'05 Nissan Altima- Intel D945GCLF2D Mini-ITX in Center Console (Storage Bin Mod) - Page 3

hexxamillion · 09-25-2009, 02:42 AM

Ok so...I think I am finally breaking down and deciding on replacing my head unit with my PC. I can run cable from the sound card to my AMP. When it comes time for me to upgrade my AMP I would prefer to get one that has a remote to adjust and tune it. Any suggestions?

I am going to test this with my EEEPC which I have mounted as my CarPC currently. I will need to get a higher grade Jack to RCA cable adaptor but we shall see how it sounds. If all goes well as could be expected then that will cut more cost from my project (I was going to upgrade my head unit). This will also provide an easy switch over to use my Windows Mobile phone as a backup media player. Since the LCD Monitors have 2 video inputs, one will be the PC and the other will be my Phone if needed (though no interaction unless I use the VNC...we shall see). I use my rearview mirror as my backup camera already so that is covered.

I found this straight forward overview of connecting my PC to my AMP: CarPC Hacks

hexxamillion · 09-25-2009, 05:22 AM

I know there are many USB sound card solutions out there but I think I found one that adds an "easy to reach" option for controlling the sound. If I decided on this, the upgraded audio jack to RCA cable will be connected from this straight to my AMP.

Creative Labs Xmod USB Sound Card

These are the specs:

Connectivity USB Mini-B
Line Out - 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo jack
Line In / Mic in - 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo jack
Headphone Out - 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo jack

X-Fi Technology
X-Fi Crystalizer
X-Fi CMSS-3D Virtual
X-Fi CMSS-3D Headphone

Earphone Specifications Frequency Range: 140 Hz ~ 20 KHz
Sensitivity: 112 dB ± 3 dB (I/P Level:1 mW)
Impedance: 32 ohm ± 15%
Plug: 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo miniplug

Power Requirements (USB or AC Adapter)
Supply Voltage : 5V +/- 5%
Current : 1A
Power : 1W

hexxamillion · 09-25-2009, 06:19 AM

Ok...after some more forum reading and manual reading I wonder if I should get the CarNetix CNX-P2140 rather than the M2-ATX-HV Intelligent PSU.

They both generally have the same goal in preventing improper shutdown and protecting from battery drain. I am, however, especially interested in the "Pulse Start Feature" of the Carnetix. I have been looking for such a solution for a while now.Search for term pulse in the Manual.

Any suggestions? How well will the CarNetix work with the Intel D945GCLF2D Mini-ITX?

hexxamillion · 09-25-2009, 06:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by hexxamillion

Any suggestions? How well will the CarNetix work with the Intel D945GCLF2D Mini-ITX?

OK...So my question was already answered in this post. Even though I am no longer using a Zotac IONITX, I believe this answer still applies being that the Intel board I am going to use is similar.

Carnetix it is! Time to update my checklist in post#22.

hexxamillion · 09-25-2009, 08:29 AM

I think I am going to purchase a center console from a junk yard or online (I saw some people are selling online). This will avoid me having to chop up my stock and will serve as a backup in case things don't work out quite how I want them to.

This is basically what I will be disassembling and modifying. These pics are to provide a general idea of what I will be working with. My interior is tan not black. These pics are from a post on ebay...just to use as an example.

I plan on modifying the storage bin as the area to mount the motherboard and other components. This is an actual pic of my console...look at that wasted space.

rdholtz · 09-25-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by hexxamillion

Ok...after some more forum reading and manual reading I wonder if I should get the CarNetix CNX-P2140 rather than the M2-ATX-HV Intelligent PSU.

They both generally have the same goal in preventing improper shutdown and protecting from battery drain. I am, however, especially interested in the "Pulse Start Feature" of the Carnetix. I have been looking for such a solution for a while now.Search for term pulse in the Manual.

Any suggestions? How well will the CarNetix work with the Intel D945GCLF2D Mini-ITX?

Quote: Originally Posted by hexxamillion

OK...So my question was already answered in this post. Even though I am no longer using a Zotac IONITX, I believe this answer still applies being that the Intel board I am going to use is similar.

Carnetix it is! Time to update my checklist in post#22.

The Zotac and Intel boards aren't similar in power supply. The Zotac board uses an external 19V power brick, so it needs 19V from your power supply; the Intel board uses a 24-pin ATX connector, so it can use either PSU to get the 12V, 5V and 3.3V it needs.

The Carnetix isn't going to solve any power issues. On the upside, it would still be an excellent choice, and you'll gain pulse start. On the downside, you'll spend twice as much on your PSU.

hexxamillion · 09-25-2009, 11:12 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by rdholtz

The Zotac and Intel boards aren't similar in power supply. The Zotac board uses an external 19V power brick, so it needs 19V from your power supply; the Intel board uses a 24-pin ATX connector, so it can use either PSU to get the 12V, 5V and 3.3V it needs.

The Carnetix isn't going to solve any power issues. On the upside, it would still be an excellent choice, and you'll gain pulse start. On the downside, you'll spend twice as much on your PSU.

Yeah. I realize the power supply differences but I think the Intel with the CarNetix may better suit my needs...or wants rather. Thanks for the feedback.

LancerAM · 09-25-2009, 04:26 PM

I would double check on that x-mod. If I remember correctly the jog dial isn't for adjusting volume but for adjusting the crystalizer.

hexxamillion · 09-25-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by LancerAM

I would double check on that x-mod. If I remember correctly the jog dial isn't for adjusting volume but for adjusting the crystalizer.

Good looking out. I will have to find a retailer that might have one on display.

hexxamillion · 09-26-2009, 06:38 AM

I came across this thread about a USB CarPC Amplifier. This is very interesting...wondering if anyone has had experience with this? Here is the online store link.

This is definately something I have been looking for. Too bad after you do the euro to $$ conversion you're looking at around $330 or so including shipping and tax. Neat idea and maybe waaaaaay down the road I may consider it just to satisfy my own curiosity or just to be unique..realizing probably not too many will have such a device.

hexxamillion · 09-28-2009, 03:49 PM

Today I tested Centrafuse (trial version) on my Virtual Machine running Windows 7. Bluetooth connectivity took some figuring out but now I know what I need to do it's all good. Obviously I am limited with the trial version (on a virtual machine) but for general functionality Centrafuse ran flawlessly on Windows 7. My Verizon xv6900 was paired flawlessly and even the A2DP functionality worked without issues on CentraFuse. I played a video on my phone and the audio played through my speakers. I was able to make a call through Centrafuse and setting up my phone was easy.

I was able to setup my Gmail IMAP easily through Centrafuse and it worked great.I was able to send an SMS through my IMAP to my phone. Mighty nifty that it also has quick replies to select and you can add.

So mainly because Centrafuse so far appears to be less hassel (if at all) I will probably be purchasing it rather than using Ride Runner. Don't get me wrong Ride Runner appears to be a great product and has come a long way but I like the functionality of Centrafuse better...just personal preference..they both are great front ends in any case.

....it's a shame that Bluesoleil is not free... too bad it doesn't come bundled as a full version with Centrafuse..it's only a trial but at least it's affordable. That would be one of the things I prefer LINUX over Windows..at least simple software components such as Bluetooth Managers are free. I never had any issues with Bluetooth on LINUX...does the same stuff but it's open source.

hexxamillion · 09-30-2009, 03:40 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by hexxamillion

....it's a shame that Bluesoleil is not free... too bad it doesn't come bundled as a full version with Centrafuse..it's only a trial but at least it's affordable. That would be one of the things I prefer LINUX over Windows..at least simple software components such as Bluetooth Managers are free. I never had any issues with Bluetooth on LINUX...does the same stuff but it's open source.

Shows how much of a newbie I am with Centrafuse. Apparently Centrafuse does come with Bluesoleil bundled but it's a modified stack for Centrafuse. So I'm sure I will get complete functionality once I purchase Centrafuse...no more Bluesoleil disconnects due to 2MB data transfer limit on the trial.

hexxamillion · 09-30-2009, 03:49 AM

I updated my post with the new components I now have from my checklist. Post#22

Check it out!

I forgot to mention that I received my new front dash cover from Coverking. I am eventually going to be modifying that with flexible solar panels...down the road..after the PC build is complete. View my thread Solar Charge your Laptop. The title was created from my first and current CarPC project using my EeePC. I will be modifying that but it could still be applied to other applications aside from a laptop.

hexxamillion · 09-30-2009, 11:47 AM

I purchased a USB port (x 2) to Motherboard header extenders w/bracket. I am going to bench test some of the components (power switch, memory, SSD, Windows 7, blah blah) that I have so far and if all is well I will at least install Windows on the 32GD SSD.

We shall see how things go.

hexxamillion · 09-30-2009, 12:51 PM

So I hooked up the following: (pics coming soon...what a crazy bench setup)
NOTE: I'm not as cool as the majority of you that have your own garage or shop...I'm working with what I got, out of an apartment.

Intel D945GCLF2D Mini ITX motherboard
PSU
Ethernet cable
2GB DDR2 Memory module
32GB SSD (via SATA connection)
Power Switch
Dual USB to Motherboard header cable
PS/2 Mouse & Keyboard
LCD VGA Monitor
Audio out
DVD-RW/ROM (via SATA connection)

The system booted so fast I missed the F2 prompt for me to access the BIOS. Once I got to the BIOS I set it up to boot from USB because I created a Windows 7 RC bootable USB. It successfully booted using the Windows 7 USB and I was able to proceed with the install.

So that's as far as I got for now. I will start working with installing motherboard drivers and all the other driver installation drama that's involved with any new system.

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