I decided to start my worklog here... until I can get my pages on my site up...
Auto: 2005 Scion xB
Motherboard: Epia M10000
Ram: 512 Mb
HDD: 3.5" HDD
Monitor: 7" Xenarc
Power: 90 W Opus
HU: Pioneer something or other...(will edit)
OS: XP
GPS: SA 2004(?)
Frontend: Various, primarily Frodo
Pics to follow when I get them....
Details:
I chose the pieces to my system based on what was available at the time. I didn't have a lot of money for the project and waited till something came along.... I wanted to flush mount the screen and eventually go with a Double-Din PC case with the LCD moutned on the front. In effect having an all-in-one unit that installed as easily as a car stereo.
old case...
version 1: aka just get it runnning
The case was a barbiePC. I gutted the thing and had it painted to match my car. I thought it would look nice, but after having it installed for some time, I have decided to go with another, better, custom case to fit my space and needs.
Originaly the monitor was mounted on a piece of plastic and slid in to the cubby underneath the AC controls. This worked well for the purpose of removing the screen every night. eventually, I moved it up to where the HU was and the HU down to the cubby. Monitor was still only a temp install....
Power is routed along the driver side door jambs and hidden away.
USB, Video, and Audio runs along Passenger side door jamb.
Screen is powered via a 12V rail on the PC. Turns on and off with the PC.
Version 1.5 - current status aka clean it up
The monitor was becoming a a nightmare. I mounted it to the back of the Dash with Hotglue. I then criss-crossed some wire behind it to give it a little extra support. This works, but over time the screen is not quite as snug as I would like..... I also added two brushed aluminum strips to either side to "fill" the gap between the monitor and the dash on each side. For now, it works for the untrained onlooker.
http://www.mcniece.com/images/IM000047.JPG
more on this problem/solution later.....
Screen mounted, HU tucked away.....for the most part.
Version 1.6 aka the new custom case
I just received my custom case today(
www.protocase.com), I will be installing it later today/tonight/tomorrow.... here is a pic, hopefully... the logo is cutout out of the top of the case, as well as all the I/O ports on the back of the box. It has mounting points for the board and HDD at this point. The next gen will have a mount for an opus and XM as well as 3.5/2.5 HDD option. The goal here is to get as much of the crap in the back of my car to the box and then make it a "convertible" install. In other words, when I am driving along, it will fit in the cubby under the back deck. When I am showing the car, it will sit on a stand in the back deck.....
Okay, new case is a little too slim....
MB fits, HDDfits.... Opus doesn't fit without risk of a nightmare......
May have to re-order a taller case.....or
Run a 2 gig DOM with a USB Drive external......
choices.....choices....choices
Updated 11-22-05!
It works, I did some rearranging and it works, the case closes, the system runs.
I had to cut an extra hole in the backpanel side to allow the Power in and out....
At this point, I am happy. I am getting two DOMs this week for another project, I will try them later and save even more space...
Pic here unless you overloaded my traffic limits...:
http://www.mcniece.com/images/IM000048.JPG
http://www.mcniece.com/images/IM000049.JPG
Cool Case!
Linear Mode
