[ Carputa Install ]
Step 1: Setup notebook
Steps:
* Base Win XP install
* Install Road Runner (Main frontend)
* Install Free Drive (Destinator navigation for PC)
Go to www.mp3car.com for loads more infomation on
how to do this stuff.
Step 2: Make Dash
Tools:
* Dremel with cutting and sanding bits
* Plastic sheet
* Shelleys Plasti-Bond Putty
Plan A: Take out the standard head unit and replace it with a fabricated Screen like this one
The only problem is I have got an AMP in my car WITHOUT a power turn on cable. (found
on any normal AMP) I did find this thread on creating a little circuit to turn it on which
I attempted to do without success. I don’t know. I don’t want to play with it to much. I stoped after I got a big POP out of my speakers.. Hmm
Plan B: Mount the screen somewhere else and get a AUX in cable for factory head unit.
I got myself a Liliput 7’ touch screen from good ole bay.
However it was proving very difficult to find a suitable location for this thing. Only place I was sort of happy with was between the Gear knob and the Air con controls.
The dam thing would not fit in the gap untill I pulled out the screen from the casing.
OK now I have to make some sort of bracket for it.
I cut up a big plastic container and shaped it to fit in the hole.
I got some plastic putty from Bunning’s and moulded the sides to the hand grips. I put some foil around anything that may accidentally get the putty on.
Here is the result of about 5 hours work.
The only thing i is now i have lost the 12v plug, tyre reset and my Traction control
button. I dont think this will be a problem untill i get a flat tyre.
Ok here it is. Hole cut for LCD, a whole lot of sanding, plastic primer base coat, coupe cotes of black car color, then a gloss finish coat.
Done.
:D
Step 3: Notebook power
This was the easy part. Becouse i am using a old notebook for my car PC. I was able
to pick up a DC-DC power supply for it for $15. Bargan.
I pulled the notebook apart to tap into the power button and a on LED. Now it is easy to run a wire from the power button on the notebook and run it
to the frount console.
Step 4: Installation
There happens to be a power plug in the boot already ready for the power for notebook.
I run some cables from the boot (VGA, USB, and a 6 core spare cable)
Then I installed notebook in boot.
Currently I am using a FM transmitter. Yes, yes, I know, however it actually works pretty dam good as the antenna is in the back too.
I made a little switch controller for the side.
* Computer power switch (LCD, USB hub, FM tranmitter)
* Computer on button
* LCD on button
* SUB power switch
* Neon switch.. Comon. what what this be without the fully sick blue neons under the seats?
Step 5: TODO List
* AUX connector for the head unit. (maybe)