A plan for a Maxima Carputer

**ComradeJew** · 02-03-2007, 02:59 AM

Hi all,

Found out from a friend of mine that my generation of Maximas are extremely easy to get a Carputer implemented into. The double din section where the deck usually is would be an absolute perfect match for a liliput 7" touchscreen and the carputer itself will go under the driver seat.

I have a fairly good idea at what the carputers hardware is going to be - but I still have a few questions -

A. Power wise - how exactly will this be routed? I am going to be using a DC-DC PSU, but I want to get a controller that would survive cranking, automatically go to hibernate when the engine is off, etc.
B. What type of drilling/re-routing do I need to do for the power, if any?
C. Deck wise - I have a Kenwood KDC-MP4028 - I have 3 preouts that are populated by my amps and also what seems to be a port for a CD changer. How exactly do you guys link your computers if you dont have the regular 2.5/3.5 mm phone jack?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!

**crooper** · 02-03-2007, 02:54 PM

I just installed a CarPC in my 97 Max. Yes, the double DIN is great for a 7" screen (mine's a Xenarc). I put my PC in the trunk, since it's too big to go under the driver's seat, but slimmer case would probably fit.

Power: If you already have 4 or 8 awg wire to your amps, then you shouldn't have to do any drilling. Either use a distribution block to splice it off your stereo's power wire or make a new one. Route your power wires away from your signal wires to avoid alternator whine. Make sure you add an extra ground wire directly from your PC case.

You can use your HU's aux input if it has one, or if you might be able to find a suitable aux-in converter for your CD changer input. Just Google it, or search on Ebay. Personally, I have my amps hooked directly to my CarPC's X-Fi card. Sounds awesome.

Good luck!

**3g Jester** · 02-03-2007, 03:18 PM

Yeah. if you have power seats...you'll want to put it under your passenger seat. theres a lot of controls and servos under the driver seat that prevent you from putting **** under there. and if you mount the CDROM down there....then you will have to be reaching under and behind you to change ****. My puter sits below my passenger seat so i have a real easy time reaching down and under to change disks.

Although in v2.0 of my carputer the DVDROM is getting moved to the front dash and i am expanding my USB capabilities with a 4 port USB hub up front too.

**ComradeJew** · 02-03-2007, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by 3g Jester

Yeah. if you have power seats...you'll want to put it under your passenger seat. theres a lot of controls and servos under the driver seat that prevent you from putting **** under there. and if you mount the CDROM down there....then you will have to be reaching under and behind you to change ****. My puter sits below my passenger seat so i have a real easy time reaching down and under to change disks.

Although in v2.0 of my carputer the DVDROM is getting moved to the front dash and i am expanding my USB capabilities with a 4 port USB hub up front too.

I dont have power seats hehe... so that makes it a bit easier.

I do, however, have 4 gauge wiring for both my amps with a distribution block going to the speaker amp and to the sub amp... i found there is an aux converter for my deck however it is one that has RCA type outlets... is there a converter that goes RCA -> 3.5mm headphone jack?

**ComradeJew** · 02-08-2007, 01:12 AM

Also - while on the subject - which hard drive would be the best choice for the car computer environment?

I heard older laptop drives perform the best...