Ahh yes! I understand that but I really can't spend 3 grand on all of this equipment. Maybe your right though, same idea you guys had, just more complicated. I will check out my options, maybe I don't need a PC in the Z

 

You don't have to spend $3K.
I spent about $1,500.00 on mine, and prices for the components have dropped since then. I didn't skimp on features either; went with touchscreen, $200.00 Opus power supply, 2- DVD drives, etc.

You could do it for under $1,000.00 without sacrificing much in the way of components.

 

PM me, I need to talk hardware and whatnot. Thank you for all your help man.

 

lol, yeah cant shift and talk at the same time I wanted to put the button on the steering wheel at first, but was too worried about messing it up (plus I didn't want to take apart the steering wheel) But this way its really a hands free system.

You don't need 3k to make a pc system. I think mines was under 2k (thats including parts for trial and error) I think I could've went with a standard hard drive (more capacity and cheaper)

I still have to finish up and make a new plate for the nav area, the stock piece is too bulky, hard time using the bottom of the touchscreen.

 

I have a question for the folks who already have the Chazzg PC installed :
Are you getting a high-pitched whine or hiss from the PC audio? It has nothing to do with where you have your PC volume set to, the whine appears if you turn the HU volume up above the 1/2 way mark. When I move the Y-splitter cable around randomly, or go over bumps, the whine/hiss gets louder or softer. I was sitting in the garage and obsessing about this, and I turned the a/c off, and the noise went away. But then I turned it back on, the noise didn't come back, till I went over a speed bump. I have a feeling that it may be due to electrical interference of some kind, because the power cord to the PC is running inside the same conduit pipe. I am using a Y splitter from the PC audio out, to connect to my XM receiver. There is nothing wrong with the XM receiver or the HU or the amps, because all other components sound BEAUTIFUL. The hiss doesn't really bother me, but I can hear it in between tracks, or when the nav is on, and I have no music playing, and it's been driving me CRAZY.
I have the PC sitting on it's side behind the passenger seat, with the seat backed up all the way, holding the PC in place. But I think it still doesn't prevent lateral shifts. I will get some velcro strips tomorrow, tie it down and see if that helps.
Otherwise, what is the best way to shield the audio cables from electrical interference, other than getting shielded cables ? Is there some kind of insulating sleeve or something which I can wrap around the cables ?
Thanks for any help.

 

don't have that problem. why don't you ask chazzg himself? It's his product, he should know.

 

It's fixed. The problem was ground noise. A Peripheral Ground Loop Isolater got rid of the hiss.

 

alphared, what mic are you using? I have tried a few, but haven't found one that can operate well in our very noisy cabins.

 

its a Telex (forgot the model number). I took it apart to install it. Amazed that it works so well, even with music cranked up the interface still understood what I said.

 

Scaf:

This is true, the laptop may not be very benficial.. that is unless you already have a really good one you don't use (me) then by using it, you save the cost of a small PC, and have an even more compact thing to deal with..

I'm trying one of these installs when I get extra cash.

 

Alpha, very nice install and I love your interface. I can't wait to see your interface work on my system.


zaway

 

My thoughts exactly, the only thing I need is knowledge on how to hook up the laptop to the radio and a way to power the laptop. Any input is helpful!

 

I'm just trying to help guys, from having thought about going the laptop way myself. But if you think it'll work out for ya:

For power, get a DC-AC inverter at Fry's for $30.00
For audio, get an FM modulator at Fry's for $40.00

 

thank you scaferon, like he said. We both have laptops sitting here waiting to be used. I don't mind using a laptop temporarily!

 

The way I have the xenarc screen power hooked up from the HU, I think the power always stays on. Same thing for the PC too. Is there a way to cut off power to the screen, when the pc or the ignition is turned off? With the constant power going to the screen, will it affect the overall life of the screen at all ?

 

The power connector to the Bose has an 12v ACC wire that shuts off when the car is turned off. I believe it is a light green color. You will need to double-check that with a tester.

The large yellow wire is always on.

If your monitor is always on, you could run your battery down if you don't drive for an extended period.

 

I have figured out how to hook up everything (pm me if you have any questions) however. Being a laptop I am not sure how to controle it's startup and shutdown, without having to reach down and push the button.. I was thinking by taking out the battery, it will shut off when the AC power is gone, but the startup I am still not sure on.

Anybody know any USB remote start/shutdown devices or somthin similar?

 

I am at the same point you were about installing a computer in my Z. I like your set up, what are the dimensions of your CPU in the mailslot? Did you make it yourself or did you buy an already made computer chasis? Any info regarding this would be most helpful.

Thanks,
Rob

 

I just installed a laptop in my car. Here is what I did:
7” touch screen in the Nav area.
Laptop that was just sitting around and (I have more) I took of the lcd screen so I can easily reach the power button (I thought about installing a button but that was too much work) also with no screen I can easy reach the keyboard. So I don’t have any wireless or a mouse flying around the car. The laptop is sitting under my seat and sticks out just so I can easily reach the power button and the cd drive. It is powered by an inverter (you can get one anywhere Kmart, target, best buy…) the sound goes though the headphones out jack to a cosset player (I know this is tacky) I have the media engine interface and I love it. I also have the WinTv USB to watch live TV that I still need to put in and the navigation that I still need to buy (Delarome $130). I will post some pictures if anyone wants to see them.

If you want any of the parts that I used I can get them for you. I can get the touch screen for $300, and computer hardware we will have to talk about…