Finally!!!
This is my second carPC install, and it definitely gets easier the second time around! The goal (again) was to keep it looking as close to factory stock as possible, and also not permanently do any modifications, just in case I want to return it to stock (yeah, when i sell it!)
It was nice to have all the parts and pieces from the first one, and of course the knowledge that came with the other install.
First off, the car itself, after a wash. 2002 Cadillac DTS...
Here are some shots of the work in progress:
This is how the factory bezel was converted to an LCD bezel (yes those are popsicle sticks! Big thumbs up to Nexon for an awesome job!!!
Here is s shot of the bezel after I got it treated by Phoenix Imaging. I was out of the box for about 30 seconds when I took the pic.
In order to make it fit the factory radio cavern and still be secure when it was mounted, I needed to be a bit creative with the LCD and various boards. I took a piece of felt covered ABS and trimmed it to size:
Then I used the original LCD bezel screw holes to run strips of ABS across the top and bottom.
A few L brackets, some nylon screws, and even a piece of 3/4" ply for stability on the driving board. The pic doesn't do it justice. It is super secure, not too tight so the touch screen goes all funky, and slips right into the opening for the radio.
Inside the hole for the radio is a GMOS-06. The radio is an integral part of the Class 2 Communications. Without it, codes pop up like crazy on the DIC and nothing works right. So, I bought the GMOS-06 to keep my Onstar working (not activated, but it is not disabled), all my chimes work, and the Line-Out jack of the PC is split into RCA jacks to pump PC sound through the factory BOSE amps and speakers. It is SO loud and crystal clear!
The other cool part about the GMOS-06 is I did not have to run any wires at all. Just plugged it into the factory harness, hooked up the RCAs and I was done. You'll see in the pics I terminated all the unused wires.
This unit mutes the PC sound (fades) when you hit the Onstar button, and fades back in when the Onstar command is cancelled. This is cool because I have a Bluetooth - Onstar converter I am beta-testing, and in theory when a call comes in, or I want to make a call to on my Motorola Q, I should be able to use the Onstar buttons on the mirror. Start call, music mutes, end call, music comes back on. All without any software that is iffy for the PC with Motorola phones. This uses the car wiring and speakers/microphone instead.
I wanted to install the PC in the glovebox again. I cut a hole in the bottom back corner to run wires through, and also for a little air circulation. To keep things cool, I also cut another hole in the back and put in a lighted exhaust fan.
Rather than having to reach half way across the car to turn it on and off, I ran some Cat-5 from the PC to the roof console. The Cat-5 is wired to the motherboard momentary on switch, and also the HDD LED. I used connectors so I can remove the PC or roof console when needed without cutting wires.
You'll also notice a Bel Remote Radar detector when the Homelink unit was. The antenna for that is behind the grille, and the wires run up to the roof console.
For kicks I also gutted the VENT switch and installed a momentary pushbutton into it. My car doesn't have a moonroof, but the car I got the console out of did. It is now a Vehicle ENTentertainment switch.
And since I was having fun, I ran a USB cable to through the hole that the original moonroof open/close switch was. Nice having USB up there!!!
Here are a few shots of the PC installed in the glove box. Looks VERY cool at night! Also, no problems with temperature or anything.
I took apart the Light switch and installed an on/off switch above the twilight slider. Looks like it belongs there, right? This shuts down the PC, LCD and glove box fan. Good for those times when you valet park or other times when you want to immediately kill the power.
Now everything starts going in, piece by piece. The power wires, USB cables and pretty much everything else sit very nicely in the bottom of the console (under the dash). There was just a nice big openeing there, perfect for tucking away wires and such.
I cut a hole in the top of the ash tray and installed a USB hub into it. The IR receiver for the LCD remote is in there too.
And now that everything is hooked up, wires tucked away, and PC running.
This pic gives you an idea of the warmth and gloss of the Phoenix Imaging process. They really got the color and grain pattern absolutely perfect!
And some more...
Of course, I have Internet access via my phone and USB.
Now all the fun starts with some cool software, gadgets, etc! Hope you enjoyed the pics and post!!! Let me know what you think!
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