'08 Dodge Dakota, Console Fab, Install Pix - Page 3

tempgp · 07-18-2009, 08:17 PM

do u own cnc? Can i borrow one for 30 min =)

NitroLarry · 07-18-2009, 11:44 PM

Don't know if you've seen the website canhack.org but if sign up check out this thread, I think this will get you going with your factory amp...along with getting yourself an interface from www.canusb.com
http://www.canhack.org/board/viewtop...&t=209&start=0

blk02si · 07-19-2009, 12:38 PM

Wow, thx for the link Nitro, even though the CANbus interface costs more, it would allow me to access more things and read/write to the entire vehicle network. Also looks like the amp turn on code has already been written!

blk02si · 07-26-2009, 10:47 PM

So I think I am just going to get the module interface, as much as I want to hack the CANBUS the PAC module is tested and true way to tap into the OEM system. I may be able to pick one up tomorrow. I finished the rest of the LCD trim and system. Texture painted the PC cover and siliconed some parts on the PC and the screen. Set it up on the test bench for tonight and everything is working great. I'll be installing it tomorrow so hopefully I can get the PAC module an get some audio pumping through the OEM system. Oh yeah, also added a 500Gb Western Digital 2.5 external for all media.

blk02si · 07-26-2009, 10:47 PM

more pix

tempgp · 07-26-2009, 10:50 PM

now u cant afford coffe spills there ;-)

blk02si · 07-26-2009, 10:56 PM

um no, although it would probably survive a coffee spill since its liquid tight, I would not be careless enough to spill coffee on my interior anyway.

tempgp · 07-26-2009, 11:40 PM

yesh my friend spilled 1 litter if tea on tranny shifter =) all electronics burned out

blk02si · 07-27-2009, 11:10 PM

Ok, well I obtained the last two missing parts of the puzzle!

A creative sound blaster X-Fi 5.1 sound apparatus, complete with volume knob! It works amazing, I am really pleased with the sound output and audio processing. It has all kinds of different modes and surround themes. It has separate line level outs for 4 speaker mode which will work perfect with part #2. Only drawback I have seen is increased boot time with the USB sound but I am going to do more research on that and play with the bios settings.

Part #2 is a factory interface to turn on the amp and give me line level inputs to the factory alpine amp/system. It has a RCA for each speaker. (went with axxess instead of PAC because of the input style) I will be able to have fade and balance along with really tweaking the audio with the sound blaster.

Since this module has a blue / white wire to turn on the amp (keep in mind it's designed for after market stereos) I figure I can just run 12v switched and the amp will turn on with the key and be ready for PC input.

Hopefully I will have the time tomorrow to install everything. I took some pics of the parts and the part #'s for reference. I got the module for $78 (wholesale price) I think it retails for a buck and a half or so.

blk02si · 07-28-2009, 06:20 PM

It's ALIVE!!! Muhahaha

I installed everything today and all went well. The interface worked out great and I am now running the OEM system with no head unit, only a pc! Sound quality has exceeded my expectations and there is absolutely no unwanted noise at all no matter the volume or what the truck is doing. I'll get some pics and maybe a vid together so all can see. I have noticed the center compartment running a little warm so I am going to monitor MB temps and add a fan if they are too hot.

HiJackZX1 · 07-28-2009, 06:43 PM

Thats great! I knew you would love the setup without the HU. Its like having a middle man, simply not needed. Im glad its all worked out.

blk02si · 07-29-2009, 01:43 PM

I need a fusion brain now, I have the volume knob but I want to control relays and use my steering wheel buttons to do something. Stay tuned.

NitroLarry · 08-06-2009, 12:25 PM

I'd like to see what it would take to reverse engineer the CHTO-03 interface? Instead of spending the $100 or so for it. I'm sure for the Dodge and Chrysler owners, with the High Speed Interior CAN Bus this would make installing a carputer to the factory amp a breeze. A DIY project and not even go the route of the CANUSB. Any thoughts?

blk02si · 08-08-2009, 01:38 AM

Well I opened up the module and there is a lot going on in there, there's also a gain adjustment that I set so the system level out matches the level into the amp. I am still really impressed with the sound, no noise at all using this module. It's expensive but I would have to say it's worth it for how 'hassle free' the install was. I just tied the red wire to the blue/white on the CHTO-03 and now the amp turns on with the ignition. I may put a switch in there too so I can turn off the amp manually if I choose.

So on another note the first problem has surfaced, the wifi adaptor seems to be confusing the TPMS sensors, it's strange, only once and awhile the light will go off prompting me to check pressure. I do and it fine. After more research it appesrs the TPMS sensors also broadcast wireless into the truck. I disable the wifi and bam no more TPMS idiot light. So this is one side effect I did notice running wifi on the system inside a new chrysler.

Also upgraded my main PC power feed to fused 8 gauge direct from the battery. System has been running well these past couple weeks.

HiJackZX1 · 08-08-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by blk02si

Well I opened up the module and there is a lot going on in there, there's also a gain adjustment that I set so the system level out matches the level into the amp. I am still really impressed with the sound, no noise at all using this module. It's expensive but I would have to say it's worth it for how 'hassle free' the install was. I just tied the red wire to the blue/white on the CHTO-03 and now the amp turns on with the ignition. I may put a switch in there too so I can turn off the amp manually if I choose.

So on another note the first problem has surfaced, the wifi adaptor seems to be confusing the TPMS sensors, it's strange, only once and awhile the light will go off prompting me to check pressure. I do and it fine. After more research it appesrs the TPMS sensors also broadcast wireless into the truck. I disable the wifi and bam no more TPMS idiot light. So this is one side effect I did notice running wifi on the system inside a new chrysler.

Also upgraded my main PC power feed to fused 8 gauge direct from the battery. System has been running well these past couple weeks.

I am so glad you brought up this issue. A number of people have been having issues with TPMS. I kind of stated that it was possibly something interfering. Originally when these TPMS units and sensors were designed, they didn't take into effect that cars would have Wi-Fi, Air Cards, BT, GPS, and RF devices. On my install, my GPS was constantly jumping from street to street. One day I decided to unplug the Wifi adapter and all issues went away. If you can, get a USB extension and either position the WiFi dongle (if it is USB) either at the very very front of the car, or the very very back. Since the BU-353 is magnetic, I installed it to the very back of the car, and then a Wireless-N dongle at the very front. So far no more issues. I have not tested with the TPMS though, which is smack in the middle of the car.

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