Reply With QuoteKeep us posted on how you go. I'm very interested.
Thomas
Master
For anyone interested in setting up a car based computer in a Discovery 2, I've decided to go ahead with putting in my little dual core atom based pc into my Disco.
Basically I cheated by buying a barebones system which only needed a hard drive. It has neat little 12v power supply that has auto shut down and a timed amp power signal feed to do away with the annoying amp thump on startup.
This is what I bought. It is the size of an average car amplifier:
One thing about the barebones pc was that the motherboard was dead and wouldn't respond to my usb devices. I tried everything but it still wouldn't work so it is going back to the US tomorrow. I'll sell off the replacement motherboard on ebay to recoup some of the cash I spent on the upgraded motherboard I bought locally.
To do away with the factory DIN and half headunit, I bought a Directed HD radio tuner that is controlled by the pc. I have also bought a integration loom that allows me to connect the factory Harman Kardon amp into the car pc without cutting any wires. I have yet to take a photo of this but here is a picture of it online:
I bought a Lilliput 7" LCD screen but accidentally bought the non touchscreen model which meant I had to buy the touchscreen and usb controller. It was a 10 minute job to install it and goes well when I tested it on the laptop.
Finally I have Centrafuse 2 with Australian maps. The maps are a tad old but I have some not so old Garmin maps to use when I get the gps responder. Centrafuse also allows me to use my phone through bluetooth and down the track I'll get the OBD II plug to monitor engine stuff.
As I type, I'm installing windows xp and the drivers on my desk and when it is all good and loaded with software, I'll take the dash and console apart and install it. Running out of time though, I've got to go to NZ for a couple of weeks with the tribe and probably do it all in a fortnight.
I'll take photos as I go for anyone interested.
Master
Keep us posted on how you go. I'm very interested.
Thomas
Master
How is the performance of the hd radio? I have a similar setup and i'm agonising about which one to get.
Master
Well got back from Christchurch a couple of weeks ago. Missed the earthquake by one week exactly. It's good to be back home.
I ended up pulling the dash and console off so I could get some wiring laid down. Progress:
Here is a picture of the actual PC sitting in the footwell. Only a tad larger than the factory CD stacker it replaces:
Dash back together again and the screen in place. The only problem here is the fact that the bit of the monitor sticking up is a temptation for grubs to break in:
A picture of the PC sitting under the drivers seat. Note that the seat is forward and when in its normal position, the PC is out of view:
The factory DVD player died sometime before I bought it. I couldn't find the damn thing for a while but I have to say that with it sitting under the drivers seat, you have to be a contortionist to load DVDs into it! I bought a 1/2 DIN sized DVD player and mounted it behind the console. Loaded up the headphones with new batteries and now the kids are happy!
I now have to buy something to emulate the 12v feed to power the amps on delay because the little M2-ATX power supply cannot give the amp a full 12V as it drops down to 5V. At the moment I have the amp powering up from another source and I get the damned thump on start up.
I also have to install the software for the steering wheel buttons so that they can function with the PC like they did with the factory headunit.
A few other bits to get are the GPS hardware, OBDII bluetooth plug, a USB wireless dongle and a bluetooth dongle.
All up the PC conversion cost me $800. A recent trip to JB HIFI revealed a similar all in one DIN unit with a fold out touchscreen monitor for over $4000!! I've seen others for over $1500 so I'm pretty happy.
I'll add a few more photos of the PC functions later.
Last edited by banarcus; 10th September 2010 at 10:02 AM. Reason: stuff ups
Master
To be honest Wayne, the HD Director is a bit hit and miss. The antenna is amplified or powered and as you know, stuck like a demister on the rear window. I'd be interested to know whether others with aftermarket head units suffer any poor reception issues.Originally Posted by Waxenwane
I'm not too concerned at the moment as I have my eye on a BMW style shark fin antenna with GPS, wifi and FM antenna inside. I should see an improvement then.
AM reception is suprisingly good, but it is the lack of sound quality that bugs me. When I had it running in my house on the test bed, the sound was good so this confirms to me to be the factory antenna.
Master
I ended up buying the Directed HD as well, I am running it of a conventional car aerial and so far happy with it.
Master
Nice one, I'm about to embark on the same project my self. I already have the hardware except a screen and PSU.
Does the pc boot/wake up when you turn your key?
Master
Yes, as soon as the key is switched on to accessories, the PC wakes up out of hibernation, about 8 seconds to music. When I turn off the key and remove it, the PC will hibernate after 30 seconds. The issue I have is that the M2-ATX power supply unit will not give the harmon-kardan amp a continious 12v rather it drops to 5v which is no use to me. Apparently a common problem with the M2-ATX.
I'll upload it all onto youtube and post a link as soon as I download it off my camera.
Wizard
Wile searching the net I found this install for a double din touch screen in a D2.
If you dont mind cutting and shutting your dash a little and losing the slide out cup holders this is quiet neat.
Master
Chris,
Do you have a link for this thread?
Cheers,
Franz
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