Mazda 3 Carputer Idea: Assistance

**NightRiderMZ3** · 02-23-2007, 01:42 AM

Hello everyone.
I am hoping that this is enough information to be offered assistance. I recently bought a 2005 Mazda 3 S Touring and the main mod i have in mind is to construct and install a carputer system. I would like the mini-itx computer in the glovebox (which is pretty big btw). The screen would not replace the current system at all. What it will do is be flush above the top vents in the center console as is true with the stock navigation system that comes with the Grand Touring model. Specs are below:

O/S Install: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
Software: Maybe the StreetDeck Pro Software, otherwise standard software
Features: Movies, MP3, DVD, Navigation, CD-Audio, and emulation gaming
Options: Bluetooth (for mouse), GPS (for nav)

The link to all the parts I am looking into is in this Word document: Click Here

The diagram showing my interior and placement of units

Closeup of the end result i'd like to see for the lilliput monitor that manually can flip up:

The questions I have are the following. Would the on-board video for the Jetway motherboard mentioned in the word document be sufficient to run Media Center application within Windows, or at least StreetDeck at 30fps?
If not, would a PCI Radeon video card fit and work in the case mentioned? Lastly, after assembling the computer ready to go (OS installed and everything), would it be practical to have a shop install this instead of doing it myself? I'm not very savy when it comes to DC-DC converters and such, little worried about that.

Thanks for all your help!

**pinga** · 02-23-2007, 11:20 AM

Do you know where to get that piece of the dash??? or is that a custom fab?

**RedGTiVR6** · 02-23-2007, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by NightRiderMZ3

The questions I have are the following. Would the on-board video for the Jetway motherboard mentioned in the word document be sufficient to run Media Center application within Windows, or at least StreetDeck at 30fps?

In my experience, onboard audio from the MII12000 was adequate. Nothing fantastic, but it was good for my needs.

Lastly, after assembling the computer ready to go (OS installed and everything), would it be practical to have a shop install this instead of doing it myself? I'm not very savy when it comes to DC-DC converters and such, little worried about that.

If you're not comfortable learning about the wiring in the car, take it somewhere.

**NightRiderMZ3** · 02-23-2007, 11:34 AM

you can get it from japanparts.com, although i have trouble viewing that web page because it uses japanese language pack.

Red, thanks for your input. You mean onboard video correct, not audio? I would probably go with the MII12000 and no pci video expansion card to start off, instead of the jetway.

**pinga** · 02-23-2007, 11:38 AM

I have this and a 7 in touchscreen and I am putting in my pc today. It is going to be pretty much the same thing that you are going to do.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MAZDA...spagenameZWDVW

**salvi** · 02-23-2007, 01:06 PM

I would recommend the SP13000 from VIA, which is a 1.3GHz. With the PSU, you can find the M2-ATX at a cheaper price. The screen, well, after reading all the remarks from people having trouble with the lilliput, I would go with the Xenarc instead.

With the case, if you don't need the internal CD, the VoomPC case is a better choice and might be smaller.

With the mounting of the screen, it really looks like it will need some customization. I like the pod from ebay posted, but I don't like the flip out screen used because it makes it be really high. What I would do is to buy the pod and fab it up to accept the regular screen instead. It will be at least 3-5 inches lower then the flip out screen.

**DodgeCummins** · 02-23-2007, 08:38 PM

On my EPIA M10000 the onboard audio is pretty good...but the onboard video sux.

So I am using a pci video card...and onboard audio.

**mezz64** · 02-23-2007, 10:49 PM

You can find the jetway cheaper on newegg, and theres a rebate at the moment. Just a heads up. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813153048

**NightRiderMZ3** · 02-23-2007, 11:06 PM

thanks for everyone's input. I am most likely going with a jetway motherboard, thanks for the link mezz.
pinga, that was my first choice, but as salvi posted, i would like everything to be embedded into the dash, not sticking out as it will sit too high and attact too much attention from cops and robbers alike. so many choices!

**iNcArCeRaTiOn** · 03-02-2007, 06:38 PM

dude i must know how you mounted that screen to that piece you got from www.japanparts.com i have the EXACT same thing and i am having the most difficult part of mounting my dynamix 8" screen to that little bar that moves in it.

please tell me (if possible also show me with pictures) how you mounted the screen to that and did you make the screen permanent or still able to slide up under the cover

Originally Posted by pinga

Do you know where to get that piece of the dash??? or is that a custom fab?

you can get that piece and many other mazda parts from www.japanparts.com