Hi all. I just got my '05 LE and I'd like to look into installing a computer. I don't have much info on the stock nav system but I'm thinking it would be easier & look more finished if I use the same size screen & stock dash trim. Does anyone know:

Is the dash trim that encloses the screen a seperate part?

How can I get it?

Size of Nav system screen?

After that the challenge would be to route the cables, provide power, tap into Aux audio & mount the mac mini.

any advice would be appreciated.

tia

Jeff

I think this would be cool also, I always wanted to install a computer in my vehicle. I would not want a mac though.
James

Check out this link. It is a little old, but extremely geeky.

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18212

Mine should be done in a few more weeks. A Dell OptiPlex GX150 fits under the seat perfectly and I'm hardwiring to the aux-in.

The nav piece is the whole outer surround with the vents and its a little pricey at $135 or so. The only problem is that the top edge of the original center piece doesn't match up with it.

Since I'm also molding in a slim slot USB DVD player above the radio and below the screen I'll have to do something custom in that area anyway though.

I hate the touchscreens so I'm using a wireless, removable trackball that slips over the edge of the console so it falls right into your hand with your arm on the armrest.

Check out this software:

http://www.digitalwheelz.com/UbiquityV_About.htm

Be sure to click on the features link too!! Amazing stuff. The best part about carputers is that you can always upgrade them and add more functionality. Its a hobby in itself.

Hit me up for any advice you need. This will be my second carputer. The one in my Altima has been redone several times now so I know the pitfalls well.

Serious geeks can check out www.mp3car.com. I mod the fabrication forum over there and do a lot of custom screen and dash work.

Thanks! I'd like to get more info/pics of the alignment issues, routing of cables, hardwiring to Aux, etc. Also, what inverter? Hmmm..Wisconsin....not too far :)

Jeff

The center console is a PITA to remove, but you can get away without removing it if you drop your wires down the console and tuck them under the bottom edge and to the seat area.

The center dash piece just pulls off if you can carefully get something under the top edge to pry it back.

You'll see the wires to the aux in behind there. Its just three - a common ground, and the L and R + wires. Just make sure to leave it disconnected so you're not risking feeding two inputs into each other.

I'll post pics of mine when I get a little farther along.

Drive up to Lake Mills anytime I work for rides in fast boats. :)

You have got to post some pics!!! I have always wanted to do this and to use a factory looking screen would be too cool! Will the factory size screen be large enough to see everything well? The link above is cool but I really wouldn't want a fold out screen, I like his power supply idea though.
James

I hate the touchscreens so I'm using a wireless, removable trackball that slips over the edge of the console so it falls right into your hand with your arm on the armrest.


Altimat, where did you get the trackball? I bought one of those wired mice that fit on your index finger and you work the ball with your thumb but the wireless option sounds interesting.

I'm in the process of running wires for my PC this weekend. So far all I've gotten done is run the power from the battery and mounted my usb hub in the swing out arm of the center bin cup holder. It's like 150 degrees here this weekend so I'm not able to spend much time in the "cabin" (I have an Armada) without needing an IV to rehydrate.

The factory screen is a standard 7" like most carputers use, and it works well enough for OEM nav. Bigger is always better of course but anything bigger would take major fabrication and costs much more.

I use DC-DC supplies in my Altima but I'm using an inverter and building a more budget system into the Titan using a 400W inverter.

Both of my wireless trackballs are Logitech Trackmans from EBay. The thumb trackball thing should work well too.

Nothing is finished yet so pics wouldn't show much. The PC, inverter, and startup/shutdown controller are being installed now. All wiring is run. I just want to test boot everything before I start on the dash work.

I'd be working on mine this weeked too, but I had to loan the truck to a friend whose Expedition broke down in the process of trying to tow his boat along for our daughters' Horse riding/boating camping trip this weekend. Last I heard the Expedition was getting traded in on a Titan Crew Cab next week. :)

Cool, I'll be waiting to hear of your progress and see some picture of the monitor install. The monitor is what always stopped me, I didn't want something that didn't look like it belonged. I did a search and found that there is a lot of computer stuff for cars out that I didn't even know about, I was planning on an inverter and all desktop components in a custom built box.
James