beaufb

iTrader: (4)

awesome

gr8scott_o

iTrader: (16)

Very nice!

I am bench testing with the same software (riderunner w/ dfx 4.0 skin, same colors as well!). This has also been a two year process for me.

What GPS software are you using? I went GarminPC, but made the mistake of buying the bundled USB antenna which has a few issues (can't split the feed, and it won't wake when coming out of hibernation). I "fixed" the software to address the first issue, but could never fix the second so someday I will look for a new GPS antenna

What did you do for CarPC to Audio setup? I still haven't really found a solution I like yet.

My plans are to case-mod the stock radio and fit my slot DVD drive in it (done) and then wire up the rest of the radio buttons to control certain aspects of the software like on/off and volume using the stock ****, functional buttons, etc. (yet to do).

I have really gone back and forth on modding a pre-06 cubby to fit the '06 opening like you did, or just saying "screw it" and get the nav console. Cost may preclude the last option.

Did you fit your dell case behind the bottom monitor?

Overall, looks like a great job! Congrats on getting it done... I work in spurts on mine, about once every couple of months I will get ambitious and do something on it.

T-Stan

iTrader: (1)

nice work! good job

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

gr8scott_o:

For GPS im using iGuidance. I dont know about Garmin Pc but, iGuidance has a really sweet setup for carpc's. Its actually and option when installing. It makes it so that the program that runs has larger buttons as well as a popup keyboard to input addresses and such. I am also having the same issues with splitting the feed between the software and riderunner so I just set the riderunner gps com port to one that isn't the GPS antenna. I suppose it will hold me over until I have some time to mess with the settings.

For the audio setup I coupled an audigy with a 4 channel amp (got a power acoustik v4-1200). The audigy is a relatively old an cheap model that I got lucky and came with the dell. I would recommend doing this since its inexpensive and works really, really well. I also use it as the input for the radio (Visteon HD Radio) which is controlled from RR through rs-232. I placed the amp behind the existing glove compartment to leave the existing compartment behind the drivers seat open for the computer.

As far as fitting the computer it is a full size desktop that I basically rebuilt a case for (Ill post pics in the next post). I fit it behind the driver seat where the overseas glove boxes goes.

If you decide to mod the radio I would also recommend setup them up as a variable resistance circuit and using RCjoyCon: http://cgi.ebay.com/CarPC-JoyCon-Ste...item335913875c
What this does is assign keystrokes to different resistances over 2 leads. I used this to keep functionallity of the steering wheel controls. I have vol up/down as up/down, pwr as enter, band as tab, and seek as right/left.

I would also recommend modding an old nav cubby, it is an inexpensive solution that ends up looking completely stock and gives you the option of hiding the screen when you're not around.

I'm sure you already know but check out mp3car.com its a great resource.

Ill post some pics later of the stuff I'm talking about.

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

These are pics of the case I made for it. Basically its just half of the old case where the ports are and the other have made from 20ga sheet metal bent and cut on a stomp break. Its shown upside down on the bench.

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

This is how I wired the Car PC Joycon, Its inputs are resistance differences across 2 leads but the Z's steering wheel controls are identical resistances over 2 leads to ground see diagram. So what I did is put a resistor in series with one of the leads and soldered it to the other so that the 6 resistance cases are different resistances over the same lead.

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

This is where I mounted the slot fed DVD player/burner and the wireless keyboard Im using. The keyboard is awesome, it has a backlight that matches the Z's interior lights and has a touchpad for a mouse too.

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

I also had to mod the case for the xenarc to fit in the nav cubby. I cut both sides as shown. This is also how I attached them to the console. BTW plumbers hangers are awesome!

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

front without screens in cases

gr8scott_o

iTrader: (16)

Great info! That keyboard is awesome, where did you get it?

Now I have to start working on mine again.

Do you have internet to the car? If so, what route did you go?

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

keyboard:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Wireless-PC...item3a5656fabd

I do have internet. I'm using a program called pdanet:
http://www.junefabrics.com/android/index.php
Its pretty nice. It sets up as a network connection on the computer and all you have to do is plug your cell phone in usb. I believe it also works bluetooth which is pretty nice but my phone dies fast enough so I just plug it in. I have sprint and get 3g speeds wherever available, with the basic data plan.

!v@n

how did you modify the 03 cubby to fit in the 06 console?

carlos067

iTrader: (1)

the front bottom lip had to be sanded down. If you buy one, when you try to mount it you will see what I'm talking about.