2008 Honda Ridgeline Mac Mini carputer

crimsonaudio · 02-27-2008, 10:12 AM

OK, I'm almost done with assembling the necessary stuff for my new Mac Mini carputer install. The audio portion is done (a modest setup utilizing Boston Acoustics speakers driven by an A/D/S amp, no sub) and here are a few pics I just got back from the guy I hired to do the custom dash fabrication for the touchscreen:

Front view:

Side view - shows the off axis view under bad lighting conditions:

Great color matching:

The Mini is ready to install, all wiring is finished (save the little bit between the Carnetix PSU and the Mini). The Mini will go in the center console with the Apple wireless keyboard and the tiny mouse I nabbed for it. Also got a GPS USB receiver and RouteBuddy software for nav purposes but I'm most excited about having my entire CD collection (just over 5000 songs) at my fingertips (literally) all the time!

The Millenicom wireless internet modem works GREAT so far, so I'll have mobile internet at all times. Thinking about getting a Slingbox just for kicks.

More pics as soon as I get it installed and wired up! I'm very excited, sick of driving around with a gaping hole in my dash for the last month!

Here are the specs:
- Xenarc 700TSV 7" touchscreen (800x480)
- Apple Mac Mini (1.83GHz Intel Core Duo, 2GB RAM, superdrive)
- Globalsat BU353 USB GPS reciever (with RouteBuddy navigation software)
- Millenicom 3G wireless internet modem
- Griffin PowerMate rotary encoder
- Apple mini wireless keyboard
- Logitech V220 wireless mouse
- A/D/S PQ10.2 amp (35X4)
- Boston Acoustics SX65 speakers

Cheers,

onepuff · 02-27-2008, 06:59 PM

Lookin really nice.

crimsonaudio · 02-28-2008, 09:03 AM

Thanks, I'll posts some pics as soon as it's in the dash, which will hopefully be within a week...

Abruzzo2 · 02-28-2008, 01:55 PM

Do you heave a thread for your work ledger? I am planning on putting 2x Mac Minis into my and my wife's car.

crimsonaudio · 02-28-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Abruzzo2

Do you heave a thread for your work ledger? I am planning on putting 2x Mac Minis into my and my wife's car.

Not sure what you're asking?

I'm new around here, this is the only work thread I've started if that's what you mean. If there's anything specific I can tell you, ask away!

crimsonaudio · 03-06-2008, 10:33 AM

W00t! It's up and running now!

Dash shot:

Close up:

Passenger view:

It's a MAC!

Touchscreen IR remote receiver and micro switches (for future use):

Griffin Powermate for volume and track switching:

All three input devices (besides touchscreen):

GPS:

Internet!

This is a blast!

RedGTiVR6 · 03-06-2008, 11:28 AM

thread moved! congrats!

skuller · 03-06-2008, 09:10 PM

Wow that is one of the cleanest install I've ever seen.
exceptional paint quality...
two thumbs up!!!!

is there any tips for paint matching for the rest of us?

crimsonaudio · 03-06-2008, 09:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by skuller

Wow that is one of the cleanest install I've ever seen.
exceptional paint quality...
two thumbs up!!!!

Thanks!

Quote:

is there any tips for paint matching for the rest of us?

Yes - hire a great fabrication guy like I did!

Zeroaviation · 03-06-2008, 09:44 PM

Nice!!! where did u actually put the MAC?

crimsonaudio · 03-07-2008, 06:22 AM

The Mac is in the center console. I'll snap some shots as soon as I get the DVI-VGA adapter I ordered as right now it looks pretty messy...

BTW, I didn't want to say anything without his permission, but HUGE props to turbocad6 for the fabrication on this install - he took a few random pieces I sent and sent me back this factory-looking bezel. His work is top notch! Thanks, turbocad6!