Elvira - The Scare 'E'(lement) [Honda element 07]

SEGgeek · 01-08-2007, 05:20 PM

Well, I think its time to start my Worklog, I have been already working on the car, and will post pictures a bit out of order.

My install;

Honda Element 07 (tangerine)
Xenarc 700IDT 7" VGA In-Dash Monitor
Garmin GPS Nav System (GVN 52)
Vcommand Voice activated GPS (more for showing off, then use)
JVC - KD-AR770 with Ipod control
Mac Mini (intel)
CarNetix CNX-P1900 (ver 2.02)
Phidgets

I am using AMP and custom Skinned the program

Here is my current worklog;

installed the GPS unit and started work on the dash and a Keyboard
mount thats foldable.

Here are some pictures;

for such an amazing cool car it has so few Outlets, so I added one;

I started work on the Carputer, and Mounted a Keyboard that folds down.

Not the speaker below the keyboard, Thats for the navigation system, it will be hidden after I am done.

Here is the keyboard folded up (well, umm folded DOWN);

I velcro'ed the keyboard, so I can Laptype (nO, not when I'm driving!)
here is a picture of the mount (kinda dark, sorry)

I have been asked info about the keyboard, here is a link:
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/s...productID=7599

And the finished product!
[editors note; this is NOT the actual screen I am using, I am getting a motorized built in screen, and alpine radio, I am using this screen to make sure all the connections are working properly]

Here is the dash with the Visor mirror showing.

I got LOTS more comin!!

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-08-2007, 08:59 PM

I decided on the location of the mini is in the glovebox, there is plenty of room for cables, and the door closed will hide the mini, and open i have easy access to load cd's, etc - I am mounting the Wifi antenna externally and maybe put in a small hole (or repeater, I havent decided yet) for the I-remote (you notice that mounted on my wheel?)

I found a plastic / acrylic mount for the mini

BUMPS ^............^

http://www.h-sq.com/

I added velcro to the legs to give it some traction, and am drilling two shallow holes
on the top plate to match the bumps on the plastic to keep it from shifting (im mounting the plate upside down,
so the mac is mounted to the top of the glove box, the mount is designed to fit the other way)

(more pictures to follow)

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-11-2007, 07:59 PM

Got the Xenarc 700IDT 7" VGA In-Dash Monitor I have been setting it up,
the picture quality is a bit inferior to my 8" unit I am a bit surpised by that.
But It's what I bought!

The intergration is going well, I am still awaiting the alpine radio,
some switches and the back up camera, I am tweaking everything and
making changes on the fly (LOL, Of course!!)

I am adding USB ports in two locations

http://frontx.com/store/order_p.html

one for the keyboard, and 'x'
and one for ipod / phone / who knows (on dash)
Keyboard one is going on lower console (where the k/B is mounted)

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-14-2007, 11:16 AM

Took my system out for its first test ride, stuff all over the floor,
BUT here I am, wardriving and Wi Fi-ing from a remote location!

tiny keyboard takes a bit to get used to but IT WORKS!

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-15-2007, 08:51 PM

I did a COOL mod for the dash with a lighted power button

Check out the tread about that!

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...221#post995221

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-15-2007, 09:16 PM

Here is a Picture with the REAL screen installed

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-21-2007, 12:25 PM

I have mounted the mac mini into the upper console my Element, and it was a *******

I ran into about a dozen differant problems.

I had to pull a side panel off to run the harness of cables up to the upper console and had to be REALLY careful cause I was close to the passanger airbag also anyone trying mounting a macmini that way (it does fit almost perfectly) here are some warnings.

You need -
vga cable
Audio
Power
USB cables (k/b, mouse, etc)
speaker (sound output)
trigger button (to reset the mac if it crashes)

I have a carnetix power supply, and a Xenarc monitor
I had to buy a 15 foot adapter cable to make the cable run
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Code=CBL%2D023
this has the 2 video inputs as well, as the USB for the touchscreen,
and the VGA for the screen, but you also need a 15' USB cord for anything else

(like keyboard, thumb drive, etc) you need a powered USB hub
(I mounted it in the glove box, were the computer was going to be mounted)
the carnetix has a 5v output for the USB hub, that helped alot

And you need to bring the composit video UP or Down to use them!

Now the *****. You have to pull apart the upper console, and cut out a major chunk of the back,
to fit the cables, even with the cutouts you dont have ALOT of room to play with with the steel upper console support

I also suggest a WIFi Antenna, mounted on the roof to increase the range
I am still working on it all, ONCE i have it tamed a Bit I will take pictures

I'm noticing digital 'hash' on the screen, I don't know if thats line noise from the power
or a problem yet with the screen, I also see the connector in the back on the screen is a bit loose,
I keep losing my vga image, and usb control, I will see if that is a bad connector or a bad mount!

The alpine I was buying fell thru, so I said screw it, and cancelled the order, went out and bought a JVC at best buy, the salesman lied (well, gave me misinformation) about the inputs (he said it has three, it has ONE)
but Does have a ipod interface and mute and a USB port in front
So its still usable -- I will give details on that once its installed.

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-26-2007, 02:43 PM

If you buy from bestBuy CHECK to see if the Packaging actually IS THE SAME as what the salesman says.. I got screwed, the unit wasnt the KD-AR770 that the salesman was (abit misinformed) selling me, This was the strip down unit with NO AUX INPUTS not even ONE!!! (KD-G720)

I was having the unit installed, and the installer said "were is the aux input?' 'there is no aux input on this radio'

SO When I went back to best buy they told me 'oops sorry, but your S.O.L we don't carry the other unit'

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH HH

(i'm NOT happy)

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-27-2007, 06:38 PM

"Art isn't Easy" -- Stephen Sondhiem

Well, Little by little the carputer is taking form.

Mounted the Screen, and working on the power button (right side)
have the mac running 'marine Aqaurium" as a screen saver.
Garmin Navigation Control mounted on the left.

Added USB ports on the upper and lower console
(have a 6 port powered USB hub in the glovebox)

And a close up of it

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-28-2007, 07:50 AM

Close up of the lighted computer reset button

Check out the video of the Light pulsing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9MNE-bkltI

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 01-28-2007, 07:48 PM

Worked on the Back-up System today, When the car goes into reverse
the screen auto switches to 'video 2'

Here is the Backup camera mounted on the back on my Element

And here is the GPS and WiFi Antenna's Mounted on top

Makin major Progress!!

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 02-04-2007, 07:29 AM

Well I decided to buy a factory subwoofer, and move things around a bit in my car.
I moved the USB ports from the lower console to the center console

And while I had it open I said HEY I CAN ALWAYS USE ANOTHER POWERPORT!
.................................................. .........................................

So I bought one of these backlit cigarette lighters, removed the bulb and
installed a LED in its place, wired it to the parking light circut

Jonathan

[editors note:] the white tab is the template for a remote that will sit in the console

SEGgeek · 02-07-2007, 11:16 PM

Well. I added a USB cam, and did a Quick test video chat with a friend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fcxm9G5OOw

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 02-10-2007, 08:45 AM

Well, I am almost finished with the install (are you actually ever REALLY finished?)
I removed the factory subwoofer, and replaced it with a mini amp (found info on here about it!)
and a normal speaker for the navigation system.

I need to add some filters to get rid of engine noise, and am waiting on Kindling to come
out so I can move forward with the front end of it, right now I am using a
combination of AMP and front row as my front end.

My next phase of work on the car (once I recover financially!)

Uh Uh Uh, You didn't say the magic word !

is to add phidgets into the car and automatic control of cooling
the computer (and maybe even the car) also fix the cosmetic errors that
all my DIY has DONE to my poor new baby.

Jonathan

SEGgeek · 02-10-2007, 07:47 PM

USB camera Mounted on left side of mirror
MacMini mounted in upper console

Jonathan