Thread: Scion xB '06, in-dash Atom 330, Lilliput 889GL; details, pictures, links. Index: pg 1

Originally Posted by lostreception

are you planning on scrapping/getting rid of the proto once your done with the final version i think id be interested

I don't think I'll scrap it. I probably need to build an additional unit for one of the other xBs in the family, so I'm going to look into making several. I bet we can work something out.

Once I have a final design, I'll see about getting the parts cut from something like .032 (20-gauge) aluminum. For me, the pleasure is in the design and troubleshooting; once I have something that works, I want to move on to the next project. I like to fabricate one-off pieces, but not production runs. I'll probably find someone to cut the rest for me; I'll do the bending unless they want to do that, too.

I have no idea what these would cost, but I'll get an estimate (I don't plan to become suddenly wealthy from them). Besides, your comments were part of my impetus to find a better solution, so I owe you. And paybacks are fun.

How About Adding Switches and a USB Port?

I've looked at the 1/2"-high extra space on both sides of the DVD unit -- about 1" wide on each side -- and it occurs to me that it might be a good place for the power and reset switches for the PC, and possibly a USB port or two. Hmmmm -- switches on the left, and USB port(s) on the right?

In doing this, I want to keep the bezel as clean and simple as possible. I'd like to avoid mounting anything more in it than Toyota already does, because it's a hassle to remove the plugs each time I take the bezel off.

I think I can change the angle brackets that align the DVD on the DVD support. I can lengthen each one about 2-1/2", notch the bottoms for bending, and make them into U-shaped pieces that include a face panel with space to mount accessories. Slots would allow depth adjustment without affecting the position of the DVD unit.

That will add a little material and a couple more fasteners, and it will add more cutting and bending, but it will keep the bezel clean and provide good flexibility in positioning the equipment.

It also means I'd better get out the Mouser catalog and look for some relatively small -- less than 1/2" square -- pushbutton switches; one on-off, and one momentary contact. If you know of a good source, I'm open.

Switches? No. USB Ports? Yes.

I decided to retreat on the PC on/off and reset switches idea and place those in the very bottom of the bezel area. Part of the reason is the availability of switches as small as these would need to be; I just didn't find any I like. I already have larger rocker switches I'd planned to use, so I'll stick with them.

But the space above the head unit, on either side of the DVD unit, would still be good for USB ports, or a USB port on one side and a Firewire port on the other. The USB ports I used in the face of the PC case are just under 1/2" high and just under 1-1/2" wide, so they should fit in the space available.

I'll have to be a little creative forming the supports for them; I'll convert the DVD guide brackets into combination units that also provide support for the USB/Firewire ports. If they're mounted so the faces of the ports are flush with the face of the DVD unit, they should work well and look OEM.

That's the plan when I put it down below. The toggle switches will be for PC on/off and driving lights (not yet installed). I like the idea of no accidental restarts.

But now you've started me thinking: what if I made the PC on/off switch hidden? I like the idea of no accidental turn-offs, too. Hmmmm -- thanks for the good idea.

No, the PC on/off will actually be a system power switch, controlling power to the M2-ATX. That will give me the option of running the PC and LCD panel or not. For the 3.5-mile trip to work and back, the PC is unnecessary.

The reset, on the other hand, will connect to the reset switch on the motherboard, and perform only a system reboot.

I do like your idea of making them both inconspicuous, or at least difficult to hit by mistake.

USB Port Mounts

After some noodling on this part of the project, I decided the best way to handle the mounts for the USB ports is to make the DVD guide brackets 1" wide instead of 1/2" wide, and long enough to extend out over the head unit. By adding another 1/2" of width to the front part that extends out, and by bending the base up to form a face, I'll have a 1/2" x 1-1/2" mount for a USB port on each side of the DVD unit. The USB ports are each fastened in with two screws, which could be covered by the bezel, although I think I may leave mine uncovered for a more "techie" look.

Right now I'm in the midst of rearranging my garage for better access to my tools, and things on the car project have been moving pretty slowly for several days.

And there's one other slowdown factor: heat. It's summer in south Florida, and I hardly want to go out into the garage. To remedy that, I got a 14,000 BTU portable air conditioner and ran the exhaust tubing up through the ceiling into the attic. If I start the air conditioner up in the morning, it can keep the whole garage at a very reasonable temperature. As is typical of a lot of area garages, there's no outside access without opening the garage door (or walking through the house and out the front door), so it's not a very good system when it comes time to do a lot of fit-checking in the vehicle.

That portable air conditioner isn't usable when I'm plastic welding, either; that takes lots of airflow -- and fresh air -- so I'll be doing that out on the patio, in the shade, with a fan blowing on me.

Re-Arranging the Garage, and My Face

Okay, the garage is re-arranged -- or re-deranged -- for more workspace. It should be much better to work out there.

I made a little miscalculation and a box jumped off a shelf when I moved it; the box dove down and landed on my glasses, which skidded down the bridge of my nose and deftly peeled a half inch of skin off it. It happened so fast I didn't even get any words out, except "Owwww!"

That left a mark; from what I see in the mirror, it'll be a few weeks before I can say "Well, it's no skin off my nose."

Since I have new workspace -- and since I probably shouldn't go out in public looking like this -- I can get back on task. By Saturday, I should be finished with the new version of the head unit support. There will be pictures. I promise.