MatrixPC

Running the cable is very easy and traight forward.
I use 8GA wire. A littel over kill for the job as it only use to power the PC, but what the hell, it only cost 30 cents/ft and I need only 12 ft.

- Just make an inline fuse that is about 10" to a foot from the battery.
- After the fulse, run the cable along the passenger side fender to the front of the firewall and cross over to the driver side (ok this is for a LHD car )
- Use a small screw driver and punch a hole on the main harness rubber boot to inside the cabin. Although the car is automatic, I can't find a pre-drill hole (usually for clutch master cylinder hole) on this car. May be I overlook?
- use some (very little) vaseline or motor oil and rub the cable as a lubicant to make it easier to push the cable thru the hole you just punch on the boot. I use vaseline. Wipe it clean after you pull the cable all the way thru. I use babywipe to clean it as I have a bunch of them .
Route the cable along the driver side to under the driver seat (that is where the PC is) or all the way back to the trunk if you want your back there.

If you want to run the cable on the passenger side, look around the engine bay on that side for a predrill hole and use it instead of punch a hole on a rubber boot. Make sure you use a goomet to protect the cable.
Also, use some wire loom to protect the cable a long the run.

Do it once and do it right. Run the cable is the only way to power the system right and doesn't interfere with other components/devices of the car especially if you aren't comfortable working with car. Remove the negative battery terminal and go have a drink before start working on it. Just make sure that you aren't set off the airbag. Well, I never remove the battery on when I did it as I know what I do when it come to car, but I did remove the SRS/air bag fuse cuz you never know what you accidentally do/touch.

__________________
2004 Matrix XR A7N8X-VM/400 AMD XP-M 2500+, DS-ATX
89 Supra Turbo P3 600E@750/Abit BE6 II, Alpine M-BUS Car2PC.
Y2K Accord Dell GX150
RoadRunner is the best FE PERIOD
EmoRebellion is a SCAMMER

goldenley

Is this a physical connection to the battery terminal, or can I make this in the fuse box under the hood?


I've seen this warning a few times in the Chilton book. I think I'll play it safe and disconnect the ground.

Also, any suggestions on grounding? I know anything connected to the frame should work, but I'm curious what most people do for this.

Thanks for the reply. This is definitely encouraging and it seems like this is a doable project. I may actually buy a barebones system from mp3car.com to support the forums. It seems like a better deal than what mini-box.com was offering.

Thanks,
James

MatrixPC

Easier to connect directly from the battery + terminal. Just use a ring connector.


I get the ground from the handbrake bolt. Just pull the cup holder up to access to that bolt. No scrapping paint needed.

__________________
2004 Matrix XR A7N8X-VM/400 AMD XP-M 2500+, DS-ATX
89 Supra Turbo P3 600E@750/Abit BE6 II, Alpine M-BUS Car2PC.
Y2K Accord Dell GX150
RoadRunner is the best FE PERIOD
EmoRebellion is a SCAMMER

knifedag007

Do you still have the extra din

if so how much?