Andy's 06 VW MKV GTI Carputer Project

**4MYFAST** · 05-01-2006, 10:38 PM

First off, boy am I glad I found these forums. It truly looks to be an invaluable resource for what I am about to embark on. And, so begins the journey. I will be updating this worklog with my plans, thoughts, and of course progress.

Thanks for looking.

Pics (Click for larger)

Objectives

To plan, build, and install a fully functioning and OEM-looking Carputer. It will meet the following needs and features:

7”-8” Touchscreen in-dash.
Contain my library of 50+ GB’s of music.
GPS Nav
XM Radio
Play DVD, AVI, DIVX
Web Browsing via Firefox
Bluetooth connectivity
Customizing a GUI like Road Runner, Centrafuse, or Frodo for my own needs.
Use OEM steering wheel buttons for some purpose in the carputer.
External slot-load DVD/CDRW USB drive
USB2 hub in console/lower stack/glove
Input Devices: Playstation keypad, stylus.

A lot more to come, very soon.

Shopping List (Price and store link)

Lilliput 7" VGA Touchscreen 629GL-70NP (251)

VIA EPIA MII12000 Mini-ITX Mainboard (209)

Mushkin Standard Series 1GB 184-Pin DDR (83)

Western Digital Scorpio 100GB 2.5" ATA-6 Notebook Hard Drive (120)

Panasonic Slot Load DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive 24x24x24 (80)

M2-ATX 160W Intelligent DC-DC PSU (90)

Ampie Car Computer Case (75)

XM Direct Universal Tuner (40)

USB to XM Direct converter (55)

SWI-X Universal Steering Wheel Audio Control Interface (60)

BU-353 Waterproof GPS Receiver (75)

Lola RF Remote (47)

Mini-Key USB Keyboard DGPN-570 (25)

CCD Infrared Rear View Camera (169)

Belkin F5D8010 Wireless Pre-N 802.11x Pre-N Notebook PC Card (ALREADY HAVE)

Sound Blaster Audigy 2 NX (115 ORDERED)

MK5 Golf/ 2005+ Jetta Radio Dash Kit (40 ORDERED)

Sleek, compact, 4-port powered USB 2 Hub (x2 34)

Thoughts

5/4/06 I'm going to have to buy this a little at a time. I can't afford to bite the bullet right now due to some other immediate debts. I will buy a few components at a time, until I can pull the rest together.

**AznRida** · 05-01-2006, 10:47 PM

Looks as if that will be a very easy install with the existing frame you have there.

**WebDog** · 05-01-2006, 10:49 PM

hey, what part of socal are you in?

**4MYFAST** · 05-01-2006, 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by WebDog

hey, what part of socal are you in?

San Fernando Valley (approx 20min from LA)
I've seen your MKIV install and it looks super clean. Any xp on a MKV dash? I'm thinking of trying this Xenarc LCD with this dash kit. Bondo and molding shouldn't be to bad as I have some good case modding roots.

**WebDog** · 05-01-2006, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by 4MYFAST

San Fernando Valley (approx 20min from LA) Winnetka/Canoga Park to be exact.

I've seen your MKIV install and it looks super clean. Any xp on a MKV dash? I'm thinking of trying this Xenarc LCD with this dash kit. Bondo and molding shouldn't be to bad as I have some good case modding roots.

yea thought so, the houses looked familiar.

well i didint have any experience with a mkiv untill i did it so if you need any help let me know.

i sent you a pm.

**austin138** · 05-02-2006, 04:00 PM

I wanted to ask is there a way to combine antennae, so that you don't have to run one for the XM, and then a seperate one for the GPS? or is that impossible? Thanks.

**4MYFAST** · 05-02-2006, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by austin138

I wanted to ask is there a way to combine antennae, so that you don't have to run one for the XM, and then a seperate one for the GPS? or is that impossible? Thanks.

I have never heard of such an atenna, and seems like it couldn't work unless it was really just two seperate atenni combined in a single housing.

I'm not sure were I'm going to mount my two new atennas yet, but I've been thinking I'll probably try to hack the OEM roof attena first. Maybe squeeze both of the new ones in there. Might not work if they cause interferance with each other, we'll see.

**Old_School** · 05-06-2006, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by 4MYFAST

I have never heard of such an antenna, and seems like it couldn't work unless it was really just two seperate atenni combined in a single housing.

I'm not sure were I'm going to mount my two new atennas yet, but I've been thinking I'll probably try to hack the OEM roof attena first. Maybe squeeze both of the new ones in there. Might not work if they cause interferance with each other, we'll see.

My VW Mk4 Bentley Book lists a multi-function attenna in the Radio and Communications sections. It's a single unit with three leads coming off it.

1) Threaded GPS antenna
2) Radio Antenna
3) Telematics Connect (Cellular?) Maybe Onstar

Not sure if would fit your needs but the part number is N91-0515

**crsseyednsmilin** · 05-10-2006, 10:17 PM

i dont know how the hell you plan on fitting an 8" in that dash without having to **** with the superficial trim (ie also mess with the vents/climate control)

enlighten me?

**4MYFAST** · 05-11-2006, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by crsseyednsmilin

i dont know how the hell you plan on fitting an 8" in that dash without having to **** with the superficial trim (ie also mess with the vents/climate control)

enlighten me?

Well honestly, I won't know until I try. I know you used a 7". Are you saying it was a very tight fit? Because when I look at your worklog it looks like a 8" would fit without to much trouble.