Almost to the build stage any suggestions

**zmann** · 08-26-2004, 02:36 PM

Ok hopefully I won’t Sound like I'm stupid.

Here it goes, I have been looking all over the internet to find all the information about making a car pc, and I think I have figured out what I’m going to use. I’m posting this to hear if anyone has suggestions on how to save a little money or possible ways to save time and aggravation.

The car is a 2004 Nissan 350Z (before anyone says hey you have money stop complaining. I saved money for 10 years to have the car of my dreams I’m not rich)

The main components to the putter are going to be parts I have around, now I plan on making an enclosure for it at some point till then it will be in a normal ATX case in the trunk area. They are all full size components so I’m a little worried about heat. I have plenty of fans to implement in the set up but then I fear I may have to worry about noise if I need more than 2 fans. So has anyone had problems with heat in this type of setup?

Screen will be a lilliput. There is a location in the dash that hides itself where the factory GPS went (If you got the factory GPS, I didn’t so that area is a storage pocket with a door) I just have to figure out how to fab that screen in that location. Any Suggestions?

I have been looking for software for this set up. I will use media car for the GUI but as far as a GPS software I have looked into destinator 3 and mappoint both for the USA. DAM there allot more expensive than I was expecting. Are there any sites you can get maps I have a copy of destination 2 but no maps.

GPS receiver. Can someone give a suggestion for a good USB type?

There it is. If I have overlooked any aspects or you have suggestions please feel free to help.

Zmann

**GruvThang** · 08-26-2004, 02:51 PM

Welcome, nice first post, the secret is not to let out the magic smoke that is hidden in the components.

Seriously, the only thing I suggest is stay aware! It is easy to cross positive and negative, so take lots of breaks and plan thoroughly!

**gambit32** · 08-26-2004, 03:08 PM

Your screen ideas has been done. I saw a pic of it somewhere. It was an orange Z.

**zmann** · 08-26-2004, 05:13 PM

gambit if you ever run across it again please send a link.

I guess my main questions are do you think the heat will be a problem with the fact that I'm using desktop Items and where can I get the software to do GPS for free or for alot less.

**pip** · 08-26-2004, 05:16 PM

Here:
2003 Nissan 350Z CarPC

**zPilott** · 08-26-2004, 05:57 PM

I have a xenarc installed in my Z, it was super easy to do (no fabrication needed) and I believe that the lilliput is the same size.

Most peopel are putting their computers in the glove box. I have a track, and no sub, so I put it behind the drivers seat, and got the bose sub cover for ventilation.

Some other ideas:
I installed a FM modulator, with a switch. I didn't want some ugly switch hanging around, so I installed it attached to the shifter, under the boot. You can't see it, but if you know where to grab, you can feel it. Only works on the manual though.

If you have a vert you can't do this one, but next to the tcs/vdc switch is an empty slot. I mounted the power switch for my pc there, with a 'TCS OFF' switch (it stands for The Carputer System, not Traction Control System as some think).

If you don't have a touring, you can get the heated seat switches, and you can also get the steering wheel controls for the Infinity FX as a straight swap for the steering wheel controls (the FX has radio and cruise on the wheel)

god_of_cpu put together a circuit to power the pc from the remote for his g35, take a look here: http://g35driver.com/forums/showflat...view=&sb=&vc=1

Have fun!

**Motoko** · 08-26-2004, 06:20 PM

For USB GPS recievers, anyone of those on ebay will do the trick.

**zmann** · 08-26-2004, 08:10 PM

Awsome pic's of the lamans z puter.
Well I do have the touring model so I have a sub behind my seat. Altough, there is a space in the trunk behind the rear strut tower brace. This location is hard to see from the outside of the car. I was also thinking of a custom enclosure there. Perhaps even a plexi glass top so when you open the rear hatch you can see into the puter, Who knows.
As for power up and down, till I get a something that will handle startup and shutdown automaticly (I've seen some) there is an extra button slot next to the heated seat buttons. All the rest of the buttons are used for traction control the vcd system ext.
Getting sound into the radio will have to be rf mod for now. One project to do at a time radio will be next. (after I build another carpc for the wife)

**muldrick** · 08-26-2004, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by zmann

Screen will be a lilliput. There is a location in the dash that hides itself where the factory GPS went (If you got the factory GPS, I didn’t so that area is a storage pocket with a door) I just have to figure out how to fab that screen in that location. Any Suggestions?

I see you got this answered. But I was thinking that you could get the door components (for a Z with nav.) from the dealer. I sure like the "hide a screen" option.