2005 Xterra - An Ongoing Adventure :)

fishhead202 · 07-09-2009, 03:56 PM

I've lurked on here for years, and a huge thanks, kudos to everyone for asking and answering the questions that I've been using as guidance.

I started my little project almost 3 years ago, and it's sat on the shelf for most of that time for a number of reasons. Over the past few weeks, I've picked it up again, and wanted to post my project to help anyone else, get input, and (mostly) to help as a form of motivation to see this through when I get frustrated.

What I've got:

Computer:
-I built the comp itself mostly out of old parts I already had. It's an ATX form factor. I have an Opus 150 to power it. We'll see if it draws too much power (one of my concerns...)

Screen: Xenarc 7" touchscreen.

GPS: Forget what receiver it was that I have, but it works great. I've got iguidance, and have used it with my laptop to test, and like it a lot.

XM: I have an XMD1000 that I had for my old radio. I just got an XM PCR in the mail yesterday.

Frontend: Centrafuse

The overall plan:
I was trying to keep my radio, and use it's aux inputs, but I have no idea how to fadricate AT ALL, so changed gears. Now I'll be running everything through the comp, then an amp to the speakers for the sound. I'll have a sub box in the back with my electonics bracketed to the top of the box, then a cover, so from the outside, it'll just look like a sub box.

I'm planning on running a single power line 1/0 to the rear of the car to a distribution block. From there, it'll split off and run 2 amps (1 for speakers, 1 for subs), the computer, and I picked up a thing to power usb hubs. It'll all go back to a single ground.

Long Term goodies: I've got my mp3s on the comp already. I'm planning XM and HD radio. I want bluetooth for the phone, eventually OBD II, and the GPS. (and any other goodies that catch my eye).

Where I'm at:
nothing is in the car except for the screen. That powers on, so that's a win

It's currently plugged into a cig lighter that is only powered when the car's on. I'm fine with that for now.

I got the XM PCR thing yesterday, and installed it onto my laptop just to check it out. I couldn't get a signal from inside the house. Tonight, hopefully can take it out back on the porch, and I'm really hoping, can pick up a signal. I also have the old antenna from my XMD1000 that's meant for cars. I'm going to try and plug that into it and see if that works too. If I can get XM going, I can at least have some music, even if it isn't through the car speakers yet.

This weekend I'm hoping to start some wiring and/or work on the sub box.

Well, that's where I'm at. I'm very out of my comfort zone here, so be gentle.

Cheers,
--Fish

rdholtz · 07-09-2009, 04:25 PM

Welcome!

When you start out with . . .

Quote: Originally Posted by fishhead202

. . . and a huge thanks, kudos to everyone for asking and answering the questions that I've been using as guidance.

. . . it's pretty hard to make wisecracks.

It would be nice to have pics, please.

colin · 07-09-2009, 04:29 PM

Pics!

fishhead202 · 07-09-2009, 04:31 PM

I'll get some pics up this weekend

Nice to see some encouragement already! Thanks!

fishhead202 · 07-12-2009, 09:49 PM

OK, let's see if I can pull off these pics:

This is the screen. You'll see that the edges are still ragged (especially the bottom) Honestly not sure how I'm going to fix the bottom yet, but I really needed to get it in to keep moving forward.

Another shot of the screen.

Got the power wire through the firewall today!!!

F-ing big wire.... not looking forward to trying to hide this thing as I run it to the trunk......

The comp. I'm using tupperware as the case

That may or may not change hahaha

My current problem to tackle. Centrafuse isn't happy about XM......

Box of other goodies

Opus is in there, USB hub power controller thingy....

Lots to do

Honestly, this really has been an adventure, and so many new things to me, but overall I'm enjoying it. (Once I get music in my X again, it'll be MUCH more enjoyable)

Thanks for the comments!
--Fish

Editted to get the links to the pics right