My In-Car PC Installation

[Dr Bonz]

It took a total of about 4 hours of true work (with a lot of BS-ing and goofing around in between) yesterday, but I am now the proud owner of the In-Car PC. It works great!

It is completely done except for the FM modulator. Chazz, the guy who makes these, is sending me one. I have an XM satellite radio and it uses an FM modulator as well and we thought we could simply use a splitter, but unfortunately, the XM modulator won't let you do that. Chazz normally includes one with the PC so he is shipping me out one tomorrow.

As for the installation, it wasn't that hard but it took a while to run all of the wires and splice everything together.

I won't go into taking the dash apart since Scaf has done such a great job of that already. Just go here for that:

Scafs Dash Removal Instructions (http://www.350zfrenzy.com/forum/view.php?s=&pg=diy_center_console)

I also used instuctions from Chazz on taking the Xenarc screen apart and installing it into the Nav. compartment.

Here is the dash removed from the car after the screen was installed, sitting on my desk:

[Dr Bonz]

From the Front:

[Dr Bonz]

The hard part of the screen install, is this DAMN VGA connector. As Scaf (and others) have posted, this thing is really poor! The connector on the board of the Xenarc screen basically SUCKS! It wobbles all over the place and the pins on the plug are very small and easily damaged. The next few pics show our solution:

[Dr Bonz]

We used strategically placed Zip ties to hold the connector down so it wouldn't wobble and others to hold the plug in place so there was no tension or torque on it.

[Dr Bonz]

Here is another shot with more Zips:

[Dr Bonz]

This one shows how they are attached:

[Dr Bonz]

I don't want the screen to slip downward over time, so in addition to the double sided sticky tape used to hold it in, I used zip ties to strap it in as well:

[Dr Bonz]

Here's what it looked like after the screen was in while testing the Nav software.

[Dr Bonz]

I used this incredibly "sticky" velcro-like stuff to put on the bottom of the CPU so it won't slide around in the glove compartment.

[Dr Bonz]

Here is a shot of the wiring process. WHAT A MESS!

[Dr Bonz]

There are three wires coming out of the CPU. A red (hot) a black (ground) and a yellow that goes to the Opus "smart" power supply. The red we hooked up to a continuous "on" power. We used the hot wire that goes into the back of the stock head unit. We spliced in a 5 Amp fuse just in case.

The black we simply attached to the ground at the cig. lighter in the back. The yellow needs to be attached to a power source that goes on and off with the ignition so we used the cig. lighter for that too. We didn't need an inline fuse for that since the cig. ligher is already fused twice (one inline and the other at the fuse box).

We wired the power for the Xenarc screen to the light green wire (I think that was the color...) in the BIG plug that goes into the stock head unit up front. We spliced in a 1 amp fuse for that.

I have an external DVD player that goes in the passenger side "mailbox" slot and we only had to run the USB line to the CPU to power that.

We ran the wires that needed to be up front, under the center console on the passenger side of the gearshift/brake handle. Everything else went from the glove compartment to the cig. lighter through a hole we drilled on the drivers side of the compartment. I also drilled small hoes on the passenger side and the back just for some ventillation since it seems to get a little hot back there.

[Dr Bonz]

The finished product:

[Dr Bonz]

The Z Interface:

[Dr Bonz]

The Nav in action:

[Dr Bonz]

A music video:

[Dr Bonz]

The glove box with everything in:

[Dr Bonz]

View from the drivers side:

[Dr Bonz]

My external CD/DVD drive (the computer also has an internal one in the glove box unit)

[Dr Bonz]

Here is where I have the CoPilot GPS antenna right now, I may put it somewhere else later. If you can't tell, it is on the little plastic "bump" on the passenger side between the speaker box and the strut bar.

[Dr Bonz]

A couple more final shots:

[Dr Bonz]

.

[2003z]

Very nice! About the warm glovebox, you might want to consider a computer fan mounted at the holes you cut? My amp overheats after about 30 minutes of loud playing, and I am planning on doing this soon to mine.

[Dr Bonz]

I hope it doesn't get so hot that it causes a problem, but that would be a good idea if it did. The computer itself has two fans on it as well.

[rouxeny]

Looks sharp Bonz. Nice set up.

[qirex]

nice job!!

how do you input your destinations with the nav software?
does the xenarc software interface with the nav to give you a touchscreen input?

I'm on the fence re: this mod. I already have a nav (alpiune nve52a) and the screen (tmne650).

I would defn add a computer only for dvd, mp3 internet. If I dont need the display cap for nav, can I expect decent resolution?

[Dr Bonz]

I don't have the touch screen Xenarc. Enter destinations either with the On Screen Keyboard and the remote mouse (tedious) or with the flexible Keyboard in the back.

The resolution of this screen is excellent. Even with the maps zoomed out you can read the tiny print well.

[MannishBoy]

What are your thoughts about the brightness of the screen for daytime?

[NSANY]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
I used this incredibly "sticky" velcro-like stuff to put on the bottom of the CPU so it won't slide around in the glove compartment.

That industrial-strength Velcro ROCKS! :rockon:

[NSANY]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Here is where I have the CoPilot GPS antenna right now, I may put it somewhere else later. If you can't tell, it is on the little plastic "bump" on the passenger side between the speaker box and the strut bar.

Does it work 100% from that location? It never trips between 2D and 3D mode? Just curious, since I never did find out where NNA put the GPS antenna for the factory guidance system.

[aggie300zx]

Nice job! Looks good!

In regards to heat issue...I actually decided to just remove the top of the case and leave it off. Since I'm using the Opus power supply sitting next to it, which has its own fan. I just took a 6 hour road trip with PC on the whole time in Texas heat and didn't have any problems with overheating. I'm basically using the whole glove box as my box. Later to clean it up, I am going to build a plexiglass cover with maybe some fans just in case.

[Scafremon]

Way to go Doc!!

Even before I logged onto the forum, I knew you had completed your install as all the media had stories on it.

PC World
Doc Bonz Brings Credibility to Oft-Maligned Car PC Industry

American Medical Association Newsletter
One out of every One Doctor Chooses Car PC over Factory Nav

Fox TV News
Rueben Wins Idol - Clay Files Lawsuit - Simon Stalks Paula

Wall Street Journal
Car PC Sales Skyrocket as Doctor Logs on from his 350Z

:) :) :)

[Dr Bonz]

What are your thoughts about the brightness of the screen for daytime?

I haven't really driven it in the daytime yet. I took it up and down my street in the day right after installing it and it seems perfectly visable. I DID NOT install the plastic screen protector back onto the Xenarc screen since two other beta testers of the Chazz system were complaining of severe glare from it. Without it however, no glare at all. I drove it late last night to test it on an actual "trip" and it is almost TOO bright at night. There is a "driver" mode which goes mostly black with just printed words and only a small map and the voice guides you. The "passenger" mode keeps the maps on the whole time in addition to the voice and printed words. The driver mode with the map is BRIGHT.

That industrial-strength Velcro ROCKS

It actually "rocks" TOO much. It isn't Velcro. It is called Superlock. You know how Velcro has sort of like a "male" and a "female" component? One side has the little hook things and the other side is sort of like fuzzy carpet (OK everyone, get your minds out of the gutter....this is serious stuff!). Well, this stuff is different. BOTH sides are like the little hook things and they interlock together. So tight in fact that if you have to pull it apart, it will actually pull the adhesive sticky side off before it "unlocks". This stuff is for permanent adhesion and not for something you want to pull on and off like Velcro.




Does it work 100% from that location? It never trips between 2D and 3D mode? Just curious, since I never did find out where NNA put the GPS antenna for the factory guidance system

So far it works perfectly from there. The CoPilot 2003 doesn't have 2D/3D mode. It is just regular maps just like the pic posted above. I am still trying to figure it out. It will take some playing with to get down pat.

Scaf: Do you think this zip tie method would solve your video connector issue?

[Scafremon]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Scaf: Do you think this zip tie method would solve your video connector issue?

It might, and it is worth a try. It looks like you ran a zip-tie around the one small circuit card, to hold the fixed portion of the connector taunt to the circuit board. is this correct?

[Scafremon]

Attached is a pic of my screen installation, although not the final version (I actually added a couple more zip-ties after this).

I created a 'shelf' with a zip-tie along the bottom, as I figured gravity would be my worst enemy,and wanted something to prevent the screen from sliding down. The zip-tie across the back isn't putting any pressure on the card, but is there just to prevent the screen from falling backwards.

[NSANY]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
The CoPilot 2003 doesn't have 2D/3D mode.

No, but the GPS receiver definitely does. 2D and 3D has to do with the number of satellites the receiver sees, and how it affects the dilution of precision on the receiver. Sometimes if the receiver doesn't have a good view of the horizon, you may only get one or two satellites, in which case you don't get a good DOP.

In most cases, if the receiver slips to 2D mode, you only get clock and X/Y, no elevation data.

If you have the ability to track real-time GPS data, see if it occasionally loses lock on the elevation. Also, if CoPilot has a screen to view the number of satellites you're locked onto, that's a good way of telling whether you'd get better DOP if you moved the receiver. (Move it outside the car, and watch if you grab more birds).

GPS is something of a hobby of mine, so I'm always curious to learn about the new kung-fu that's on the market. :)

[Dr Bonz]

There are such screens on the CoPilot but I haven't used them in the "real world" yet. There is a data screen that does tell you your elevation and the satellite info but it would be hard to watch it while you are driving. The print is pretty small.

There is no way of knowing this just by looking at the regular navigation screen though. It does have four blinking lights that are either red (poor signal) yellow (fair signal) and green (good signal). For the most part I am getting all green with occasional yellows. I'll have to take a look at those numbers some day.



Scaf, you are correct. That is what I did with that zip tie.

So have you filed for a patent on the AMAZING NEW "SCAF SLING". The nifty new way to secure your sagging screen. It's all the rage! All the kids are buying em!

[DjChazz]

Doc, I'm Glad you happy with your Automotive Tool built and designed by me ( image-Engineering.com still under Construction )PLUG, PLUG. But I do have 3 Questions for you Why did you mount the PC and the External DVD Sideways? and doesn't that make it much harder to Get to the DVD-ROMs? Do you plan and mounting them to where they face forward?

Like this

[Dr Bonz]

The DVD wouldn't fit that way when the plugs were in the back. It also had to do with where we drilled our holes to make it easier to run the wires to the glove box. I won't be changing DVD's on the move so it won't be a big deal to just turn it around when I need to.

The main computer case is that way due to the way I have all of the USBs plugged in. The power cable for the external DVD is VERY short and I had to turn it that way so it would reach the USB on the front or the back. I suppose if I played with it a bit I might be able to get it to work. I also could go out and buy a longer cable but right now I'm just enjoying the system as it is. Can't wait for that FM modulator, to see how it sounds on the speakers instead of the headphones.

A couple questions for anyone out there:

I still can't find a good place to put the mouse. I was thinking of velcro-ing it somewhere but haven't found a good looking AND practical place yet. Also, I have to go and get some REAL velcro and not this death-grip stuff! It also has this little slip on thing so you can hang it on something. Sort of like the cap on the end of a pen that you hook on your shirt pocket. It is VERY thin though. You can get say, a credit card in there. It's not big enough to slip on the sun visor like a garage door opener.

Also, does anyone know of an easy way to get from the glove box to the back of the car (i.e. the rear strut area)? I want to run the GPS antenna in a more stealth-like fashion instead of how I have it. Notice the key word here: EASY! Take note, the hole has to be big enough to pass the end of a USB cable through. That has been my problem so far. Pictures would be great if you have them.

[aggie300zx]

1) To reach the hatch area there is a pre-drilled hole that you can access from the back left of the glove box area (with glove box out). Just pull the corner (closest to passenger) of the hatch mat up and you will see the whole. Then you can just run it behind the side panels.

2) As for the mouse remote, I have that velcro'd on the right side of the center panel (just to the right of the shifter). I usually don't have passengers so it's not a big deal for me. It works well there and I have gotten use to placing it pretty quickly.

[Dr Bonz]

Aggie: I saw the hole in the back under the mat, but how do you get to it from the glovebox side? Is it already drilled in the glovebox as well? Did you have to pull out the liner of the glovebox to get it or did you just drill through it? If you drilled, where exactly did you make the hole? If you pulled the liner out, are there any tricks to it?

I like the placement of the mouse. What do you think they meant to do with that tiny clip on thing they have on it?

[2003z]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Aggie: I saw the hole in the back under the mat, but how do you get to it from the glovebox side? Is it already drilled in the glovebox as well? Did you have to pull out the liner of the glovebox to get it or did you just drill through it? If you drilled, where exactly did you make the hole? If you pulled the liner out, are there any tricks to it?

I like the placement of the mouse. What do you think they meant to do with that tiny clip on thing they have on it?

Doc, the way I ran my amp wires through the glovebox is this:
Remove the plastic tray underneath the glovebox mat.
Cut hole in mat.

I also mounted my amp to that mat. Figured it would be easier to replace a mat than cutting a hole in the box, however, yesterday, I cut a hole and installed the cooling fan I had mentioned, and a rocker switch to control power to the amp for when I want to turn it off.

[Scafremon]

Doc,

You might want to consider moving your computer at some point to the compartment behind the drivers seat. Why lose the only real in-cabin storage area we have?

You also get the benefit of more air circulation for the computer.

Having said that, depending on the length of your gps cable, you may be able to route the cable from the rear area into the center tunnel, and then through the hole you have already cut in the glovebox.

[aggie300zx]

The pass through hole exists for both sides of the car (glove box or sub void). On the glove box side you have to remove the entire glove box to access it, then you have to either go through the little storage shelf underneath (as was mentioned in previous post) or dremeling a hole in the glove box. I already have a hole in the glove box where I pass through all of my PC wires (GPS, VGA, Audio, Power, etc.). It is located in back right top of the glove box. I have my PC facing forward, but I understand the length of the wires could be issue. However you should be able to extend any type of wire you are using.

As for the sub void....I'm going to be purchasing shortly another glove box setup ($75 from Courtesy Nissan) to be used in that sub void, so I can still have a full glove box behind the driver. The only catch so far is the glove box door does not come with that set, its part of the panel that goes across the back, so either I find one of a wrecked Z, make my own out of the current cover, or just use the current panel.

[zakira]

I've just about completed my In-Z-PC over the weekend as well. I wasn't gonna post anything until I got a digital camera to post pics, but this is getting too good. I NEED to put in my 2 cents NOW. Here's some things I did differently:

1. To provide cooling to the glove box, I ran a black 1/2" plastic tubing (like a conduit) from the front HVAC duct through the center tunnel to the glove box (all stealth). But since I didn't want to cut into the stock HVAC duct, and since I didn't want it to be a permanent install (since in the winter you would have heater on and you don't want that sent to the back), I simply stuck the tubing into the HVAC outlet at the bottom of the driver foot well and tucked under the dash plastic (there is room if you feel for it). You can't even notice the install if you didn't know it was there. I still have to test and tweak to get this perfect, though, but it's an idea.

2. The flex keyboard is so small and thin enough to be stored between the seat and the center console. I ran the wire from the glove box through the center console and, on the top of the hand brake opening, there's a small slit that you could stick the wire out from. It's perfect for it. When you need the keyboard, you don't need to open the glove box, and pinch the wire. It's already right there by your side stealthily.

3. The wireless mouse is GREAT! But, sometimes you need better control. So in addition, I bought a touch pad and stuck it through the coin box (ash tray) in the center console. It's perfect because that's where your right hand is anyway.

4. I also ran the GPS antenna from the bottom of the glove box, through the precut hole in the rear hatch area, and to the back under the rear window, instead of under metal roof.

5. I got a USB TV tuner and ran the wire the way I did the GPS antenna. It works! But I need to look for a better antenna.

6. Chazzg provided a switch inside the CPU unit to switch between "house" mode and "car" mode. I clamped the switch to the back opening, where the three power wires go through so now I can use the switch without having to open the CPU cover.
I discovered that if you switch to the "house" mode, the xenarc will be powered even with the ignition off! Convenient sometimes.

That's all I can think of for now. I know it's pretty much meaningless without pics but I will try to get them soon so that you guys will know what I'm talking about. Those with the system can probably imagine without much difficulty though. Next up for me is the wi-fi card and the on-board camera setup. Sorry for the long post.

[Dr Bonz]

Interesting cooling solution. Let us know how it works out. So far I haven't heard of any overheating problems so I'm not going to pursue any cooling tricks until/unless I need one.

I think your keyboard trick is excellent! I have been reaching back and taking it out and typing on top of the center console. I am going to try mine that way this weekend when I try and reroute things a little better.

I got the hang of the wireless mouse pretty good now so I don't think I really need the touch pad but if you want one, yours sounds like a good place to put it.

Can you give us a website for the USB TV tuner you have? What brand? Price?


Thanks for your input Zakira.

[Scafremon]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
It is completely done except for the FM modulator.

You may not want to even mess with installing the FM modulator Doc. I've got a feeling you will only be dissappointed with the sound quality as I (and others before me) have been.

I previously thought that maybe the other people who were not satisfied were more picky then I would be. I was wrong. If you have desires to play music from the computer, installing a FM modulator is not even worth the time to take apart your console. If you just want to hear beeps and Windows Noise, then it's a viable option.

I posted my recent experiance with the modulator here (http://www.350zfrenzy.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=9905#post9905)

[Dr Bonz]

Thanks Jeff.

I have been worried about that too, but the alternative is buying some kind of amplifier and wiring directly to the speakers. I really think that the crappy sound may be more a function of the computer's ability to play back good audio moreso than the modulator though. My XM radio goes through an FM modulator and it sounds even better than my FM radio. It probably is due to the quality of downloaded music on the computer I would think.

I'm going to get the modulator for free (it comes with the PC from Chazz) so no cost involved and I'm going to have the console pulled anyway because I'm going to try and reroute my GPS antenna and try the new keyboard suggestion.

I'll let you all know.

[zakira]

I hate using the modulator as well. I looked into 350Z shop manual about how the stock Nav's voice is inputted to the HU. I located the pins but unfortunately, it seems its only a mono input.
But, there must be stereo input as well since Nissan offers CD changer as an accessory. I couldn't find that on the manual, though.

[Scafremon]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Thanks Jeff.

I really think that the crappy sound may be more a function of the computer's ability to play back good audio moreso than the modulator though. My XM radio goes through an FM modulator and it sounds even better than my FM radio. It probably is due to the quality of downloaded music on the computer I would think.


Good points. I may have concluded to quickly that my poor sound is the modulator. Hopefully it is some adjustments that can be made on the computer sound settings. I sure hope it isn't the computer in general, and that with either a modulator or a head-unit with aux inputs we won't be able to get the sound to be close to CD quality.

While navigation was my main purpose of the car PC, I'm slowly concluding that music is going to be it's primary function, at least the function that I can get benefits from on a daily basis.

[aggie300zx]

I have a very similar Auto PC setup as you guys and I'm running it using direct input into an aftermarket headunit and believe me the golden rule holds true in that "the sound quality is only as good as the source". While this is the ideal set-up in my opinion for the best SQ, the quality of the music (mp3, etc) is still a huge factor. However, there are plenty of things along the way that will degrade even a quality source/sound file.

Those areas include:
-good stereo y-splitter out of sound card
-quality insulated/shielded audio cables (I would recommend a pair suited for car audio installs, not home ones)
-(If using an FM modulator) make sure you have clean, well ground power to it and that it's not the cheapest FM modulator available.
-I know everyone can't or doesn't want to replace the factory deck for a multitude of reasons, but I tried the stock headunit (pre-PC) with aftermarket components (subs, amps, components) and wasn't pleased, since going to an aftermarket headunit it has dramitically changed the quality of the sound. That went up another step once the PC was added. The PC really produces a great sound and can make a base stereo sound much better, but the fun part is that a horrible quality MP3 will sound even worst. Such the catch 22 on this.

Just my two cents, and no I don't expect everyone to rush out and buy a new headunit, but like myself spent a good amount of money on the PC and in my opinion is worth spending a little more to do it justice.

Good luck!

[zakira]

Here are some pics to illustrate some of the points I made in my post yesterday. Jeez, I don't know how to attach multiple pics. I hope this works...

[zakira]

Here's the HVAC one I was talking about. But it seems it might be difficult to make this work but I won't give up without trying.

[Dr Bonz]

Scaf: Do you have the latest version of Windows Media Player? I think it is 9.0. If you use the "wow" effects and especially the graphic equalizer, you can tweak the sound quite a bit. If I do all that and still have crummy sound with the FM modulator, I will go aftermarket HU with Aux. inputs for sure.

[zakira]

Dr. Bonz, here's my install of the external DVD player. This should make Chazzg happy.

[Dr Bonz]

Thanks Zakira. Did you have to drill out a hole in the back to accomodate the fairly large plug that goes into the back of the external DVD?

[zakira]

Here's my touch pad. I might try to disassemble it and integrate it into the coin(?) holder. That way, when I want to use it, I can just flip open the lid and the touch pad will be there. We'll see.

[zakira]

Dr. Bonz, I had a **** of a time last night cutting a rectangular hole in the back of that compartment with a soldering iron with an exacto knife tip. Seems Nissan used a high grade plastic that's like 1/8" thick. I thought it was gonna be a fifteen minute job. Turned out more like a 1 1/2 hour jobber. THe cut is jagged but it sure looks sweet from the front, huh? And no, the player won't even jiggle. It's there solid.
About the TV tuner, I chose a brand called Hauppauge, or something like that, at Fry's. About $79 bucks?

[aggie300zx]

zakira,
I will have you use a dremmel next time to cut into the plastic compartment, then it would have been a 5 minute job! :)

[zakira]

Hahaha, I'm not too sure what that is, but I also didn't want to spend too much money for this one time alone. :) In the past, I've used the hot knife and it worked like crazy. Oh well.

[Dr Bonz]

Jeff: The FM modulator that Chazz sent me came yesterday and I put it in last night. The sound is great. If you put in a DVD or music CD is sounds just as good as the regular CD player in the car (I have the non-Bose unit). If you play a music video or song downloaded from Kazaa, the quality goes down appreciably but it is still OK.

[Scafremon]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Jeff: The FM modulator that Chazz sent me came yesterday and I put it in last night. The sound is great. If you put in a DVD or music CD is sounds just as good as the regular CD player in the car (I have the non-Bose unit).

Thats great news Doc, thanks!

Gives me hope that I must have something set or connected wrong. I will troubleshoot today for sure.

[DjChazz]

Doc, Just play with the EQ and SRS WOW settings on WMP9 and it will sound better that the stock CD player

[Dr Bonz]

I finally completed the installation of my PC and it is now in the state that I am happy with, with the exception of mounting the tiny toggle switch that turns the power on and off to the FM modulator. I will either put it inside the change box to make it completely stealth, or simply mount it on the side of the console in front of the driver's seat where I can get to it more easily.

Since I have two FM modulators (the other is for my XM radio), I needed two separate radio channels to run both. For anyone who has an FM modulator, you know that when you turn it on, it sort of "scrambles" all of the other radio channels except for the one you must tune to, to run the device. Therefore, I need to turn the power off on the PC FM modulator if I want to listen to the radio. I also have two of my FM presets set to the two channels I am using for my two modulators.


Here are some pics of the FINISHED project:

[Dr Bonz]

Here is the external DVD in the Mailbox slot. Hey Chazz, is it turned the right way now? :D

I had to cut out a big chunk of plastic in the back to make it fit this way.

[Dr Bonz]

My wireless remote, velcroed to the change box. It is a really convenient place and yes, I can still open the box easily:

[Dr Bonz]

This is where I decided to put the GPS Nav. antenna. It is stuck there with double sided tape. My signal is better now too (all green lights). In the pic it looks like it stands out but this is with a flash and zoomed in. You really don't notice it if you aren't looking for it.

[Dr Bonz]

The Dash:

[Dr Bonz]

One more:

[Scafremon]

The sound from my computer is 100% better now after some tweaking. Unforutunately, I adjusted quite a few different settings, and so I can't be sure what resolved the problem. Wish I knew.

One thing that obviously wasn't set correctly (although I don't know if it really had any effect) was the advanced speaker setting in Windows ( Control Panel / Sounds and Audio Devices / Volume Tab - Speaker Settings - Advanced). Before it was set on "No Speakers" :) .I changed it to stereo speakers, but also fiddled about with various volume settings.

I popped a CD in the regular stereo, and at same time was playing the same CD from the computer hard drive. I could jump between sources by hitting the CD/FM button on dash, and the sound was identical. :D

I'm unsure if the volume signal from the computer should be more towards maximum, or more towards minimum. Ditto for FM Modulator.

In any case, the sound went from totally unacceptable to very acceptable, and maybe can get better with more adjusting.

[Dr Bonz]

I have routinely put all of the volume controls to the MAX on the computer and have simply adjusted volume by hand at the head unit. It seems to sound pretty good that way. I do this on my home PC as well.

[DjChazz]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
I have routinely put all of the volume controls to the MAX on the computer and have simply adjusted volume by hand at the head unit. It seems to sound pretty good that way. I do this on my home PC as well.


It is better to do it the other way. the Fm Mod is Designed for line level input So the lower the input the better. Although I have my PC main Volume at 75-100% and my WMP9 volume set at only 20% to get the best sound out of the Bose. and trust me it Sounds Better than i ever thought the Boes COULD sound

[2003z]

Originally posted by DjChazz
It is better to do it the other way. the Fm Mod is Designed for line level input So the lower the input the better. Although I have my PC main Volume at 75-100% and my WMP9 volume set at only 20% to get the best sound out of the Bose. and trust me it Sounds Better than i ever thought the Boes COULD sound

Thats what I was thinking too. You might be over-driving the modulator, causing some distortion if the input as at max volume.

[Dr Bonz]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

[350ZTwinTurbo]

d@mn guys.... very nice job. i see alot of u are very good at custom work and stuff and this car is definately worth it. i have just a couple of comments u guys might find a lil useful. this is coming from my computer side.

1) i dont know that much about these PCs but i would guess they are running just a normal OS like any other computer. in that case, i would run all of your music with WinAmp. it is a very poular program and has capabilities to expand such as very powerful equalizer plugins. it also has plugins for visualizations. what a better way to use your new screen and music?

2) im not sure about the hardware setup in the computers but i would seriously consider buying a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card. they are a VERY high quality sound card with MANY capabilities including 192khz playback, 24bit sound quality, and 6.1 surround sound. now, if one of u guys could somehow incorporate surround sound in a Nissan Z, i would BOW DOWN:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: . since the
In-Z-PC has a DVD player, all DVD drives are equipped with surround capabilities.


just a couple of ideas to through out. i am very impressed with the work u guys have done. it is a big inspiration. now i just have to work on getting my own Z. hopefully i will have enough money for the 2004 model. :) :) :)

[Dr Bonz]

Thanks. My OS is Windows XP Professional. I am currently using Windows Media Player 9.0. It has the equalizer and something called "WOW effects" and also has the cool visualizations. After tweaking these, the computer sound is very good. I'm not sure exactly which sound card the In-Car PC has. I'm sure Chazz can answer that when he reads this. Whichever one it is, it sounds pretty good.

One question. One of the tweaks in WMP 9.0 is called "crossfading". If you enable this, it asks you to set the "seconds of overlap". What exactly is this and what should I set it for?

It also has something called "quiet mode" and you can set the difference between loud and soft sounds to "medium difference" or "small difference". What is this and is there any advantage to using it?

[Scafremon]

We actually don't have sound cards Doc. The audio is integrated into the Epia motherboards. I'd imagine that the audio could be improved with a dedicated sound card, but our motherboards only have one PCI slot, and to utilize it, I think you lose the space for another internal device (such as a hard drive or disk drive). The audio does have the ability to do 5.1 sound, but you'd need to really redo your amp/speaker set-up in a car.

The 'crossover' function in WMP appears just to be an effect you can apply to your music, kinda like addding reverb to a guitar. While it might sound good on a specific song, or a specific genre of music, it will have negative effects on other songs (or other genre). I recommend leaving it off, and hear the music as the producer intended.

Quite Mode sounds like something similiar to what most home theatre systems offer. Most movies are made with certain sounds/effects that are mixed in at higher volume settings, to achieve a certain impact (like a bomb exploding, or a car crash). You can switch to 'quiet mode' so these effects do not exceed your std listening level. Good for watching action movies when a spouse of kids are nearby trying to sleep. Again, probably best to leave off for listening to music in your car.

[Dr Bonz]

Sounds good Jeff. Thanks.

[DjChazz]

Originally posted by Dr Bonz
Thanks. My OS is Windows XP Professional. I am currently using Windows Media Player 9.0. It has the equalizer and something called "WOW effects" and also has the cool visualizations. After tweaking these, the computer sound is very good. I'm not sure exactly which sound card the In-Car PC has. I'm sure Chazz can answer that when he reads this. Whichever one it is, it sounds pretty good.

One question. One of the tweaks in WMP 9.0 is called "crossfading". If you enable this, it asks you to set the "seconds of overlap". What exactly is this and what should I set it for?

It also has something called "quiet mode" and you can set the difference between loud and soft sounds to "medium difference" or "small difference". What is this and is there any advantage to using it?

Ok Doc, Here is the info you want to know:
The Cross Fading.
What this will do is when one song ends it will drop the volume and "Fade" it out. At the SAME TIME it starts the next song and "Fades" the Volume up to your set listening level Just like a DJ in a club would do. The song will over lap for the amount of time you Set it at. I like 5- 10 Seconds that way the is no "dead air" in between songs.

Quiet Mode
This is auto volume leveling, MP3 and normal CDs are not all recorded at the same Volume. So if you are listing to a bunch of different mp3 the Volume will go up and down depending on what song it playing. this Feature levels the Different Volumes in each mp3 either a little or allot. i do not use this opiton. it kind of acts like the audiopiolt on the Bose system

[Scafremon]

Looks like I guessed wrong on one of my answers Doc - sorry.

I should of just went to help in WMP and found the correct answers. In doing that, I see that Chazz has crossfading correct, but not quiet mode.

Here is what WMP Help says about Quiet Mode:

Using the Quiet Mode feature, you can control the difference between the loudest and softest sounds when you play audio. You may want to reduce this difference (known as the audio dynamic range), for example, when watching movies at night or when listening to music with headphones. Turning on Quiet Mode keeps the sound level more uniform, thereby avoiding wide swings in volume.

"Volume Leveling" is what Chazz has described, and is another feature of WMP.

[MannishBoy]

Winamp has had cross fading for awhile, and it runs at less system utilization than WMP for me (although the 3.0 version isn't as good as the last 2.8x version). It isn't a big deal, but it just doesn't feel as bloated to me. Plus, I've already got girder set up for a remote on my HTPC box I have connected to my stereo/TV in the house :)

[ZSpot]

I just checked out the website for the Car PC In-Z-PC (http://www.dscustoms.com/products/ds700yyv.htm) Dr. Bonz and others, you spent more than $500 on your systems didn't you? You had to buy the disk drives and...? Is there a slot for Wi-Fi to borrow Internet connections?

[ZSpot]

Okay I got to excited and didn't read the entire ad. That is still a great price for the Monitor. Could I run docking station with a laptop in one of the open compartments via the monitor in the dash? Something like Sony's VAIO PCG-TR1A Notebook would fit in one of the smaller compartments. Just a thought.

[DjChazz]

Originally posted by ZSpot
I just checked out the website for the Car PC In-Z-PC (http://www.dscustoms.com/products/ds700yyv.htm) Dr. Bonz and others, you spent more than $500 on your systems didn't you? You had to buy the disk drives and...? Is there a slot for Wi-Fi to borrow Internet connections?


That link Has NOTHING to do with my "In Z PC" it its juat a link for one type of screen I sell. My web site is under Constrution as we speak www.Image-Engineering.com But the best way to Get Info on My System Right now is Just to Email me zzgibson@sbcglobal.net

The Retail on a System Like Dr. Bonz Has, is around $2,700(USD)

[ZSpot]

Sorry about the confusion, but like I said in my last post I was excited to see the display priced that low.:bowdown:

[DjChazz]

There is another site that has it for $399 ill try to Find it for you

[MannishBoy]

It was here (http://www.dscustoms.com/products/other/mp3carproducts.htm).

Looks like it might have gone back up to $429, though.

[ZSpot]

Thanks for the help. I am getting married this Sat. so I won't be making a purchase until later this year, but you never know about my moods (in this case rebellious).

[StuartRothrock]

Great job Doc and to all that contribute! Has anyone considered ordering the original control panel below the factory screen and wiring it as a mouse and screen OSD for the Xenarc screen? Is it cost prohibitive?

[esterer]

Could you please re-post the dash removal instructions? The link is broken.
Thanks

[Rogue350z]

Originally posted by esterer
Could you please re-post the dash removal instructions? The link is broken.
Thanks

Scafs Dash Removal Instructions (http://www.350zfrenzy.com/forum/view.php?s=&pg=diy_center_console)

[JPerkins]

Hi all, if you want to improve sound quality over the built in epia motherboard sound controller, you can also get the audigy in an external USB version.

I am hoping to do this exact setup with the epia TC1000 motherboard and morex case. I will hopefully be using a lilliput touch screen though.

Hope that helps.

[abbydog3]

From the orginal post:

I won't go into taking the dash apart since Scaf has done such a great job of that already. Just go here for that:

Scafs Dash Removal Instructions

I also used instuctions from Chazz on taking the Xenarc screen apart and installing it into the Nav. compartment.

Does anyone know where Chazz's instructions for install the Xenarc screen or something similar?

Please advise. Cheers.

[Dr Bonz]

Did you look at the start of this thread? That's what it was all about. If you already know how to remove the dash, and you already know how to take apart the Xenarc and then use the double sided tape to stick it into the Nav slot, you are pretty much home free. Just follow the thread.

[abbydog3]

Yea, I was hoping for more detail on the double sided tape and zipties. My Xenarc has the touch screen, which is not attached to the monitor - it free floats in the factory frame.

Cheers.

[Dr Bonz]

Abbydog3:

I have a Word document that has all this stuff in it. It is 1.68 MB. If your e-mail can accept it, I can send it to you.

[hongkongstewy]

Quick Question my roommate is looking to do a in car pc and I was wondering where you got your set up and how much it was if you don't mind me asking

[Dr Bonz]

Look up a guy from Texas whose screen name is Chazzz over at my350z.com His real name is Charles Gibson. He makes them and that's where I got mine about 2.5 years ago. I was a tester for his In car PC so my price was lower. I don't know what he sells them for now.

[hongkongstewy]

Thanks Bonz, I'll look him up.

[Dr Bonz]

Just an update. My In Car PC is now over four years old and still works perfectly. :)