vihila

Welcome to the work log of my 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5XT! I hope you find it educational.


Summary of Car Entertainment System
The A/V sources of this system include a CarPC (more on that later), an Alpine DVA-9861 DVD Head Unit, and a Game Console Wall Plate which allows any video game console to be connected. These are viewed on a touchscreen monitor and two headrest monitors, each with their own infrared headphones. The monitors and headphones get their inputs from a Clarion MSS-430 multi-zone source selector (additionally, the touchscreen monitor is connected directly to the computer with a VGA signal). The source selector has four A/V inputs (Head Unit, Computer, Game Console, and Backup Camera). This allows each monitor to independently select between the three A/V sources (the Backup Camera has not yet been installed).

Each A/V source also provides analog and/or digital audio to an Alpine PXA-H701 sound processor. This sound processor is controlled by another head unit, the Alpine RUX-C701. This allows the vehicle sound system to select any audio source. Digital audio ensures the best quality audio signal. The preamp outputs from the sound processor are fed into a Phoenix Gold R9.0:5 5-channel amplifier. This powers the Boston Acoustics SX60 component speakers in front, SX55 coaxial speakers in back, and an 8" Kicker Solobaric subwoofer in the trunk.

The computer uses a Core Duo processor and an Aopen i945GTt motherboard. It has an 80GB 7200RPM SATA hard drive, with 2GB of DDR2 RAM. I use a modified Ampie case with a fan controller and extra cooling. The computer is powered by a CarNetix P2140 DC Regulator. The regulator is also used to power two USB hubs and an Airlink AR360W3G 3G Mobile Router. This mobile router allows me to use my laptop cellular card to have constant internet access, as well as create a "mobile hotspot" in and around my car.


Current Diagram:



Completed:

Installed Headrest Monitors:


Created Subwoofer Enclosure:


Dynamat (RAAMmat) Trunk:


Dynamat (RAAMmat) Floor:


Dynamat (RAAMmat) Rear Hatch:


Dynamat (RAAMmat) Doors:


Create Recessed Floor in Trunk for Components:


Installed Shelf for Trunk Components:


Installed Kicker Solobaric Subwoofer:


Installed Boston Acoustics Speakers:


Installed Touchscreen Monitor:


Installed Front Shelf Components


Wired Up:


...and Ready to Go!



To Do:

• Configure Computer Software (User Interface, Navigation, etc)
• Install Subwoofer Back-Plate
• Mount Front Seat A/V Remote to Storage Compartment Lid
• Mount Back Seat A/V Remotes to Armrest
• Neon Lights on Amplifier
• Wire and Mount DVD+-RW
• Flush-mount Lilliput Buttons
• Inverter Kill Switch (or Use ACC for Inverter On)
• Ground Inverter Game Plate
• Headphone Solution for Front Seat
• Backup Camera

Anshu

have you thought about getting a 12v regulated soruce for the screen etc? if your running a decent audio setup the voltage will fluxate and the screen is not designed to really handle this.

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vihila

Yes, I have given a little bit of thought to regulating the power. I haven't determined how to do it yet, but I know that I will have to. I will do more research as the time gets closer. I am taking it one step at a time. I'll post my findings here.

Anshu

If your looking for just 12v regulated
http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...products_id=60

thats how im doing mine

this one
http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_...roducts_id=124
also provides 5volts so it can power usb devices or usb hubs

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ppgt94

Kill two birds with one stone and get a good DC-DC power supply. I run tons of equipment off my Opus 150.

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My Install Thread
digitaljetta.com

MKIV VW Jetta
How do I get sound to my car?

vihila

Do you think this will power everything of mine? (Computer, 3 x 7" LCD's, Playstation 2, Audigy NX, USB Hub, TV Tuner)

I could at least power the computer, USB Hub, Audigy NX, and TV tuner off of it. Then I could get a seperate voltage regulator for the 3 LCD's, and I might just get a power inverter for the Playstation (that way I could switch to an XBox or Gamecube at any point )

BTW.... Transflective Touchscreen now available for preorder!!! I just ordered mine!

Anshu

that all depends on your computer setup. there a few FAQs about this

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ppgt94

I don't know about 3 LCD's but it will should run everything else fine (+ at least one LCD). Just for reference, here's what I'm currently running with the Opus 150. This is just off the top of my head;

Full-sized Intel ATX mobo
Two 92mm fans
P3 866
2 x 256MB PC133 modules
60GB 7200RPM 3.5" IDE HDD
LITE-ON 4x DVD-RW
Turtle Beach SantaCruz PCI soundcard
Netgear 802.11g PCI wNIC
2 USB ports on mobo (full)
3-port PCI USB 2.0 Card (full)
4-port USB hub (powered from 5v off Opus) (full)
Xenarc 7" VGA LCD
Slimline slot-load DVD/CD-RW drive.

I'm too lazy to list all 9 USB devices but most use all of their 500mA per-port. I've never officiall added the wattage up but I'd bet I'm close to the max. I've never had any problems with overloading (knocks on wood) in the four years I've had the Opus. There is a higher wattage DC availale PSU, like the 220w DSATX. Just guesing, going by my experience, 220w should be able to handle your three 7" LCD's and most PC setups.

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My Install Thread
digitaljetta.com

MKIV VW Jetta
How do I get sound to my car?

vihila

Wow, thanks ppgt,

That is exactly the sort of info I was looking for. A real world example! I think I am going to put the 3 LCD's on their own regulator anyways. The Opus 150 should be more than enough for my Core Duo setup with all its accessories.

I'm going to research some more to see what options I have for the LCDs

Thanks again

vihila

Well, before I begin with the modifications, I thought I would post some pictures of the stock car. Enjoy!

vihila

Here is my updated schematic. Please let me know if you have any suggestions, especially when it comes to powering the different components. is a 20A fuse enough for the Opus? Do I need to put a fuse before the Inverter?
The CarNetix is probably overkill for the LCD's, but I plan on adding an Overhead 15" LCD later.




Diagram removed because it has been updated on the first post (to be bandwidth-friendly)

Anshu

so it depends on how your planning on splitting the main line from the battery. probably going to be running a 0 gauge line down to some sort of distro block, just used fused ones there and that would make everything in tip top shape

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vihila

OK, I just updated the diagram above, and if you can see, I labeled the three 1x2 distro blocks 1, 2, and 3. So, I am thinking that block 2 is the only one that needs to be fused, since the amplifier has built in fuses, and I am planning on fusing the Opus with a 20 amp fuse. Is this correct? Thanks Anshu!

vihila

Actually, the Carnetix is 60W @ 12V, and the inverter will more likely be around 300W @ 12V, so I will probably need seperate fuses for these items. Is this correct?

Anshu

If I were doing this I would put fuses on 2 and 3. Individual Fuses on each item.

Thats a input to 2 individualy fused,d block. something like that
http://knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=BC-1428

and Id do number one with something like this

http://knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=BC-1024

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