2004 Mazda3 Carputer Worklog - Installed!

**Stealth915** · 06-24-2008, 01:35 PM

I've been a frequent visitor here for a long time, always wanting to build a CarPC. I finally caved and started seriously planning 2 months ago. I decided to start a running worklog to remind myself of what else needs to be done, and to keep track on the progress I've made.

Quick specs on the CarPC:

Case: Mini-box M300 Mini-ITX Enclosure
PSU: M2-ATX Intelligent DC-DC PSU
Mobo: Intel D201GLY2A mini-ITX
CPU: onboard Celeron 220 1.2Ghz CPU
Video: onboard SiS Graphics
RAM: 1GB Ultra Low-Profile DDR2 SDRAM
Sound: Creative X-Fi Extreme Music PCI card
HDD: Seagate Momentus 5400.4 2.5″ - 160Gb
Optical: Pioneer DVR-K06 Slim DVD-RW
GPS: USGlobalSat BU-353 USB GPS Receiver
WiFi: Edimax EW-7318USG USB 2.0 Wireless LAN Hi-Gain Adapter
Bluetooth: MSI Starkey Bluetooth Dongle
Radio: Visteon HDZ300 HD Radio

http://bluecarputer.wordpress.com/

I'll mainly be updating the blog, as I find it easier to organize the posts and such, but I'll be watching this thread as well.

**Stealth915** · 06-25-2008, 06:04 PM

Update:

Added Power Consumption Calculations, and the thought process for selecting the hardware components.

I realize my worklog posts may be a bit wordy, but I want to be able to make it so that someone who may be familiar with computers and cars (but not CarPC's) to be able to read it, understand it, and use it as a guide for their own application.

**rdholtz** · 06-25-2008, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Stealth915

I realize my worklog posts may be a bit wordy, but I want to be able to make it so that someone who may be familiar with computers and cars (but not CarPC's) to be able to read it, understand it, and use it as a guide for their own application.

No apologies necessary. The space is free, and the information could be priceless to someone. Keep it up.

**Stealth915** · 06-26-2008, 06:34 PM

Thanks for the encouragement, rdholtz, I like how your worklog is also very detailed - I might have to steal some ideas from your install! =)

Updated Worklog with part 2 of selecting hardware components. Things will get more interesting soon.

**Stealth915** · 07-01-2008, 04:15 PM

Update: putting the PC together: part 1.
Installing the Mobo, M2-ATX, X-Fi, and a 2.5" HDD into the Mini-box M300 case.

**Stealth915** · 07-08-2008, 05:37 PM

Update: putting the PC together: part 2

Routing cables and wires into and out of the M300 case.

**Stealth915** · 08-10-2008, 07:10 AM

took a break from carputering, but I'm back working on it again!

update: M2-ATX override switch in dash

**Stealth915** · 08-11-2008, 07:08 PM

small update: extending power switch/led cable

**Stealth915** · 08-17-2008, 05:47 AM

Update: Illuminated Power Switch

On a sidenote, I'm spending this weekend installing the carputer. I hope to get it done before monday, so more pics and updates to follow...

**Stealth915** · 09-12-2008, 07:37 PM

Update: Carputer Installed!

OK, so it's actually been installed for a month now, but I've just been too busy to make a post about it until now.

Still a few wrinkles to iron out, but it works! See the blog post for pictures/description.