I finished installing my car PC. My wife asked "why a PC in the car" and I really didn't have an answer other than "because I could". The audio is as good as the OEM CD and certainly good enough for my undiscerning ear. In addition I can run data logging and the scanalyzer full screen gauges on the nav screen. Email and Internet are via an 802.11g card. I started off trying an rf keyboard with integrated trackball and found it clumsy for most of my needs. The presentation mouse in the second picture works great when typing is not required. It's not really a permenant install as the computer is held in place with velcro (as is the tire kit). Installing it and taking it out only take a minute. I used an M1-ATX power supply that automatically starts and shuts down the computer based on ignition. It also has logic to keep the computer from draining the battery. I got the computer from Logisys. It's on an EPIA M motherboard with integrated 1GHz cpu and is designed for mobile multimedia devices. It plays through the Mazdaparts.com AV system and PIE audio interface.

OK, now I definitely done. (telling self) No more Mods! At least for now.

 

thats is just a thing of beauty

 

Fabulous!

So you're done with mods for "today", what's next for tomorrow? :D

 

I'm really interested in just seeing the PC this weekend, helping Moostafa with his coilover and sway bars would just be a fortunate byproduct for him.

 

Welcome to the carputer club!

www.trickrx8.com

 

That's exactly the same car PC unit I'm eyeing, except that I want to put it to the same location where the factory nav's DVD unit goes (seeing that I don't have the stock navigation system).

 

pretty cool

 

How far is Napa, Ca from LA. I'd like to compare our setup.

 

I'm driving down and have you install one in my car this weekend

 

I'd like to mount it up front, but I don't think there is room.

 

it's far... I bit past San Francisco from L.A.....

 

Have you thought about installing a touchscreen overlay?

 

Napa is about 400 miles. I'll be down for SevenStock 8. Maybe I'll see you there.


I really did not want to get into the OEM display. Besides it's quality is not that great. If I were going that route I think it would be better to replace it with a higher resolution touch screen.

 

Since you have the AV system you only have to add one power connection. Everything else is a short cable to the AV box or RF.

 

HOw about a car pc case that looks like an amp? http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...5&page=1&pp=15

 

How about a car pc case that was an amp?



Sorry, I had too!:D

 

Did you take photos of the power supply hookup?

 

The power supply resides inside the case. There is a battery +, Accessory +, and ground - .

 

I was interested in doing the same basic setup... how was the resolution with the stock nav screen (I assume that it's stock)? If possible I was thinking about removing that screen and replacing it with one that has touch capabilities, but don't know how much of a headache that would be. Any ideas/info?