mattress

I just got a cheap PSone LCD screen ( $16.99 @ toys R us). This opened up my imagination to all the possibilities as to what one could do with an LCD screen.

I came to the conclusion that I want to make a carpc/dvd player.

This is going to be for an 04 Cavalier. The stock radio is huge. Here is what I'm thinking:

I imagine there are dash kits/bezels that I could buy that would take up the big gaping hole that would be left if I were to take my radio out. Then I would be able to cut out a spot for the 5" screen.

I could take my passenger side airbag out (yes i know it sounds stupid), and put a mini-ITX board in there. I assume I will have to buy an amp (maybe there's a way to reuse the radio's amp?) to send the audio through my speakers. a problem I see here is having a airbag dummy light on my dash lighting up after this..

I could use a slot loader imac dvd drive to play CDs & DVDs.

Here are my questions:
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1) How would I get radio from an ITX computer? This is my biggest problem so far.

2) will removing the airbag and/or fuse light up a dummy light? How do you get around that? if no way, I guess I could use the glove box, or mount it in my trunk and run cables.

3) Dash kits. Do they make dash kits for LCD screens? Will the PSone LCD screen fit in my dash?

4) Sound. Can I reuse my old radio some how, or will I just have to buy an amp. all I have are the 4 stock speakers, no subs or anything.

5) ODB-II. I just briefly read this topic before posting here. This sounds outstanding! How would you interface the computer with your car's ECU? I see there's software to read it. This makes me want a carpc even more!

6) Parts suppliers. Where can I find some of these accessories for cheaper? IE: PSU, the automatic power up/power down with your ignition device .. cables, etc..

I think that's about it. Sorry for the extremely long post. I'm very excited about this.Thanks for any help!!

-Matt

MP3Car.com

 

mr9802

Here are your questions with my answers:
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1) How would I get radio from an ITX computer? This is my biggest problem so far.
A: You will need to get a FM car with an antenna. Do a search or go to www.hossweb.com and look at his expedition that has all this on there.

2) will removing the airbag and/or fuse light up a dummy light? How do you get around that? if no way, I guess I could use the glove box, or mount it in my trunk and run cables.
A: I would suggest the trunk and run cables. It will be the safest back there then taking out an airbag.

3) Dash kits. Do they make dash kits for LCD screens? Will the PSone LCD screen fit in my dash?
A: Not that I know of yet. there is not that big of a market for this yet and all jobs are custom do it yourself jobs. I would not attempt this if you dont have a clue about customizing your LCD screen.

4) Sound. Can I reuse my old radio some how, or will I just have to buy an amp. all I have are the 4 stock speakers, no subs or anything.
A: There are many setups that you can do. the cheaper you make your setup the cheaper your sound will be.

5) ODB-II. I just briefly read this topic before posting here. This sounds outstanding! How would you interface the computer with your car's ECU? I see there's software to read it. This makes me want a carpc even more!
A: I would suggest some extensive reading as there is tons of information on this. just go to the ODB-II section as if you were going to run this on a laptop and make it a permanent optoin for the carputer.

6) Parts suppliers. Where can I find some of these accessories for cheaper? IE: PSU, the automatic power up/power down with your ignition device .. cables, etc..
A: you should not be asking these questions as you should READ and all these questions would have been answered.


I would suggest going to www.hossweb.com and read all three pages about his setup and you will learn alot. he also has a video he made. do that and then ask questions!

Good luck,
Mike

DarquePervert

There are multiple solutions. Griffin Radioshark, DLink USB radio, FM tuner cards.


Personally, I wouldn't want to mess with the airbag. Lots of folks have installs in glove compartments. Check the Show Off Your Project forum.


Not to my knowledge. The PS1 LCD should fit with no problems. Some fabrication would would be necessary. Bear in mind that the PS1 LCD screen is composite in. AS a general rule, the display quality from a computer sucks on a composite screen. You might consider a VGA-input screen, but these are typically 7" diag in a 16:9 aspect ratio.


If your stock HU has aux input or a CD changer input, it's possible.


You get a cable that goes into the serial port of the computer to read diagnostic codes through that port.


http://www.mp3car.com/store/
http://www.digitalww.com/
It's not the end-all, but it's certainly a start.

__________________

TruckinMP3

Sweet, Two posts answer the questions without a flame.... very nice guys.

__________________
TruckinMP3
D201GLY2, DC-DC power, 3.5 inch SATA

Yes, you should search... and Yes, It has been covered before!

Read the FAQ!

mattress

fantastic information guys. thanks so much for your help! you definitally started me in the right directions.

About the psone being a composite only input, there are "VGA-Mod's" so I could run 640x480 or 800x600 resolutions using a VGA cable. there's also an S-video hack, which i won't need

I'll leave the airbag alone. I'll put the carputer in the trunk, under the carpet. something this simple may save lives! you never know.

I'll checkout that website you posted, i'm sure that'll be a big help.

As far as the ODB-II stuff goes, I guess when I breifly read that section, "2 fast 2 furious" came into mind, where the guy had a screen that showed all the graphs and stuff. that would be pretty cool to display when just listening to radio

Thanks again guys, you don't know how much of a help you've been. also thanks for not flaming!

MP3Car.com