I think I'm the first to do this, so I'm going to avail myself of this forum & just jot stuff down, and keep a log of what I'm doing.
Here's my intro thread with some pics:
Another noob takes a brave step into the light...
I have some really grand plans for all of this. The good thing is I have a lot of time as I'm not in a rush. Funds are a bit more problematic, but time is on my side.
Here's the current blueprint:
Case: Vaultz Cash Box -
procured
PSU: Opus 120 -
procured
HDD: crusty old 40GB 3.5" circa 2001 -
procured
MB: Via Epia M10000 -
procured
Mem: 512MB DDR PC-2100 Corsair -
procured
ATX power source to power this out of the car -
procured
Monitor: Xenarc 700IDT In Dash 7" Touch Screen VGA, non motorized flipup -
procured
OS: XP Home -
procured
Navi: iGuidance 2.1.0-
procured
GPS antenna - now there's a story... see below for what I'm going to do.
This is stuff I know I want. Much more in the "want-to-have" list, but this'll do to start.
As for functions, this is what I want it to do (goals are good, right?)...
-XM integration with my existing Commander
-Navigation
-Audio file playback
-Video file playback
-CAN or I-Bus integration
-(Future) Bluetooth phone integration
How is all this gonna tie together? Glad you asked. Prolly need some software...
-Roadrunner front end
-iGuidance for navi
-Uh, that's as far as I got.
What else? While there are some cool RR skins out there, the whole spirit of this is customization, so I'm going for my own skin. I want to make an MFD-style panel, to emulate a Saab Grippen fighter. What Saab would be complete without an MFD? Besides, I can use lots of blacks & greens to compliment the interior.
The entire install will be stealth, so none of it will be seen. The monitor I will put in the CD player DIN slot, and use an existing panel to cover it.
Placement of the puter itself is a challenge. This car is so tight on space, it's hard to put it in somewhere. A lot of the suggestions on the forum I can't use. I can't put it inside panels in the trunk, or under the read seat, or in the glovebox, or many other places. I CAN put it under the passenger seat, or inside the spare tire in the trunk. So far the passenger seat is looking the most promising.
I have to say. I am learning buttloads just by searching on this forum. I've learned 2 big things so far: 1-it's been done before, and 2-if it hasn't, there is a way to do it.
Here's the ride...
Stay tuned...
-Viscouse