G3's 2004 WRX Install

**GFridrich3** · 09-27-2006, 11:57 AM

9-27-06 Update:

9-24-06: Of all things that could have gone wrong, it was MY fault i screwed up my computer. I loaded something i shoudnt have messed with (a vista skin bricopack) it changed system files, and then i went and unloaded causing systemwide panic and failure. I ended up lucky enough i just had to reload a clean copy of windows thru system recovery and was back up and running after reinstalling service pack 2, but it was a pain in the *** over something that took like 5 minutes to destroy a few days work.

9-25-06: Still getting this stupid error with the M2-ATX. Apparently its the way i like to start my car. After much frustration thinking there was a hardware error, it ends up being between the sterring wheel and the seat. From now on, i just make sure that the system posts before cranking the starter. Havent had a failure once since i changed my mindset on how fast i can start the car with the pc connected.

9-26-06: System is working, and i believe i am now a Mobile Impact fan. I just wish there were cleaner skins for it like the ones Road Runner uses. Im still not a big fan of the swooshing icons around the center graphic, but the interface is MUCH easier and out-of-the-box iGuidance 3.0 support is much better for my tastes. Maybe someday ill figure out how to work road runner, but for now, MI gets my vote.

9-27-06: Took the trim pieces out of the car, and blasted them with a nice clean coat of semi-flat black to remove all the nicks and surface damage from the work i did on the console piece to make the motorized screen fit. The semi-flat is a much darker bolder black than the flat black i had before, and gives the car a little more "finished" feel to it now. Getting ready now to head up out of town for a few days and enjoy a well deserved, and long overdue vacation from work.

End of 9-27-06 Update

**GFridrich3** · 10-02-2006, 07:58 PM

10-01-06 Update:

Ordered a Lite-On slim slot load USB dvd-rw drive, D-Link wireless g usb network card, a battery powered 4 port USB hub, and some other miscellaneous parts for the carpc setup.

Still getting a CMOS checksum error after starting the car up for the first time after sitting without power for an extended length of time. I will try replacing the battery and see if thats the problem. Gotta pick up a battery on my way home from work tomorrow.

End of 10-01-06 Update.

**Redian** · 10-02-2006, 11:44 PM

=/

is it a new mobo? you shoudlnt get a checksum error (or have a dead battery) if its new... if t still doesnt work, try picking up a PCI dianostic tool.

oh, and if you need help with the rex install, PM me. i did an '04 as well

**GFridrich3** · 10-06-2006, 04:28 PM

10-06-06 Update:

Yes, this is my first official post to my worklog from my CarPC, while it is running in my car.

I now have my DVD-RW mounted and powered from my M2-ATX power supply, and have my D-Link wireless adaptor running and connected thru someones unsecured network. Since im connected i figured i should post up to see for myself that i can now connect to the internet from my car.

All thats left now is to go find my bluetooth dongle, configure that properly and get Phone Control installed.

End of 10-06-06 Update.

**GFridrich3** · 10-15-2006, 03:32 PM

10-15-06 Update:

WalMart FINALLY got some new car audio stock in, and had 3 Ground Loop Isolators on the shelf. Needless to say, 14 dollars later and a half hour digging behind the dashboard, my car now has a normal signal to noise ratio, and all alternator/electronics interference has been eliminated between the CarPC and the Headunit. Also, had to install a reset switch on the VoomPC case which is wired directly to the motherboard reset jumper. Dont know why, but if it doesnt kick on when i turn the car on, its almost 100% proven to turn on if i just reset real quick, rather than proceed thru the entire shutdown and startup control. Still not sure quite exactly what the problem is because it still works perfectly every single time on the testbench, but still gives me trouble in the car itself.

End of 10-15-06 Update.

**GFridrich3** · 10-22-2006, 12:01 PM

10-21-06 Update:

Well, after much frustration and multiple attempts at making sure i had the most recent drivers and softwares installed after updating the BIOS, i still couldnt for the life of me get XP to recognize my power button. Fortunately, i found a nice little tidbit of info i NEVER knew about. When your installing windows for the first time, hit F5 when it asks you to hit F6 to load RAID drivers. Windows will then ask you to choose the type of system you have, and then choose ACPI PC. I guess when windows loaded on my system, it couldnt recognize it was ACPI capable. I did a quick re-install over the OS so I wouldnt have to spend all day reinstalling softwares, and voila, it works! I now have automatic shutdown capabilities again with my M2-ATX power supply.

End of 10-21-06 Update.

**GFridrich3** · 10-23-2006, 07:07 PM

10-23-06 Update:

My Contura II buttons arrived today in the mail. I now have an on-off-on button, and a mom-off-mom button. They are very nice automotive looking switches, and mounted in my center console look very clean. Not exactly stock looking, but not god awful generic crap you can find at WalMart.

Picture of switches:

End of 10-23-06 Update.

**GFridrich3** · 10-28-2006, 09:34 AM

10-27-06 Update:

Got the switches wired up all good.

Left switch, on-off-on, pressed forward runs my "accon" via ignition switch, set to center leaves the "accon" off, and pressed back runs my "accon" via constant voltage. This way i can have a variety of options how i want to run, or not run my system when i get in the car.

Right switch, mom-off-mom, pressed forward sends pulse to 2nd jumper on m2-atx power supply, press back sends pulse to mobo reset jumper.

Large light on the left switch lights when there is power supplied to the "accon" wire.

Large light on the right switch is wired to the POWLED jumper on the mobo, small light is wired to the HDDLED jumper on the mobo.

With the integration of these switches, i can now permanently mount my carpc under my seat out of sight since i now have a remote reset and power buttons for when the m2-atx is being stubborn at boot-up. Other than the normal documented issues with the m2-atx, my system seems to be running perfect. Even hibernation is working great. Takes a few seconds for the GPS to sync back up after a hibernation cycle, but at least i dont have to shut everything down and restart.

End of 10-27-06 Update.

**GFridrich3** · 11-04-2006, 10:49 AM

11-03-06 Update:

Received my Logitech Netplay controller/keyboard. Removed the keyboard from the controller, and wired it up along with the wires from my dvd burner in the glove box. Keyboard is a much better fit in the car than the full size one i was using before. Also fits like a glove (no pun intended) in the glove box too....

Heres a few pisc of this awesome controller/keyboard combo i got for $12.75 USD "shipped" off ebay.

Out of the box

Keyboard removed from controller

My hand for size reference (not in the perverted way)

Now you see it....

Now you dont.

By the way, youll probably notice i did a little re-painting inside to give the console area a cleaner look.

End of 11-03-06 Update.

**bambam** · 04-01-2007, 01:00 PM

Curious as how you like the K90 so far. I was thinking about getting one because it's over $100 cheaper than the Xenarc but I have read so many horror stories.