2009 scion xb mac mini - Page 2

scatebase · 01-31-2009, 02:29 AM

Sorry, still no pictures. Everything has been going really well. I have the P1900 installed and it is working perfect, and it fixed the buzz in the audio! I installed a powered usb hub, but I need to modify the cable so it turns off when the power is disconnected. I still haven't decided how I'm going to make the bezel flush to the screen, but it works for know. I have been having problems with roadnav and I haven't had the time to mess with it much, but hopefully this weekend I can get it working and take some pictures.

jrispin · 03-26-2009, 07:30 PM

I'm really anxious to see any pictures you might have. I'm looking to begin a project like yours on my own xB and it would really be helpful to see how yours came out and even some of your process if possible. So if you've got anything and can post it I would be most grateful. Thanks.

scatebase · 03-27-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jrispin

I'm really anxious to see any pictures you might have. I'm looking to begin a project like yours on my own xB and it would really be helpful to see how yours came out and even some of your process if possible. So if you've got anything and can post it I would be most grateful. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

The xb is a great car for this. If you need any tips or anything I would love to share what I have learned. I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow so you can get an idea of how it turned out.

dMand · 03-27-2009, 08:55 PM

Wow! I was actually entertained by a bunch of cardboard placards! Very unique build! One of a kind!

Just kiddin' bro...I can't wait to see the actual parts!!

scatebase · 03-28-2009, 04:15 AM

I wanted to get a few pictures up for you guys. They were taken on my phone, so dont be surprised by the amazing quality. Hopefully I will get some better pictures up tomorrow.

jrispin · 03-29-2009, 03:09 AM

Thanks so much for posting the pics. It's great to see the work in the flesh (so to speak). I'm really excited to see any more pics you can upload (mini mount, daytime LCD screen shots, cabling, etc). I wonder if you wouldn't mind answering a few initial questions for a newbie.

1. Did you do any fabrication to get the screen to fit in the place of your old head unit? Or is it just mounted behind the original faceplate? You had mentioned having trouble getting it flush with the dash, were you able to resolve that?
2. How much dismantling of the console did you need to do to route the cables? Did you need to take apart the console between the seats as well as the front console? (If you've got any pictures of the process, that would be AWESOME!)
3. How do you find the viewability of the 701 during the daytime? I know some LCDs don't do well in direct sunlight but I would think in the xB it wouldn't be too hard to see it in the daytime.
4. Now that you've completed the process (or almost?), do you have any key tips for me as I begin the process (pitfalls to avoid, things you wish you would have done, odd things about putting it together in the xB, etc).

Again, thanks for the pics so far and for any advice you can give. I REALLY appreciate your time and effort.

Jim

scatebase · 03-29-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jrispin

1. Did you do any fabrication to get the screen to fit in the place of your old head unit? Or is it just mounted behind the original faceplate? You had mentioned having trouble getting it flush with the dash, were you able to resolve that?

It basically just mounts right behind the original bezel. The problem I had was that the screen is a little too tall and keeps the bezel from going back on completely. Most people don't even notice, but it bugs me. I want to try and fix, but I haven't had the time.

Quote:

2. How much dismantling of the console did you need to do to route the cables? Did you need to take apart the console between the seats as well as the front console? (If you've got any pictures of the process, that would be AWESOME!)

The bezel around the screen, the silver around the shifter, the black below the shifter, the entire center console. It is very easy to take apart and put back together. I think there are only 3 screws in the center console and everything else just pops off.

Quote:

3. How do you find the viewability of the 701 during the daytime? I know some LCDs don't do well in direct sunlight but I would think in the xB it wouldn't be too hard to see it in the daytime.

I have been happy with the screen. I don't think there has been a time when it was unusable because of glare. During the day it doesn't look as bright and the colors aren't as bold, but it is definitely usable.

Quote:

4. Now that you've completed the process (or almost?), do you have any key tips for me as I begin the process (pitfalls to avoid, things you wish you would have done, odd things about putting it together in the xB, etc).

So far I don't think there is anything I would do differently. Other than the screen not fitting, everything went in easily and has worked well. I can't think of any tips to give you that are xb specific, but I have learned plenty of carpc specific tips from this site. There are a bunch of people on this site that know what they are doing and have tons of experience, and this site is a great place to learn from their mistakes. The best advice I can give you is to continue to be part of this community and contribute your ideas and knowledge.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I hopefully will get some more pictures up soon.

jrispin · 04-01-2009, 04:53 AM

Another quick question. I had read that the Lilliput display was slightly narrower than the double-din space in the xB, leaving a little space on either side of the screen. Is this accurate and if so, what did you use to bridge the gap? Thanks.

scatebase · 04-01-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jrispin

Another quick question. I had read that the Lilliput display was slightly narrower than the double-din space in the xB, leaving a little space on either side of the screen. Is this accurate and if so, what did you use to bridge the gap? Thanks.

The gap is about 3/4" inch on each side. I used a double din dash kit from crutchfield to fill in the gap. Eventually I want to use some fiberglass to make it one flush piece.

scatebase · 05-01-2009, 02:44 AM

Finally!!
I've got some good pictures and some updates.

I recently bought a Phoenix Soho to help with echo cancellation after I read this thread. I am still putting together a lexan case for it and I will put up a post later with more details.

I also figured out how to make my dash bezel sit flush and look halfway decent. It was actually pretty easy and I'm happy with it. It really makes this whole project seem more legit. All I had to do was cut a small part of the OEM bracket off and adjust the bracket to make it sit flush.

And here are the pictures:

Here are the two tabs I had to cut on the OEM bezel

This shows how the bracket went together to make it sit flush. If you want more info on that, let me know.

And here are the pics with glare. This is about as bad as it gets and it doesn't really bug me much; it is still usable.

VmtSquad · 05-06-2009, 01:41 PM

Nice job man, Im planing to switch from PC to MAC in my car, it looks much more stable, and ICE3 looks like what I needed since the first day!!

Question: which GPS software are you using? How the mac react to an hibernation, does it come back well or some features are missing just like windows...??

scatebase · 05-07-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by VmtSquad

Question: which GPS software are you using? How the mac react to an hibernation, does it come back well or some features are missing just like windows...??

For GPS I had hoped to use roadnav, but I have had trouble with it. It crashes shortly after launching it. I posted a thread about it, asking for help, but still no response

.

I have been really happy with hibernation on my mac mini. It wakes up fairly quickly and my battery hasn't died yet.