Suzuki Jimny VVT <-> Mac-in-a-Zuk

**saabman96** · 06-23-2006, 04:31 AM

Hello!
OK here is my project:
Suzuki Jimny VVT 2005/6 model. For those how don't know this care it is one of the smallest off road 4x4s still available

Stuff used:

MacMini Intel Core Solo
Newvision 7" touch screen (VGA)
4 plug cigarette lighter adapter
300W power inverter (DC->AC)
Hercules 2.1 computer sound system (will be integrating an amp but my 2x400W amp packed up)
Small wood box
Matting

Gutted the Dash and removed the original stereo unit which is by the way of the large type.

The idea is I put the newvision 7" touch screen in place of the original stereo. for this I took the original bracket and fitted the screen to it and that way I could slot it into the same place as the stereo was. The screen is the only thing that isn't removeable (i.e. directly but it is no hacked)

The Mac Mini will be going under the passenger's seat and everything has to be removable so I decided to fit a row of cig plugs in the front section of the center console just under the dash, in front of the gear lever.

For this I bought a 4 plug adapter and screwed it to the plastic of the center console:

More pics to come of the next steps... but I need to save a bit of $$$ before I go further

**Kamo** · 06-23-2006, 04:59 AM

Ha a friend of mine had one of these and I was always trying to convince him to do this!

Looking good, what will the Cigarette plugs be used for?

**saabman96** · 06-23-2006, 06:55 AM

The plugs will be used for the power inverter (I use it my other car) I have a Pocket PC that needs charging from time to time, and when my passenger is watching videos I use the PPC for sat nav with a bluetooth GPS reciever (I use Navigon 5), I also have a 12v fridge for treks...

Of course I don't use all this stuff all the time

**chomo** · 06-23-2006, 06:25 PM

Why don't you get a DC/DC car adapter for the mini? There's one designed to work with th MacBook, I think it should either work or be easy to modify to work with the mini...

**saabman96** · 06-24-2006, 11:32 AM

Yes I plan to get a DC-DC Carnetix power supply! But Where I live I cant buy these at all, I will be aquiring one over the net in a couple a weeks

They even sell a cable package for the Mac Mini!!!

You can find info on this in the forum...

About to post some more pics...

**saabman96** · 06-26-2006, 04:58 PM

I there all you car PC & Mac freaks!!!

Just finished my project (sort of as there is always room for improvment...)

Ok here I am hacking into the original Stereo to get the speakers and power for the 2x200W amp (my 400W was out of order

)

The next step was making a good box for the Mac Mini, and as I want it to be 100% removable I made a small custom box to go uner the passenger's seat.

I used a small wooden box I found in my local DIY store, I cut a slot out the front and made a deck so I could put the Mini on it and store the PSU under it. (I have enough space for my P1900 when I buy it)

Ok now back to the dash, now I have finished the wiring I can fit the panel back. I must say that I am missing some sort of seal between the panel and the adges of the screen, I plan to use some flexible material to hide the sides of the screen.

I like this one as I am reflected in the screen

My next job was RadioShark! Well I read up all the threads in these forums and did the hack! I basically removed the inerds of the Shark and removed all the original antennas (copper wires) and then solderd the +RCA to the FM point on the printed circuit and the -RCA to the furthest AM point. And on the other end I fitted a female radio socket found in my local HiFi market.

I fitted the unit under the central tunel just in front of the gear shift leaver. I had to shield it from the metal of the car so I used a couple of zip locks under it and a couple to secure it. Simple and efficient

note the soldering points...

**saabman96** · 06-26-2006, 05:10 PM

Ok I have to many pics

Continued from above...

Then I refitted the tunel cover over the lot! At this time I don't use the blue Shark's LED lights but I thought I might use them as dim foot well lights

Perfect place to put the remote controls...

Now I have put the Mini in it's place time for booting and testing...

Verdict: HURRAY!!! All works great! Even the FM radio (oh yes I didn't say above I removed AM completley as I never use it). These shots are of RadioShark on 107.0 FM here where I live ONE FM

There we go folks, thats all for today ... but I still have the Carnetix PSU to fit, and an extra antenna hack... but that is a surprise...

Hope you like it

**saabman96** · 06-26-2006, 05:11 PM

Oh almost forgot, bet you want to know what the car looks like from outside? Huh?

Ok now your laughing... stop that

**iamgnat** · 06-26-2006, 05:45 PM

Looks good so far.

Since you have availibility issues with the P1900, this might not work, but take a look at the WRX housing for Lilli screens. Based on your pictures it looks about the same size. It *should* (read, you'll have to do all the measurements to know for sure

) allow you to slide the monitor forward a bit so it is less recessed or possibly flush. Then you should have less to fill in.

They have a FAQ for it which has a link to a drawing of it with measurements: http://www.mechatroniks.com/wrx/groupbuyfaq.htm#11

I used one for my install and have been really happy with it.

Just a thought

-dave

**saabman96** · 06-27-2006, 01:29 AM

Actually I quite like the fact it is recessed that way when in strong sun light I still have a clear view of the screen... but your suggestion seems interesting none the less... I will be getting that P1900 it is just a question of time