2008 Nissan Xtrail install
Below is a bit of a worklog for a carputer I'm currently putting togther for a mate. I have previously built a carputer for myself (almost 2 years ago - still haven't posted that worklog though :o) after having had enough with swapping cd's etc, plus I wanted Sat-Nav. My system also has SSMII engine monitoring, bluetooth phone intergration and a backup cam.
Onto the build. This system is being built for a family. It's not built for gaming and it isn't going to be pushing a cranking stereo - It's to keep their young kids happy on the long drives with Dvd's and give them access to their MP3's while also adding GPS Sat-Nav.
Originally the system was going to be built into a purpose designed carpc case, like the Voom PC-2 or Ampie Carpc Case, however my mate was eager to simply install it into the glovebox. Originally I was hesitant as it doesn't seem as OEM as one hidden under the boot floor, but then I saw the advantages;
- Nice big space to fit everything in with alot of air space which will be good for cooling,
- Not having to buy the case will save him $100 or so,
- Ease of construction/installation being able to just remove the glovebox to keep for a week or so while I build it and being able to just slide it in ready to go while having located up the front means we won't need to run cables (+12 constant, +12v switched, VGA, USB, Speakers) from to and from the front and back of the car.
So we took the glovebox out and he left it with me to measure up, order parts and start building.
I don't have any pics of the glovebox before starting the building, but you've all seen an empty glovebox before.
The Car
http://images.drive.com.au/drive_ima...XTrail_m_m.jpg
The glovebox into which the pc is being built.
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/225...2mediumon9.jpg
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/339...5mediumoc1.jpg
Starting to install a few of the important items
(Left to right - 2.5inch Sata Hdd, D945GCLF2 Mini-Itx mainboard, M2-ATX Dc-Dc PSU)
http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/1...8mediumpz8.jpg
http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/9...3mediumpr1.jpg
Hole cut in rear to accomodate acces to the rear mobo panel and other cables. To the right of the first pic is the Lilliput 629 touchscreen LCD that will be installed into the double din hole in the dash (pics to come) and my 240v-12v transformer.
http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/1...6mediumae9.jpg
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/6...9mediumsv1.jpg
Micro 200w amp being sized up before drilling. An amp is need as the pc won't provide a lineout signal strong enough to drive the speakers. A 2 channel 200w amp will suit this build fine.
http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/7...7mediumrf7.jpg
Amp has been fitted and cables tidied up. As The glovebox isn't going to be used to store anything else, cable management wasn't a huge concern, but it definatley made things neater.
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6...4mediumkz5.jpg
The car is on the way to my place as I type this in order for me to install it this afternoon/tomorrow so there'll be more pics to come.
