Thread: Project 2003 Dodge Dakota

Today I paid a visit to Radio Crap and was rather astonished at the selection of items that they carry. I built a 3 switch box to use to perform control functions to my truckputer. The push-button momentary switch will serve as my accessory on/off control for the computer itself. This will run directly to my power supply, should I have problems with startup/shutdown functions on my OPUS 120. The middle button is a rocker switch which will be my valet switch which I can also use to cut off power to the PC. The ignition line will run through this switch and allow me to cut power to the PC as well as my M2-ATX PSU which will be providing power to monitors & USB hub. The third switch is an accessory switch that will turn my neon light mounted in the case on and off. All of the pieces including the box cost less then $10 and provides a very valuable interface, not to mention allows me to keep the PC from being powered ON if I do not wish to have it on for whatever reason (vehicle in for repairs, valet parking, friend borrows truck to move, etc).



Here you see my power distribution block which will provide 12V DC and my ground block. I will be running lines directly from my battery terminals to ensure maximum grounding and a safe distribution to both power supplies as well as my wireless headphones transmitter.



I thought that it would be a good idea to include wireless headphones in the mix in case I want to listen to my radio while others are watching a movie. The unit consumes a very low amount of current and switches off when there is no audio signal coming from the computer. I will be using a molex connector to tap the 5V rail of my M2-ATX and provide switched power to my USB hub. I have heard of others draining their battery when their hub continues to stay powered off of their battery and I would prefer that not to happen to me.



Here is a short mock-up of the breadbox (my comp) dropped into the console and gives me a good opportunity to look at how things will look and fit. Its tight in there, but I think that everything will work out great. Everyday is another checked off item on my to-do list. Tomorrow I will be tapping into my ignition wire and trying to get as much of my wiring in the truck done as possible. I will also be running my USB GPS as well as my wireless antennae which I will be mounting behind some trim next to my seatbelts. I don't know how great of a signal I will get with that plan but I think it will be decent. Onward and upward!!!!

looking good, also looks like youve got a decent amount of space in there. Can you post some more info about the wireless headphone setup you have? Is it bluetooth?

Originally Posted by Dragonknell911

looking good, also looks like youve got a decent amount of space in there. Can you post some more info about the wireless headphone setup you have? Is it bluetooth?

Thanks for the compliments, Dragonknell. Its actually a rather tight squeeze in there with everything packed in. You'd be surprised how much you pack into such a small space when you need to though. As far as the wireless headphones, they are made by Poweracoustiks (www.poweracoustiks.com) and the model is the RF2CH and they are not bluetooth, which is good because I don't have a bluetooth adapter. The wireless headphones are dual radio frequency and sound absolutely excellent!! I got them off of www.etronics.com for about $120 and I think they're well worth it for what they do. They take two AAAs and have a mute as well as a good volume feature. Oh yeah, they are absolutely loud as hell when turned all the way up! Good times.

Shizzzam!! Today I ran the power wire for the monitor as well as the USB cable and the VGA cable. I was pleased with how easily they ran and fit down behind the dash assembly and underneath my console. I decided to use some 3M double sided tape to mount the screen in because the bolt holes seem to be too much of a hassle, and whenever I need to do maintenance, I can get the monitor out a lot easier.



Not bad if I don't say so myself. Notice how there is a little bit of gap around the right lower side. I'm not too thrilled about this but I am happy overall with the way it came out. I can deal with the little imperfections. I have discovered that when running more then one wire at a time, it is easier to simply run a piece of string and then tie it to the wires so that you can pull them all at once.



Aaah, sometimes it feels good to just sit back and look at all of my hard work coming together. I getting closer and closer to posting this in the "Finished projects" area.

I gotta say, this project turned out really nice. I'm looking to do a similar setup in my S-10 eventually. Your console build gave me alot of good ideas. Also, as for that scratched paint on your screen mount, you'd be surprised at how much a black Sharpie can hide, especially where the scratch isn't in a spot that's very noticable anyways

Sharpie is a good temp fix... but what i hate is when light hits it and you see that purpleish reflectiion...

Thanks for your suggestions. I think that I am going to just go ahead and take a very fine haired brush and lay down some paint over that scratch. If I am careful and quick about it, I should be able to do a good job. I actually tried the sharpie method and it just didn't work. You really can't see the scratch unless the screen is in direct sunlight and the camera flash brought it out pretty good as well. We'll see what happens. Right now that scratch is the leas of my worries. I just have to:

* Run my ignition wire.
* Wire up my switchbox
* Run my RCAs from my monitors to the video amplifier as well as the power wires.
* Drink beer and rejoice in my victory.

LMFAO sounds like a plan.

Hey quick question... can you output a second video signal from the RCA output on the MoBo you have or is it always a clone of the VGA? Also what resolution does it output only 640x480? and lastly is it clear?