FINALLY installing 10.4" TS and carputer

[tonkadawg]

like I said, 2 steps forward 1 step back. As we were installing the new drivers for the TS and trying to calibrate it, the screen kept flashing on and off. We think what happened is that one of the boards some how touched the screen causing a short. We pulled it all apart again and and taped padding in place and put the boards back in. Tomorrow I am hoping to show up, hook the screen up and everything work as expected.

I do need to get a longer IDE cable for the DVD - will get that this weekend, then will get the DVD drive running.

After that the last thing I need is my AUX in - was sent out yesterday from CA - should have that later next week.

With any luck most of the major stuff will be done tomorrow/later this weekend.

[m3gumby]

You have any pics of the screen in its mounted position? Looks great so far

[tonkadawg]

Originally Posted by m3gumby

You have any pics of the screen in its mounted position? Looks great so far

nope - hope to get that today.

[Bonner03]

Thanks alot guys. I just built a home PC a few day ago and after finding this thread today I will have to build one for my 2 door hoe. Looks great and the attention to detail made all the difference.

[tonkadawg]

well guys, hard to believe this but the install is 99% complete. It's been 6 months of hard work, planning and patience along with 6 months of my truck being torn apart. Today I was able to put everything back together:

[tonkadawg]

the last few remaining items:
adjust the DVD drive so it fits correctly
figure out why when coming out of hibernate, touch screen doesn't work
chase down a hiss in the audio

Overall I couldn't be happier with the install. Looking back over my main goals, I'd say I met each and every one.
Factory Install:
I've had a couple of friends in the car already and they asked where I bought the bezel - they couldn't tell it was hand made. To me, it looks like the whole unit belongs there.

Ability to play DVDs, CDs, and mp3s:
Well, once I'm able to get the DVD drive mounted correctly this will have been accomplished. I'm using the onboard sound from my vai mobo - I've never heard my truck sound that good! Stay tuned for future work as I'm convinced that letting the cpu handle all media is the way to go.

GPS:
Yup and it works really good too!

Quick boot and shutdown time:
Coming out of hibernate, my boot time is under 30 seconds. It's not much more for a cold boot either. I'm pleased with this - I might try to get it faster, but right now it's not a priority.

Ability to remove CPU as need:
There is some work involved to remove the cpu, but hopefully I won't need to do it that often. If I fell short on any of my objectives, this is where I did.

Going forward:
Once I get the DVD working, I plan on just using the system and seeing how it performs. That and I really need a break from this project. However, I already know of some new enhancements for when I decide to come back to this. They are:

additional USB ports - especially one easily accessible
reverse camera
OBDII - just need to get the plug - software is already capable
phone - need an IR port - software is already capable
screens in the headrests

I guess that's about it.

[Bonner03]

Extra extra clean.

[BlazinX]

You did an amazing job.

[Bonner03]

What is the milkshake stuff you were talking about after you fiberglassed your bezel?

[m3gumby]

That thing is beautiful. I've been following this build since you started and I can honestly say it looks factory. well done

[tonkadawg]

thanks guys!

[tonkadawg]

Originally Posted by Bonner03

What is the milkshake stuff you were talking about after you fiberglassed your bezel?

milkshake is a mix of bondo and fiberglass resin -

be sure to check the klowns fiberglassing tech: http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/...ing-guide.html

[BassBaller5]

man this has been one long project for you but it turned out better than i ever imagined! I hope my project comes out looking HALF this good.

Congrats on all your hard work and i hope you enjoy it!

[tonkadawg]

thought I'd give a little 1 month follow up (a little early, but who cares) for anyone that's interested. Yesterday, I went to the east coast FSC meet up in Baltimore - about 1.5 hrs from me.

I had the computer running non stop for 4.5 hours, using GPS and playing music the whole time. I had the screen flash once - finally figured out the HD was the cause. I need to add some padding to help prevent vibrations. Other than that, everything worked flawlessly. I was concerned with overheating being a problem, but so far, heat is not a factor.

Probably this next weekend I'll pull the DVD mount apart and adjust it so the drive will fit correctly and get it all put back together. Then just need to figure out why my TS looses calibration coming out of hibernation.

Later this year I'll be adding additional USB ports, and backup camera and maybe an IR port for my phone. Stay tuned!

[thekl0wn]

[hick]

i have a thought in my head cause i plan on attempting some thing like this.... now where near this amazing though

how do you update/add media to your HDD?

[akjay907]

yeah man, this looks amazing! can u get internet? if so, u can prolly post on this in your car's pc haha

[tonkadawg]

Originally Posted by hick

i have a thought in my head cause i plan on attempting some thing like this.... now where near this amazing though

how do you update/add media to your HDD?

updates are handled through the soon to be installed DVD drive. Future plans are to add a usb input and use that with a thumb drive to update/move files over.

Originally Posted by akjay907

yeah man, this looks amazing! can u get internet? if so, u can prolly post on this in your car's pc haha

I don't have internet set up, but it's definitely possible - just like on any other computer - obviously it would have to be wireless or one of those usb receivers from verizon or att or who ever.

[destro7]

just read thru 14 pages of good **** great job brotha'

[tonkadawg]

thanks man - glad you enjoyed it!