[juve021]

Alright all, after having a computer in my previous vehicle (03 Acura CL, 6speed), I've come to love and miss the whole computer element in my R. Some of you might be asking, why would you want to put a computer in your car? Well, all I can say is...why not? There are endless possiblities really, pretty much though, I want to create a multimedia machine for my car for myself and my passengers.

The system will consist of a VIA/EPIA M1000 based computer running a very slim version of Windows XP. I plan on piping the audio through the stock HU803 headunit using an AUX adapter (USASpec or Mrg_Ed). For the video, after looking at possible mounting locations for a 7" LCD touchscreen, I've decided on placing the screen where the stock navigation screen would be (obviously, I don't have navi). I plan on the screen operating the same way the stock one does, "popping up" from under the dash however I will start off with a manual "popping up" version and maybe later tackle the electronic raising of the screen. Just to name a couple of things that I'm planning on implementing with this setup: 60 GB of mp3s/mpegs, controlling XM satellite radio via the computer, USB DVD rom for watching DVD's, bluetooth for a handsfree setup again through the PC, "dead-reckoning" GPS navigation using a "hacked" onstar unit.....

So my project begins here...if you're interested check back with this thread from time to time to see how my progress is going and of course, feel free to post any questions or comments as I'll do the same!

Here are the parts I've gathered so far...

Here's the stock navi version center channel grill which I will modify a bit to get the screen to fit:

Here's the stock navi version center channel speaker which I will replace with my current bigger sized one:

Here's the bracket for holding the navi center speaker and also the screen housing:

Here's a shot of the computer (notice the size!) and XM direct unit:

And finally, here's a shot of the 7" touchscreen LCD:

Modified by juve021 at 4:05 AM 3-10-2006

Modified by juve021 at 5:43 PM 4-30-2006

 

[mike_c70]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

Isn't that quite a long stretch to get to the touchscreen? I think you are better off doing what others have done by switching out the stereo and putting in the touchscreen monitor there.

 

[juve021]

Re: S60R car computer install (mike_c70)

Yeah, its kinda a stretch if you have to press the screen for every function (i.e. next track, ff, etc) but I'm also going to go with an RF remote so that I can have easy access to those functions. This was actually what I had in my previous car and it worked pretty well.

 

[mrg_Ed]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

Quote, originally posted by juve021 »

I plan on piping the audio through the stock HU803 headunit using an AUX adapter (USASpec or Mr_E).

Did you know, I made a simple AUX-in chip which can also catch button presses on the HU to a RS232 serial port, and vv. you can send CD and TRK numbers to the HU with RS232 serial commands....

So, if you know how to program the serial port on the computer and redirect the commands, you may have a cool add-on for your setup.

It will not have the iPod support/control, however, it's plain & simple AUX input for the HU...

 

[juve021]

Re: S60R car computer install (mrg_Ed)

Mrg Ed, I'm really interested, this would be awesome that way I could program some of the buttons, like the next track, previous track, from the HU for just that in my mp3 program! This sounds awesome!!! You rock man, just let us all know when they are available...is there a waiting list or something because if so, please add me to it (juve021). Thanks.

 

[mrg_Ed]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

Sorry, there's no list, because very few are interested as for now. Though it does work (see my thread http://forums.swedespeed.com/z...ge=10), some work needs still to be done and my top priority right now is to get the iPod adapter released. Once it has been released I can work on the lower prio items, like a professional product regarding this AUX-in/RS232 control.

Pls. contact me per email for further info.

 

[netpratique]

I currently develop a system of interface RS-232 for PA11-VOL, I proposed it has mrg_ed a few months ago. One is needed can of patience.

 

[juve021]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

Just alittle update....

I've been ordering parts for the past week and finally believe I have everything necessary to procede.

I received the onstar unit from a '99 Escalade which will serve as my GPS unit as per these instructions:
http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/15/45/

I ordered up the USASpec adapter as I just can't wait for Mrg_Ed's (I will probably update this when his become's available especially because the rumor is, you will be able to send stereo button keystrokes to a computer via RS232 port!!! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif )

The main issue I'm having is coming up with a way to hold the screen in the "popped up" position but after making a trip to Lowes this past weekend, I think I have something here. I'll get some pics of the whole thing when I'm done with assembly.

The computer is all ready to go. I've got my music, movies etc all loaded up and I'm running Media Engine (http://www.mediaengine.org).

Will keep everyone updated.....stay tuned

 

[juve021]

Update:

I've received all the parts needed for the install. My attention is now focused on creating the screen popup mechanism.

I also performed the "onstar hack" to serve as my GPS receiver. Its working really nice! So now I can say I have alittle Escalade(where the onstar unit came from) in my R!

 

[ss60]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

Quick question ... What are the dimensions of that center speaker? 2.5x5" or something close?
I'm looking for one to fit my dash but want a third party speaker - would be real nice to have the exact dimensions.

 

[juve021]

Re: S60R car computer install (ss60)

Ummm I'll check and get back to you on the speaker size...do you want to size of the speaker w/navi or without navigation?

 

[ss60]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

Hey thanks very much. Looking for size for use with the navi screen (want to use the navi screen as my vid out so do not have to look down at center console while driving).

 

[juve021]

Re: S60R car computer install (ss60)

OK the dimensions are 5 1/8" x 2 3/4 " (LxW). The speaker is a rectangular speaker and it is rated at 8 ohms. Those dimensions are from the outside of the speaker frame. The speaker itself is however an oval cone. Dimensions from the center of each screw hole to screw hole (on the rectangluar frame) are 4 1/2" x 2 3/16 (LxW). Is this what you wanted?

 

[ss60]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

Exactly what I wanted - Thanks very much.

...now back over to my buddies at Boston Acoustics.

 

[juve021]

Re: S60R car computer install (ss60)

No prob...let me know if you end up finding something that will work with the stock HU, thanks man.

 

[juve021]

Re: S60R car computer install (juve021)

UPDATE:

So I've been taking it slow with this project because I want it to look as good as possible. Today, I had some time to really work out the up down mechanism of the new 7" touchscreen monitor along with cut up the navi center grill. I also ordered the cd changer bracket to hold the PC in the rear near passenger side fuse box area. Here are some pics below:

I plan on making a cover of sorts, to hide the screen when its fully down, out of my current center channel grill material. Thats the next phase I guess.

 

[ilalocal1922]

june021 hows it coming... any updates?!?!?!?

 

[juve021]

Re: (ilalocal1922)

out of town right now but I'll be back home this weekend so check back!

 

[juve021]

Re: (juve021)

Alright so I decided to install the PAVOL-11 AUX input adapter instead of going further with the screen.

Install went OK just had alittle trouble with the CCM but it worked out. Sounds amazing hooked up to my 5 year old PDA..lol

Stay tuned for more.

 

[partridge]

Re: (juve021)

Seeing as you have all that space where the nav goes, how about something like this.

Recess the screen completely, then reflect it onto the windshield with a mirror. HUD.