SleepyMSP's Carputer/Audio build

[SleepyMSP]

This will be the details and log of my custom Carputer and Audio mini build.

This build is going to be made to keep the most functionality/space of the trunk left available (Spare tire access, rear seat split, etc...) while still making a nice custom finished enclose for the subs and to show off the hardware that will be powering it

The carputer will be a custom made double din enclosure containing all the components with the touch screen out front inspired by this thread

the trunk will be similar to this thread that inspired me

Enough blah, on to the specs:

Carputer
Intel D945GCLF2 /w Intel Atom 1.6 Dual Core CPU
Kingston ValueRAM KVR667D2N5/2G PC2-5300 2GB
Hitachi Deskstar 500GB 2.5IN SATA2 HDD
Lilliput EBY701 7" Touch Screen Monitor
OBD II USB ELM323 Code Reader Interface
Bluetooth Receiver
WiFi Network adapter
Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Xtreme
Pharos iGPS-360 USB dongle
Andrea Super Beam Microphone

Audio
1x JL Audio 500/1 Monoblock Amp
1x JL Audio 300/4 4-Channel Amp
2x JL Audio 10w1v2-4 Sub
6.5" Front Components w/ Crossover & Independent tweeter (don't know which yet)
6" Rear Components w/ Integrated tweeter (don't know which yet)

Dampening
100 Sq./Ft. B-quiet Extreme Sound Dampening (Cabin, Doors, Trunk)
Carpet under liner in cabin

Progress
----2009------
05-27: Basic Parts for carputer in read to start enclosure fab
06-26: Enclosure fabbed up and ready to start screen mounting
07-08: Screen mounted and PS wired up
07-10: First boot up for carputer
07-15: Software installed ready for first install in MSP
08-27: 40mm exhaust case fan added to carputer to lower temp.
08-31: Replacement parts for broken screen arrived
09-30: Received proper replacement panel, installed.
09-30: Optimized OS performance and boot sequence
10-11: Initial fit in the dash
10-11: Modification made to dash to allow for deeper install
10-11: Start bondo work on center console
-----2010-------
01-14: Bondo work in final stage and ready for primer
03-01: Priming and touchups in final stages...almost complete
03-13: Car wiring complete and carputer installed

pics to come once parts start coming in...

 

[SleepyMSP]

Enclosure initial build and mockup

Screen separated for custom mounting

Screen Mounting and PS wiring

PS and HD mounted to the top

PS wires shortened to save space

40mm Case fan mounted to the side

<img src="http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1446/0000019d.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

with the top mounted up and ready for the first boot up

all booted up

<img src="http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/482/0000020n.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

Center console fab work

<img src="http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5561/0000018i.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

<img src="http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1139/0000021s.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

<img src="http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2130/0000022x.jpg" style="height:640px;weight:480px" />

Final center console look

What my console has looked like for the last 6 months

Pics from the install in no particular order

Restart switch

Finished installed carputer

 

[SleepyMSP]

reserved for progress 2

 

[Spooler]

This looks promising.....

 

[special--k]

should be sweet. let me know if you need any help. Going to run Windows on that thing?

 

[SleepyMSP]

I might end up running XP to run centrafuse for a front end but I'm also looking into linux based front ends and see how they stack up...I've tested centrafuse and its really cool

 

[SleepyMSP]

yay parts are in today...the carputer section is ready for the goahead

 

[YOUNGMP3]

I can't wait to see the final project.

 

[SleepyMSP]

carputer enclosure is half built up, ready to start mounting the screen

wish my camera didn't die on me...

 

[special--k]

(pics)

Am i going to have to drive down there just to see whats going on?
Guess i need to bring you your tools too eh.

Ill head down there this week some time.

 

[SleepyMSP]

up to you man, any day but tuesday is good for me

 

[special--k]

ill toss my camera in the car, and you can take some photos to post up.

 

[Ricktalife]

that guy must work for intel or something to do a fab job like that. AMAZING.

 

[willmeyer]

subbing, good luck!

BTW I have a carputer in my MS3, just got most of the install done. MP3Car.com forum is the best place online to talk with folks about it.

My setup is here if you're interested: http://www.willmeyer.com/projects/car-hacking/electronics

 

[SleepyMSP]

bump up...finally got ahold of something with a camera on it...

willmeyer I am curious how you mounted the screen as its the hardest part for me at this point

 

[ghaze24]

Looks promising. I had a much more primitive setup in my previous car. It was a gutted laptop running the RoadRunner front end on xp. Most of my problems I can blame on the computer, but I was disappointed with the functionality of things.

What are you using for a power supply?

 

[SleepyMSP]

thanks for the comments....no I don't work for intel. its actually really easy to hook all of this up..after its done I might do a little GI for these cases or for a full build

ghaze I'm using the M2-ATX PS to power this little machine. it has full ignition control for startup and shutdown plus an anti-thump for the subs (very handy)

but note that I am willing to share my full design with any interested party (open source philosophy FTW)

 

[SleepyMSP]

bump a few more pics of screen mounted up

 

[Jaysanooch]

Subbin' pretty cool project man!

 

[special--k]

starting to come along very nice! the screen looks sick