2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited

**shakes** · 04-05-2004, 11:58 PM

Well after finding this site back in October I started planning my CarPC ... Now about 5 months later I finally have a good part of my system in.

I guess the pics are more exciting so I'll list them first ... They're a little bigger than the requested max (about 50k @ 640x480) so hopefully it won't get pulled.

I have lots more pics on my site: http://gallery.jackshakes.com/carputer/

The PC is hidden in the center console:

I fabricated this dash piece using a spare from the junk yard ... I made a wooden frame for the LCD so I didn't have to ruin my lilliput casing:

Specs:
- Via M10000, 256MB RAM, 12Gig Laptop HD (it was free)
- PW-70a & Carnetix 1280
- Soundblaster Extigy
- Lilliput
- USB GPS Mouse from eBay
- Running MediaCar (in the pics, use frodoplayer now and centrafuse when 1.3 is released)
- Using Routis for GPS
- 7 Port USB Hub
- Bluetooth adapter
- 8 in 1 Memory Card Reader

The USB hub, BT adapter, & Mem Reader are under the front seat, forgot to take a pic.

Still to do

- Install DVD Player (in a temporary location)
- Get a better Power Solution and power the USB hub from it. (done, Carnetix)
- Get the bluetooth adapter talking with my T610 for internet access
- WiFi
- Hide the IR receiver for my keyboard and Lilliput. (done)

I'll add more as i think of it .... and I'll update this thread as my system evolves.

I could talk more about the setup but i figure i'll just let you guys look through the pics and ask whatever questions and give any comments you have.

thanks for the input!

And special thanks to the following users:

- coyote
- febsperanza
- Confused
- Ricky327

and anyone else who's given me help/advice!

Update 07-05

A few spec changes noted above. I've ditched the ITPS and now use the Carnetix 1280 with the PW-70a. It's a better solution by far. other than that and a few minor adjustments, the system's been going strong.

**Freeman** · 04-06-2004, 12:06 AM

awesome setup, i wish my arm rest compartment was a little bigger so i too could fit me pc in their

**robiewp** · 04-06-2004, 12:13 AM

that's one hell of a molding job on the screen/ trim there. Wish you could do my jeep

**hanzacra** · 04-06-2004, 12:19 AM

Very impressive, I'm doing almost the exact same thing in almost the exact same Jeep. I'm even using the same 12V power switch you are. Unfortunately, I'm only at this stage (see attached). Any cooling issues with the armrest? Thanks for the pics.

**wizardPC** · 04-06-2004, 01:26 AM

:drool:

nice molding job on the screen!

**binary.h4x** · 04-06-2004, 06:52 AM

nice and clean!

**shakes** · 04-06-2004, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by hanzacra

Very impressive, I'm doing almost the exact same thing in almost the exact same Jeep. I'm even using the same 12V power switch you are. Unfortunately, I'm only at this stage (see attached). Any cooling issues with the armrest? Thanks for the pics.

if you haven't already, check the pics on my site to see the board i made to mount the PC to. I used bondo to mold some mobo mounts and the HD mount and it worked out pretty well.

as for cooling ... i was worried about that and originally planned on adding a fan in there ... but there is NO extra room. So I just let it ride ... in the armrest there is an air duct that runs below where the PC is to heat the floor of the backseat. Well where the duct stops and blows into the vents at the bottom of the console there's a small gap. What I've found is the gap is enough to force air in the console to circulate. So all I have to do is put the A/C through the floor as well as the dash and it wil keep the compartment very cool.

It even stays cool with the heat on as long as the air coming through the duct is colder than the air in the console.

as far as the screen ... i'm pleased with how it came out. I should point out this is my first attempt at bondo and before this project I had never even seen the stuff (other than the can at the store) ... patience is the key. You just gotta take your time ... sand more than you've ever sanded before ... and don't think you'll get it done in a day. The screen took me a few weekends and every evening of one week before vacation.

**shakes** · 04-06-2004, 10:32 AM

oh ... and I plan on doing a full writeup for the project ... so hopefully i'll have that on my site within the next few weeks.

**transist0r** · 04-06-2004, 12:25 PM

looks great! im making one for my zj

**ML430** · 04-06-2004, 12:36 PM

Awesome job Shakes.. I am just about to bondo my Lilliput into my ML430 dash and was contemplating on how best to create a "clean" frame around the screen. The thought to use a nice wood trim as a placeholder never crossed my mind. I will be using this same exact method for my dash as well.

I would be interested in some more detailed steps on the bondo work.... Like what brand you used and where you bought it, etc... and what primer/paint you used to finish it off with...

Job well done, I am excited to get mine knocked out now...