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Topic Starter Topic: The Carputer Build Thread
bitWISE
god xor reason
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Joined: 08 Dec 1999
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 01:57 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


I've just made the first purchase on my road to putting a computer in my 350z. I'll be documenting all my purchases along with the actual build and the end result.
__________________________________________

Stuff I Had
Kenwood X812D sub amp - Don't recall
Kenwood X541 multi-channel amp - Don't recall
Tsunami 2 farad cap - Don't recall
Stinger Circuit Breaker - Don't recall
G.Skill 2gb DDR400 - $105
AMD64 4200+ X2 Toledo Core - $80
USB 802.11g - Free (thanks AT&T tech!)
PS2 style Generic USB Gamepad - $10
Technical Total: $195

Stuff I've Bought
Biostar GEFORCE 6100-M9 Socket 939 mATX - $68
Seagate 100gb 2.5" SATA - $40
6' Male-to-Female USB cable - $3
USB Squid Hub - $16
Slim USB Optical Enclosure - $14
Slim DVD/CDRW drive - $35
ADS Instant FM - $35
6' VGA M/M cable - $6
7" Liliput touchscreen LCD - $240
Infinit Kappa Perfect 60.5 components - $200 x 2
JL 10w3v3 4 ohm - $150
DC/DC PSU - $100
Mini USB Keyboard - $17
Centrafuse - $125
iGuidance - $90
Custom enclosure - $330
Total: $1668

Stuff I Might To Buy
Bluetooth GPS keychain - $70
USB TV receiver - ~$45
Total: $115
________________________________________

Dash Mods
Convert stereo DIN slot to 4-port USB hub and slim notebook DVD-ROM with power switch for PC (I'd rather have manual control due to short trips or short stops)
Replace OEM navigation LCD with touchscreen LCD
________________________________________

Other Mods
Semi-stealth mounted PC case in glove box (perhaps with the power inverter inside the PC case or outside of the glove box)
Stealth mounted amp rack in trunk
Stealth mounted 10" JL sub behind driver seat
__________________________________________

Installation
Phase 1: Build PC and install software/music
Phase 2: Build amp rack
Phase 3: Install amps and PC
Phase 4: Install LCD in dash and run cables
Phase 5: Build DIN adapter
Phase 6: Install new speakers and rewire the car
Phase 7: Install sub




Last edited by bitWISE on 02-28-2009 06:16 PM, edited 11 times in total.
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bitWISE
god xor reason
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Joined: 08 Dec 1999
Posts: 20738
PostPosted: 06-05-2008 01:58 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


reserved
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obsidian
I'm the dude!
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Joined: 04 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 02:10 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


You must be asian.
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bitWISE
god xor reason
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 02:24 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


If I were any whiter, I'd be sleeping with family members and wearing flannel.
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creep
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 03:33 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Your sole purpose seems to be music, with a side order of GPS.

Since I assume there's already a stereo in the car, and you mention replacing the existing GPS unit... I have to ask, "WHY?"
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 03:42 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


unlimited format support.
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creep
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 03:44 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Makes sense, since conversion still takes hours per song, and there are so few car decks available that support nearly every format anyway.

Oh wai...
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 03:55 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


.flac

good luck.
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bitWISE
god xor reason
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 04:09 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


creep wrote:
Your sole purpose seems to be music, with a side order of GPS.

Since I assume there's already a stereo in the car, and you mention replacing the existing GPS unit... I have to ask, "WHY?"

The stock nav system blows and the display on the head-unit I'm currently using went out this week. I had been putting off an audio install in the Z for a while and now is the perfect time. I've had head-units that let you play MP3s from a DVD and I've even had a 20gb Kenwood Kegg. The problem with those solutions is that they aren't very elegant, they're cumbersome, and they stick out like a sore thumb. With a PC I'll have a larger, touchscreen (or keyboard) interface to a wide array of features such as ODBII information, Wifi, movies, gaming, unlimited music capacity, constantly updated navigation, television, advanced FM radio, and I'm sure there is more I'm not thinking of. All other features aside, I would still go with a car PC to simply have better access to large quantities of high-quality audio. Imagine finding the one song you want out of 20gb worth of music using a 20 character display and a bi-directional keypad...

I don't waste money on cheap head-units so it makes more sense to have so much more functionality for a small upgrade in price. There's also the challenge of getting the project rolling and the awesomeness of having it when it's done.




Last edited by bitWISE on 06-05-2008 04:12 PM, edited 1 time in total.
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 06-05-2008 04:11 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


but stock amps and speakers in most cars are so good!!
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AmIdYfReAk
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PostPosted: 06-06-2008 12:04 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Good to hear mang, glad you went with the Biostar mobo, it actually seems to have a decent trackrecord.

Also, check into the Startup relay's/controllers that are availible for the carputers, it will make running the thing a little easier for you.
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 06-11-2008 02:20 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Got the first batch of shipments today. The FM radio tuner is fucking impressive! Its got an optional 3' wire antenna that coils on itself for storage. The software works really well and the sound quality is actually really impressive given its FM radio. It also supports the broadcasted text.
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 02-13-2009 03:55 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Finally getting back to this. Speakers/sub/screen ordered.
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bitWISE
god xor reason
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PostPosted: 03-20-2009 01:48 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Had the PC up and running in my basement for a while now. Ended up getting a 128gb gskill SSD and loaded up Windows 7 along with my other software.

Hopefully fabricating a plexicase mini case this weekend.
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 03-20-2009 06:34 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


where's the pics of the Z promised
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Underpants?
Elite
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PostPosted: 04-27-2009 07:51 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Sounds like a pretty in-depth project. Any plans for some night-rider ish mods, like voice response, or rocket-assisted impossible through the 20th floor bathroom window jumps?
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obsidian
I'm the dude!
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PostPosted: 04-28-2009 06:54 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


I think he's more preoccupied with getting the car to transform into a giant walking robot before he tackles the details like jumping through bathrooms. Like, duuuuh!



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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 05-02-2009 10:54 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


I ended up giving up on building my own case and bought the smallest uATX case I could find (good thing my glove box is gigantic). Here are a few boring pics I've taken so far:

Currently running on standard PSU, switching to automotive PSU before final install
Image

Fuck adapters, I'll just screw through the vent holes
Image

Safe data, max performance :up:
Image

The media-center I'm using
Image

I'm having trouble getting my GPS receiver installed. Few other devices to try out too. The touchscreen is very impressive (despite my shitty pics).
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 05-02-2009 01:31 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Center dash cluster. Nissan engineering is the best I've dealt with so far.
Image

The hole where the OEM navigation used to be.
Image

The screen housing was a hair too big...
Image

...so I hacked it up
Image

*ew, this epoxy smells toxic as fuck*

Now you see it...
Image

...now you dont
Image
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 05-03-2009 12:51 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


It looks like this GPS receiver is simply dead. Doesn't send any NMEA data on either of my PCs or my Mac :tear:

That makes two failed products so far.
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 05-03-2009 01:25 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


And now my FM tuner isn't working. WHAT THE FUCK!? I know for a fact it worked when I bought it.

Edit: Turns out SP1 for Vista increased the strictness of the DRM for USB audio devices and since my old FM tuner isn't complaint it isn't allowed to work. There is a hotfix but it "doesn't apply to your system" :mad: :mad: :mad: Looks like I may try running XP on an SSD...
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MKJ
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PostPosted: 05-05-2009 02:26 AM           Profile   Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


lol vista
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 05-18-2009 06:16 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


The FM tuner works in Win 7 and I think the GPS unit is just DOA.

Here are some slightly unrelated pics from the other work I've been doing.

Image

Those sideskirts fought me the entire way. Ended up having to use aluminum rivets in the door sill.
Image

HKS hi-power duals. Sounds incredible. Cleanest, deepest aftermarket I've ever heard. It has special chambers so that when you maintain your speed its nearly silent too.
Image

The paint didn't take on the rear so we had to strip it down and reshoot it. Unfortunately going to be a couple weeks before I can get back into the shop.
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Captain Mazda
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PostPosted: 05-18-2009 09:19 AM           Profile   Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Nice project bit, now all you need is a high-tech alarm system.
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 05-18-2009 10:15 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


looks pretty good, what is your plans for wheels/tires.
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 05-18-2009 10:27 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


I'd like to go with some gunmetal/black, deep offset, spoked 19s. Maybe with a chrome rim. I'd stick with offset sizes but probably go 8.5/9.5. I'd like to run 255 up front and 275 in the rear. Right now I think I have 235/255 which were as wide as I could go on stock widths.

I really like the g-force tires that I have now but the road noise is unbelievable so I might switch.

Here is a quick example of what I'm after:
Image

I've been in love with these for a while:
Image




Last edited by bitWISE on 05-18-2009 10:51 AM, edited 1 time in total.
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 05-18-2009 10:35 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


i like those. looking at a z myself which is why i was curious.
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 05-18-2009 10:59 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Nice. I love mine. The only thing I really have against it is that visibility is terrible. It does surprisingly well in snow thanks to the TCS but you live in Arizona right?

Check out http://www.my350z.com its the best resource out there for the Z/G.
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 05-19-2009 07:33 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


yeah, i'm back in AZ from NY and lovin it. fuck that black one w/ black wheels/red rim is what i'm after.

it's amazing the amount of faggots that own these that are automatics.
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 05-19-2009 07:38 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


nice link thanks. a girl i'm seeing has a G37, fucking awesome ride, but she can't drive worth a shit. what a waste. at least it's a manual.
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bitWISE
god xor reason
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PostPosted: 05-21-2009 04:51 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Haha. I've not driven any version but my own Z. I originally wanted a G35 more than a Z based on the styling but couldn't turn down the deal I got.

Sadly, the Volk TE-37 Time Attacks are $4800 for a set of 19s with tires. I'm strongly considering a set of Five Axis S5F for just $2000 with tires:

Image
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 05-21-2009 08:53 AM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


oh, i like those. yeah, 4k? dumb. 2k is very nice. i'm surprised how good those look on the stock silver.
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+JuggerNaut+
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PostPosted: 05-23-2009 01:43 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Image


must. have.

actually, heading out in an hour to look at a red 07.
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bitWISE
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PostPosted: 06-02-2009 12:59 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Upgraded the PC to the 64bit Win7 RC. I need to find a car audio store around here so I can get this damn thing installed already.
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bitWISE
god xor reason
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PostPosted: 08-01-2009 01:01 PM           Profile Send private message  E-mail  Edit post Reply with quote


Fuck, this is taking me way too long...

Finally ran the main power line back from the battery. 4ga stinger wire with a 150a circuit breaker and an Optima YellowTop feeding the juice. Hopefully tomorrow I can tear apart the interior and get some more done.

Image
(dang, iphone snaps some pretty good pics even when its cloudy)

Need to find some place that sells fabric worthy of a speaker grille too.
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