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

I completed the next task that I was working on yesterday before my drill battery died. I completed the USB ports for the front of the console. I also completed the mount of the USB port. I still need to clean up some space between the bracket and console panel but the major work on this is complete. I will post the pics soon.

Here are the pics from the latest completed task. I still need to do some minor cleanup (scratches and spacing) but the main work has been completed. These pics are of the USB ports that I mounted on the front lower console. I also mounted the HDD LED above the USB bracket.

I had to use a combination of tools and improvising to modify the panel. Of course I used a drill for the screw holes, but I also used it to partially make a hole for the USB ports. I drilled a total of 3 holes. I then intentially burned some of the plastic with a soldering iron to form a fairly decent rectangle. After that I cleaned it up with a file and the sander from my Dremel.

For the HDD LED I melted the plastic again with the soldering iron, then cleaned it up with the drill and sander from my Dremel.

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


CarPC Project: Front USB Ports

So far I am happy with the progress I'm making. Nothing too dramatic...yet.

These are the next phases of my project:

• Mount the power supply
• Purchase the LED backlit LCD touchscreen and install drivers/test.
• Purchase Centrafuse License
• Test components (LED, USB ports, Reset Switch, Touchscreen..etc)
• Purchase USB Car Amp
• Optimize cable management
• Test components again

more or less...I'm sure this is not the complete next phases but at a glance.

I forgot to add to my plan the exhaust fans. I may just do the one 120mm exhaust as opposed to a 120mm and two 40 or 50mm.

So a revised list of plans are posted below.

These are the next phases of my project:

* Mount the power supply
* Modify console for front intake filtered grill.
* Modify back panel for exhaust fan/mount fan
* Purchase the LED backlit LCD touchscreen and install drivers/test.
* Purchase Centrafuse License
* Test components (LED, USB ports, Reset Switch, Touchscreen..etc)
* Purchase USB Car Amp
* Optimize cable management
* Test components again

Here are a few pics displaying where I may be mounting the Power Supply on the console. I am thinking of mounting across from the PC on the opposite wall of the console. I am thinking about getting the enclosure that is available for the M4-ATX and just use the base much like I'm using the case for the motherboard. The base will be attached to the console and the PSU would be attached to the enclosure base.

This is the console laying sideways with the PSU sitting on the bottom. The Mini-ITX case is mounted above.






I turned the camera to simulate how it would look with the PSU mounted across from the PC.




Another view with the console on its side.



If I do mount the PSU here will probably turn it 90 degrees with the ignition connection facing towards the front of the car rather than down.

I figured before I get carried away it would be good idea to hook things up again and test them.

I want to make sure that the following were working: HDD LED, Reset Switch/LED, Front USB ports and 120mm LED fan.

Click the images for zoom

Preparing setup for testing:





Here you can see the fan and LEDs are working. It's a good thing I decided to test at this stage because I found that the latching LED switch definitely does not work well as a reset switch. I am replacing it with a 22mm diameter momentary button with LED. It will look identical only it will be momentary type vs. latching. I also was able to successfully test the new USB ports I mounted on the front panel.




Aside from the switch I am satisfied with things and will continue with the rest of my build.

If you followed my worklog you would have read that I decided to ditch the top intake fans and will just install a simple grill with a filter. These are the pics of me preparing this next mod to my console.

I decided to use the 120mm filter/grill and cut it in half to fit the top part of the console. This will just help minimize dust from being pulled inside the console.

Click the pics for zoom

120mm Filter/Grill before modifying:




The grill/filter consists of three pieces. The front grill, the filter, and the rear grill.




This is the area on the console that the grill and filter will be mounted.






Inside view of the console where the filter and grill will be.








This is the grill modified.





This is about where it will be mounted.





That's as far as I got so far today. I will continue later this evening with cutting the console, drilling and attaching the filter.

Anyone please feel free to comment and follow my project on twitter or my blog at hexxamillion.com. I update it with my project details in addition to other topics of interest.

I completed the front intake grill and filter. I used the 120mm fan filter/grill I had. I cut it in half and cut holes in the console so air can flow. I could not simply cut a large rectangle and attach the grill because I need to use the console to support the filter to avoid it from falling inside in the console over time due to the air flow.

Click on the pics for zoom.

This is a reminder where the grill is going.




I made the first cut.




Preparing for the next cut.




Made the second cut. They're not one hundred percent perfect but they will be covered by the grill and filter, plus this will serve its purpose for intake airflow.




I cleaned up and sanded the frayed plastic around the inside edges.This will also help prevent damage to the filter.




A preview of the grill in it's place.




The completed installation of the grill and filter.




This is the rear inside view of the filter and grill.




Now that's done..on to the rear exhaust fan.