing. Search the faqs, work log(for dashs similar to yours, Check out the double din kit if you have a double din dash.

Lilliputs are reliable and inexpensive. You might want to look at that as an option. Just remember to power the Lilliput off of a regulated 12v lead supplied by the comptuer PSU. (an extra yellow and black hard drive connector is a great place to tap regulated 12v)

**IamDan** · 05-28-2009, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the quick reply.. I did a few quick measurements last night and found my stock head-unit was 230mm X 120mm (9"x4.75"). I sent and e-mail to the people at mp3Car store and they replied extremly quickly

with the measurement for the lilliput double din unit but im having trouble reading the mesurement correctly, can anyone give me the sizes with and with bezel?

**rizaydog** · 05-29-2009, 10:58 AM

Dan, try not to get too hung up on the dimensions. You will need to Take the screen out of the stock case and customize it to fit in your car.

**IamDan** · 05-29-2009, 01:33 PM

Sorry mate but it sort of all "hangs" on the screen fitting in the empty hole. The boss (read wife) would not be to happy with me cutting into the dash. I to would like the factory fitted look. Two reasons for this 1)Looks alot better IMHO 2)Gives me options come time to sell the vehicle. I would like to be able to return it to stock should i ever need to sell. BTW thanx heaps for the replies.

Thanks Dan

**rizaydog** · 05-29-2009, 04:04 PM

I was talking about customizing the monitor, not your car. Sometimes you can make the lcd case fit into your dash. Other times, you can use a double din installation kit for your make/model car. That is how I did mine. No mods to the car itself.

**trinybwoy** · 05-29-2009, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Fiberoptic

..... Just remember to power the Lilliput off of a regulated 12v lead supplied by the comptuer PSU. (an extra yellow and black hard drive connector is a great place to tap regulated 12v)....

hey question, will distance cause any issue in regards to power?
my lcd is in the dash above the radio and my carputer is in the trunk.
thats about 12-13 feet of wire i am going to run.

**csfile** · 05-30-2009, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by trinybwoy

hey question, will distance cause any issue in regards to power?
my lcd is in the dash above the radio and my carputer is in the trunk.
thats about 12-13 feet of wire i am going to run.

It should be ok for the power. I would recommend keeping the ground shorter though.

**HiJackZX1** · 05-30-2009, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by IamDan

Sorry mate but it sort of all "hangs" on the screen fitting in the empty hole. The boss (read wife) would not be to happy with me cutting into the dash. I to would like the factory fitted look. Two reasons for this 1)Looks alot better IMHO 2)Gives me options come time to sell the vehicle. I would like to be able to return it to stock should i ever need to sell. BTW thanx heaps for the replies.

Thanks Dan

You may want to message WuNGuN, he drives a Ford Focus also, with your interior. His Bezel looks amazing. Here is the link to his work log.

WuNgUn PIC'S-Water cooled car PC 95% done!

**HiJackZX1** · 05-30-2009, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by csfile

It should be ok for the power. I would recommend keeping the ground shorter though.

The recommended size of a ground should always be 6 feet or less. I made mine 1 foot. If you dont find a ground point, then make one. Drill a hole and sand away the paint, down to the bare metal and put a bolt.