Linkage23

iTrader: (2)

I have a LCD in-dash screen and reciever and I would be stoked if I could put my diagnostics on it when running. Something like DataMaster. I know HKS makes them for other cars but is anything being designed or already made for the Maximas?

-Lieb-

bignick

I do this with an OBDII interface + one of those mini office PC's (HP eVectra) + 7" VGA Touchscreen in dash (runs GPS also). I got the interface (OBD to Serial) for $90 shipped from http://obddiagnostics.com/order.html. It comes with software that lets me: read codes, run real time tests, and show a bunch of figures (engine load, speed, fuel psi, RPM, engine temp., etc etc) as analog gauges or numbers. Pretty nifty stuff. I'm not sure how you'd interface it with your analog LCD, but since I had this computer for movies and GPS, I looked into the computer version of the OBDII software.

LastBoyScout

to run it with your LCD, which i assume uses either RCA connection, or S-Video.

What you would need to do is install a PCI graphics card with S-Video output. should run around $40 - $50.
Cheapest price is here:
www.pricewatch.com/search

(make sure you purchase on that says TV Out)

Card info:
http://www.evga.com/products/moreinf...064-P1-NV89-LX

If you need to convert from S-Video to RCA then you need this connector:
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...Fid=980%2D1046

or a video switch:
cheap: http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D1976

highend with remotes: http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...=1&cc=01&avf=Y

bignick

I've been through about ever single combo of in-dash TV's + computer systems there can be. Save your money, don't bother trying to hook up a TV out video card to a analog LCD (s-video or composite), it WILL look like ****.

I finally found a 'perfect' solution: 7" Touchscreen VGA LCD + HP eVectra (sample). Trust me on this, perfect combo for in car VGA. I use it for OBDII crap (real time stats like fuel psi, engine load, intake temp, rpm, speed, engine temp, etc), GPS navigation, browsing the web with my phone via a serial cable, etc. Its all touchscreen too, and fits right in the double din pocket (had to shave some of the useless plastic on the TV housing to get rid of a bulge, but other then that, it fits perfectly). I'll have pics up soon. Spent all my money on the damn car that I can't even buy a digital camera

Linkage23

iTrader: (2)

I appreciate the informaiton provided but I spent $2000 on this deck and digitacl setup I can't justify spending anymore on something I already have. I hope it will work but I need more info before I spend any more. Not shoot down your info but are you sure the KVT911 cannot handle this?

-Lieb-

bignick

It will work of course, but if you're looking to do anything aside from OBDII stuff via a computer, you'll be disappointed with the resolution and clarity in general of the TV out - of even the more expensive converters (screen shots of OBDII software I run).

A TV converter will be able to handle most of those screens with ease/readability. I'm just speaking from my experiance with GPS (the original use of the computer; OBDII software was added later) and analog LCD's. The placenames were unreadable etc. Switching to a true VGA interface and LCD is a beautiful thing - GPS is crisp and very easy to read. The touchscreen feature is also something I could never get rid of compared to having a clumsy keyboard/touchpad contraption floating around my interior.

You may also want to check into the possibility of using an RGB connector. I don't know if your Kenwood has the option, but you may be able to use that instead of RCA/S-video cables. VGA will convert to RGB with a simple cable, no converters required (and the quality is only slightly degraded from true VGA). Almost all factory GPS units in cars use RGB connectors for the monitor, so use that to compare.

My advice is to avoid at all costs s-video to connect a computer to an in dash LCD. The quality is subpar and if you're looking to do anything beyond OBDII software (which you will, possibities are endless when you have PC in the car), you'll want VGA or RGB.