My 2004 Ford F-150 install

**cirrus_** · 10-07-2009, 07:23 AM

Here is my project from last year. This is actually my 2nd "truckputer", the first one was waaay back in 1987. I wanted to keep it simple and get the most bang for my buck. I also wanted to go back to stock pretty easily. This replaces the stock ashtray in my F-150, there was quite a bit of room for the PC behind it.

System Specs:
Intel mini-itx w/ 1.6GHz Atom 512MB RAM
80GB PATA HDD(pull from 4yr old dead laptop)
Crystalfontz CFA635 LCD
USB WiFi adapter
Ubuntu 8.10 Server OS
M3-ATX power supply
Custom enclosure

Features/Software:
Custom UI for LCD: Frontend for mpg123, asterisk, and wifi
OpenVPN to home network over WiFi
Asterisk for VoIP
Aircrack-ng

Construction/Install Pics

MB and templates for mounting and faceplate.

Fiberglass mold for LCD faceplate.

Faceplate out of mold.

Case assembly (mostly fiberglass)

Faceplate assembly (contains LCD, mic, power switch and HDD LED)

Finished faceplate, layup of 1 ply of carbon fiber just to try to match the OEM faux CF interior trim.

Finished case assembly

Completed, ready to install

Enclosure - rear

FM Modulator for audio thru factory stereo

Enclosure installed

Completed installation

**Mage** · 10-07-2009, 06:06 PM

Love the simple, yet expandable setup. love the lcd what kind of it? how did you make the buttons?

Mage

**cirrus_** · 10-08-2009, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Mage

Love the simple, yet expandable setup. love the lcd what kind of it? how did you make the buttons?

Mage

Thanks, expandability is what I had in mind. I had planned for a "stage 2" with a touch panel LCD that would pop-up under the bin on the dash. Yet still be able to control most of the apps (music player,etc) with the crystalfontz display.

The LCD is a CrystalFontz 635. The buttons are integrated with the LCD on the pcb. You get the button states by sending commands to the controller. The display worked really well. I thought I would have problems with the display washing out in the heat of the summer, but I had no problems at all.