Well after pouring over carputer threads for the last few days i've decided im going to go ahead and start ordering components. I've also decided that I want to go with the factory housing despite the cost and I will purchase through MazdaParts:
http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1155120408

The biggest hurdle for me will be replacing the factory LCD screen and getting the tilt/open to work so if anyone has experience with this or any advice please feel free to add it.

It will probably be sometime before the unit arrives but I plan to update this thread as I go.

 

If you are going to replace the factory Nav screen, why not just get the Nav housing (without screen), and go aftermarket for a touchscreen. The Nav housing is under $300.00, and an aftermarket toushcreen is more reasonably priced as well!

G/L and take lotsa pics I'm going to when mine gets put together.

Ed

 

Unfortunatly I can't seem to find just the Nav Housing. If I could I would go that route as I plan to replace the screen regardless.

If anyone has suggestions on finding a Nav Housing please let me know asap.

 

Well already hitting a hurdle in that I can't find a decent enclosure that will fit in the pass through.

 

It's on their site... ?

http://www.mazdaparts.com/ProductDet...000-1159943707

 

Yeah I am aware of that housing as well but I want an actual factory one with open/tilt controls.

 

Ok well I have found two cases that should fit into the pass through:

Travla C134 Mini-ITX Case (EPIA M, SP13000)
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Show=TechSpecs

Travla C156 Case - Black
http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=3#p1151

What kind of problems am I going to run into by going with such a small enclosure? Anyone have any recommendations?

 

If you are putting standard mini-ITX based components into that tiny case, you should be fine. They are made for small confines and can put up with the lack of ventilation and heat.

The same should apply to a laptop style optical drive (if you are using one).

Ed

 

I think im just going to go ahead and order a prebuilt loaded up C134 from mp3car.com:
http://store.mp3car.com/MP3Car_Custo..._p/ccc-002.htm

Anyone see any problems with this or suggest alternatives?

 

Update: I've decided to go with an AOpen Mini PC. A bit more costly but in the end it will make the install and functionality much better.

I plan on placing the order for the PC tomorrow for $718 with the following specs:

Pandora MP945-D Mini PC (RoHS) (RoHS) (Black)
- Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2350 (1.86GHz / 2MB L2 / 533MHz)
- DDR2-667 SODIMM 1.0 GB
- 100GB 2.5" SATA 7200RPM Hard Drive
- Slim 24x24x24x8 CD-ReWritable Drive + DVD Combo (Slot Loading)
- Onboard Video
- DOS Format
- Built-in Wireless 802.11B/G Option MiniPCI AOP (Windows Support Only)

Comments?

The Nav Housing has been ordered as well as the Car2PC connector. Next on the list is to get a Carnetix Power supply, monitor, GPS, and bluetooth.

 

I'm not sure what you really want to do with the PC but have you thought of using a "thin client" with windows CE the you could run an ext cd drive and hard drive thru usb.
They work well with touch screen and take up VERY little space....no moving parts.

 

I think you will be the first to actually use the stock housing. Please post pics as you do the install...

Thanks

 

n2hcky: I wanted something pre-built that was as small as I could get. Also a bonus that I can easily remove the PC for home use. If you have some suggestions/links I would explore other ideas but I didn't want to get into building something myself. (btw thin clients such as?)

Jeff: I will absolutely take pics as I go. I do believe there are a few others who have gone this route though.

 

There are lots to chose from but this is what we use for business terminals.
https://www.thinclientcentral.com/pr...e.asp?pid=6636

 

n2hcky: That would have almost been a good option for me but the case is just a touch too large to fit into the pass through.

 

Most parts are ordered however I am still unsure how im going to get Satellite radio into the unit. Anyone have advice?

 

i have done the Car Pc, it has been a long journey of set backs, but ive reached the goal and im ready to offer helping advice. Very sattisfied with it. tilt and open button works but u have to do a bit of mod on the oem screen, (easy mods) however the point is u need the original parts... u can ask me for any advice here or PM.

getting the buttons to work is 1 thing, but getting it to turn on automatically is another issue, without which, the housing may open and close with buttons, but to get it 'on' u would have to use a remote control or a custom button just to turn it on which will loose some points in cool factor. u would want to open and power on with 1 button. this is a lil more tricky but doable.

in the meanwhile,
u can down load a short video clip of the monitor and buttons in action

Download video clip

after download pls rename the extension to ".3gp"

 

P/S beware of the PC unit u plan to order...
if u r planning to fit a single din size into the rear seat arm rest... the depth of the unit should not exceed 7.5inch...

 

I'm mostly concerned about getting it to automatically open/close with on/off of the vehicle as well as to open to it's last position. Where you able to get this to work just like the factory unit? (steps you had to go through would be much appreiated)

CPU depth = 6.5" should be good

For whatever reason im not able to open your video.

 

yes i was. pls see the video and it will answer your questions

or just look at this;


before i go tru the steps, may i know if ur car came with the navi system?

 

Mine did not come with Factory Nav.

 

Update:
Everything has arrived and this week I will begin the process of installing the touch screen into the housing and figuring out how to get the housing powered with open/tilt functioning.

 

The force is strong in you young Jedi Good luck you have a long road ahead of you.

P.S

I've seen a few threads on installing screen in factory nav housing here

 

This link helped me alot for fitting the touchscreen into the factory NAV hood. Its in Greek, but has alot of pics to show what you will have to do to fit a 7" screen. I have been running my CarPC for almost a year and a half now with no issues at all. For the first couple of months I had the computer hibernate when i turned the key off but the 1 min boot up was killing me so i set it go into standyby and have had no issues with the battery. My power supply will turn it off if the battery drops below a certain voltage. I am using XMPCR for sat radio as it was USB and easy to intergrate. Also I hard wired an ElmScan 5 OBDII and it has worked flawlessly. Also, if you haven't set your mind to a specific front end yet, I suggest looking into Streetdeck. It is alittle pricey (200$), but it has given me the abiltity to seemlessly tie everything together on the touchscreen. It comes with Microsoft Mappoint for the GPS. And if you plan on getting broadband in the car, you can overlay imagery over the map for a nice wow factor. Plus you can totally customize the look and the buttons of the skin to suit you. I tried the free frontends but they didnt seem to tie everything together as much as i liked. Good luck with the install and i will gladly help if i can.

 

Install Day 1:

Well day one of install was a complete bust. I did learn how to take everything apart but ugh what a waste. I don't think I quite understood just how difficult its going to be to get it all done. I also managed to scuff up some of the plastic trim which sucks.

I ran into a problem going from my 8 guage battery to the carnetix as it's only using 16 guage wiring. Ugh.

Now where to mount the carnetix? I haven't even begun looking at finding an ignition line for it. The best place I can think of putting it is just to the right of where the nav housing sits while closed, seems to be just enough space but then i'd have to get my power/ground up there, ignition and then run power to the pass through for the PC. Ugh.

On the plus side I think I have figured out the Nav open/tilt. I'm going to keep the original boards and run power to what I hope is the correct pin. Unfortunatly I was unable to find out just how much juice this board wants so im hoping I don't fry everything.

I won't get another chance to tinker more till tuesday but I have the rest of that week off work and I hope to get it all done and working just how I want.