2006 Chevy Tahoe Help!

thinkinblue613 · 02-06-2006, 11:08 PM

Hey guys! This is my first post and after looking at a bunch of carputers and all I'm really interested in putting a Mac Mini in my Tahoe. I have 9 seats and am planning on using them all.

Anyone have any suggestions on where I can put it in. I took measurements of the dash and here it is!

Here's one of it being plain (without the red marks) for those of you who would photoshop me an idea or something if you would like.

The lower compartment is too small for a mac mini to be put down there, so if there is something else you guys suggest I can put in there, it would be great.

The CIRCLED spot in red, there are 2 more boxes I'm thinking of possible putting some sort of button or connection spots... Anything if necessary.

Here's a rear storage are in the back left of my truck, I forgot how big it is but I'll edit it. It's at least 10 inches long and like 5-7 inches tall.

Lastly, here's a useless little port I have, well I don't know what its for but its on the left side of the wheel... Wallet?

I'm already thinking of putting the Mac Mini itself in the arm rest since its exactly 6.5 inches and 2 inches tall. Perfect snug fit, just neet to work on the wiring since that arm rest becomes a seat when you fold it up.

EsKALad · 02-06-2006, 11:09 PM

dont double post. one place is enough bro.

thinkinblue613 · 02-06-2006, 11:15 PM

I messed up, I meant to put it in here... BUT I put it in the wrong thread..... Sorry!!!

Anyways...

I was planning on buying the xenarc 700 IDT since a friend of mine suggested it cuz he wants to get it for his car.. As for putting the CPU in the rear compartment, how complicated will the wiring be? It would be really nice if I can conceal it.

One problem, if I want to listen to a cd and the mac mini is in the rear compartment.... Wouldn't it be very uncomfortable?

kirbycope · 02-07-2006, 03:04 AM

Crappy Chops of what I would do:

A 5-band EQ

LCD for Carputer
MP3-4600R Head Unit with Aux IN for carputer, as well as CDs and Radio for those short trips
USB hub, forgot to put A/V inputs linked to RCA of touchscreen and head unit(may require an a/v switch box for multiple audio inputs to headunit)
120v power sockets redirected from inverter for laptop. ps2, or what ever

thinkinblue613 · 02-07-2006, 03:12 AM

Thanks for the ideas Kirby!

I like how the headunit is curbed strangely in the bottom.. hehe

I got a question, since I have GPS (OnStar) in the Tahoe, is it possible to connect that with the CPU? Also, if I had to use my phones GPRS as the connection, wouldn't that be expensive on the phone bill?

strohj · 02-09-2006, 10:12 AM

btw.. I have a 2003 avalanche.. and the radio will not fit in the bottom little openening.. there are some stuff behind the dash right there..

I put a pc in my armrest that folds up... and just cut a hole on the inside(passenger side) to run my wires through... right next to where it connects to the seat bottom...

but honestly If I had to do it over again.. I would just take the seat bottom out in the middle and build a wooden case in which my pc can sit.. and make a soft chair out of it so to speak.. then I would just attach the current arm rest to the top and have it look stock

ChaCha · 02-23-2006, 01:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by thinkinblue613

I got a question, since I have GPS (OnStar) in the Tahoe, is it possible to connect that with the CPU?

Definitely doable on an '01...not sure about the '06. Start looking here and good luck:

http://members.cox.net/onstar/
http://openminds.net/onstar/
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/gps/38405-onstar-hack-2001-yukon-xl.html

pastypyro · 02-23-2006, 02:27 AM

See if you can find out if the module is a serial module or something on the CAN bus. If it is an '06, it probably is meant to communicate over the CAN bus. CAN can do alot, but I haven't seen much cheap hardware out there to interface with it.

blacklancer · 02-23-2006, 02:49 PM

i would pick up the lower console and you'll have a lot more options...

i would do something like this:

and then you have that cubby above the headunit for anything (i.e. usb hub)

oh, and that thing to the left of your steering wheel is for the 4 wheel drive switches.

thinkinblue613 · 02-23-2006, 11:01 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by pastypyro

See if you can find out if the module is a serial module or something on the CAN bus. If it is an '06, it probably is meant to communicate over the CAN bus. CAN can do alot, but I haven't seen much cheap hardware out there to interface with it.

What can I do if I can hack into the module? Like, can you list the positive things I can and will be able to do? Also, the negative effects, will I lose onstar? Thanks!

Oh and whats CAN bus? (sorry, I'm really new to all this stuff man)