Hello... I've been really bored, and started contemplating on this PC project. I'm bothered by many PC projects regarding the location of the DVD drive. If it's physically on the computer, I don't want to reach far if I want to pop a movie in for kicks.

Well, here's my idea since our car supports double-DIN. My car currently has an EQ sitting underneath the receiver. I'll make an "interface" panel that'll hold the switches, lights, USB ports, AND a slim DVD drive.

For kicks, I added a Matrix Orbital LCD display that has a serial connection to the computer. It was on my current PC, but I decided to take it out.

So this is all I have so far... the goal is budget, so there's nothing TOO fancy with this setup. The idea is to build a tiny PC (hidden on passenger side) that's powerful enough to play music, movies, and some games.

DVD drive on Ebay = $23 after shipping :-)
Switches/LEDs = Salvaged stuff...
USB ports = Off the bracket from my motherboard... no use :-P

 

Flash makes it look nasty. I'm not a very crafty person. I just have ideas and I can make things work... looking nice? ehh... im a lil weak on that spot ahaha.

The bezel i grabbed from my old deck... it's just a guide to see what things will look like.

Don't you just love the USB ports? ahahah.. 2.0! Yea!

Larger switch is the master switch... this is so I can cut off main power to the PC and TFT display. If it's on, the red indicator lights up. When I turn off my car, everything should remain ON so I can properly shut down the computer. (that's the plan)

The other indicators is white (PC pwr) and blue (HDD).

 

Here's the display plugged in and lighting up...

Next up... mini-ITX computer. That wont' be sometime next year... I gotta pay off my wheels first!!!

 

looks good. but you could always do what I did and mount the DVD drive under the center console..It's easily reachable there:

 

Oh yea... I've seen that one done. Don't I have to lose my cup holder? Heh... No! I must keep them for Starbucks!

I just want everything in the front... PC switches and usb up front.

Is it possible to turn on the TFT display with a single master switch? With mods of the mods I've seen, I don't see anyone keeping the display menu/power buttons. How is this done?

Thanks!

-Phuong

 

Don't you have a cup holder in front too? I think the cup holder in the armrest is useless.. I can't put a drink there and shift comfortably without my elbow hitting it..

Yes.. just power your TFT display using the 12V lead off one of the the molex connectors in your PC.. power to the PC = power to the screen.

--mike