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So today I got the dremel and started working on the finish for the RAM mount base steel support. I'm using the stock "map holder cover" on top of the steel support. Took a long time to get that right, so I couldn't screw it too much now.
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...3ace044a635b_1
Not perfect, but this is where it's supposed to go.
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...5e105c00cfe1_1
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...db2a00c539e0_1
I forgot that yours has a flip down screen. So do the rear passengers have any type of control? A Windows Media Remote with built in mouse could fix that.
Well, my regular passengers are aged 2 and 5, so I'm not concerned about that much for now. But I agree, a WM remote looks to be the way to go.
So I had bought another console lid on ebay for my Sequoia and finally I've been playing around with it a bit.
So at first I made a hole in it, in the picture you see that the initial plan was to fit the 12.1" LE1700 screen on it:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...71c86335602b_1
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...0c58026adaf1_1
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...0c3f0411a536_1
However, even though the Tablet screen is gorgeous, transflective, anti-glare, with a very cool digitizer that it would great in that position (due to the added support of the console), the screen CCFL lamps are not that powerful. Even in the winter here in the desert the absence of clouds makes it hard for a 200 something nit screen to overpower the ambient light in a satisfactory way.
However, since I want to keep the iPad in the car no matter what, I need to figure out another way for the carpc, even if I have to ditch the tablet and get the FX's carputer into the Sequoia.
Even though it's a large truck, it's kind of crazy to use both...:lol:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...c9f86a9ec3f7_1
Even when the passeger takes care of the music/video part:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...36edbf9231eb_1
So when the opening was done, I found out I could also use it to put the iPad inside it:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...381a91b44e15_1
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...761e15fd5f6b_1
However, that position is not kind on any screen, also the iPad (who apparently is much brighter than the tablet, although more reflective even with aftermarket AG film on it) suffers from it.
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...e6bb4602fd51_1
And the whole console lid also slides about 7in forwards, so it can be easily viewed from the driver's side.
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...761e15fd5f6b_1
It's arguably better, or about the same as a screen behind the shift gear, only closer to you. I never liked those, or this is no different. One advantage would be, I could tilt the iPad screen shut and I wouldn't need to remove it from the car everytime I park...
However I have only one iPad, and I, and the family, still use it a lot around the house, and the wife is going to take again on a business trip next week...So I can't permanently mount it to the car as of yet...maybe in the future.
So this is what I came up with...
A spring loaded tilt lift screen support...I built with some steel parts, plywood and brass and steel hinges
(spring cabinet hinges) and a simple T hinge, that I may change for another heavy duty spring hinge and see if it helps, as far as vibration goes, etc.).
Open position...
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...51d812a76e97_1
Closed position:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...ec42f5d4fa19_1
I haven't figured out a way to keep it closed, so I have to keep pressure on it. I think a touch latch would work great there, so probably I going to try one of these:
http://www.sugatsune.net/products/im...-4PK-A-P81.jpg
With the 1.5-2.0Lb screen helping, it should be enough to hold it in place. Press the screen down (gently :lol:) and it should lift itself up...
So in the pictures below I use the bit that I dremelled off the lid as a mock up screen, a very thick one at that...3" thick, so this would be the worst case scenario...
Up position:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...ab32d824ad05_1
Below, you can see the view from the driver's seat, it's absolutely PERFECT. It's right about where it should be, below the OEM NAV screen...Man I feel like I'm Cpt. Kirk already...:)
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...a37471c1c4c8_1
And this is how I would fold it:
Step1:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...4bfded8d7eba_1
Step2:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...e62a9ce4f325_1
Step3:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...7cb1c72b4109_1
Step 4:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...3b6db1efd605_1
Obviously, I hope it's not going to be difficult to find a screen that's not 3" thick [edit: I meant 30mm] all around or this is what's going to happen:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...02c1e7cbfba5_1
So what do you guys think? I think it's coming up pretty cool...:dance:
Note that the lid is fully functional still:
Open and closes:
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...3b26ab8e0361_1
The hinge does not touch the leather part, it has a stop that leaves about 2-3mm there (I will probably increase this later):
http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...d118a27d3a19_1
So now I have the following problems.
1. Should I use acrylic instead of plywood? Or steel? Steel would be thiner, but heavier. Aluminum wouldn't be as strong. Acrylic could be a nightmare to clean, but it would be cool visually.
2. Ideally I'd like to just buy a 10.4" 1280x1024 transflective screen and I would be a happy man.
but this is not going to happen. mp3car store, mo-co-so, others, only carry transflectives up to 7"...Too tiny for the truck, and for the mounting I build. I could fit a
12.1" there, but I think a 9"-10.4" screen would work best. Something like you can find at avionicslcd.com, but they barely have bezels, and are made to be mounted.
Again, I'm not concerned about OEM looks much. But if I buy an open frame monitor, how would I go about fabricating a professsional looking bezel and case for it? I can't let the electronics exposed...And AFAIK, nobody ever built a complete case for an open frame screen. So how would I do it? Any suggestions?
Thanks...
BTW, I'm posting this latest updates in the fabrication forum to see if I can get any pointers there.
Nicely done so far. Here's a couple of thoughts:
What about making a recessed "cup" just like headrest monitors come with? It would finish off around the opening even smoother (although you have done a great job with the leather but it is still fabric). Plus it would be made to fit the monitor exactly.
Also my question with the friction latch in that location: does your elbow ever rest in that area and will you ever drive with the screen down? If so your elbow will likely keep triggering the latch. It looks like you should be clear of it but I thought I would ask just in case.
Keep going, it's looking great!!
I like the idea. But either I would have to find a cup with the aproximately right size (I don't think I can find anything for 10.4"?), or I'd have to fabricate my own, and this could be a problem.
Good thinking about the elbow touching the area, it might happen indeed. I will relocate, just to be safe.
But now I'm thinking of having a regular latch attached to a cheap small actuator instead.
And thanks! I just finished an all metal version of it, I think it looks cooler (when painted/finished).