My project. Lexus RX300 (not finished yet, but with some pictures)

vinzer · 08-04-2005, 12:45 AM

Hi everybody.
Sorry for my english.
So long time ago, in 2004 I took decision to put inside my Lexus RX300 (99) carputer. Originaly my lexus didnot have factory navigation system. All what it has - was a 5 inch display (non LCD), the same like in most new cars, which just was able to show trip info, CD changer disk position and some extra info (AC status, oitside temp, etc). This screen is not LCD and it was noway to connect it somehow to regular LCD screen. So what I did. First, I removed this 5 inch screen, after I cut a plastic little bit and put there LCD from my LILIPUT 7 inch VGA screen. So, I got carputer in my car, Map, DVD and everything, but I lost my trip info and all other stuff from original lexus screen. O my got, how to insert picture ???? Hmm, well, I'll give a link to my pictures.
http://www.djvinzer.com/pictures/lexus/IMG_0018.JPG
http://www.djvinzer.com/pictures/lexus/IMG_0019.JPG

Of course it is not ready yet, because I have to make alot of cosmetic work to make it look more nice than it is now. But I hope I'll finish it by the end of this month.

So let's come back to my original Lexus info display. I tried to install it somewhere on my dashboard, but I did not find some good place for it.
I tried to find schematic for some "smart" interface which allow me to convert this lexus info to regular video signal, but I did not find some device

And I made a crazy thing, I installed this lexus monitor betwean driver and passenger seats, in the plastic box (it is original lexus box for some stuff, I do not know how it is called in english), I install this screen there + I install smal CCTV camera there. I bought one on eBay for 15 dollars. And I point this camera to my original screen. Everything (camera and screen) well packed in plastic box, so noone can see it. And after I connect this camera to Video input of my monitor. And you know what - it is working

Of course the quality is not good

Maybe I should use another kind of CCTV camera with more better resolution or I do not know, but at least now when I am swithing my Liliput to Video Input mode, I can see a picture from my original Lexus screen.
http://www.djvinzer.com/pictures/lexus/IMG_0020.JPG
http://www.djvinzer.com/pictures/lexus/IMG_0021.JPG

Maybe some one will say that it is absolutly crazy idea, but I realy did not have normal place to put this Lexus original info display (it was 5 inch diagonal screen, and it was like 3 inch wide)

So now I have a question: does any one tryed to do the same ? If yes or even if not, may be you may suggest me the better way how to transmit the date from my original lexus info screen to my Liliput which now is in my dash. And also why the brightest level in my liliput (looks like not only in main) is too low ? Does Xernac 7 inch screen better than my ??? I mean brightest ands contrast levels ???

So any comments ?
Thank you

P.S. I also made a smart swith for power on/off for my carputer on PIC processor. It automaticly start computer after engine is started and automaticly shutting it down when I am swithching of engine. It is not new idea but now I am working on some smart (battery or big capasitor) powersuply, to keep PC runnig during cranking (engine starting)

vinzer · 08-04-2005, 12:49 AM

Also I forgot to say, all equipment (motherboard, power swith and power suply, dvd reader, HDD, etc) are uder the dash board. Lexus is great car about the space under the dash

My setup is some thing like this:

1.2 Ghz processor (Mini ITX)
40 Gb HDD
Slim Slot load DVD rom
512 Memory
GPS
OBD II interface (ELM)
Bluetooth (PhoCo)
WiFi usb dongle
RoadRunner
Map Monkey
PhoCo
May be I forgot something

Subwoofer87 · 08-04-2005, 01:00 AM

just to let you know, that center piece is called the center console.

b8bboi · 08-04-2005, 01:03 AM

Quote:

And I made a crazy thing, I installed this lexus monitor betwean driver and passenger seats, in the plastic box (it is original lexus box for some stuff, I do not know how it is called in english), I install this screen there + I install smal CCTV camera there. I bought one on eBay for 15 dollars. And I point this camera to my original screen. Everything (camera and screen) well packed in plastic box, so noone can see it. And after I connect this camera to Video input of my monitor. And you know what - it is working Of course the quality is not good Maybe I should use another kind of CCTV camera with more better resolution or I do not know, but at least now when I am swithing my Liliput to Video Input mode, I can see a picture from my original Lexus screen.

That's creative.

vinzer · 08-04-2005, 02:46 AM

Thanks, and sorry once again for my bad english. It is my third language

0l33l · 08-04-2005, 02:57 AM

Are you on www.clublexus.com?

lecklai · 08-04-2005, 11:23 AM

Hi Vinzer,

How is the glare off your screen where it is now?

I also own a RX300 and would like to bounce some ideas off you. Check out this RX mod.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/239240/2

So, like the picture, I would like to move the radio down behind the shifter. Then I would like to put a touch screen where the radio used to be. What do you think?

Also, pics of your carputer location and stuf would be helpful.

Thanks

vinzer · 08-05-2005, 01:16 AM

Hello !
Sorry for my English

So first of all Thank you for that pictures. I have newer see something like that - it is great idea actualy Technicaly I thingk it is not a big problem but you'll have to make an extention with 20 wires (buttons under your original Lexus screen connected to the PCB of the original Lexus radio. I thingk it is possible to make the same kind of MOD.

I will make some pictures of my carputer and all equipment on this weekend and post them on the Forum.

Now what about my screen - I am not fully happy because:

1. The brightness of the screen (Liliput in my case) is realy low It is wellknown problem and I am just waiting until guys from LCD forum section finish they extra brightness mod kit. After I buy it and install for my screen. Now, during the day, when it is sunny - it is realy difficult to see what is on the screen. But if it like 5 -6 -7 pm - it is already fine. At night it is GREAT
2. In my case I installed original Lexus screen inside the center console between the front seats - at the bottom box. But the quality of my CCTV cam is low, I have to find some another type of CCTV sensor or another way how to translate info from original Lexus info screen to my new screen. I am hardly working on it right now.

So, thanks for your link once again and hope see your MOD pictures soon
Good luck
Regards
Vlad, Montreal, Quebec, Canada