Car Computer / CarPC - Upcoming Build and Journal

Alstann

**EDIT** Version 1 of my CarPC install is complete! Page two has the final pics.
**EDIT** HDRadio and Flush-mount AUX installed, pics on page three.

Hey guys, I had a project I've been wanting to do in a car for over a year now, and I wanted to share how it's going with the forum. Not sure if anyone's done a CarPC in the 370z yet, but I'd love some insight!

I've always wanted to have a computer running as my head unit in my car, with lots of functionality. This would include of course playing music, videos, and various aux/usb/disc media (with true 5.1 surround sound support, not that virtualized stereo surround found in most cars), but also would have readouts for OBD scanners, ability to use tuning software, GPS, radio, browse the internet, and record video from multiple cameras.

Originally, I had thought I could do a power inverter with a mac mini or something, and just do iTunes, but then I discovered so much more that a program-dedicated CarPC could do. It really sparked my interest in it, alongside discovering how much aftermarket specialized parts there are for making this possible.

However, one of the most important criteria was that it was to maintain a "head unit" look and easy functionality, but still be useful to a myriad of degrees. It was paramount that the head unit be easy enough to use, that a random person (not that I would let them) who drove my car and wanted to listen to music could sit down and get the software playing tunes in no time.

This install was actually supposed to go in my 4Runner when I bought all the necessary equipment, but issues with the touchscreen monitor lasting over 4 months pushed it so far back, I actually ended up trading in the 4Runner for my beloved 370z.

I actually just got the monitor working and functioning perfectly as of today, so I feel like this is an appropriate place in time to start my build journal.

Though very far from complete, I'll be updating this regularly as I have more free time from classes and work to get this installed. A full audio build alongside this is going to be awesome.

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Currently, this is where my build is at (updated 7/3/2012):

Car Computer Specifications:
-Case: Mini-Box M350 Mini-ITX enclosure
-Motherboard: Foxconn H67S LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
-CPU: Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core
-RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
-Video Card: Onboard Intel GFX (CPU powered)
-Hard Drive: 500GB 2.5" 7200rpm Seagate Barracuda (or something like that)
-Power Supply: M2-ATX 160w Smart CarPC Power Supply (automatically turns on computer on ignition, and has many options for smart shutdown/hibernate, low power mode, toggle audio amplifiers, etc.)
-Misc.: Bluetooth/WiFi/Microphone equipped

Monitor
-MT770 Double-DIN framed Capacitive Multi-Touch monitor @ 1024x768 (removed)
-Lilliput 669GL-70NP/C/T HDMI 4-Wire Resistive Touch Monitor (new direct fit monitor)

Extra Stuff
-Garmin GPS module and Garmin Mobile PC software
-Joycon EX Steering Wheel Interface
-Directed HDRadio tuner with MCS USB interface

Front End Software (The "head unit" of the computer)
-Centrafuse Auto ver. 4.1

As for an amplifier, I haven't really decided what to purchase for the speakers, but I'll figure out that later after I pre-wire the car.

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My first plan before installing anything is to pre-wire the car with fresh new speaker wire for all speakers (including the rear, as I have a base with 4 speakers, for future speaker installation), various video/USB/aux cables, as well as the main power from the battery. I'm also going to have to wire an amplifier as well, as well as a subwoofer for when I finally get a Zenclosure. Hopefully, I'll begin working on this soon. I don't even know how to take out the stock radio at this point! I'm sure after some reading of the tech manuals and the DIY's on here, not to mention from the posts here, I'll have no trouble.







Turning on the computer for the first time connected to the touch screen:




And, my current bench testing setup, car computer is currently powered by an standard computer power supply:

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.

memorylasts

sub'd

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somewhat-journal-thingy

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

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-Jay

The Dimer

Looks sweet, will follow.

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.

jayl

I think you would need the dash kit... to make the screen fit... The best way to fabricate the screen is ...open the screen take the front trim of the screen and a spare dash kit... then bondo / fiberglass them together ...make sure not to get bondo where you would fix the screen back on...

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-Jay

m4a1mustang

Cool project. Subscribed.

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- Steve

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Alstann

The screen I have is pre fitted to a double din case. Do I still need a dash kit? Or does it bolt straight in? I have the base stereo, by the way.

I'm also currently wondering if this car has factory crossovers, or if the car just has bass blockers at each speaker. If it doesn't have crossovers, it makes my install so much easier. I can use a turbowires kit to wire the speakers without a hitch.

EDIT: I think I have confirmed that the tweeters have their own caps or "bass blockers." That being said, I'm gonna probably go ahead and use the Metra Turbowires Harness (http://www.metraonline.com/part/70-7552) to wire the amp to the stock speakers. Later down the line, I'll go for fresh wire alongside new components and xovers. For now, I just want to get the car computer put in and working flawlessly before I dump money into shiny new speakers.

jayl

If you screen is pre-fitted to a double din case, you might/not need the dash kit. I have a Kenwood 9960 and did not need to use a dash kit... but had the option to... the amount of space between the HU and the trim of the car was not a lot for me to use the dash kit...

So for you it will depend on how snug the screen is with the Z's dash... and then decide based on that... you might be able to measure before hand to get a good idea..

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-Jay

kholy

Hello,

I love any project that involves a car and PC.. however after coming from owning 3 cars all with CarPCs to owning my 370z with an Android tablet.. mounting a tablet in our car is well, just AMAZING. i love every bit of it. the music player is nice, 4g tablet is even nicer! Google Maps Navigation is prob the best navigation software out there... and its FREE!

Don't get me wrong im excited for your project as i still love carpcs, but the tablet is just way more reliable, stable, ease of use, multi touch, and i got mine for under 200 dollars.

My buddy and i fabbed in the cubby hole, a case of beers was plenty for his help, lol

Here is a pic of what im talking about

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2009 Pearl White 370z Sport Touring Edition

koffeegy

What did you fab the tablet holder out of? Did you make a DIY for that project? Looks very clean. Do you remove the tablet as you exit the vehicle? One last question... which tablet is that? Me likey a-lot.

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-Glenn

2012 NISMO Gun Metallic #0015

Alstann

^ Looks like a Galaxy Tab 7 or something like that.

After watching Sliknik's install videos (awesome videos in that sticky, by the way.), I think I'm set on mounting the CarPC on where he mounted the amp. I'm also gonna mount the amp in the same place. I'll get some L-brackets to hard mount the PC to the wood boards alongside the amp, and it should be swell.

I was looking at how to run the power cable into my cabin, and it seems that on the 2012's, there's a hell of a lot more stuff stored in the "brake fluid" compartment. There's two resivoirs of fluid, and it all intersects where the grommet usually is, making it impossible to reach from there. I think I'm gonna cut into the main wire harness grommet, and just feed it through there. Moisture seals shouldn't really be an issue unless I flood my engine bay, in which case I have more serious issues. From there, everything else is just interior stuff, which I'm not too worried about.

All I need before I start putting this thing in is to test my DC-DC power supply, and the speaker wire harness. After that, my install will commence. I'll keep you guys updated as I go along. Hopefully next weekend, the project will be ready to rock and roll.

kholy

its made outa fiberglass wrapped in suede... it is the galaxy tab 7 the orignal, im going to upgrading it soon to the 7.7 or the 7 plus not sure, but its more than twice as fast!

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2009 Pearl White 370z Sport Touring Edition