Mac mini in my 2006 Honda Ridgeline

coolcat · 05-30-2005, 11:53 PM

I finished getting my Mac mini functional in my Ridgeline on Friday night. The install isn't entirely finished yet, but it is far enough that the computer is in and running!

The display is an in-dash 1 DIN sized fully motorized VGA touchscreen from Digital World Wide. I haven't played around with the touchscreen part yet. This screen also has a built-in TV tuner, but I don't have an antenna hooked up to it so its not working yet. I'll also have to pipe the audio to get that working.

The mini itself is sitting in the center console, the VGA and USB cables are routed through the dash and console much like the factory DVD player's wires are run. I'm going to be fabricating a padded mounting system to hold it securely in the console. The great thing about this is that with the lid closed you can't tell that its there. The only hint of something aftermarket is the retracted face of the display in the dash. I'm thinking of adding a lock to the center console to keep it closed, for added security.

Currently the mini is powered with a power inverter, but I'm going to be getting a Carnetix CNX-P1900 carputer PSU that will hardwire it into the battery so that it can run more efficiently and it'll be able to run even without the key in the ignition.

The other major component that is missing is the audio feed into the head unit, that's going to be an SNHOND3 most likely.

My GPS unit is BlueTooth, the software that I'm using is Route 66 USA 2004. I'm hoping for an update to the software soon, as I've come across many roads over the past year that aren't in the maps (I've been using Route 66 on my PowerBook). I've heard that there may be another company coming out with a Nav program for Mac OS X this year, that would be great.

I have my entire iTunes music library on the mini, and using my cell phone as a BlueTooth modem I can get on the internet at any time and download more songs! I'm also going to rip a DVD or two (or 25) to the hard drive so that we'll never be without a little entertainment. I currently have a Verizon broadband PC card for my PowerBook and I've heard rumors of a new USB 2.0 version coming out. If that happens I'll have broadband in my Ridgeline!

Once the mini installation is complete the next step is 7" headrest screens with a standalone DVD player for the rear. I'm waiting for the factory matched headrests to come out. Then the rear seat passengers will be able to watch a movie or play games (either with IR headphones or through the head unit) and the mini can do GPS up front, or chic flicks for my wife.

shizzle · 05-31-2005, 12:03 AM

Sweet! Great to see yet another mini install. Can you get a better pic of where the mini is? Also, If you have it installed, could you get a pic of route 66 in use?
I also have yet to finalize my install. I am using it for a roadtrip today, though, so at least it is interfaced to the HU and all! It's exciting when you first boot up in the car, huh? Keep it up!

EDIT: Also, if you are interested and haven't heard, there is freeware being developed for use with a mac in the car with a touchscreen. It is called CCarProject, and there is a thread about it here in the mac forum.

Bugbyte · 05-31-2005, 12:13 AM

Terrific! There's quite a few Mini's going cars these days. A couple of questions:

1. What GPS receiver are you using?
2. You should PM Kandyman and ask that he move this thread to the "Show Off Your Project" forum.

kandyman676 · 05-31-2005, 07:36 AM

Already had it reported to me. Moving it now..

Rafster · 05-31-2005, 08:00 PM

Man, nice car. Here's what you should do though. Get a 8-10" VGA screen, get rid of stock stereo, put CD Receiver where in dash is currently.

Peace,

Rafster

coolcat · 06-01-2005, 01:15 AM

Bugbyte, I'm using a BlueTooth GPS receiver, an RN600 I believe. I got it on eBay a little over a year ago.

I can get more pics, including one of Route 66 running, if you'd like. My next step is to figure out why the touchscreen isn't working right (I found the drivers but something isn't loading right). Then I'm going to get the mini to put out the 800x480 that is the native resolution of the display.