I was thinking if you got the right mini-ITX case, you could probably mount a PC under the passenger seat. Anybody think to try there?

Ares, I think those VIA chips only use like 12W themselves, so with drives, etc, 60W should do it.

 

You could try under the seat, but I will tell you there isn't much room. I currently have my MTX amps under each seat, and these are pretty small amps. I do not have power seats, BTW.

 

Im still investigating space issues in the car, but I can tell you that if you remove the bottom of the glove box, there is a bit of extra space below the false bottom even, only maybe an inch if that in front, but a good bit more in the back, it also goes an inch or 2 deeper than the glove box. for my computer I plan to take advantage of all the space possible, so Im finding all the little bits of space that could be used.

anyone managed a better way than a fm modulator to hook into the stereo? high quality MP3s and DVD sound just to be degraded to FM quality.

 

I have, but you'd also have to pay $600 for the Alpine 7998!

It comes with the ability to convert the Ai-Net to Stereo composite plugs using a $15 adapter. This serves as the AUX input to the deck and allows me to adjust the sound just like any other input. I'm pumped about how this will sound, rather than using FM modulation.

Scott

 

yeah I bet, definitly sounds like a better way, but alas, I will have to settle for fm quality, for now anyway. ordering the screen as I type, my credit card got red flagged 2 500$ puchases in 2 days. now I have to use another card.

 

Where are you ordering the Xenarc from?

 

http://www.spysupply007.com/LCD_Scre...arc/700TS.html has them for $550 with free shipping.

 

A quick update, I installed my Eclipse 5441 Head Unit and while the dash was open I hardwired the monitor to the acc power from the headunit cables. Everything works great, the monitor comes on when car is started.

Since it has the auto power off feature it will turn off if there is no vid signal. Also it will turn on when it gets a signal, so I might not worry about the buttons anymore.

I will post pics this weekend.

 

Thanks for the update. Thats great news! So you just tied into the single power wire that powers the HU. I ask, because I just ordered my screen (same one) and my Auto PC is built and ready to go at home. I can't wait to get it into the car!

 

is this a new HU or is it something that allows you to hook in to the factory HU?

for that much money it should give your unit a little H!

 

That adapter only works with Alpine units that have this INPUT capability. You could check on sites like Crutchfield that identify which HU have this option.

 

Ok finally got a real Digital Camera Here are a few pics of the screen. Also a shot of my Eclipse 5441 Head unit.

 

Another Pic

 

is it broke?



well turn it on then! we want to see it ON


thanks

 

Someone installed your dash kit wrong ;-) The top bracket is upside down.

 

Some head units are now coming with AUX-IN jacks. You should be able to connect the LINE-OUT on the sound card to AUX-IN jack on the head unit. This should fix the FM modulation thingy...

 

Actually that is how I am doing it. I have the Alpine 7998 with the Ai-net adapter that converts it to dual-RCA jacks. The sound it awesome, much better than FM modulation. Plus, the headunit has adjustments for the aux input, in that I can switch the sound settings for MP3, Music, or Movie.

 

dmazyn, I bought the Xenarc 700YV 7" LCD which is just like yours but without the touchscreen part and I was looking at the pictures you took of your install and had a question. How did you get the LCD to fit in the compartment? I took the LCD out of the case and tried to fit it from the front of the compartment just to see if it fits and I couldn't see it fitting. This weekend I'm installing my car PC, LCD, HU, amp, and sub. Do you have some information you could share on how to fit the LCD in the comparment?

Thank you,

zaway

 

You have to fit it from behind the compartment. You can use some double sided tape in between the protective screen cover and the back side of the plastic compartment. A little trick to hide the tape from the outside is to take a black sharpie and use it around the outside edge of the tape before you apply to the compartment.

 

seems like doubleside tape is what everyone is doing to secure the screen. but don't dust/lint get stuck on the edge?