Computer install in 2?

Anonymous · May 1, 2006, 10:06

Hi,

I've found quite a lot of stuff on Spyderchat about this, but my searches here for carputer, pc, etc.... have not returned anything.

I'm thinking about installing a mini-itx based pc in my Roadster for general MP3, GPS Sat Nav, DVD, wireless internet access (whilst stationary of course) etc...

My 2000 '2 already came with the factory fitted CD changer attached to the stock Sony head-unit. I'm thinking of finding a single DIN replacement for my Sony head unit (which still allows control of my existing changer), then using the remaining DIN space to install something like http://www.mp3car.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=25_59&products_id=120. I'd then attach this to a mini-itx based PC in a small case (not sure on case yet, depends on drive / pci card etc choice) and mount it in the behind-seat storage compartment next to my cd changer.

Now my questions...

Has anyone in the UK done anything like this? Any success/horror stories or tips?

I'm thinking of taking the power from the existing CD changer power feed, will it be possible to tap this to allow me to run both my carputer and the cd changer or will I have to run additional power?

The sony website lists a few sony head units that state they have CD-changer control capability, does this include the CD changer that shipped with the 2000 UK Roadsters or was that different in any way?

Cheers

Rich

markiii · May 1, 2006, 10:52

don't know of anyone in teh uk who has done this yet

I would advise and extra power feed, I'm not sure teh autochanger cable will be up to it.

most Sony CD Changers are interchangeable but I'd avise you check model numbers

philster_d · May 1, 2006, 12:12

I saw someone elses guide out there somewhere in the net.

Might be worth a few googles.

Sadly theres so many things you would like to put into your 2 but so little space. s:o

s:o

philster_d · May 1, 2006, 12:16

might be a bit old

m http://web.njit.edu/%7Ecas1383/proj/my_ ... /index.htm m

Anonymous · May 1, 2006, 22:34

Don't post much on ths board (EDIT: I just realised that this is my first post! s:D

s:D ) but i've done something similar.

I started to build and fit the car pc when I got my roadster last august. I also upgraded the sound system at the same time.

I fitted that same touchscreen and powered it using the supply that the stock head unit was getting. The VGA and USB cables run down under the centre console to the PC which is mounted vertical on the floor behnd the passenger seat.
(The PC is a mini-itx EPIA in an ampie case, with an opus psu.)
I upgraded the component speakers in the doors to 6.5", and fitted a 10" sub into one of the rear storage compartments. These are powered by a 4 channel amp which is mounted behind the driver seat (on the floor also).
Both the pc and amp are powered by a dedicated cable I ran through from the battery.
This was probably the hardest thing to do. I tried to fit the whole system with a view to taking it out at some point (i.e. as little extra hole-making as possible!). I had to make a hole in the grommet to feed the cable through. (You'll see what I mean if you take out the rear storage bin on the passenger side).

On the whole I'm quite happy with it, but I keep finding more to do and never seem to finish the job. I'm running RoadRunner software which seems to work quite well, get the occasional crash, but these are few and far between.
I use it mainly for mp3s and GPS. I do have a wifi card in the PC, but tryng to secure the system against spyware is a nightmare s:x :x s:x .

I've also built a new center console from fibreglass to make a better fit for the touchscreen, but it's a bit of a botch job at the moment, and needs some tidying up.

I'll try and post some pics when I get a chance. Feel free to ask me any questions, I'll try and answer. I've just got on with it using my usual trial and error approach, blown a few fuses in the process, but no fires with my electrics yet s:shock: :shock: s:shock:

Ernie Ball · May 18, 2006, 18:12

I wonder if a Mac Mini will fit in a single DIN slot (leaving room for a radio in the other).

[EDIT: To answer my own question, it looks like it will!]

If it will, for roughly the price of a good head unit you can have 80GB of onboard storage, bluetooth, wifi, and you can hook it up to a GPS. Put a DVD touch screen in a Navpod, a touchpad on the centre console and a mini keyboard in the glove box and you're in business.

You'd also need something like this:

m http://www.carnetix.com/CNXP1900.htm m

Given that the mac mini now runs both OS X and Windows XP, this to me is almost a no brainer.

aaronjb · May 18, 2006, 19:03

Hmm - it's a bit tall for a single DIN, isn't it? I think.. trying to picture the one that sits in our lab in my car..

Wonder if anyone would notice if it went missing s;)

s;) s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Ernie Ball · May 18, 2006, 19:20

Well, according to this, it will fit.

It just seems like such great value for money: replacing the functionality of a DVD player, an iPod, a Sat Nav, a bluetooth handsfree kit not to mention allowing you do to some wardriving and surf the internet off of stray wifi signals (or via bluetooth over your mobile).

aaronjb · May 18, 2006, 19:23

<Mr Burns> Excellent.. </Mr Burns>