Mazda RX-8 Stealthy CarPC install

**bes51659** · 03-19-2008, 05:17 AM

Congratulation to a very tidy installation!

About cooling in closed compartments: http://www.peltierelement.com/
Or maybe you can find a glovecompartment fridge?

**coffeejolts** · 03-19-2008, 09:10 AM

Nice install. I have a few questions for you about it.

1. How is the monitor in direct sunlight?
2. Do you think the satnav housing is really worth the price? You can build a carputer (w/o monitor) cheaper than that.

I ask because I'm installing in a Mazda6, and the same satnav housing is available for the 6 on japanparts.

**Nerve** · 03-19-2008, 04:41 PM

1. I'm not sure yet. Don't get much Sun in London! I'll comment when I know but this is a TMR screen which has a semi light absorbent screen so I think it will perform well. Certainly not had any trouble on the few short journeys I've tested so far.

2. Well it depends whether you have the time and effort to make your own housing. My choice was simple. What is the easiest way to hook a computer up to your in car speakers? The Car2pc module is that solution but it of course plugs into the OEM stereo. So either you keep the stereo or find something that would bypass it but I don't know of a solution that doesn't require cutting wires. Do you have any other suggestions?

@bes51659 - Thanks. I like the fridge idea!

**Nerve** · 03-19-2008, 06:14 PM

Well here are the temps. A little worrying:

Winbond W83697HF temp 1 - 52
Winbond W83697HF temp 2 - 59
HDD - 51
ACPI - 21

I can't find the correct operating temps for the Via Luke 1Ghz but they do sound a little high and it's quite cool in my garage.

My glovebox is not sealed and you can get to it from under the dash so I may be able to add a big pipe and fan to channel the air but cooling is not my forte so some research will need to be done.

**coffeejolts** · 03-20-2008, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Nerve

What is the easiest way to hook a computer up to your in car speakers? The Car2pc module is that solution but it of course plugs into the OEM stereo. So either you keep the stereo or find something that would bypass it but I don't know of a solution that doesn't require cutting wires. Do you have any other suggestions?

I'm using AuxMOD in my Mazda6, but thinking of going to Car2PC to get the steering wheel controls.

The temps do seem a little high, especially for the hard disk. have you tried checking the PC temps outside the car? Again, congrats on a very nice install.

**MitchellO** · 03-25-2008, 04:25 PM

Those look like similar temps that I was getting last time I checked the temps in my setup (over a month ago). It was during our Aussie summer, and it survived

Was in the boot though, I considered the glovebox but there wasn't enough space for my system.

**Nerve** · 03-26-2008, 07:34 AM

Running for a couple of hours and temps rose up to 70 degrees. Now I know that is not normal. Supprisingly, though, the system remained stable. However, I know it won't last long at that temp. The manual is a little vague on operating temps. 50 degrees is quoted as the temp. I assume that is the CPU temp. So I'll need to work on some heat extraction. Fortunately, my glovebox is not sealed so I can probably provide some extra heating for the passengers feet!! It's only around 5-10 degrees in the UK at the moment so summer will be even more of a problem.

**Kimota** · 03-26-2008, 05:45 PM

Hi Nerve,

Though I'd share this with a fellow Ocho owner

I had some free time so I decieded to put a usb hub underneath the radio. It's a Vantec usb hub that persuaded to fit using a dremel tool and some epoxy.

[media]http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/attachments/show-off-your-project/48767d1206566346-05-mazda-rx8-done-whew-usb-install.jpg[/media]

[media]http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/attachments/show-off-your-project/48769d1206566403-05-mazda-rx8-done-whew-usb-removed.jpg[/media]

[media]http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/attachments/show-off-your-project/48768d1206566403-05-mazda-rx8-done-whew-usb-rear.jpg[/media]

**Nerve** · 03-28-2008, 06:02 AM

Very slick. Nice work Kimota. I noticed that panel came out when I put the satnav housing in. Very handy hey!

I need to make some more mods to my box to give it some air flow. Plus I wanna add sat radio and I might look at getting a better GPS module... it never ends!

**Electronicsuk** · 08-16-2010, 03:08 PM

Nerve, have you got a link or part number for that flip-up LCD housing? I assume it isn't motorised? I don't have factory fitted navigation in my RX-8, how much effort was involved in taking the dash to bits and fitting the housing?