Hello everyone,
I have been following MP3Car.com for last 3 years. Have learned a lot over the years about installing CarPCs. Recently I decided to take the leap of faith and start my own project. So this is my first post describing my plans and I do have a question at the end. I am always open to criticism so don't hold back
Current devices:
• Toyota Sienna 2003 CE, 2 DIN OEM stereo which is located in the lower part of console
• Garmin StreetPilot 580
• Wireless rearview camera with 3.5” monitor (from Costco)
• 12 inch overhead LCD/DVD combo for back seat passengers (DVD is starting to go south slowly). It has RCA connectors for AV-in
• Handheld DVD Player with 8” LCD for back seat entertainment
• Backup camera with RCA connector, 12V (not in use at this time)
The Plan:
- Control and manage all devices/functions from one central PC
- “Most bang for the buck” – Implement as much as I can without breaking the bank
- I want to keep the OEM look, so modifications or fabrication will be very limited
- Planning to sell the van next year so the setup must be easy to remove when it is time to part with the van
- Laptop and other devices will be housed in a console box located between the front seats.
Proposed Setup:
-
Main PC: Toshiba Satellite S305 (circa 2003), P4 2.4 GHz Intel CPU, 1GB RAM, 100 GB 7200 RPM IDE Hard Drive, Linksys Wireless-G NIC, 100MB Wired NIC, DVD ROM, 3 USB Ports, 1394 port, one DB9 serial port, one VGA port, Windows XP Pro SP2
-
External storage: 160GB laptop drive
-
Frontend: Centrafuse or RR
-
Plugins: Gas Prices, Traffic Cameras, Bluetooth setup to display email messages on main LCD (possible?)
-
Main LCD: Toyota Multi vehicle - Metra 95-8202 kit with Lilliput LCD from ByByte or Xenarc 702TSV. Not sure which one will fit in the opening.
-
Backseat Entertainment: Use the current 12 inch overhead monitor for back seat entertainment.
OPTIONS
Split video (2nd VGA card ?) and play movies on the overhead monitor while keep other functions on the main PC
OR
Install
WD TV with a 60GB HD and keep backseat entertainment completely independent of the CarPC
OR
Install
Popcorn Hour A-110 Network Media Tank, with WN-100 wireless card, play movies stored on laptop’s HD
-
GPS Hardware:
BU-353 Weather-proof GPS Receiver connected to the Frontend Navigation software thru GpsGate
-
GPS Device Sharing: GpsGate to share one GPS antenna with multiple GPS enabled applications (Navigation, trip logging, Google Earth etc.)
-
Audio: Laptop’s built in RCA audio port connected to an amplifiers, using OEM speakers for audio
-
Radio: SILab USB FM Radio
-
DVD Player: External USB DVD
-
Internet: BB Tethering,
Rogers Rocket Stick or
Bell Turbo Stick
-
Wireless Sharing: Linksys WRT54GC compact wireless router, Internet Connection Sharing on main pc
-
USB Hub: DC Powered USB Hub from MP3Car Store or
7 port D-Link DUB-H7 USB Hub from Tiger Direct
-
Backup Camera: Use a camera with RCA Video connector
-
Power Supply:
CarNetix CNX-P2140 using car battery as power source. Might add second battery with isolator switch later on.
-
Power Adapter for laptop: Universal DC Power Adapter for laptops that will be controlled by P2140
-
Power Control Switch: Main switch to shutdown the entire CarPC setup for maintenance purposes. Also separate switches for overhead LCD and backup camera.
-
Sound Proofing: Might decide to soundproof the floor and firewall area of the van at a later stage. Depending on $$ left in pocket
Must have features/hardware:
- Main PC
- Touchscreen 7" LCD
- GPS
- Backup Camera
- FM Radio
Nice to have features:
- GPS Sharing
- Backseat entertainment setup
- Internet and Wireless network setup
- Second battery
Question:
The Double DIN opening in Sienna is in the lower part of the dash. When I sit in the seat it is at knee height (see pictures, not my van). At this height do I really need an expensive (transreflective or Xenarc 702) LCD or will a Lilliput 701 in a frame from ByByte.com would do?
Linear Mode
