Thought I would share my first major audio modification. What you see is a culmination of about 2 months of planning, designing and assembly. And I'm not done just yet. None of this would have been possible without the inspiration from great forum members Scott_fx, C5KIDD, bbently40 and LV_2XLR8. Thank to you guys, I finally got my nerves in check and did it!

Bezel Removed

Drilling out brackets

Removing brackets

All brackets removed

Zenarc 800TSV

Fit and measure

Prepping bezel


Temporary fitting with DVD mounted on top of relocated HVAC unit


I,ve completed all wiring/connections and happy to report that the PC is operational. Still finishing mod on bezel to include USB and iPod ports. All in all, I think the project has gone well, and am now enjoying XM radio, GPS, DVD and camera features. More pictures of the computer and amp install if anyone is interested. My thanks to this great forum!

 

That looks clean and easy! A little bondo and paint and that thing will be a clean install!

Can't wait to see the finished results!

as soon as I figure out where to relocate my DIC panel to in my C4, I will be permanently mounting my 7" touch screen in there mated to an XBMC...

 

looking good. now comes the fun of sanding! where is the pc?

 

That's looks like its going to be great. Your half way home. Thanks for the pics and bring on some more!! I don't know what you have planned for the finish, but here is what I used to get a stock finish. The Krylon Fusion-satin black matches perfect.

SEM Textured paint
http://yourautotrim-store.stores.yahoo.net/semteco.html
Krylon Fusion Satin Black
http://www.krylon.com/main/product_t...roduct_details

 

Thanks Jeremy. I am also using the SEMA primer and texture. I've completed sanding, priming-sanding, priming! I like your suggestion for the finish coat and will try the Krylon. Post pics when done.

 

Sounds like you almost there. Can't wait to see the pics!! The Krylon Fusion is the way to go. It's made for plastics,dries workable in 15 min. and it's completely cratch and chip resistant after 7 days.

 

Looking good

 

Well its been a while, but I'm getting there! All electronics (computer, XM module, amp, cameras) are in place and have been working well together. I need to spend some time routing and terminating all wires, plugs, etc. I went ahead an installed two cabinet fans that are wired to the motherboard temp sensor. I'm running the Roadrunner frontend w/ DigitalFx 3.0 skin with great results. Still trying to work through some connectivity issues with the bluetooth phone function, but I enjoy a good challenge! More to come.

Electronics Console Bay


Amp, XM Module and Computer Installed


Ditto


Integrated Mini-Mouse (Backup to Touchscreen)


Screen Shot


Screen Shot-It Works!!!

 

Could you give an itemized breakdown of components for this as well as cost? Also, what software are you using? THanks

 

Looking good man.. cant want to see the finished product!

 

TXZ0603,

Here are the specs for the system so far.

HARDWARE

VIA EPIA-MII1200G Mini-ITX 1.0 GHz MB
1 GB Ram
M2-ATX Power Supply
VoomPC Aluminum Enclosure ------------------ $375 Combo

Xenarc 800TSV Touchscreen ____________$200
Sanyo External CD/DVD Player __________ $80
XM Satellite Module ___________________ $80
Serial cable for XM ___________________ $ 6
Mini-Mouse USB _____________________ $ 5
MTS 2400 2-channel Amp (Old School!) ___ $ 0
Cabinet fans 3” DIA (2) ________________ $10
Lorex Color Mini Bullet Camera (front) ____ $90
Eiger Vision EV-CM5 Color Camera (rear) __$50
________
$ 896

SOFTWARE

Windows XP Professional ____________ $120
Roadrunner Interface Frontend __________$ 0
Digital FX 3.0 Skin __________________ $ 0
Navteq iGuidance 4.0 GPS Navigation ____$100
Winamp 5.3 music player plugin _________$ 0
_______
$220

Misc. supplies ____________________$60

These are 2007 prices, but should be close to current cost. My To Do list includes covering the cabinet with carpet, rerouting and terminating some wiring and refinish bezel surround. My wish list includes video camera overlay software and DVR card, better speakers (current stock Bose) and bigtime upgrade of the amp! Hmmm, Father's Day is just around the corner!

 

looking good!

if you're going to redo your bezel you should look into adding a spacenav in place of your cup holder :-)

http://onfinite.com/libraries/1231266/20c.jpg

it'll add some functionality where you wont have to take your eyes off the road while driiving (the biggest issue i've ever had with having a 100% touchscreen system)

 

scott_fx,

Thanks. That's a cool looking gadget. Is it a multi-function **** or dial?

 

bbentley40,

Thank you. I owe a lot to you and scott_fx for the interest and motivation to complete this project. I am enjoying the results; tons of itunes music, XM radio, and an absolutely dead-on GPS nav system as well as on demand camera views and capture to front and rear. You guessed it, I'm a gadget freak! Now if i can just get my phone to work hands-free with Roadrunner I will be good to go.

 

That really is awesome!
Questions:
1: How does the navigation software know where you are?
2: How could you get internet? usb air card?

 

Also:
1: Hard drive? I don't see that on your list.
2: Sound card- I assume you are palying mp3's through the sound card?
or does the mb have a built in card?

 

Is this a pointing device/mouse?

 

Wildwall,

1. I'm running a Western Digital Scorpio 120 GB drive, about $60-$70
2. Motherboard based soundcard w/5.1 surround output cabled over to amp input.
3. I'm using a wireless Linksys WPC300N PCMIA card to grab an unsecured network whenever I need connectivity. You would be surprised how much free internet is out there!
4. The navigation software is application based with a usb connected GPS SIRF receiver antenna (BU-353) that was included in the package. It contains all US maps with local detail and has an updatable database.

 

The 5.1 soundcard plugs in a pci slot on the mb and fits in the case?
Thanks!

 

oh- and how does the xm interface with the pc? usb? Is there software that controls the xm?