Car Computer / CarPC - Upcoming Build and Journal

sceptre155

awesome...

Alstann

Hey guys! I just thought I would update you on my CarPC:

First off - I updated the front end software to Centrafuse 4.0. I have to say, it is much better than the older versions of which I "found online," so to speak. The functionality is much more touch oriented, and has many more cool features, such as gestures, quick search by letter, updated GPS mapping, etc. Also, I am looking into how to skin the software, to better match the interior of the 370z. I'll hopefully be able to get that done soon.

Also, I finally got around to installing three things: an HDRadio tuner/receiver, a Flush-mounted AUX input, and the JoyCon EX Steering Wheel Control Adapter.

The HDRadio receiver is made by Visteon, and is normally used to provide HD Radio to pre-existing stereos and headunits. However, via a USB controller cable made by MoCoSo, it can be used for the computer as long as you have an antenna input.



Metra sells the antenna adapter kit here:



The install was pretty simple - the HDRadio just needs 12v Constant, IGN+, and a ground. Since these were already wired to the rear of the car for the CarPC, just simply tapping into them did the trick. I ran the 12v Constant through the distribution block under the passenger seat. I just mounted the HDRadio unit next to the CarPC, with plenty of room to spare.

Another thing I did to save me some time was to cut the foam insert that sits above the CarPC so that you could lift it straight up and out of the trunk. This saved me a huge amount of time so that I could directly access the computer in case of removal, or hard reset, etc. without having to disassemble the trunk.





The second thing - the Flush-mounted AUX input - came out fantastic. I decided to install the AUX input inside the center console, right next to the 12v power outlet. I don't have too many pictures, but I have the ones that matter. Besides, it was a super straightforward install - plug the aux cable into the computer after I mounted it.

Here is a picture of the AUX input. It is really a flush install - almost factory. The pictures show the darker color of the washer, but in person, you couldn't even tell.





I plan on possibly adding some USB inputs next to the AUX input, for iPods or thumbdrives or whatever.

The third thing I installed - the JoyCon EX Steering Wheel Control adapter - wasn't so lucky. I ran out of time today to figure out how to make it play nice with the steering wheel controls. Basically, it is a small unit that has wires that you tap into the resistive lines off of the head unit wire harness, much like the AXXESS AWSC or the PAC SWI. Unfortunately, even though I rechecked all my connections for the ground and the Switch A and Switch B, the unit wouldn't register an input to the CarPC. I'll be doing some more troubleshooting tomorrow, but it's still disfunctional for now.





After figuring out my steering wheel controls issue, my next steps for my CarPC include running a GPS module and a microphone, for calling and whatnot.

I am also looking into getting the second screen installed in the cubby hole - probably gonna have to find a custom professional to do that. I found that mp3car.com sells a custom-fit for the 370z screen for the double din slot that looks much more professional than my custom hack job. I'll be buying that, most likely, and relocating the screen I have now to the cubby hole. Centrafuse seems to have the ability to run multiple screens with different outputs of info. I think if I have music on one screen, and an OBD readout / Navigation on the other, it will be quite dandy. Plus, I've never seen it done before.

The alternative to that is to run a Magden CarPC for more detailed OBD data and car diagnostics. However, this would be extremely cost prohibitive, basically doubling the cost of the entire project.

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

Audio-wise, I still need to get around to ordering a ZEnclosures sub box for my 12" JLW3v3. I also want to do a high-end component set all the way around, but that will be a little ways off.

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Ron

Looking good!

I have navi/music from an HU and a carpc dedicated for OBD2 on a second screen.



I still need to fill that gap with some molded plastic and then wrap it in leather.

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2011 Twin Turbo PW nismo #113 - My Journal - My TT Build Thread
[ GTM GTX Stg2 TT || HKS EVC6 || Custom CarPC || F.I 3'' TDX CBE || SB 6puck clutch/ZSpeed CSC || BC BR Coilovers || SPC camber arms || Work VSS-X || Custom Headlights || PW:JDM CF Covers || Seibon CF Engine Cover ]

Shadezz

Thats starting to look real good my friend...

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2012 370Z BLACK EDITION/ FLT BLK Rays / 5% 3M Tint / DW's / Z1 SS & 2 Piece Rotors
Nismo S-Tune OEM / Beluga CBE & Y-PIPE / DDX370 / GTR Start .4 Fluid / NST Blue Kit

MacLean

Nice........very nice looking.

mhcoss

you mention issues with a ground loop with your monitor. How are you powering your monitor? nice setup. I have been thinking about setting up hd radio on the carputer but have not decided to make that jump yet.

Alstann

Now that I have more knowledge about my screen, I doubt it's a ground loop issue causing the issues. I still haven't discovered the cause of the erratic touch issues or the auto switching, but it seems to improve randomly, with expiremental testing, haha. My monitor came with a 12v cigarette lighter power cable, so I bought one of those 12v cig lighters terminated in a red +12v and a black negative, so you can tap into a power source. I did this because this monitor was actually my 2nd RMA due to a power circuit failure, and I didn't wanna tap directly into a power line, due to fears of it breaking again. Don't fix what isn't broken.

HD Radio is pretty awesome, and for sure a great addition to a CarPC setup. The one I have, the Visteon HDRadio Tuner, I got from:

Amazon.com: HD Radio¿ Component Car Tuner Kit: Car Electronics

Unfortunately, I see that it went back up to the correct market price. I bought it when it was only $30 bucks, it was nice. But in any case, the HDRadio works awesome for being a radio. When connected to HD, it sounds very clear and the frequency response from all levels is great. The only time it becomes weird is when it frequently hands off from HD to StandardFM. However, this only happens once a blue moon, and it's no big deal.

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mhcoss

I see. yea you can't power these screens direclty from the batter that will break them quick. I am using the computers powersupply to power mine.. I took a fan cable and spliced it to a power cable that I ran to the screen. Works great and the screen turns off with the computer.

Alstann

Hey fellas,

After spending weeks and weeks attempting to remedy and fix my touch screen problems (erratic mouse behavior and random input switching), I finally gave up and ordered a brand new touchscreen, this time however, a well known and used brand: Lilliput.

I ordered a Lilliput 669GL-70NP/C/T HDMI monitor from Mp3Car.com, and also opted for the Direct Fit version. Basically, they modify a dash kit so that once installed, it leaves no gaps and looks OEM inside the dashboard.

Here's the direct link, in case you guys are interested: Direct Fit Double Din LCD Touch Screen for 2009-2011 Nissan 370Z

And here is the monitor itself, preassembled in the side pieces that mount to the innards of the interior:



The touchscreen itself is a 4-wire resistive, as opposed to my glass capacitive touchscreen. As such, multi touch is not supported, but you can now use your fingernail or a stylus to touch the screen. I can also report that the resistive Lilliput is a damn sight more accurate touch-wise compared to the MT700 I had. Also, since it has an HDMI output, the image is also more clear and has no wavering effect due to the analog nature of VGA.

The Direct Fit kit also includes a face plate made by Scosche that fits over the monitor, giving it that clean, OEM look.

Here's test fitting the whole kit in my car (Note that the monitor has a gap - I have not attempted to adjust the monitor yet):



The way the monitor is mounted to the side pieces in the direct fit kit, you can move it back and forth, to make it fit snugly to the faceplate. I had to adjust it several times, until I became satisfied with the fitment.

You can see in this picture how snug the unit fits - the top could be adjusted just a hair more, but in person, and without a camera flash, you could really never tell there was a gap. The flash makes it seem larger than it is. I'm too lazy to go back through my dash to just move it a hair.



And here is the finished product:



I have had this Lilliput installed in my car for over a week now, and I can say there is not a single issue whatsoever with the touch screen. It works flawlessly, detects every single input, and exhibits no bad behaviors. It's well worth the premium over the cheap touchscreen I bought. Especially since the fitment is bar none, clean as it can be.

I also haven't attempted to fix the steering wheel controls yet - I'm gonna do more research in the wiring diagrams and figure them out better before I attempt to do it again. I might buy a steering wheel controller adapter for an aftermarket radio, and use the wiring in the kit to make it work, but for now, the screen is awesome, and exceeds my expectations.

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blak max

update?