2007 Mazda 3 Dash Screen looks OEM - Page 3

wartooth · 12-30-2007, 04:14 PM

Hi all, been reading this thread closely as I have a 2008 MazdaSpeed3 I am wanting to do the exact same thing to. e.g. touchscreen lcd dashboard with a car computer and GPS. Can any of you point me towards more detailed information regarding the "under the hood' stuff such as where to place things, how to remove parts from the interior, wiring, etc. I have been searching around on my own as well, just hoping you may already have some resources you could point me towards. Thanks!

Splash-X · 12-30-2007, 05:27 PM

Well, this thread only covers the actual LCD screen and touch kit. This screen is a direct replacement for the OEM dash part where the dash vents in the center are.

The dash comes appart in two places. The small silver strip that stars at the passenger door above the glove box and extends just past the radio. This pulls out exposing a set of screws where the radio and dash are. Unscrew the screws. Slide the radio out and pull up the factory dash/vent part. Remove the factory radio harness from the radio plugging it into the wiring of the screen. Plug the other end of the wiring into the radio. Replace the screws and your screen is installed. The wiring is the simple part because its plug-and-play in terms of proper wiring.

To use it you'll need either a video card that supports a RCA type jack OR get a VGA to RCA adapter.

If you want to add a touch kit its a bit more involved as you need to take appart the screen and install the kit. Nothing too complicated but it takes someone with patients because you need to remember how you took it appart.

As for "what GPS or computer setup should I get", thats something you'll needed to decide for yourself by reading the reviews in the forum.

I went with an Voom 2 case and mounted it under the passenger seat. I then ran a 8 AWG wire from the battery to the passenger seat. I ran the remote wire from the radio harness to the seat along with a RCA cable for video and a single USB cable. I placed a small USB hub in a pocket in the dash to connect a GPS and the touch screen to. Its all very clean but I didn't take alot of pictures because it was a play as I go type thing.

Its very easy to get all the wires run by tucking them up under the center console.

Hope this helps

same0l679 · 01-07-2008, 12:06 PM

Hi,i was thinking of getting the touch screen for my screen...but I was just wondering on how acurate the touchscreen is. Some of the buttons on my Front end are pretty small and I was wondering if this would be an issue

Splash-X · 01-07-2008, 01:05 PM

Touch screens are only as accurate as the calibration and the users acceracy. Don't expect much leeway. If you have three tiny buttons next to eachother the it will be tough to hit the small buttons.

I use RoadRunner just fine and most all skins are designed for touchscreen use.

Keep in mind that your finger acts as the pointer so if you have a screen resolution of 800x600 on a 7 inch screen your finger is pretty large. If you want to make it easier use a PDA Stylus or similar so you have a fine point for the touch instead of your fingers.

wartooth · 01-07-2008, 10:49 PM

I have the dash unit on its way now and am thinking about replacing it with vga screen. Is the housing very difficult to take apart?

Splash-X · 01-08-2008, 09:08 AM

It is possible, but unlikely unless you have pretty good electrical knowledge. There is a wire that goes from the AV unit under the part to the screen. This wire carries the video signal AND the power for the motor. The power for the motor draws from the stock LCD screen (on-board connectors).

The screen stability is great (strong, well built gears, etc). The unit self closes if your turn off the car. It remembers the position so if it was open and it closed itself, when you turn the car back on it opens back up.

I'm pretty sure the auto-switching is handeled by the on-board LCD but I don't have the tools or knowledge to test and map it out.

wartooth · 01-09-2008, 10:28 PM

Hi Splash, understood, but I am assuming you took it apart to apply the touch screen modifications to it? I was just wondering about that part. The electronics I can handle. Thanks!

Splash-X · 01-10-2008, 08:48 AM

Yes, I did take appart the entire unit.

Because the switching controls are built in to the stock LCD I'm not sure it will be fully possible without losing some of the orginal function of the LCD.

You WILL need to make small sheet metal tabs and attach them to the back of your new LCD because what keeps the screen in place are these tabs, not the actual housing like in a Xenarc/Lilliput.

wartooth · 01-10-2008, 11:34 AM

Cool, thanks for the heads up. I will take the whole thing apart when it gets here and see what's what. I will take photos of it and trace the wiring harness out while I am at it. I have an old lilliput 7 inch 4 wire resistive I am going to use for my dummy run on it. I will keep you posted on how it goes, feasability of the idea, etc.

wartooth · 01-10-2008, 04:12 PM

One other thing I was wondering. What is your impression of the video quality using the stock RCA connection. The text view in particular as this is the failing of composite video. Also, did you use an adapter cable of some type, or your video card has an rca input?

PhatChap · 01-13-2008, 11:47 PM

You should check this thread out. There was a guy there who figured out how to connect a PC to the 13-pin RGB connection on the back of this monitor. I would get this screen myself if I know how to do the same

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=64871.180

tonynjusa · 01-14-2008, 08:34 PM

Thanks Phat Chap! That's great to know as they sell these monitors on ebay. I will pass the word on the RGB connection. I also see that they are selling these monitors for
725 on the Mazda Forum. Right now they are selling them on ebay for 680 under seller
dboluarte. Here is the info from Samuel at Mazda Forum:

thanks for the kind feedback guys. all the credit should actually be given
to PORT20 on this one as his write up gave me hope that this was even possible.
all the information i needed to do this project was taken from here
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/lcd-...en-output.html.
I just took all the information i learned from that post and implemented it with this screen.
There are honestly only two components you need to make the VGA connection compatible with
this screen. The 13 pin DIN connector that I got from Ebay and the scan converter which i
got from http://www.converters.tv/. Everthing else is just wiring and connecting things
together. Ofcourse if you have any questions id be glad to answer them. As i stated
earlier though the colours seem to be more vibrant and the smaller text is alot more
readible then when i had it hooked up via the RCA cables. I am very happy with the way
it turned out. I just can't wait to hook everthing up so I can finally enjoy the screen
for what i wanted it for. I guess i'll just go the safe route and put the carputer in my
trunk. thanks for your input and advice on this one blade.

danielwollmann · 02-25-2008, 03:31 PM

Hey Splash,

I'm following your steps to add a car-pc in my mazda 3 GT 2008. I have a doutb and some addtional questions:

1) The DV-M3 kit come with the LCD or not? In your first post you did mention buying the kit + the LCD screen + the touchscreen kit; but looks like Tony is selling everything now.

2) Are you able to control the car pc using the stereo buttons?

3) Are you using manufacture's navigation buttons (those 3 buttons in the side of the park brake handle)?

4) What Mic are you using for bluetooth?