Thread: Worklog: Project TezzaPuta - 2006 Ford Territory Ghia (Melbourne, Australia)

Hi All,

As another minor update, I've started building the CarPC using what components I already have and the usual spare PC bits and pieces we've all got lying around.

I must admit I've already encountered some challenges that have required resolution from this forum, google and my general trial and error skills. The PC is already familiar with being "mobile" as I've taken it upstairs, downstairs, and even over to my father's house to track down issues. Good fun - NOT - but we live and learn I guess. Still juggling a couple of quirky motherboard issues (Via Epia EN12000EG), but I'm hopeful that they can all be sorted. We'll see I guess.

I've got the traditional test setup on the workbench, and one of my next tasks is to Wire up my OPUS PSU via the ATX power supply on my workbench. Never attempted that kind of thing before, so should be fun. No doubt the instructions will come in handy.

Also, I have been lurking in the classifieds section for a Xenarc 700TSV (which is probably my screen of choice), but I'm also reading these threads on sunlight and transflective screens, and they've really got me thinking. Bloody expensive sport this !!

Cheers,

Long.1

Originally Posted by long.1

My headrest monitors have arrived.......I haven't tested them out yet, but will do so soon......
So right now I'm pretty happy with the purchase, but will be much happier when the screens have been tested with no dead pixels etc.....

Ok, last night I was able to test the rear headrest screens, and they both look fine. My 3 year old son was pretty impressed whilst watching "The Incredibles" on the small screen. He didn't want to go to bed !! For now there won't be photos of the screens in action, as I'm pretty fearful of ridicule over my temporary wiring. It was my first real attempt at molex hacking, and likewise the first time I've used a digital multimeter. It was all good, and I must admit I got a thrill out of seeing it work.

The one thing worth noting is that the connection from the monitors to the long cable (shown top right in previous photo) was not a very snug fit. In fact, for one of the monitors I had to hold it in (right through testing) otherwise it would virtually fall out (and lose signal). I'll have to come up with a solution for this later on when full blown testing gets underway.

Now it's time to get my components together so that I at least have something to show for this Sunday's Melbourne Meet.

On another note, I had agreed to terms with a MP3Car Classifieds Seller for a Slot Load DVD/CDRW Combo and a BU-353 GPS Receiver. Unfortunately, the seller would not wait for my PayPal funds to clear, and sold these items to another buyer. I think he also wanted to avoid shipping to Australia - we face our fair share of purchasing challenges over here. In any case, with cleared funds I guess it's time to get shopping again.

Cheers,

Long.1

Originally Posted by MrJamieR

You may want to consider renaming the project. I'm not certain but I'm pretty sure you're currently telling everyone that the Tezza has sex for money. (In Spanish.) A definite hurdle in obtaining SA.

Originally Posted by cederron

HAha that's true! In Spanish a Puta is a woman that has sex for money.

Hey fellas,

Thanks for that - I'll rename my project........
Heh heh - Only joking.....If my Tezza wants to drive to Spain and have sex for money, then thats just fine by me.

With respect to the project, I've purchased a 2nd hand DVD Rom / CDRW Combo. More details soon, once I get the pictures sorted.

Cheers,

Long.1

Originally Posted by long.1

......With respect to the project, I've purchased a 2nd hand DVD Rom / CDRW Combo. More details soon, once I get the pictures sorted.....

Thanks to eBay I've purchased:
- a 2nd hand Sony Slim DVD ROM / CDRW Combo (Model No: CRX830E) and
- a new JAE to IDE ROM Drive Adapter



Initial testing has been successful, so once again I'm pretty happy. Naturally I've also updated Post #2 with the latest components PDF: Project_TezzaPuta_B_PC_Components.pdf

So at the moment the absence of a VGA touchscreen is really all that's holding back my project. It's probably the most crucial component in my opinion and I won't be rushed into purchasing. I'm keeping a keen eye on the MP3Car store (and relevant threads) for any movements in the translective screens, because to put it bluntly in the next couple of months I'm no chance to spend the $1000+ AUD to get one of these monitors shipped to Australia.

My sister is going to the US for a few months soon, so I may be able to work something out via her, but we'll see. I'll still have to come up with the cash from somewhere !!

As a result, things will probably die down a bit over the next month. With the Easter break and the Aussie Rules footy starting, my time will be quite limited. Still, I'll see if I can get cracking on the custom CarPC case. Stay tuned, but don't go holding your breath.

Cheers,

Long.1

Originally Posted by mrbean_phillip

We should meet up, so I can show you what I have done Looking good, working great.
Take care, hope to hear from you soon. PM me so we can discuss a meet, if you have time!

No worries Beanie,

I'm definitely keen to see your progress as well. I'm keeping a susbscribed-eye on your worklog and I'm eagerly awaiting your next update. Definitely keen to see the install in the flesh as well.

To be honest, I'm finding time a little limited at the moment. As I eluded to previously I play Aussie Rules Football, and unfortunately we've also had some health issues in the family.

On a positive note, I seem to have overcome one of my main concerns with very little effort. The other day my wife said something like "when the carputer goes in....". I was pretty pumped to hear that word "when". A minor victory, but a victory nonetheless.

Cheers,

Long.1