2004 VW Jetta GLI CarPC and more

**cazzz** · 07-02-2012, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by Randallflagg

Nice writeup, lots of progress in little time. Are you purchasing a new mac mini or the older ones? The new mac mini's only output digitally (HDMI, and mini display port), there is no conversion to vga without an adapter that actually converts digital to analog.

Unless your monitor has HDMI/DVI, I didn't see which specific one it was. I am looking forward to the mac mini work, post lots of pics!

I am using the Xenarc 8" LCD and it is VGA. I did run an HDMI cable for the future.

I could have used the 7" HDMI but size does matter.

New Mac Mini.

**cazzz** · 07-02-2012, 07:32 AM

Nice new center console.

That was last nights work. Now on to today's tasks.

**cazzz** · 07-02-2012, 12:12 PM

The interior is back together and the Jetta is drivable again.

All the fabrics were steam cleaned and all the trim was cleaned.

The center console and shifter are new.

The "A" pillars are new.

The upper "B" & upper "C" pillars have not been installed. The material covering came off. The problem is the felt backing that was left behind. I plan on covering one with the same fabric I used for the headliner and see what it looks like. Unfortunately, foam backed material just doesn't look good on the pillars. More than likely I will buy new pillars.

The rear seats are still out and the trunk is disassembled.

I can now start working in the Mac Mini install in the trunk.

It sure is nice to have a like new interior.

**nasa** · 07-02-2012, 01:26 PM

cazzz,

Have to agree that this is a very nice write-up, appreciate you sharing. One question though, I see your selected antenna - which can be used with a gps reciever, have you selected one that works with it?

Again - great write-up, look forward to seeing the final product.

**cazzz** · 07-02-2012, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by nasa

cazzz,

Have to agree that this is a very nice write-up, appreciate you sharing. One question though, I see your selected antenna - which can be used with a gps reciever, have you selected one that works with it?

Again - great write-up, look forward to seeing the final product.

I did have a tough time finding a USB dongle that would accept an external antenna.

I found one at Inventek Systems.

http://www.inventeksys.com/store/EZ-...PS_Dongle.html

It was either that or build my own.

**cazzz** · 07-03-2012, 09:34 AM

Finished with the security cameras this morning.

Then I pulled the stock radio head out if the car to see if it would throw any codes.

No codes, so I officially have no radio.

Taking a break for the 4th. Happy 4th of July to all.

**cazzz** · 07-05-2012, 05:10 PM

Back from the 4th and back to work on the car.

The mac mini and all of the accessories are ordered.

Made a few tweaks with the interior trim.

I decided to use fabric paint to paint the pillars that have felt on them after the material came off.

The felt had some glue left behind with a reddish tint.

So I used fabric paint to make them all black. This will do for now.

I also set up an ATX power supply in my house to power the P2140.

Now I am off to order the Xenarc 8" LCD.

**cazzz** · 07-06-2012, 03:49 PM

Xenarc 8" LCD ordered

Xenarc windshield mount ordered. This is a temp solution until I build the bezel.

I plan on bench testing everything in the house.

Test it all in the car.

Then build the bezel as the last step.

Oh, I installed my new shifter today.

Only interior pieces left to order are the "B" and "C" pillars and a new steering wheel. That will just about make the interior new again.

It is time to setup my bench in the house to test all the components for the PC install.

**cazzz** · 07-09-2012, 10:18 AM

Waiting Waiting Waiting

On order

Xenarc 8" LCD
Mac Mini

Thinking through the install I forgot to add a 100amp fuse to the power line to the trunk. I have not had the wire terminated so there is still time. I will pickup the fuse holder and fuse at West Marine this weekend.

With the Mac Mini on the way I need to start thinking about the steps I will take to bench test. I will need to order the OWC 480 6G SSD kit and 16GB of Ram. I'm not sure I am ready to lay out the cash right away. So, I will probably get the mini up and running and take it to the point that I am ready for the car install before I make the upgrades.

- Install fusion 4 and windows 7
- attach the Xenarc 8" LCD for testing purposes
- attach all USB devices for testing
-- USB Hub
-- LCD touchscreen
-- Inventek GPS dongle, not sure how I will test without an antenna, might have to park the car in the driveway and test the antenna and the dongle
-- Volume knob
-- P2140
-- OBDII, need to purchase Ross-Tech VAGCOM device and see if I can get this to work with Windows 7 under Fusion 4
-- AT&T 4G Dongle
-- DVD superdrive
- Mod the Mac Mini
-- Power supply replacement, this is the most critical and most dangerous. Can I pull it off without shorting out the motherboard? We shall see.
-- Wifi Antenna Mod
-- Power Button Mod for P2140 control

- Software
-- I will test front ends until I find one that I like
-- Get all my shortcuts setup for sirius, nav, web based radio, etc.

- Sound
-- This will be the fun part, finding the right sound solution to integrate into my car audio system

This weekend will be the start of the Mac Mini setup.

**cazzz** · 07-09-2012, 06:33 PM

I decided to order new "B" and "C" pillars along with a new small tray in the center console.

I just couldn't live with messed up parts after refurbishing the rest of the interior.