2004 Ford Ranger Edge

**Halo13** · 02-22-2006, 09:58 AM

Howdy Folks,

I Recently decided that I am going to install a PC in my truck after about a year of kicking the idea around. Does anyone out there have a ranger with a system installed in it? I would greatly appreciate some insite on getting the job done. The only problem I have is that I am in Iraq right now and waiting to get home but I have all the things I need to put the system together and I guess the only real problem i am having is figureing out how to tie the computer into the stereo system ( Insite there would be greatly apprciated as well. Tahnks for your time in advance and I hope you guys have a great day.

**brandonn** · 02-22-2006, 10:41 AM

I have an 03 edge and i installed a carpc about 4 months ago. For the motherboard i used the m1000 and mounted it behind the screen in the dash. I mounted the screen where the radio was. i just cut out the bottom so the screen would fit in the hole and it looks okay, good enough until i get around to flush mounting it .The power supply (i used an m1atx) is to the right of it. and the harddrive is attached to the metal bracket that is behind the radio bezel on the right. For the stereo i have a 4 channel amp beind the seat that is connected to the motherboard with a headphone jack to rca converter. I install have some pictures of my install if your interested let me know.

**Halo13** · 02-22-2006, 11:12 AM

Please do i would love to see what it might wind up looking like. I've got the equipment figured out that I am going to be using it's just a matter of getting it together so i can build it and have it ready for when I head home. Thanks for posting the pics in advance and take care.

**Shelbrain** · 02-22-2006, 11:59 AM

The stereo part depends a lot on whether you are going to keep the existing headunit or go without a headunit. I have chosen to keep my headunit for those times when the PC is "down"

**Halo13** · 02-23-2006, 02:27 AM

And that makes sense I'm just not sure if my head unit has the Aux in port on the back of it. It's the factory Headunit with the edge.

**Halo13** · 02-23-2006, 06:05 AM

Another question I have is this: Since the XM-PCR has been killed how does one go about getting XM into the system? I found a great front end I really like that supports Xm and I just need to figure out how to integrate now.

**dkguitarist** · 02-23-2006, 09:12 AM

i believe i read something about splicing into an "xm direct" module. search for "xm direct" and it should bring up stuff about it.

**tbird2340** · 02-23-2006, 09:14 AM

I have an 03 Ranger FX4. Check the link in my sig for my project details. I'll answer any questions you have.

**Halo13** · 02-24-2006, 10:52 AM

Ok I think I finally narrowed it down to what I am going to use to build the PC. The list is as follows:

Hardware:
VIA M10000 W/ PCMCIA and CF slots ( Seems to be a popular choice )
512 MB Ram
Sony 24x CD-R/RW / DVD Combo
MINI ITX case ( Notebook size to shove under the seat )
100 GB HD
8" Liliput TS monitor
USB HUB ( For all the other little goodies )

Software:
Windows XP SP2
Norton AV ( For the wireless portion )
Nero 7
Net Stumbler ( War Driving )
Mobile Impact Front End

Optional Stuff:
GPS Navigation system using IGuidance
XM Radio using the Hybrid Cable and the XM Module
USB Wireless adapter

What's the opinion on this setup? Any suggestions?

**tbird2340** · 02-24-2006, 11:19 AM

I will be selling my motherboard, case, PW70-A PSU, Carnetix P1260, and XMD1000 next week if you are interested..

You will have a very tough time fitting anything under your seat..