2003 Chevy Cavalier - What does a newb need?

TEC_Ghost · 07-22-2005, 05:04 PM

Hey, my name is Dustin and for the longest time have been wanting to add a computer system to my car to manage my music and check my car stats and now have decided to go for it, but I have noo clue what im doing, mainly on the Electricall part of the car, I work in an I.T. Department, so I have the computer knowledge, but not the car/hardware accessories knowledge =/ But that leads to my list of questions if you gusy would be so kind

1.What all am I going to need? I have a small computer box running about 800mhz 512 ram and onboard soundcard, I just bid on a 8inch touchscreen on ebay. Do I need special connectors for the sound and to connect to my ODB-II system, how should I run power source? I dont have a powerhouse system, just something I can setup for a first time effort

2.I have a 2005 chevy Cavalier, is there anything I should know about setting something like this up in one?

3.What are the chances of me completely screwing this up? lol

4.Are there any good wireing tutorials Im going to need?

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps out the noobie

DarquePervert · 07-22-2005, 05:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by TEC_Ghost

Hey, my name is Dustin and for the longest time have been wanting to add a computer system to my car to manage my music and check my car stats and now have decided to go for it, but I have noo clue what im doing, mainly on the Electricall part of the car, I work in an I.T. Department, so I have the computer knowledge, but not the car/hardware accessories knowledge =/ But that leads to my list of questions if you gusy would be so kind

Us? Kind? Good luck, brother!

Quote:

1.What all am I going to need? I have a small computer box running about 800mhz 512 ram and onboard soundcard, I just bid on a 8inch touchscreen on ebay. Do I need special connectors for the sound and to connect to my ODB-II system, how should I run power source? I dont have a powerhouse system, just something I can setup for a first time effort

FAQ Emporium
Go start reading.

Quote:

2.I have a 2005 chevy Cavalier, is there anything I should know about setting something like this up in one?

It's car that has a 12-volt electical system. That's a significant consideration.

Quote:

3.What are the chances of me completely screwing this up? lol

The chances are pretty good.

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4.Are there any good wireing tutorials Im going to need?

There are some in the FAQ Emporium.
Also check http://www.the12volt.com/.

Quote:

Thanks in advance to anyone who helps out the noobie

You're dismay and my rude smart-assed attitude is thanks enough.

Good luck and be sure to update us with pics & information about the project!

Bugbyte · 07-22-2005, 08:48 PM

Yep. Check the FAQ Emporium. There's a "power supplies explained" thread in there that should get you scratching your head for awhile.

Another thing you can do to familiarize yourself with the range of stuff needed is just browse the mp3car.com store and look at the products. You can pretty much install a car PC with most of the stuff they have in there.

After that, check out the "Show off your projects" forum and search for your car there.

That ought to get you started, and welcome.

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