Mac Mini install in a Audi S4 Avant

**duglas** · 10-15-2006, 11:50 PM

OK, first off, this is my first CARPC, my first install, my first most everything..

2nd the car had a double Din Bose Radio in it.. I removed all the bose speakers and replaced them with Infiniti seperates in the front, 6.5" in the back doors.. They are run off the stock Bose amp (for now) with a stock 6" woofer..
I also have 2 @ 8" headrest LCD's for the back seats..

I have all these pictures in 8MP if anyone actually wants to see something better....
Ok, here we go..

OK, first off..wiring.. No kit exists, no wiring harness, nothing.. I used an Audi A6 Kit which is close to the S4 dash but not close enough to work without some work..
This was a cluster you know what.. I have a unit called a EFU that gives me my V1 Radar detector and boost readings on the computer between the tach and speed gauges, it runs off the stock radio plug and has lots of wires.. Then I have a Panasonic CD, Expander, Bluetooth, and Sirius Module and wiring.. Then all the wiring for the flip screen.. etc..
I know, it looks like my dash threw up..

As you can see, I am going to try to fit the Mac Mini in the glovebox.. I ordered a P1900 Power Supply from MP3Car but it is on back order, so for now, I have a normal invertor..

So, while atacking all this, I thought I would get around to installing my V1 Radar detector.. They are illegal in Virginia so I mounted it on the passanger sunvisor.. I had to extend the screws about 1 inch so it would fit right..

So, all wired up and working.. I put the XR1 Router with Verizon card behind the seat for now and connected to it through the wireless router. I connected the audio out from the Mac Mini with a PHONO to rca adapter to the Panasonic radio through the AUX input..

Ok, I know this is the most awful reskin EVER!!! but I just colored in the MITSU logo and copied a S4 logo over it.. I will get around to making my own when I have time to learn how..
So, I have to wiggle some wires around to get the 2 units to slide into the dash a little more, I also have to file down the install kit

I still have to figure out how to get video to the 8" LCD Headrest monitors..
Mac Mini is DVI out, I have a DVI to VGA Adapter.. I am guessing I am going to need to split that vga to 2 vga's, then get a VGA to RCA Adapter, then split that RCA to 2 RCA's for each screen.. I will attack that tomorrow..

Almost 1 AM now... Will send some more tomorrow...

**BA55UP** · 10-16-2006, 12:09 AM

hey man, i am impressed, i am doing the EXACT same thing in my astra

just wondering what front end you are using?
also there is an awsome tut so you dont have to use a power supply, you can just use an AC adaptor, ill make another one cause i cant actually find the one i used to make my adapter lol

i ordered the same screen aswell from ebay cause MP3car is out of stock

plus i live in australia so postage is pretty hard.

is the lilliput screen good?

thanks, Alex

**duglas** · 10-16-2006, 06:52 AM

I am using Road Runner and Blue Devil
I am happy with the screen, it even has a am/fm radio and built in amp if you want to just use a carpc

**coucouillu** · 10-16-2006, 02:17 PM

Does the screen close when you turn off the ACC ?

**duglas** · 10-16-2006, 02:28 PM

It does not close when I turn off the car.. I am guessing it should if I tell it to but I have not tired yet.. I will check and let you know

**philly318ti** · 10-16-2006, 04:48 PM

Looks nice...

I'm guessing you're running bootcamp, 'cuz those screenshots look like a windows desktop.

do you always plan on running windows or will you eventually switch to front row or some other mac front end?

**Fraychild** · 10-16-2006, 05:04 PM

Ha ha - Another Mac-Mini with Flip-Up and Aftermarket Radio - Check out Blackvrn's here -> The X-Stang: '06 Mustang GT
Cool stuff - I should make my boy look into that option for his Liberty.

**duglas** · 10-16-2006, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Fraychild

Ha ha - Another Mac-Mini with Flip-Up and Aftermarket Radio - Check out Blackvrn's here -> The X-Stang: '06 Mustang GT
Cool stuff - I should make my boy look into that option for his Liberty.

Ya, but he is running MAC OSX.. I might switch to Apple OS if there is more support and a better GPS program..

I like the remote desktop ability of XP and the ease of use...

**coucouillu** · 10-17-2006, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by duglas

It does not close when I turn off the car.. I am guessing it should if I tell it to but I have not tired yet.. I will check and let you know

Could you explain what you have done with the wires....

How do you connect "BATT" (red) and "VCC" (yellow) wires ?

Directly throught 12 volts battery, trought a switch ???