Car Computer / CarPC - Upcoming Build and Journal

martin82

this is great stuff, right after I do my full suspension mods, this is on my next list to do. I am thinking about ordering the navigation cubby hole and installing a car pc just like this, maybe even have mimics on it just for fun. Where are you installing the minipc it self? Please keep taking pics etc....

Thanks!

Alstann

Of course! I'll be taking lots of pictures along the way.

I was definitely interested in installing the monitor in the Navi cubby hole, even alongside a secondary monitor where the stock radio should be, for two screen. Someone here has a Lilliput in the monitor cubby IIRC, and that's something I'd love to look into. For now though, I plan to put this touchscreen in the stock radio location. Maybe down the line I'll have my twin screen idea into fruition.

As for the MiniPC, I had two ideas. First idea would be where people do the battery relocation in the trunk, near the spare tire. They sell L-brackets that let me hard mount the MiniPC anywhere, so that would probably be the cleanest and most secure. I need to put the case together and see if it will fit, especially with the Sport pkg wheel not leaving much room.

The second option is the easy route - under the driver/pass seat. Of course, this is the most easy way to stash the comp - not to mention the space is small and useless anyway, but it's not the most clean (clean to me, at least) install location. I'll have to put some velcro on the case to stop it sliding or something.

I'm definitely leaning towards the trunk area, but worst case, I can just slide it under the seat with some velcro for the meantime. No one will notice the wiring in either scenario.

jayl

This is pretty cool, I used to have a carputer in my old car (2004 corolla)... Ran it for about 4-5 years...

Check out mp3car.com they have awesome resources for a cap pc.

It looks like you already have the screen but check this out...

Direct Fit Double Din LCD Touch Screen for 2009-2011 Nissan 370Z

When I did my carputer the main challenge was screen fabrication. I still have the DC-DC OPUS PS left and the screen from the corolla....

WIth the OPUS power supply I did a over ride switch, so the PC would not power on everytime I started the car for eg. if in a parking lot etc...

an old pic..
first shot at the screen - Page 2


I had mounted the mother board on a piece of wood covered with trunk carpet like material to make it more part of the car... in the trunk..

Good luck on the project

__________________
-Jay

Alstann

Thanks!

Yep, mp3car is where I got my ideas! I had no idea they made a prefit dash kit for the screen! Damn, haha. Ah well. Since I have the base with no bose, I figure the screen will fit flush nonetheless in my dash without the need of a dash kit (or do I still need a dash kit?)

That custom install looked tough. I was thinking of the navi cubby and trying to make it factory fit looking, but my bravery for trying all sorts of fiberglass/putty is low, so I'll revisit that another day. If I set up two screens, I believe centrafuse can split the displays to let usage of two "apps" at the same time, which would be amazing. OBD info on one, and music on the other or something like that.

As for the power supply, I have an M2-ATX which hopefully will behave the way I want it to, seeing that others have had issues with slow response times and non-latching on ignition. I actually haven't tested it yet, but I might pick up an AC-DC bench power supply from my college's lab to test it out. I'm planning on having the computer sit on hibernate for fast boot times, and when I'm away from my car for more than a day, I'll just shut it down.