2005 Ford F150 MAGNUS Truckputer - project and pics

**Kalenth** · 07-03-2008, 12:54 PM

2005 F150 Lariat Truckputer

This project has undergone multiple iterations over the last year or so. I have been researching all of this for about 2 years, but only recently got the budget approval from my finance department (wife).

All of this was eventually built and working in the home office. After tweaking the software, I had XP booting directly to RR in under 20 seconds, and overall it was a fairly stable system. I had a lot of input from various members, and I was able to borrow strongly from BLK02SI's mustang project, since out dash's are very similar in setup.

Thanks to everyone who has helped on this project. Being a novice, it is a pleasure learning from people that make me feel retarded.

10-14-08
After a move, I had to change my design a bit, and ended up going with a X60 IBM laptop. It uses a bit more juice that I would have liked, but I can't beat the size, and the all-rear ports on the dock. This means it will have a clean look when installed, and won't have as much to snag on the interior of my truck.

The new setup called for a general overhaul of everything except the screen. I ended up using the bezel as a mount point for a lot of my electronics, as it was now a steel cubby capable of holding quite a bit.

Thus far, the new specs are as follows:

custom bezel ($70)
702 TSV screen ($500)
HD Radio (Visteon) ($50)
custom input cable from Mitch ($20)
x60 laptop with dock built into the dash ($350)
custom tray build into the dash for vibration resistance ($15)
hinged dash cover for ease of access to the laptop ($5)
5.1 Amp ($250)
5.1 external soundcard ($50)
12v adapter with dual out of 110v and 5v ($30)
7 port usb hub ($20)
BU 353 USB GPS receiver ($30)
iGuidance 4.0 ($100)
Xbox 360 wireless adapter, with 2 remotes ($80)
Logitech Dinovo Mini wireless keyboard/mouse ($120)
Master toggle switch for 12v power ($10)
temp on switch with phone cable power mod ($3)
Amp wiring kit ($40)
Speaker cable ($20)
Small 8" sub - (needed)
lot of wire, tape, and tie downs

11-14-08
Keep in mind that all of this is a constant work in progress. Cutting into a vehicle means there is always something to improve, so I keep learning and striving to make this a better system. So far, I have spent enough to have put in a SYNC system and wouldn't have to worry about the rest, but the knowledge that I have gained from this project is worth a lot more than that.

12-26-08
Added a 12" mag light mount to the drivers seat. 2 hour pain in the *** but it's as sturdy as a rock. Pics are up.

12-27-08 - P4
Latest update is that I have all of the power issues figured out. Everything is up and running.

6/13/10 - Updating post from Afghanistan... found out that while I'm deployed, my wife headed downstairs today to find Magnus jimmied and everything car-PC related ripped out. UGH! Let me know if there are any Dallas peeps that can help a vet out.

**Kalenth** · 07-03-2008, 12:56 PM

This is a picture of the back on the 702TSV without the ribbon cable connected. There is MAYBE 1/4" of play with the cable, so reposistioning the board where the case would fit around it is a precarious job. These cables are very tender and too much tension can remove it from the jack, or tear it. BE CAREFUL!

To fit in the bezel, I had to seperate the main circuit board and screen, and move the circuit board almost 1/2" to the right to get it to fit into the bezel with the screen. I never will understand why the board was built with so much overhang, but I got it moved and the screen is working without incident.

Take note on pulling out the ribbon cable. This HAS to be put back perfectly, or the video will display incorrectly (if at all).

**Kalenth** · 07-03-2008, 01:05 PM

Other than the PC itself, the plan includes modifying the cigarette lighter on the dash, where I will install a slot-load DVD player.

The right dash cover will be removed and hinged, so that it simply opens like a door. The interior grey parts will be cleaned and painted.

Amp will go behind the backseat, or under the passenger seat... I haven't decided yet.

Interior will be completely removed and covered with RAAM mat

Obviously the goal here is maximum usability while retaining the stock look. I think a lot of us here have the same thoughts on that aspect. I love that when I am done and resell this thing, the only thing I will have to do is replace the lighter bezel, and plug i nthe stereo.

**rdholtz** · 07-03-2008, 02:15 PM

Good work, Kalenth.

When do you expect to deploy? And, while we're on the topic, thanks for helping keep us safe.

**Kalenth** · 07-03-2008, 03:28 PM

Shedule for truck completion is 6 months. (I try to stay realistic, with realizations of tweaking the front end, waiting on backordered parts, and finding time once it's all done to strip my cab bare and coat/wire it.)

Dunno about the deployment, I just anticipate it. My unit (reserves) is on rotation, so I know it's inevitable.

Your welcome! My pleasure! Now everyone go blow stuff up on the 4th of July! Have a drink for the one's that can't!

**Kalenth** · 08-12-2008, 09:42 PM

I just finished installing iGuidance on the CarPC. I had initially installed it on a laptop for testing, so I could drag around the GPS receiver.

GPS has been the same that most use, the BU-353. Very nice unit, and very friendly setup.

I found out that the top part of the passenger dash, the part that covers the airbag... the underside is sheet metal. I sat the GPS receiver on it and it sticks because of the magnet. This is awesome in it's own right, however I ended up putting the receiver in the front right, as out of the way as I could. My wife didn't see it when she got in, so I assume it works.

**Kalenth** · 08-12-2008, 09:51 PM

So far I have my boot time to about 20 seconds. nLite is an amazing tool... the problem is, I took out most of my picture viewing capabilities, so I have no where to paste pictures and get them online. I'll get it figured out.

I have also ordered a laptop DVD-rom, due to the quiet nature and the ease of use. That should be in this week.

**Kalenth** · 08-12-2008, 09:55 PM

iGuidance is killing me. It runs just fine when the source information is accessed from the disk... but the manual says to put the data at the root of c:. I did that, and it doesn't error out, it just doesnt start. If anyone knows of a solution, let me know. (iguidance v4.0)

Looking for a low voltage low sound fan for the case also. The screen puts of a ridiculous amount of heat, and I know that will cause issues in the long run.

Plans for later this week include ordering an HD Radio receiver, and smoothing out this iGuidance issue.

Anyone have a hookup for RAAMmat? I've got about 2 months to install, and I wanted to do the whole truck over a weekend.

**rdholtz** · 08-12-2008, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by Kalenth

iGuidance is killing me. It runs just fine when the source information is accessed from the disk... but the manual says to put the data at the root of c:. I did that, and it doesn't error out, it just doesnt start. If anyone knows of a solution, let me know. (iguidance v4.0)

I have no experience with iGuidance, but I've wrestled with some wacky software over the years.

Maybe iGuidance is determined to access its data in the same place it was installed from. What if you uninstalled it, copied the entire disk to the C drive, and reinstalled it from there?

Or, I wonder if you could map a folder on the C drive (call it drive E, for instance), and instruct iGuidance to install and run from there.

Another, more time-consuming idea would be to re-partition the drive, leaving a partition for iGuidance, and simply copy the disk and let the program install and run from there.

If iGuidance can be pointed to data on some drive other than the one you installed from, then you wouldn't necessarily have to install from the mapped drive or the new partition.

Does iGuidance provide any initial tech support or at least a comprehensive FAQ?

**Kalenth** · 08-16-2008, 04:06 PM

I did exactly that. First I completely uninstalled iGuidance, then copied the entire CD to the HDD, then installed, and now it starts up and accesses the map directory with no issue.

I also am using the wonderful write-up from http://granturing.blogspot.com, to install some of the features from xPE. So far, so good. My boot time, with a password prompt, is about 25 seconds. I think after I move the image to a CF card, it will shave a few seconds off. While I have experimented with EWF and minlogon, I am waiting until I get the OS optimized before I set those up.

Then create an image, pre-and post xPE features, moved the OS, and test.

The one lesson learned from this is take your time and research, research, research.

** I am also looking for a 12v fan to install in the case. This screen is HOT, so I need something to circulate the air... but it has to be quiet. Any ideas, please let me know.

(youtube link is a 29 second video of the initial boot)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNBS_hT0GtQ