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93 Lexus sc400
Completed my project and I'm pretty satisfied. There were a few digressing moments but overall it was pretty plug-n-play. I did this because I like my SC a lot but also like my techy toys too. Doing this allowed me to kind of have best of both without shelling out LOTS of money.
The total cost of the project was about 1,250 include system, monitor, connections, etc. and I feel it was worth it. I already had a copy of the software so I'm not including that here.
Hardware system includes:
512MB DDR Memory,
100GB Hard Disk,
internal CD/DVD,
external slotless cd/dvd usb powered
TV out, 5.1 Channel Audio
Chipset - VIA CLE266,CPU - embedded VIA C3 Nehemiah 1.2GHz CPU
10/100 Ethernet Integrated Video/Audio,
4 USB 2.0, Card Bus and Compact Flash slot
Xenarc 700TS
sharkradio am/fm
I already had wireless PCMCIA and a garmin gps head unit, 200 watt amp, and XMPCR
computer size is 8.25" x 10.75" x 2.5", which fits nicely under passenger seat yet allows seat to still function 100%
Software includes:
WinXP, Routis GPS, and Media Engine
Installations:
The stock SC stereo head unit, cd player and amp were removed. I then determined the angles required to modify the shell clam for the Screen, taped off, checked twice, and using a hacksaw proceeded to cut the sides off the front half of the casing. This allows it to sit recessed in the console but also fit snug on the sides. Overall it looks more professional then most installs and does not move or rattle. I find that the morning sun coming in from the rear window does effect viewing but then I don't have any tint on my windows yet.
The computer was mounted under the passenger seat and fits quite well. The seat can still move all the way forward and back without touching the computer. Nobody can really sit in the back seat of an SC so I'm not too worried about that but if needed, they could. All lines for power and monitor run under the carpet to the center console and then to appropriate connections. The XMPCR and Garman serial cable runs under the carpet and then under the seat and the head units sit on the back dash in the corner. The XMPCR has a black box that satellite receiver plugs into and then an audio and usb cable run back to the computer. The rear cushion of the SC completely takes up the space under the seat area so this black box was slid up behind the back of the rear seat where there is a pocket of cushion large enough to hold it in place.
I went to different local auto parts stores and found the proper Toyota stereo connection (on 3rd try) to us to connect to the set of wires that use to run out of the amp to the Speakers. It also carries ground and trip wire so all I really needed to do was find another constant 12 volt to amp. I could not figure out how to wire into the second base amp the SC uses to drive the 10" woofer but I'm going to upgrade now that it all works to a 5 channel amp and new speakers so it will not matter.
I installed the mat****a-panasonic cw-8124-b, which is an external usb powered, slim, spotless unit in the glovebox so it's out of the way but still can be reached if neeed.
I installed the sharkradio and (sorry griffin) it basically sucks for automotive application. Had to move it all over the car to determine best reception and currently sits in sun-roof area. I'm in the middle of converting a 120v 50-2000htz amplifier to 12v and see if I can incorporate it to improve the signal level enough to be satisfactory. I understand they have an external antenna jack, bla, bla, but it's just too weak, even tied into the stock car antenna. If they would improve it's reception they could have a winner.
I also purchased the powermate control knob from the same company and this is pretty cool to control volume/mute,etc.
Yet to do....
Connect cell phone to PC for mobile wireless internet -- I already have this working for my laptop and PDA so it's a no-brainer.
See if I can replicate it all in Linux -- I'm a UNIX die hard.
That's it. here are some pictures...
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