Well guys, i haven't been going on the org for a while so i might as well post updates on my new project.

After much thought about installing a PC in my maxima to run multimedia files, i decided on an alternative that costs less.. THis is a bit long but i hope you get the idea.

PURPOSE:
To be able to play divx, DVD's, jpegs, mp3s, AVI, MOV, and all multimedia files stored on a harddrive for easy access without having to switch discs.

IDEA:
TO install the mini-itx Nerhamiah M10000 computer in the trunk running on a VGA touch screen.

IDEA REVISED:
I found a cheaper alternative, and better user interface. Its called an XBOX.

XBOX modified with a 160gig harddrive and an executer 2.2LITE mod chip
Software: Evolution X and most importantly XBOX MEDIA CENTER version 01/15/04 build.

Now what it does:
Gaming (up to 4 players)
Plays SNES games
Plays N64 games
Plays Nintendo 8 bit games
Plays Sega Genesis games
Plays XBOX games (OBVIOUSLY)

Multimedia:
Xbox media center is the best thing ever programmed or designed. IT uses the most amazing interface and you can play all multimedia files.. You can have slide shows for your digi pics, play movies, play Mp3s, etc.

Right now my 160gig HD is packed to the max. I have movies selected at will, games all loaded up. Everything is selectable by the xbox controller or infarad remote.

PLANS to integrate:
Since i have a 2k3 with an SWI X steering interface. I am going to program the steering wheel to also control the xbox (ie, next song, prev song).

I will also purchase wireless controllers to clean up any cluttered wires.

BTW:
TOtal costs for everything in terms of parts:
$300 CDN for indash 7" screen (non-motorized) from www.mp3playerstore.com
$260 CDN for a brand new XBOX w/one controller
$80 CDN for the MOD chip (executer 2.2LITE)
$200CDN for a 160gig HD Western Digital 7200 RPM

= $840 CDN for everything..

MUCH BETTER SOLUTION THEN ANY CLARION, PANASOINC, PIONEER SOLUTION!

Thoughts anyone?
ED

 

How about when u want to listen to regular radio?

 

Xbox rules!

 

sounds awesome! keep everyone updated for sure

 

I still have my Kenwood MP919 Motorized face deck..

I bought the auxillary input adapter and feeding xbox through there to my system..

THerefore I still have radio .._

Right now everything has been installed since end of december.. ANd it plays flawlessly..

My dash board is a mess because the 7" screen won't fit properly with the SCHOSH double din kit.. But i am waiting for my audio cables and stuff.. so i can custom mount infarad from the xbox to the front dash..

Picture quality is perfect.

ED

 

I was thinking about doing a car PC also. My friend already started on his in his Grand-Am, I dont have enough money right now for anything. I was thinking about going with an Alpine 9815 headunit, 7" Lilliput touchscreen, and an extra 1.3 Duron pc I have. The xbox seems like a good idea but Im probably going to go with a pc so I can use GPS and and a scan tool for the car.

 

i'm working on my car pc....in the process of buying a touchscreen lcd and gonna mod it into the dash...it's slowly coming along due to lack of funds....

 

Great alternative... you get two

G

 

what did u do w/ climate control? leave it in stock location or move it?

 

Dude, you are my hero, do you use aim at all? I have some questions for you...

 

I only use MSN and ICQ.. but I correspond by email..

The stock climate control exists.. THere really isnt anything different. Its just a double din setup.. mounts on teh factory brackets.

BTW.. i am goign to mount the xbox in the trunk in a custom fiberglass design i am making for my infinity perfect 12.1's and Kicker amp

Its so cheap and you can do so much.. You should see the WHOAAA factor i get with everyone.. Its like I spent a million bucks!

 

That's sick.. and I already have an Xbox. Hmm.. I just can't give up my stock 6 disc indash player without a good enough reason for myself.

 

do you have pics??

MAD props for getting that xbox setup! I am still working on my prototype which is similar to your original idea...

good luck! i wanna seeeeeeee pics!!!!!!!

btw, do u mind sharing info on where you bought the mod-chip and some good articles on how-to and such? I am tempted to mod my xbox just so I can store games

 

Very nice thoughts for the Xbox, but I would stick to the PC idea. (yea, my opinion is biased )
I wouldn't say the m10000 version would be much more expensive. I do think, however, it is more flexible and gives you more features then Xbox. In my project, besides mp3 and dvd playback, I focused a lot on GPS and OBD-2 reading. I don't think any Xbox setup can deleiver that easily. As of interface, there's a bunch of programs available that provie a useful and easy communication with the computer (MediaEngine, MediaCar, just to name a few). They are oriented for touchscreen use mostly.

btw, the project is almost completed. Got everything except the touchscreen (it's coming)

 

i will be using mediaengine... here's a sample of what the GUI would look like...this is just a skin i downloaded...

 

 

That is f*ckin sweet dude. I am so addicted to those desktop themes. StyleXp is also a kick a$$ theme ware to use.

 

this sounds like an awesom idea. i want to see pics

 

Awsome skin. I'm using ME too, very nice thing. Everything's ready for the installation except the screen (which is still coming)

keep us updated on how you install the screen indash. I was thinking about that too, but there's not enough space to do something withoud modding either the dash or the screen.
How are you gonna power the computer? Inverter or Opus psu?


if you guys are iterested in this, visit this board www.mp3car.com. It has all the info you need to get this project done. Also, for the pics, this is one of the complete things: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=18846

 

Pics will come soon, i am waiting for my Stinger cables for A/V and such before i can post up pics.. My dash is an absolute mess.. wires sticking all over the place.

As for the PC idea.. you are correct it is a lot more versatile, but i needed teh quick fix. Plus i can take the unit inside and play some xbox at home as well.. Portability is priceless.

At this moment, i am still uncertain about the incar PC's harddrive.. I don't leave my xbox in the car as temps have dropped near -20degrees celsius in canada. and with a in car pc i am not sure i the HD will last.

As such, i may later change over to the PC< but seriously, the XBOX is the quick fix. and nothing like playing some video games when you need to wait (IE stupid @SS nissan service)..

With the PC you don't really have much options to kill time!

 

i'm thinking about powering it w/ the opus and i'm looking at maybe using the a/c vent w/ the nav and see if i can modify that....but still a work in the process.....but i'll keep u updated....

 

...pimp...