2008 Yaris Hatchback Worklog

**PatrickJohnson** · 08-09-2012, 11:01 AM

So I'm trying to decide right now which route I want to go with a carputer. I'm no stranger to computers, electronics, soldering, and auto work.

My "must have" functionality is:

1) Sirius Satellite
2) Playback of CDs
3) Playback of Movie Files
4) Playback of MP3, AAC, etc (including iPod/iPhone connectivity, and charging)
5) GPS
6) Touchscreen LCD

My "nice to have" functionality is:

1) Physical volume knob
2) Playback of DVDs
3) Backup Camera
4) Bluetooth for Phone
5) AM/FM
6) Flux capacitor / Time travel

I've narrowed my approach down to three options for the brain:

1) Raspberry Pi
2) Shuttle SA76R4 AMD Phenom II
3) Something similar to this, but if I can maybe built into the shell of my old Double DIN OEM radio
4) Mac Mini (if I can figure out the power piece, I'm sure there's lots of info here!)

I also plan to try my hand at fabrication, as I'd like an integrated dock for my iPhone in the dash, and I'll likely want to fashion some kick panels to install a 3 way comp system in the front. Then 5.25 speakers in the back, then a sub somewhere, likely no larger than 10 inches (preferably 8", as I am not looking to shake the windows, only fill out sound)

I'll follow up with pictures of my current interior and whatnot later today when I can snap some pics.

Thoughts on my plans so far?

**PatrickJohnson** · 08-09-2012, 11:43 PM

Okay, as promised, here are some pics of what I'm working with...

This is may center console. There used to be an Alpine head unit in there, but then I came across this Scion OEM head unit that is more powerful, sounds better, and has better iphone/ipod integration. I'd like to keep it in place and utilize AUX function to take sound from the carputer, but I'm afraid there is nowhere I can put a monitor in this car that I can think of that will not require removing the HU. The vents (which I don't plan on removing) almost touch the top of the head unit, and the climate controls are cable style and so near impossible to move (let alone I couldn't imagine where they would go)

Here is the top cubby and the glove compartment on the passenger side. I originally was thinking of cutting into the back wall of the cubby to place a mac mini (if I go that route), but it seems the back wall of that cubby is integrated into the ENTIRE dash, so it may be more work than it is worth. The glove compartment is easily removed, and there is quite a bit of space behind it, so it may be a good location. Otherwise I'm thinking under the passenger seat.

There is the same cubby on the driver's side, but integrated the same way

Since keeping the HU would mean using the AUX to pull PC audio and losing it will deactivate this jack all together, I'll likely pick up a couple of blanks for the hole for the AUX jack and fab a USB jack into that spot

If the back wall of this pocket on the left of the AC controls is able to be removed for fabbing, I'll be integrating an iphone/ipod into it. As you can see, it's already the spot I use for this purpose, I'd just like a seamless OEM looking dock I can slide the phone into.

**nivanov** · 08-10-2012, 09:16 AM

Check out my build in my signature. I have a Toyota Yaris 2007 sedan, but a double-din is a double-din

**PatrickJohnson** · 08-10-2012, 10:16 AM

Actually yours is one I've read through a few times! It's such a tweakable car on both the sedan and hatchback platforms, I'm surprised there aren't more carputer enthusiasts who drive Yarii!

I'm actually thinking I'm going to order a spare bezel and fab the DIN hole to a flush fit like I see a lot on here. I get irritated with the Metra kits and their stupid little cubbies

**duncanator24** · 08-10-2012, 01:28 PM

A lot of carputer enthusiasts also happen to be car-driving enthusiasts as well. So that would explain the lack of 'toyota-owning-carputer-enthusiasts' =p
I don't mean to hate on you for owning a toyota, as I don't really have a problem with them and my car is likely slower anyways. But that would be enough of a reason to prevent a massive wave of carputer enthusiasts from owning a yaris lol.

On another note, have you looked into android tablet solutions? Those seem to be 'the thing' now and should at least be given a thought.

**PatrickJohnson** · 08-10-2012, 01:39 PM

I thought about it, but I'm not crazy about tablets. Not enough spots for peripherals. I like the flexibility that a few USB ports gives me.

**PatrickJohnson** · 08-10-2012, 02:24 PM

So I've been doing some thinking, and I think I have a rough idea of what I want my setup to be at this point:

Monitor: Lilliput EBY701-NP - ~$165

Brain: Mac Mini (still not set in stone on that one, kinda pricey), may switch to Zotac ZBOX nano AD10 Desktop Computer - AMD E-350 1.60 GHz - Mini PC

With either choice, I should be able to mount the whole unit in the gutted shell of my OEM stereo.

PSU: CarNetix CNX-P1900 Ver. 2.2 Dual Output 140 Watt 12V DC-DC Regulator ~$100

PLUS

Carnetix CNX-P5V 15 Watt +5V Regulator - ~$25

Amp: I'll have Kenwood Kac-8405 720-Watt 4/3/2-Channel Amplifier with Variable LPF/HPF for the Front and rear speakers - ~$106

and an old 500 watt amp (can't remember the brand) I have sitting around for the sub.

Speakers: For front, I'm thinking maybe Pioneer TS-A1304C Components - ~$110

For rear, I haven't decided if I want any at all.

For Sub, I have an old Kicker Comp 12" I'll likely use and fab a new box for, or I may go with a smaller 8" something to save space. I don't really want rattling windows, just a complete spectrum and some punch.

Satellite: MJS-SC-C1 USB Interface for Sirius Satalite Radio (Mjs-scc1) - ~$65

Still researching:
HD or AM/FM radio
Bluetooth
GPS
Software Front-end

Anyone want to give me some guidance or thoughts on the above arrangement?