How's this for my first carputer?

**ilmickeyli** · 04-10-2005, 11:23 PM

Any suggestions are appreciated -- I've never done this before <3:

Head Unit (already own):
Alpine 9827 with AI-NET Aux Input cable (computer as aux input)

7" Flip-up LCD Screen (Xenarc) - $599:
http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...products_id=91

These two should fit nicely in my VW double-din HU space already (I hope)...

Subs (already own):
2 - 10" RF Punch 2's

Amp (do not own):
Not sure yet.

Computer:
I have an extra athlon 1600+ sitting around without a purpose -- but am not sure if i want to go miniITX... Was pondering an opus PSU.

USB GPS and Wireless would be suggested -- I already own streets and trips 05

Also was pondering how it would be to make my DVD drive easy to get to.

**sansoo24** · 04-12-2005, 03:26 AM

I would sell the alpine and not use a head unit at all. Buy 2 amps one for subs one for coaxials. The PC will provide better sound quality anyways. Plus that leaves roon in the din for the dvd drive. That athlon should make a pretty good chip. Faster than the epia boards. Id look for a micro-atx board. Not that much bigger than the micros. http://carpc.kyferez.com/ <--- Go here and use there PSU calculator to figure out what size PSU you actually need. This should give you a good start of what to look for and what other things you may actually need.

IF you need help diciding on amps let me know and provide some specs of the subs.

**mattress** · 04-13-2005, 03:40 PM

if you listen to the radio, keep the headunit ... as of right now there is no GOOD way to integrate radio into a carPC.

also, if you don't have a headunit, you'd have to get a 4 channel amp, and that's even more expensive then a head unit..

also, with a headunit, you have volume control at your fingertips, which is a plus -- so you don't have to fabricate your own control.

**MatrixPC** · 04-13-2005, 04:34 PM

I have to spend 250 bucks for a new Alpine HU, make a BIG hole in the dash to fit the HU, relocate the 115V switch and outlet, and chop the cig/aux power outlet just to have the HU so that I can listen to radio and music on a 5 minus trip to the liquor store.
Some people have to put the HU somewhere and relocate the faceplate to where they can reach from the driver seat.

Now you can buy that indash VGA screen (other people want to, but can't because product isn't available) and able to have the best of both world.

Now go figure if you need the HU or not.
There is NO reason to go HU less if you can have both VGA screen and HU on the dash.

Just double check your "to be" computer to see what kind of power draw from EACH rail and compare it to Opus to see if it is able to handle the load.

**Bugbyte** · 04-13-2005, 05:57 PM

I prefer the headunit because of its simplicity. It's just very easy to reach over and turn down the music. I would go out and buy one because of that, but if you have one, you don't necessarily have to eject it to put the computer in, unless dash space is an issue.

And yes, I know you can get a Griffin iTrip to do the same thing. But if you've already got the HU....