A "Mac'd V"

**heavymetals** · 03-10-2013, 05:09 AM

Got it back in the car (temporary) to test it out and see how it works.

The screen size is small for a touchscreen (at least to surf the web) and you need a stylus or thin fingers.

Glad I got the bluetooth touch panel.

Version 1.1 is gonna have a more sophisticated display interface with a back up precedence (programmable) and a IR remote.

That way I get by with one switch on the front that sets: OEM data or EXT VGA or forced rear camera.

In the OEM data or EXT VGA modes the camera can take display precedence (programmable) when the reverse switch is activated.

Going to take more pictures tomorrow.

The FRANKENRADIO works!

**trader007** · 03-10-2013, 12:44 PM

op, you have my respect!

i have just been trying to figure out how to get composite IN on a 7" dvd player monitor i have. it comes with two screens, a master and slave. the slave is easy of course, because it has composite input from the master. works great.

the master only has composite out though. so i have been reading datasheets on the video chip to see if i can hack in an input, but i just cant figure it out. it should be easy because i could use the dvd player input, as i the dvd laser is junk anyway. that would mean i wouldnt even need to signal a switch to the new input. and since its not RGB or digital i dont see why its so hard!

GREAT work, my man.

**heavymetals** · 03-10-2013, 01:02 PM

Thank you very much for the interest.

If you would like some help, maybe I can.

Do you have a worklog for your project?

If not, send me a pm explaining it and details.

Thanks for the compliment, It has been an interesting project.

**trader007** · 03-10-2013, 02:39 PM

thanks. its just a cheap insignia dual screen dvd player setup i got for $30. actually, i bought 3 sets for $30 each. so i have 3 screens i could use right now, but i was hoping to get the other 3 going.

ill round up the datasheets i have and maybe take a pic of the circuit board. i cannot find a service manual anywhere, and thats really hurting me. a real schematic on this board would be a goldmine. but since its insignia, i doubt a service manual exists.

it might be a few days. i have lots of other things going on right now./

**heavymetals** · 03-10-2013, 02:42 PM

You are right, information comes in handy!

I got no co-operation from GM or DELPHI.

I had to reverse engineer everything.

**trader007** · 03-10-2013, 03:56 PM

not surprised. however, you know damn well they have service manuals for their infotainment systems. its a shame they never want to share that stuff. or at least sell you the info!

**heavymetals** · 03-10-2013, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by trader007

not surprised. however, you know damn well they have service manuals for their infotainment systems. its a shame they never want to share that stuff. or at least sell you the info!

The joke is on them.

They got real crappy with me about "proprietary" information on an obsolete system that they don't even support or build anymore.

I knew it was a POS when they couldn't even standardize on the map disc over three platforms!

I worked for GM and they deserved the BK.

**trader007** · 03-10-2013, 07:22 PM

not surprised at all! they always claim their systems are super proprietary top secret info, when everyone knows its utter garbage designed by the cheapest engineers they could find on the tightest of schedule.

where are you located? i am trying to get my cousin, who is a software designer, into my area to start making home and car automation systems. basically, i want to make my own proprietary system but i want it to be GOOD. and intelligent.

im no good at software, but i do get into the hardware side like you do. i have had 5 years of ac/dc theory training, so i understand how things work on the component level. if i can get my cousin up here i just know we can make our own x-10 like system that is actually user friendly and a hell of a lot more automated.

**heavymetals** · 03-10-2013, 07:33 PM

Here are pictures of the modified unit re-installed for testing.

Here is a pic of where the Mini Mac is gonna end up.

The switch panel on the left is for the display and is going to be hidden.

The connection on the right is from the Mini Mac and the switch is for VGA select/ rear camera.

Here is a video of a friend checking it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtPL-sz3Hpg

**trader007** · 03-10-2013, 10:52 PM

looks great! love the use of the factory screen.

im starting a new project myself, and for now its going to be headless! i use an android phone to fully control it. i call it 'modular' because each piece has its purpose, and they can all be run independantly of eachother. make things very convienent for me because im always adding and changing features.