Ford EL XR6 install

**3l33tPhantom** · 05-05-2007, 05:39 AM

Hi everyone

Updated!
I run into a few issues, so i changed a few things, along with feedback from members

Computer - Dell Optiplex SX280

Pentium 4 3GHz
1 gig DDR2 ram (upgraded)
80 Gig Sata WD HDD (upgraded)
Intel GMA 900 Video Card
CD rom drive (upgrading to DVD burner)
7 USB2 ports
Gigabit Network port
inbuilt sound card (upgrading to external Audigy)
windows XP
Power supply - Opus 250Watt

Monitor

10.4" touch screen XGA TFT PC monitor
For the LCD i have received sample filters from 3M products which claim to brighten the display and reduce sun glare, Once i have the screen i will pulling it apart and test these filters.

Software (beta)

windows XP
Road Runner
Voice Activation

Input

Palm Laptop laser keyboard

Aiming for?
voice activated windows, driving lights.
bluetooth phone control
digital TV/FM/DVD/Divx/MPEG4 etc....
GPS
WiFi

MY car
Ford Falcon XR6 1998 Manual
150 000km's
Exhaust
no mods (as yet)

The interior
The screen will be located where the head unit is with fiberglass.

The Doof Doof

2 X 12' Pioneer Subs (400 RMS each)
Factory Standard Pioneer 6 speaker system
Jaycar Response Car Amp Class D 800WRMS
2 Farad Jaycar Capacitor
Dayton head Unit (to be removed... very very soon)

Currently i have a problem with body rattling due to the vibrations from the subs, I will be sound proofing the boot using Dyna mat, sound deadening paint and rubber.

I have edited this post as i was using a SX280 as PC, however due to the implications of a power supply connection compatibility (power requirement and connection type) I have swapped to a GX280. this solved the power supply issue, which was the biggest drawback.
I will be ordering the power supply this week, and hopefully make a decision on the LCD screen. After that, the easy purchases follow, GPS, digital TV receiver etc...

I will be running a test at home first before putting anything in the car.
I am looking at shock proofing techniques for the HDD.

we'll talk soon!

**3l33tPhantom** · 05-05-2007, 05:40 AM

power supply assistance from the forum members are at :

dell optiplex sx280

**cheeza5** · 05-09-2007, 05:47 AM

cool cant wait to see it come along

**DarquePervert** · 05-09-2007, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by 3l33tPhantom

Hi everyone

Yep, i got hooked so I am starting my own project.
The main reason why i am building it are the benefits i receive from the system, GPS,TV, Music,Movies etc...

Computer - Dell Optiplex SX280

Pentium 4 3GHz
1 gig DDR2 ram (upgraded)
200 Gig Sata WD HDD (upgraded)
Intel GMA 900 Video Card
CD rom drive (upgrading to DVD burner)
7 USB2 ports
Gigabit Network port
inbuilt sound card (upgrading to external Audigy)
Dual boot - Linux/windows Vista
150 Watts power requirement provided via the p2140 or the DSX12VD
Night Vison Webcam (reversing + interior)

Monitor

not bought yet
looking for a 9' widescreen

That's a setup with a lot of power draw. I'm not saying it won't work, but it's overkill, really.
And I don't believe there are any 9' widescreen monitors ont eh market.

Software (beta)

Dual Boot Linux/Vista
Street Deck
Bluetooth
GPS
Voice Activation
WiFi car monitoring

I'd recommend against Vista, at least for now. Linux is all well and good, but there are fewer useful apps for it.
Bluetooth and GPS are more hardware pieces, too.

And how do you intend to monitor your car via WiFi? once you drive out of range of the AP, the car loses a 'net connection....

Input

Palm Laptop laser keyboard

This keyboard is wholly impractical for a car installation. You can go forth and try it, but I doubt seriously you'll be pleased witht he usability of it. You need a reasonably large flat surface for it to project the keyboard grid. Most cars don't have that large flat surface.

**Dennis5587** · 05-09-2007, 08:01 AM

you may be better off with windows xp, in th at all the front ends are made for it, no point to using vista.

where you putting the keyboard, cuase I heard that it sucks, there are no flat spots in a car, so its just a novelty item

Darque beat me to it

**greatwhite** · 05-09-2007, 05:27 PM

Relatively close to mine;

Dell optiplex gx270 small form factor, P4 2.26 Ghz, 320G Hd, 256 ram (for faster boot times, more ram = longer boot), pci audigy 4 sound card (kx drivers), floppy and cd rom removed (usb DVD/cdr drive in dash).

Rear cam also, but to the monitor, not the os.

currently using an inverter, but may soon go dsatx once funds loosen a little bit.

Cheers

**MatrixPC** · 05-09-2007, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

And I don't believe there are any 9' widescreen monitors ont eh market.

Not exactly 9" but close 9.2" as they said.
http://cgi.ebay.com/9-2-TFT-LCD-Car-...QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/496-9-2-LCD-TOUC...QQcmdZViewItem
I think there is also one by dynamic, but couldn't find a link.

Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I'd recommend against Vista, at least for now. Linux is all well and good, but there are fewer useful apps for it.
Bluetooth and GPS are more hardware pieces, too.

And how do you intend to monitor your car via WiFi? once you drive out of range of the AP, the car loses a 'net connection....

This keyboard is wholly impractical for a car installation. You can go forth and try it, but I doubt seriously you'll be pleased witht he usability of it. You need a reasonably large flat surface for it to project the keyboard grid. Most cars don't have that large flat surface.

**greatwhite** · 05-09-2007, 06:45 PM

It seems the dsx12vd maxes out at 140w (12v input) while the p2140 is 185w (12 volt input)........

Also, 150 w seems a little low of a rating for that system.......

I'm seeing possible troubles in your setup..........

Seems dell rates your setup at 140w - http://www.dell.com/downloads/global...Opti_SX280.pdf - but that's an as delivered state. You're adding more hardware and periferals.

I'd be looking for a psu with more capacity if it were me.......

Cheers

**3l33tPhantom** · 05-12-2007, 06:45 AM

thanxs for the feedback members.

I apreciate Darque's straight forward comment, and yes u are correct in several matters.

The keyboard is a bit of an "extra" and not needed, however having the bluetooth connection (10 m range), controlling the PC from outside, back seat etc... would be a breeze i can always have a flat fibre piece to reflect upon and use.

In regards to the screen size, i am not entirely sure as yet of the size, i was planning of removing the head deck, and have an USB sound card which would output to the amp with no problems, however i have found it to be a problem where, the sound card output is not strong enough, still doing research on that one. Feedback would be great, as i prefer not to have the head unit in the car at all. I would like the "10.4" TFT LCD Touch Screen Monitor for Car/PC/POS U5" (found on ebay) it fits well on my dash.

and yes GPS and bluetooth are hardware, but I guess it is my fault for not clearing it up, i am refering to GPS as map directions, "please turn left" "turn right" ""please overtake the cops..."

and bluetooth software, to control the phones.

In regards to the power, been Dell and having to be official and correct with their measurements, i am kind trusting those figures, the extra HDD will take around an extra 10 amps, the peripherals would draw a good 20 or so. the p2140 is so far my top choice. My brother is an electrician so i will be carrying few tests with him in regards to power consumption etc.. I will provide the results when i can.

As for wireless wifi, it is mostly for connection between my car and home LAN, as well as my friends premises. On other note

I am always amazed as to how many people have unsecured wireless networks around here

I will be expecting problems and drawbacks; it's what makes it fun and challenging, i have learnt a lot while planning this project, and i believe the better and more carefull the plan is done, the easier the installation and better will the results be.

Keep the feedback going, i am taking notes as i go and will not do something if you guys think it is not right

**3l33tPhantom** · 05-12-2007, 06:46 AM

forgot, yes the system is powerfull, but it's either that or my old p3 600 laptop with 256 MB of SD ram and 40 gig HDD lol which is probably the minimum requirement for any programs like street deck for example.