2003 Lexus IS300 - my first install!

**Ogold007** · 09-11-2006, 03:28 AM

[Jan 10, 2007 Update]
I finally got around to finishing a complete write-up on how I put this together. It's 5 pages long and contains A LOT more pictures than the few I show below. Be sure to check it out and I hope you enjoy!
http://orengold.googlepages.com/

I finally completed my first carputer (in only about 4 months time)! I never thought I could actually pull it off since I've never done anything remotely electrical before; much thanks to Rafster and 0l33l for all their help!

Although I still want to make some minor tweaks, it is up and running and I couldn't be happier!

Specs:
VIA EPIA M10000 Mini-ITX Mainboard
512MB DDR RAM PC2700 184-Pin DIMM Memory
60GB 2.5" ATA-6 Notebook Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Slot Load DVD-ROM/CD-RW
OPUS 120 watt DC-DC power Supply
XENARC 700TSV Monitor

**psyrex** · 09-11-2006, 12:44 PM

Very nice!

Just curious, you didn't motorize the housing? I have an '02, and it looks similar (not the glove compartment part, though).

**Ogold007** · 09-11-2006, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by psyrex

Very nice!

Just curious, you didn't motorize the housing? I have an '02, and it looks similar (not the glove compartment part, though).

Nope, couldn't justify the extra $800 or so to motorize it :-)

**Quattro** · 09-11-2006, 01:06 PM

Nice install looks good.

Originally Posted by Ogold007

Nope, couldn't justify the extra $800 or so to motorize it :-)

You can motorize it yourself, it'll be pretty simple. All you need is a couple of limits switches and a actuator or servo depending on how the screen opens.

**psyrex** · 09-11-2006, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by Ogold007

Nope, couldn't justify the extra $800 or so to motorize it :-)

OEM motor is ~$200, and on the my.is forum, I started posting pics of the board I designed to power the motor. The OEM housing uses a linear pot to detect position and I built a circuit around reading from it.

**Quattro** · 09-11-2006, 01:28 PM

Look here, just what you need.

Motorized Screen [TEST]

**Ogold007** · 09-11-2006, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by psyrex

OEM motor is ~$200, and on the my.is forum, I started posting pics of the board I designed to power the motor. The OEM housing uses a linear pot to detect position and I built a circuit around reading from it.

Eh, I still have no interest in motorizing it. I think I've closed the screen a total of 3 times so far (in the month that I've already had it installed) It doesn't seem worth the money, and even more importantly, my time to work on it :-)

**Ogold007** · 09-11-2006, 02:23 PM

Actually, now that I think about it some more...it would be kind of cool to have it open automatically when i start the car (and likewise when I turn it off) :-) Maybe that'll be my next project...