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

Well alright now! I just purchased close to my last main components before I can start performing the actual modifications to my console and build my CarPC. I purchased some from Frozencpu.com and a couple from Logicsupply.com.

Here they are:

Decided to get this switch with the LED illuminated ring from Frozencpu.com. Figured I'd keep up with the whole Green theme.

http://blog.hexxamillion.com/wp-cont...rts/ele-71.jpg


Universal switch cable from Frozencpu.com for connecting the switch to the MOBO reset/power/power LED headers.

http://blog.hexxamillion.com/wp-cont...ts/ele-352.jpg


Prewired LED that I'm using for the HDD LED motherboard header. I figured that I don't need an LED for Power since the switch has one on it already. The one I purchased will be a Green LED.

http://blog.hexxamillion.com/wp-cont...rts/ele-10.jpg


120mm Washable Fan Filter from Frozencpu.com.

http://blog.hexxamillion.com/wp-cont...s/ffi-05_2.jpg


M350 Universal Mini-ITX Case from LogicSupply.com

http://blog.hexxamillion.com/wp-cont...0_pic2_big.jpg


M4-ATX Automotive DC-DC Power Supply, 250 W from LogicSupply (mini-box was on forever backorder). I read bugbytes thread covering his review of this product. I was a little hesitant but realized that he had been issued it while it was still fresh, new and buggy. It seems it has come a long way now. Mini-box has the USB controller software for download now and others in the MP3Car forums seem to like it (at least the ones I read about).

http://blog.hexxamillion.com/wp-cont...m4-atx_big.jpg

That about covers it for now. The last two main components I need are the LED backlit touchscreen and the USB CarPC Amp. The AM/FM radio module I can do without for now. I can't remember the last time I listened to the radio. All my music is either MP3 or internet streaming.

I mentioned this a few posts ago but I think I may really change the mount location to the front lower console instead of the back. I just think that in the long run it will be less dramatic if I needed to perform any upgrades/mods, etc. It's less hassle to remove the cover also, no screws involved. I will know more once I have the M350 case delivered..then I can really start sizing stuff up.

http://hexxamillion.com/wp-content/g.../image_509.jpg

Well I took apart my EEEPC and removed the Wifi card. I verified that it is a PCI Express Minicard so I am going to need a PCI Express Mini to PCI adapter....have fun finding one of those..

I had to also desolder the Wifi cabling above the LCD.

http://hexxamillion.com/wp-content/g.../image_006.jpg
http://hexxamillion.com/wp-content/g.../image_008.jpg
http://hexxamillion.com/wp-content/g.../image_009.jpg

It is just too crazy trying to locate a Mini PCIe to PCI adapter. You normally or atleast I could only come across PCIe to PCI and some other variants. I started to think of other data connections that could be adapted to use the EEEPC Atheros mini pcie Wifif card. How about Mini PCIe to USB? And VOILA! So here is a cradle type adapter that may work. I will not get it from this site but at least it starts some brainstorming or ideas on how I can connect it.

http://www.ceedtec.com/usb-mini-pci-...rd-cradle.html

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/imag...762ff994cd.jpg

Woohoo! My components were shipped today so I should be able to start the actual building and modding early to mid next week. I can't wait. :dance:

I figure it was time to post an updated list of all the components I have for my project. So here we go:

* M4-ATX Automotive DC-DC Power Supply, 250 W
* LED Backlit Touch Screen Monitor -- Still Need but PC build can still proceed
* 120mm Case Fan - airflow exhaust for center console storage bin
* Windows 7
* 1 GB DDR2 Module -- Still need to upgrade to 2GB but 1GB will do for now
* USB Wifi Adapter
* Centrafuse Navigation- US -- Need to purchase License
* Intel D945GCLF2D Mini ITX Mainboard
* Logitech DiNovo Mini Bluetooth Keyboard
* 32GB SATA SSD
* Micro Bluetooth USB Dongle
* Alpine SPR-17S - 6-1/2" 2-Way 330W Component Speaker System
* Alpine SWE-1042 - 10" 750W 4-Ohm Subwoofer x 4 -- Custom trunk installation still needed but not necessary for build.
* Upgraded AMP...still researching.
* Alpine rear deck speakers -- Still need to upgrade but not ncessary for build
* Alpine SPR-17C - 6-1/2" Speakers for rear doors --- Still need but not necessary for build.
* Install grill behind back seat center drop down armrest -- Still need but not necessary for build
* LCD Rear View Mirror Monitor
* Backup camera
* M350 Mini-ITX Case w/ mounting brackets
* 120mm Washable Fan Filter
* Prewired HDD Green LED w/ motherboard header connector.
* Reset/power/power LED Switch cable with MOBO header connector
* Latched Power button w/ Green LED Ring
* USB CarPC Amp -- Still Need

I found the adapter I need in order to connect the PCI Express Mini Wifi Card that came with my EEEPC, which is now dead :pout:.

It converts to PCI Express and USB. Perfect.

http://www.hwtools.net/Adapter/USBMA.html

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/imag...8fa7a97979.jpg
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/imag...8fa894213a.jpg
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/imag...8fa9700248.jpg

What are you doing with the radio part of the project ?
Have you considered FM or AM or something else ?

I've been searching through the forum looking to see what works best and it seems to be a mixed decision.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RevheadKev

What are you doing with the radio part of the project ?
Have you considered FM or AM or something else ?

I've been searching through the forum looking to see what works best and it seems to be a mixed decision.

---

Personally I do not listen to the radio and haven't for years. All my music is strictly MP3 or Internet Streaming. But If I do decide to implement radio down the road then this is a common product that others use and I will probably use as well: http://store.mp3car.com/HQCT_1_0_Hig..._p/com-009.htm

Here's another site: http://direct.xtronic.be/products/hq...usb-radio.html

http://direct.xtronic.be/images/stor...t-i/hqct-i.jpg


I believe this product has been tested to work with Centrafuse also.

Here are a few example rough pics/ideas I have for modifying a few spots on my console.


The switch will be placed in the center, replacing the location of the old switch that I used with my EEEPC. The Green LED will be on the right. I will most likely balance it with another LED on the left. The stock Hazard button will be in its original spot. The cigarette plug USB replacement will remain in its spot on the far right.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/imag...974af125f1.jpg


This is the front view of the rear part of the console, the area where the storage bin was and my PC will be installed. I might place two USB ports in the area as shown. I may also mount the reset switch where indicated in the pic. The big empty space on the left is where the cup holders are and the handbrake is on the right side in front of where the reset switch may go.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/imag...975612a5ad.jpg