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Old 04-20-2008, 08:23 AM   #2
golfguy
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Vehicle: 2007 Mazdaspeed 6
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Quote: Originally Posted by MacHead View Post
I have no idea how to get the audio to my speakers if i take out the head unit. I plan on putting the touchscreen where the head unit currently resides. So, how would i get my speakers to work if I take out the head unit? Because the wire that plugs into the head unit is not a type im familiar with.

You will need an audio amplifier to take the audio from the Mac Mini to run to your speakers. You will lose your radio and CD functions if you take out the head unit, of course, so you'll have to replicate them on your Mini if you still want them (I hardly ever listen to the radio, myself)
As far as the wiring harness, you can check and see if Metra makes an OEM type harness that you can use to connect the Mini and the amp to your speakers. Otherwise, you can cut and solder the harness to make the connections yourself. You will need to research the wiring so you know what wire goes to what speaker, etc.

Quote:
I also read that the CNX-900 PSU can make it so the mini starts up when the car starts up, with as little as a 5 second wait. Can anyone explain how that works? Does the mini constantly drain battery power if thats the case?

At least you're thinking ahead. Running Mac OS X, the Mini will go to sleep in a very short time. The P1900 has a sleep sequencer that puts it to sleep when you turn off the key. Then when you start the car again, it wakes the computer. Sleep mode does use a small amount of current, so if you leave your car sitting for a long time, you'll want to shut down the computer (say, like if you parked it for a week at the airport). You can also set the computer up to Deep Sleep, but I haven't used that mode. I haven't used a Mini with Windows and Boot Camp, so I don't know what your options are there, although there are members here that do this.

Good luck with your project.
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