Finally I have time to post the “carputer”, rear view camera, and tv tuner install on my tsx
First, i purchased the S-Video Navi TV Tuner from avelectronic… they just released the s-video version…it costs more- but WELL worth the money for the s-video input
i had circuit city do all the wiring for the unit…. But that’s just because I don’t want to mess up the car, besides if they screw something up, I can blame them : - D
I used zip ties to hold the TV tuner just under the navi DVD drive… works well… circ city put it on top of the DVD drive, but I couldn’t easily access the inputs… yes I realized that I blocked access to the actually DVD drive – in terms of removing and inserting a new navi disc – but how often do you need to get in there? Once a year at the most… all of 2 minutes to attach more zip ties if you have to pull these off
The fm modulator wire… it works well for an fm modulator, and is connected directly to the back of the navi
The switch to turn on and off the tuner is underneath the dash – driver’s side – far under the vsa and sunroof buttons. If I had to do this again, I would have the switch mounted in the slot next to the VSA button… makes it easier to get to
The IR detector for the remote is by the passenger door…. Out of plain sight
The remote is like the size of a credit card, slightly thicker – the picture is next to chap stick so you can compare the size
I am also using the gyration mouse and keyboard – the keyboard is about the size of a laptop keyboard, and the mouse can be used in the air without any wires. All transmitted with the RF signal.
The rear view camera, I also got from avelectronic, has the camera built in the frame, which works very well – I like it… it takes a little while to get used to and comfortable with, but it helps – and yes it works at night… although not as great because of the poor lighting… when you go in reverse the camera automatically turns on and displays on the navi screen
The computer is the shuttle XPC barebone I purchased from newegg.com
40gb hard drive, 1ghz athalon, 512 MB RAM, dvd drive, sound card is built in the board, there is also a video card built in the board; but I used my own 128mb video card – with s-video out. Wireless LAN card
I am using the power supply that came with the computer, but I am waiting for one (backordered) from opussolutions.com – it is a dc-dc supply specifically for car use, will automatically turn on and off the computer when the ignition is turned on and off. For now I am using an inverter.
I use the computer to play dvds, surf the web – when I am somewhere where there is a wireless network – now realistically you arnt going to be driving down the street and have access to the web, and you arnt going to sit in your garage using it… but infront of a starbucks or something.
I also use it to play my mp3’s.
The case is mounted to the car with a couple screws and spacers.
That’s about it – let me know if you have any questions.
http://67.18.48.66 for pictures
First, i purchased the S-Video Navi TV Tuner from avelectronic… they just released the s-video version…it costs more- but WELL worth the money for the s-video input
i had circuit city do all the wiring for the unit…. But that’s just because I don’t want to mess up the car, besides if they screw something up, I can blame them : - D
I used zip ties to hold the TV tuner just under the navi DVD drive… works well… circ city put it on top of the DVD drive, but I couldn’t easily access the inputs… yes I realized that I blocked access to the actually DVD drive – in terms of removing and inserting a new navi disc – but how often do you need to get in there? Once a year at the most… all of 2 minutes to attach more zip ties if you have to pull these off
The fm modulator wire… it works well for an fm modulator, and is connected directly to the back of the navi
The switch to turn on and off the tuner is underneath the dash – driver’s side – far under the vsa and sunroof buttons. If I had to do this again, I would have the switch mounted in the slot next to the VSA button… makes it easier to get to
The IR detector for the remote is by the passenger door…. Out of plain sight
The remote is like the size of a credit card, slightly thicker – the picture is next to chap stick so you can compare the size
I am also using the gyration mouse and keyboard – the keyboard is about the size of a laptop keyboard, and the mouse can be used in the air without any wires. All transmitted with the RF signal.
The rear view camera, I also got from avelectronic, has the camera built in the frame, which works very well – I like it… it takes a little while to get used to and comfortable with, but it helps – and yes it works at night… although not as great because of the poor lighting… when you go in reverse the camera automatically turns on and displays on the navi screen
The computer is the shuttle XPC barebone I purchased from newegg.com
40gb hard drive, 1ghz athalon, 512 MB RAM, dvd drive, sound card is built in the board, there is also a video card built in the board; but I used my own 128mb video card – with s-video out. Wireless LAN card
I am using the power supply that came with the computer, but I am waiting for one (backordered) from opussolutions.com – it is a dc-dc supply specifically for car use, will automatically turn on and off the computer when the ignition is turned on and off. For now I am using an inverter.
I use the computer to play dvds, surf the web – when I am somewhere where there is a wireless network – now realistically you arnt going to be driving down the street and have access to the web, and you arnt going to sit in your garage using it… but infront of a starbucks or something.
I also use it to play my mp3’s.
The case is mounted to the car with a couple screws and spacers.
That’s about it – let me know if you have any questions.
http://67.18.48.66 for pictures