97 Nissan MAXIMAPC Version 2

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04-17-2011, 09:40 PM
kasemodz

97 Nissan MAXIMAPC Version 2
I decided to upgrade my carpc that I had done last year. If anyone is interested in looking at the old setup, here is the link http://www.mp3car.com/show-off-your-...-maximapc.html

Some Problems with the old Setup
1. Too much Power Consumption
2. Bugs with home made startup/shutdown controller
3. Static Noise heard
4. Long USB cables causing signal problems
5. Long bootup time
So I got rid of the old setup and had the following new components.

Quote:

Intel D410PT MINI ITX Motherboard w/ Fanless 1.6 GHZ Intel Atom Processor
Corsair 32GB SSD Drive
M4-ATX Startup/Shutdown Controller
TUFF N TINY 4GB Flash Drive
Nlite Windows Xp Professional SP2
Custom Plexiglas enclosure designed to fit completely behind the dashboard
OEM Nissan Heated Switch integrated for on/off purposes
Custom Integrated USB Port in the Ashtray

I still kept the same devices (like the Garmin GPS, OBDII controller) but I decided to store all my music in a flash drive. Since the software I was using was Centrafuse 3.1, it still did not support ipod capibility with iphones and itouches, I decided that there is no point in storing the music on an ipod.

Pictures

The Old Setup
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0119.JPG

A close up of the old switch
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0120.JPG

So, now the new stuff, the goal of this project was to:
1. Keep the existing OEM look
2. Fix all problems from previous setup
3. Integrate everything behind the dash
4. Keep the new project on a budget.
First, I decided to get a MINI ITX form board, because I realized I had just enough space to fit a MINI-ITX board if I could get my hands on. Now, I know that ventilation in that area is minimal, so I had to keep cooling in my mind. I came across this one day on ebay
http://www.mini-box.com/core/media/m...41af73e38446c3
and it was perfect for my application. It was fanless and only drew 20 - 25 watts at maximum load, which meant less power consumption, and less thermal heat, which I got for 40 bux (awesome deal). So, I ended up getting that, and while I was there I also got a M4-ATX shutdown/startup controller which worked soo much better than my old setup (got a used one for 30 bux). I also got a SSD drive, because I wanted to boot to the os fast and stop the hard drive from failing from vibrations in the car. This is the one I got, cuz I got it on ebay for just 24 dollars!! Insane steal!
http://www.scan.co.uk/Images/Products/1036515-a.jpg

Next, I had slipstream my windows xp cd, so I used nlite for that. I found an online tutorial showing how to slipstream xp cd for a netbook so I followed that and got good results. Below are a few pictures.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0122.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0123.JPG

Next, I wired my OEM Nissan Heated seat warmer switch. I wired it up for use and then used a 2000 grit wet and dry sandpaper to remove the marking off the switch.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0125.JPG

Next, I made my wiring diagram which is shown below.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...pc%20setup.jpg

Installation
Here are some install pictures. Below you will see my plexiglass enclosure. The design came out perfect, I had only a few mm in tolerance around the edges. I also fitted a small fan to blow any heat generated.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0127.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0129.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0130.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0134.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0128.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0135.JPG

Now doing a test run.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0143.JPG

TADAAAAAAA

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0150.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0155.JPG

Finishing.......FINISHED
Here is the finished setup with everything working, as you can see the new switch at its location.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0156.JPG

My USB port integrated into the ash tray

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0179.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0158.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0161.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0162.JPG

Finished!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_f...0/IMG_0167.JPG

Everything is installed and working at the moment, I might have to upgrade my usb port as it seems it sometimes losses signal. But overall, I would like to know your thoughts and opinions on this project. So, what do you all think?
04-18-2011, 11:26 AM
tibimakai

nicely done, but after having the Atom 230, I would have gone with a d525, just because it's a dual core.
how is the static noise and usb cable signal issues? any better?
I'm doing a DD install myself, but I'm trying to put more stuff in there, like HD radio adapter, amp9 amplifier. do you have speedfan running on your system, do you have any temp readings?
04-18-2011, 04:01 PM
kasemodz

Quote:

Originally Posted by tibimakai

nicely done, but after having the Atom 230, I would have gone with a d525, just because it's a dual core.
how is the static noise and usb cable signal issues? any better?
I'm doing a DD install myself, but I'm trying to put more stuff in there, like HD radio adapter, amp9 amplifier. do you have speedfan running on your system, do you have any temp readings?

With my current atom, I'm quite happy with the performance. I'm not sure how much power the dual core would consume, but if I had to guess its prob more. I knew that by putting the pc behind the dash, i would have low to minimal air circulation, so I tried to pick parts that used the minimum power consumption as possible. The static noise was a faulty audio chip from my old laptop, it wasn't any grounding issue.

The usb cable signal, I think that really depends on the length and the usb hub. In my old case, my usb cables were over 15 ft long in some cases and plus I didn't add any extra current, so I knew it was bound to have issues. Now all my cables are less than 6ft in length and I even added a 5v supply to the hub, but I still have interminent issues, so I think its really the hub that is giving me some issues (I used a cheap no brander usb hub), so overall I think getting good quality durable parts are the key.

As far as the temperature goes, I don't have a program yet for temp readings, but that is next on my to-do list. I did setup on the bios that if the motherboard temp > 85C, to turn it (and same my M4-ATX). Unless, the temperature probe are bad, they have not shut down yet even after one continuous hour.

One thing you can do, which I was also thinking of doing was to take a 1-2" diameter plastic hose (can get at almost any hardware store), attach it to the top of the fan, and take the hose out to vent underneath the dash and attach another fan to the end of the hose. That way all the hot air will be blown out into the car rather than circulating behind the dash (look below at my crappy drawing lol). Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_f.../s640/hose.jpg