Thread: '05 Nissan Altima- Intel D945GCLF2D Mini-ITX in Center Console (Storage Bin Mod)

Originally Posted by hexxamillion

I also found that I will need more cabling for the reset switch and USB ports to reach the mobo headers from since they are in the front part of the console.

That reset switch line is probably just 18-gauge wire. You could solder as much as you need in the middle and avoid having more connections; connectors are generally where trouble arises. The cable you have gives you the ends you need, and 18-gauge wire is cheap; you want to be sure it's stranded, not solid. If you have an extra ethernet cable, it's likely a good source of that wire. Another good source is old discarded computer cases, especially tower models.

Originally Posted by vull

any sample footage of the camera?

Of the backup camera? Try Post#6

Originally Posted by rdholtz

That reset switch line is probably just 18-gauge wire. You could solder as much as you need in the middle and avoid having more connections; connectors are generally where trouble arises. The cable you have gives you the ends you need, and 18-gauge wire is cheap; you want to be sure it's stranded, not solid. If you have an extra ethernet cable, it's likely a good source of that wire. Another good source is old discarded computer cases, especially tower models.

Yes that is the way to go and I have plenty. I used ethernet cable to the power switch when I had my EEEPC mounted as my CarPC.

This post contains the pics I stated that I will post. Not only did I have to go to LOWES to get necessary bolts along with nuts for mounting but I ended up not using the mounting brackets due to it creating more work than is necessary.

I am actually glad that I did pick the M350 Mini-ITX case because it actually has some versatility to it. Even though I decided not to use the mounting brackets, the case also has holes for VESA mounting..to mount on LCD displays. So I used those holes to mount to the side of the console wall. I had to alter the mounting bolts a tad because they reached a little past the motherboard risers on the case. I didn't have a tool to clip the bolts with so I used the cutting disc on the Dremel. I was impressed...but I had to mount the nuts and bolts so it would not spin as I cut it. In addition it made it easier for me to measure the length when compared to the motherboard risers on the case.

Due the process of trial and error I made a few too many mounting holes, due to me changing my plan for mounting the case. Not to worry because the mess you will see later in the pics can be cleaned up later.


Click the picture or link to be directed to the photo gallery.


CarPC Project: Mounting Mini-ITX Case

Later today...because it's still only 5AM-ish here..

My plan will be:

• Modify console to allow for motherboard connections to fit (VGA,Seral,USB, etc.)
• Modify console for HDD LED and USB Ports
• Modify console for Reset switch

For the most part things are moving along and I am satisfied with my decision for mounting the case.

Woohoo!! Bybyte emailed me stating that they finished the LCD Dash Combo kit for my car, '05 Nissan Altima. This will atleast be one less thing I need to modify..for the most part.

It's available with both LED Backlit Lilliput models: 7" EBY701 and 7" 629GL.





If anyone else is interested: http://www.bybyte.com/combos.html

I know I could just as well modify the bezel and dash myself as others have..but why if there is one made to fit already (there may be very little if any mods needed). That's one less piece I need to worry about and could focus more the actual PC build.

I made only a little progress today. The charge ran out my drill and I had to place it back on the charger. Pics will soon follow.

This post contains the latest pics. I had to trim the console a bit more near the case so that the I/O panel connections can fit. I also mounted the reset switch and started on the USB mount for the front of the console. I decided to relocate the reset switch to the top of the console near the case. I cut a PC tower USB bracket with the Dremel so that it will fit properly on a flat service for the front console panel. I could not finish anything else since the charge ran out on my drill, which is pretty much essential for my current tasks.

Here are the pics.
Click the picture or link to be directed to the photo gallery.


CarPC Project: Reset Switch and USB Mount

I wanted to mention about the USB bracket modification as displayed as the photo album cover in the previous post. The chrome looking panel used to the a panel for mounting on the back of a desktop or PC tower.

The pic below displays how the panel looks before the modification. I cut the L-shape piece off with a metal cutter on my Dremel then cut vertically on either side of the USB holes so it would fit on the front console between my car Hazard button and the USB Cigarette Port Replacement.

There used to be a black momentary switch on the panel displayed in the after pictures. That's why you see a big square hole. It will be covered by the USB bracket.

Before:




After:




I'm still not done modifying this because yesterday the battery in my drill went dead so today it should be fully charged so I can complete this task from my project.