MINI2

mfazi1612 · Aug 16th, 2005, 01:46 AM

I've been thinking long and hard about installing a carputer into my cooper. I'm about to make some serious purchasing decisions and would like your advice/input/help.

Facts:

The aim of the game is to keep it as stealth as possible.
I have the Alpine 9831R and would like to keep it as my head unit as my pc won't always be on. Its also detachable so safer than having a permanent motorised screen on display for the carputer. I also don't like the way that motorised screens in the standard din unit position cover the speedo when out.
I am looking to purchase an amp (JBL GTO 75.4) and sub (JL 10 inch) to complete my system (already have Focal components).

Proposal:

The carputer screen will probably be a 7 inch motorised unit like this:
http://www.greatestsale.com/detail.aspx?ID=3

I am looking to mount it like the diy pic attached below, i.e. popping up vertically through the dash.

The pc itself will be a spare laptop, connected to an external soundcard.

Questions:

How should I wire the pc and head unit to the amp so both can play through the amp? Ideally i would like the Alpine to be able to navigate a directory on my harddrive to play songs through there (a bit like the ipod?)

My original thought was....

Laptop -> Soundcard --(through Alpine Aux In)--> Alpine -> Amp -> Speakers. Is this possible?

Alternatively:

Laptop
|
V
Soundcard
|
V
Amp <-- Alpine
|
V
Speakers

The second way though I lose the capability to use my Alpine to browse my laptop hard drive.

Is there any way I could get the first proposal to work? What kit would I need? Thanks very much in advance for any help you can provide. Cheers.

mfazi1612 · Aug 16th, 2005, 09:32 PM

anyone?

Shooler · Aug 16th, 2005, 10:05 PM

I am actually considering doing this as well. You may want to consider the Mini Mac as your "box". It is incredibly small, yet packs a ton of features. . I'm not sure about the screen rising from the dash. It seems it would take a lot of custom work to make that happen. I plan to mount the cpu in the glove box and possibly mount the screen somewhere in the passenger dash area. Let us know what you figure out.

mfazi1612 · Aug 16th, 2005, 10:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Shooler

I am actually considering doing this as well. You may want to consider the Mini Mac as your "box". It is incredibly small, yet packs a ton of features. . I'm not sure about the screen rising from the dash. It seems it would take a lot of custom work to make that happen. I plan to mount the cpu in the glove box and possibly mount the screen somewhere in the passenger dash area. Let us know what you figure out.

Hi Shooler,

Thanks for your reply. The problem I see with mounting the screen in the passenger dash area is that you as the driver do not get a good view of it. Also, you are limited for space as you cannot really mount it over the airbag area. As mentioned before, I don't like the screen covering the speedo and so don't want to mount it in the standard din unit.

I have removed the dash and had a look directly behind the speedo. Basically there's a useful size gap there which could potentially house a motorized screen. It's not being used for anything e.g. airflow routes etc. The dash itself is fairly thin directly above this hole (there is little reinforcement/metal etc here) so it would be a straight forward cut through. I don't intend to leave an empty hole, but actually have the cut out piece of dash attached to the main body on a hinge so it is lifted when the screen is popping up out of it.

To give you an idea of the space I'm talking about, there's a post here with some very useful pics.....

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...light=carputer

hmm...unfortunately, looks like the useful pics are no longerr there...

Where in particular on the dash were you looking to mount the screen? Also, what are you looking to use the computer for?

CustomCarputers · Oct 28th, 2005, 02:38 AM

That in-dash monitor seems a little cheap. Really. I'd recommend a Xenarc monitor...the best. (I use one)
The dash idea would be a tough one, I don't think anybody makes a "set-up" for that...never seen one. Xenarc has a non-motorized in-dash around $480.00.
Sound? Yes, your idea will work fine: PC>Aux in on radio>Amp>speakers.

I have a carputer myself, I illiminated the radio alltogether and just use an Amp. I have XM instead of FM, and Navigation, and 10 Gigs of mp3's, and WiFi. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to trash the radio. Is there room in the dash to put the in-dash monitor...it is 1-din size.
Keep us posted....

DarkSilverBullet · Oct 28th, 2005, 07:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by CustomCarputers

I have a carputer myself, I illiminated the radio alltogether and just use an Amp. I have XM instead of FM, and Navigation, and 10 Gigs of mp3's, and WiFi. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to trash the radio. Is there room in the dash to put the in-dash monitor...it is 1-din size.
Keep us posted....

Got any pic's?

I am pondering whether to go for a
1. motorised screen with pc/laptop connected
or
2. motorised dvd HU with a feed out to a chipped slimline PS2 in the boot, (the one mikeythemini sells for £600, looks good, but i dont think it does divx (hence the chipped ps2).

I'm not very familiar with drilling/cutting holes and stuff to get non standard kit into cars, so want to stick to something that is pretty easy to take out later on.

any help would be great

CustomCarputers · Oct 28th, 2005, 08:51 PM

A motorised DVD HU is not of VGA quality, hooking a pc up to it will look horrible. If you want to use a pc, you must use a VGA monitor.
A quality MOTORISED unit is not available, that's why I recommended the Xenarc MANUAL monitor. It is a 1-din size and will fit/install just like a standard radio.
I'm guess I'm not allowed to advertise, and I can't post a link. (I'm to new) Mods...delete this post if I'm breaking the rules, but here goes...
DarkSilverBullet, go to customcarputers,com to see the monitor I'm talking about.
If you want to discuss this further, my contact info is there.
Mods, sorry if I broke the rules.

Di"MINI"shed · Oct 29th, 2005, 04:28 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by CustomCarputers

That in-dash monitor seems a little cheap. Really. I'd recommend a Xenarc monitor...the best. (I use one)
The dash idea would be a tough one, I don't think anybody makes a "set-up" for that...never seen one. Xenarc has a non-motorized in-dash around $480.00.
Sound? Yes, your idea will work fine: PC>Aux in on radio>Amp>speakers.

I have a carputer myself, I illiminated the radio alltogether and just use an Amp. I have XM instead of FM, and Navigation, and 10 Gigs of mp3's, and WiFi. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to trash the radio. Is there room in the dash to put the in-dash monitor...it is 1-din size.
Keep us posted....

Do you have any pics of your carputer? Some time ago I was looking at doing this...I'm from Melbourne Australia, and it seemed the only way possible was with a mini mac. Currently, I own a palm/phone which I now use as my satelite navigation too... However, I'm still looking at doing a carputer...

Also, what's your config on your carputer?

Regards
Dachanman

CustomCarputers · Oct 29th, 2005, 03:14 PM

Sent you a pm.
The system in my own car is not finished, appearance wise. (not enough time)
I can't post links here (yet) and I don't want to upset a moderator by commercializing too much. Please send emails to me through my contact page at my web site (CustomCarputers.com)
Message to moderator: I did not see anything on the rules about posts like this, let me know if I'm breaking the rules, or if this is ok.

Aug 16th, 2005, 01:46 AM	#1
mfazi1612 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Local Time: 11:06 AM Posts: 7 Offline	My Carputer Project I've been thinking long and hard about installing a carputer into my cooper. I'm about to make some serious purchasing decisions and would like your advice/input/help. Facts: The aim of the game is to keep it as stealth as possible. I have the Alpine 9831R and would like to keep it as my head unit as my pc won't always be on. Its also detachable so safer than having a permanent motorised screen on display for the carputer. I also don't like the way that motorised screens in the standard din unit position cover the speedo when out. I am looking to purchase an amp (JBL GTO 75.4) and sub (JL 10 inch) to complete my system (already have Focal components). Proposal: The carputer screen will probably be a 7 inch motorised unit like this: http://www.greatestsale.com/detail.aspx?ID=3 I am looking to mount it like the diy pic attached below, i.e. popping up vertically through the dash. The pc itself will be a spare laptop, connected to an external soundcard. Questions: How should I wire the pc and head unit to the amp so both can play through the amp? Ideally i would like the Alpine to be able to navigate a directory on my harddrive to play songs through there (a bit like the ipod?) My original thought was.... Laptop -> Soundcard --(through Alpine Aux In)--> Alpine -> Amp -> Speakers. Is this possible? Alternatively: Laptop \| V Soundcard \| V Amp <-- Alpine \| V Speakers The second way though I lose the capability to use my Alpine to browse my laptop hard drive. Is there any way I could get the first proposal to work? What kit would I need? Thanks very much in advance for any help you can provide. Cheers. Attached Thumbnails

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Aug 16th, 2005, 09:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
mfazi1612 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Local Time: 11:06 AM Posts: 7 Offline	anyone?

Aug 16th, 2005, 10:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
Shooler What kind of car IS that? Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon Local Time: 02:06 AM Posts: 86 Offline	I am actually considering doing this as well. You may want to consider the Mini Mac as your "box". It is incredibly small, yet packs a ton of features. . I'm not sure about the screen rising from the dash. It seems it would take a lot of custom work to make that happen. I plan to mount the cpu in the glove box and possibly mount the screen somewhere in the passenger dash area. Let us know what you figure out.

Aug 16th, 2005, 10:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
mfazi1612 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Local Time: 11:06 AM Posts: 7 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Shooler I am actually considering doing this as well. You may want to consider the Mini Mac as your "box". It is incredibly small, yet packs a ton of features. . I'm not sure about the screen rising from the dash. It seems it would take a lot of custom work to make that happen. I plan to mount the cpu in the glove box and possibly mount the screen somewhere in the passenger dash area. Let us know what you figure out. Hi Shooler, Thanks for your reply. The problem I see with mounting the screen in the passenger dash area is that you as the driver do not get a good view of it. Also, you are limited for space as you cannot really mount it over the airbag area. As mentioned before, I don't like the screen covering the speedo and so don't want to mount it in the standard din unit. I have removed the dash and had a look directly behind the speedo. Basically there's a useful size gap there which could potentially house a motorized screen. It's not being used for anything e.g. airflow routes etc. The dash itself is fairly thin directly above this hole (there is little reinforcement/metal etc here) so it would be a straight forward cut through. I don't intend to leave an empty hole, but actually have the cut out piece of dash attached to the main body on a hinge so it is lifted when the screen is popping up out of it. To give you an idea of the space I'm talking about, there's a post here with some very useful pics..... http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...light=carputer hmm...unfortunately, looks like the useful pics are no longerr there... Where in particular on the dash were you looking to mount the screen? Also, what are you looking to use the computer for?

Oct 28th, 2005, 02:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
CustomCarputers CarputerGuy Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Littlestown, PA Local Time: 05:06 AM Posts: 7 Offline	That in-dash monitor seems a little cheap. Really. I'd recommend a Xenarc monitor...the best. (I use one) The dash idea would be a tough one, I don't think anybody makes a "set-up" for that...never seen one. Xenarc has a non-motorized in-dash around $480.00. Sound? Yes, your idea will work fine: PC>Aux in on radio>Amp>speakers. I have a carputer myself, I illiminated the radio alltogether and just use an Amp. I have XM instead of FM, and Navigation, and 10 Gigs of mp3's, and WiFi. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to trash the radio. Is there room in the dash to put the in-dash monitor...it is 1-din size. Keep us posted....

Oct 28th, 2005, 07:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
DarkSilverBullet I shall call him, Mini me Join Date: Oct 2005 Local Time: 11:06 AM Posts: 259 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by CustomCarputers I have a carputer myself, I illiminated the radio alltogether and just use an Amp. I have XM instead of FM, and Navigation, and 10 Gigs of mp3's, and WiFi. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to trash the radio. Is there room in the dash to put the in-dash monitor...it is 1-din size. Keep us posted.... Got any pic's? I am pondering whether to go for a 1. motorised screen with pc/laptop connected or 2. motorised dvd HU with a feed out to a chipped slimline PS2 in the boot, (the one mikeythemini sells for £600, looks good, but i dont think it does divx (hence the chipped ps2). I'm not very familiar with drilling/cutting holes and stuff to get non standard kit into cars, so want to stick to something that is pretty easy to take out later on. any help would be great

Oct 28th, 2005, 08:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
CustomCarputers CarputerGuy Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Littlestown, PA Local Time: 05:06 AM Posts: 7 Offline	A motorised DVD HU is not of VGA quality, hooking a pc up to it will look horrible. If you want to use a pc, you must use a VGA monitor. A quality MOTORISED unit is not available, that's why I recommended the Xenarc MANUAL monitor. It is a 1-din size and will fit/install just like a standard radio. I'm guess I'm not allowed to advertise, and I can't post a link. (I'm to new) Mods...delete this post if I'm breaking the rules, but here goes... DarkSilverBullet, go to customcarputers,com to see the monitor I'm talking about. If you want to discuss this further, my contact info is there. Mods, sorry if I broke the rules.

Oct 29th, 2005, 04:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
Di"MINI"shed I dream of MINI... Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Melbourne Local Time: 08:06 PM Posts: 135 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by CustomCarputers That in-dash monitor seems a little cheap. Really. I'd recommend a Xenarc monitor...the best. (I use one) The dash idea would be a tough one, I don't think anybody makes a "set-up" for that...never seen one. Xenarc has a non-motorized in-dash around $480.00. Sound? Yes, your idea will work fine: PC>Aux in on radio>Amp>speakers. I have a carputer myself, I illiminated the radio alltogether and just use an Amp. I have XM instead of FM, and Navigation, and 10 Gigs of mp3's, and WiFi. But I'm sure you wouldn't want to trash the radio. Is there room in the dash to put the in-dash monitor...it is 1-din size. Keep us posted.... Do you have any pics of your carputer? Some time ago I was looking at doing this...I'm from Melbourne Australia, and it seemed the only way possible was with a mini mac. Currently, I own a palm/phone which I now use as my satelite navigation too... However, I'm still looking at doing a carputer... Also, what's your config on your carputer? Regards Dachanman

Oct 29th, 2005, 03:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
CustomCarputers CarputerGuy Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Littlestown, PA Local Time: 05:06 AM Posts: 7 Offline	Sent you a pm. The system in my own car is not finished, appearance wise. (not enough time) I can't post links here (yet) and I don't want to upset a moderator by commercializing too much. Please send emails to me through my contact page at my web site (CustomCarputers.com) Message to moderator: I did not see anything on the rules about posts like this, let me know if I'm breaking the rules, or if this is ok.

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