Thread: Ford Focus MP3 Car PC

News, been replaced by Ford Focus, and is now installed again... http://www.stevieg.org/carpc

Big update 6th June 2004 - much more info on the in car internet, traffic data, satellite tracking etc

Updated 25th June 2004 - More on new hardware, software in the works. See News and Hardware section

Looks V nice steve!

Now for the question - has anyone managed to squeeze an 8" lilliput into a MR MK1 ?? (I think I've made a mistake in buying such a large screen for such a small car!)

The only place I can put it so that it's remotely usable is on the dashboard, in the centre (on the little rectangular bit for those who know the car)....but it SCREAMS ** STEAL ME **

Anyone got any tips on A) where to put it (other than the for sale pages!)

B) what do you guys do to make it less of a target for thieves? (I can't imagine taking it out every single time I leave the car - those lilliput connectors look like they wont last the distance!)


final thought - - has anyone made any sort of "plug n play" all in one, sturdy connection ? I'm considering maybe going this route for a quick install/removal

Anyone ?

All thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated

Rob.

Originally Posted by RobIles

Looks V nice steve!

Now for the question - has anyone managed to squeeze an 8" lilliput into a MR MK1 ?? (I think I've made a mistake in buying such a large screen for such a small car!)

The only place I can put it so that it's remotely usable is on the dashboard, in the centre (on the little rectangular bit for those who know the car)....but it SCREAMS ** STEAL ME **

Anyone got any tips on A) where to put it (other than the for sale pages!)

B) what do you guys do to make it less of a target for thieves? (I can't imagine taking it out every single time I leave the car - those lilliput connectors look like they wont last the distance!)


final thought - - has anyone made any sort of "plug n play" all in one, sturdy connection ? I'm considering maybe going this route for a quick install/removal

Anyone ?

All thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated

Rob.

A) You could do a custom install - perhaps swapping the heater control unit to the bottom, and building the screen in the double din space

B) I leave mine in overnight and when I'm not leaving it long, but when it's at work it comes straight out! If the connectors break I'll just make another one - I've had to do that so far for the VGA connector itself (where it plugs into the PC unit - the USB join inside split and was shorting!)

Prolly the best place to post this question though is in one of the tft/fabrication forums - get a bit more interest there.

Also how far have you got with your install - be good to read more about it

Thanks for getting back to me.

I've heard (read) that moving the heater controls was a no-go - - - might have to investigate further!

as for taking it out/replacing connectors etc, I think I've talked myself into building a cusomt housing of some sort - - connectors (VGA & power) in one solid block - - just lift "the block" out, and stach it in glove box!! ....needs more consideration though.

hmmm - - maybe I'l just have to give it a go

will post to suggested group - thanks again.

how far am I ? ...I'm sitting in my living room, looking at a pile of boxes - lilliput, GPS mouse, Dlink Radio,reversing cam......recently ordered opus 90W and epia board............wondering how on earth this screen is gonna fit, and how long before my car insurance premium rockets!!!

Thanks for the interest - - I'l be sure to post some pictures as soon as theres something worth posting

.....off to ponder the possibilities......

Rob

Originally Posted by RobIles

Thanks for getting back to me.

I've heard (read) that moving the heater controls was a no-go - - - might have to investigate further!

FWIW, the 2nd gen MR2 HVAC controls have big a mechanical slider for the temp setting...it is really hard to relocate and maintain function.

Website updated again (28th Sept) to co-incide with UK magazine feature, in 'Custom PC' - UK ppl, get down to the shops on the 1st Oct and pic up a copy of Issue 14, which has a feature on the install, and various other MP3Car software..

Here's what to look out for