Update Sept 2006 - Prototype Chassis Shipped out. AutoCAD drawing added to post 127.
Update Nov 2006 - Major Hardware and Software Revisions going on. New hardware starts at post 162.
Update Nov 21, 2006, Embedded OS deployed. Complete OS, Drivers, Frontend, GPS, & Maps at 850mb running on solid state flash memory.
Update Jan 2007 - Production Chassis Available
Update April 11, 2007 - HQCT module integration complete. Radio tuning software running on flash. FM/AM Loud and clear + RDS info works. *HQCT sold*
Update May 7th, 2007 -
Custom RR Skin completed which integrates embedded OS functions and mimics OEM dash units.
Update June 19th, 2007 - Schematic Wiring Diagram of system is available. See post 318.
Update July 27th, 2007 - Detailed and documented modification to a stock xenarc monitor, modified to fit into an after market trim kit. Pics, procedures and helpful tips on doing this and a great xenarc resource. This was one of the most asked questions about my build, and probably the least documented. Sorry it took so long to get this information out, but a member of these boards recently hired me to do a build using the exact same parts so I was able to take more photographs and show my process to those curious about how its done. Starts at post 348
Update October 17, 2007 - Those interested in setting up XP to run from a compact flash please see post #420. I have attached a zip archive of some great instructions and the files you will need to make a read only bootable install of windows.
Update Dec 10, 2007 - HD radio integration complete. You can see the progress unfold starting at post #470. Major software update complete to support HD, newest version of roadrunner and directx iList support. Media Launch support added, can add USB, CD, DVD and RR will auto-mount device, determine media type, launch appropriate skin for playback. It works great if you just want to throw and album on a USB flash then all you do is plug it into the car and the PC handles the rest.
**Original Post**
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I decided to build the computer as complete as possible so that it can be bolted directly into the dash like the OEM radio. I've still got some parts to install but they will all fit - (TIGHT!) The gutted screen in the pics is a "Super" touchscreen from ebay. I love this screen, I've taken the thing apart all the way. Disconnected all the wires, even soldered longer backlight wires to reach to the now horizontally mounted LCD controller board. Removed the speaker and headphone jack. relocated the switch board. Screen still works perfect. I cut the bezel of the 'super' and epoxy-ed it into a trim kit for my car. Plastic epoxy i used is insane it dries rock hard and the plastic i glued will NEVER separate. I used to use this stuff to make potato guns and It held even under hot high-p.s.i. explosions. Package says its good for 3500 Lbs per square inch, I believe this should hold. Fabbed up the white 'chassis' part of this PC with, you guessed it, .063 finished white aluminum. The bars running across the top are square dowel hardwood sections. They are screwed to the metal and the screen controller board is screwed to them. I don't want to ground out that board because it was never grounded from the factory (plastic case) and I don't want ground feedback in my display. I have yet to mount the HD or the PS. I have room in there to mount both but I have not got to it yet. I will be mounting a small 4 channel amp under this setup (im lucky to have A LOT of room in dash) What I have finished so far runs perfect and everything works. I def. had a big sigh of relief when it booted right up, you just never know after disassembling electronics, staring at a pile of parts for a few days and doing all kinds of custom fabbing if everything is going to function properly. I'm happy to say that my setup did just that. Ill keep the thread updated as I progress, should not be too much longer until this PC will be assuming duty of mp3's, Nav, dvd's, FM, OBD-II interfacing, wireless networking. Questions and comments are welcome