Carputer on M35

[RipplingHurst]

Well, I was thinking about a carputer on the M35. Maybe a notebook, or MacMini or PC equivalent under the seat, primarily to listen to a large collection of music, but video might be interesting, internet browsing certainly (garage sales addresses, touring away from home, research locations etc.)

I searched a lot and there seems to be no way to have a VGA quality input to the standard screen. Althogh folks with tech package have been doing it with composite inputs, I don't have tech package, and IMHO composite is not good enough for computers.

So I need to put another screen somewhere in the car. I'm thinking about on the overhead console where the sunglasses are stored, with a tiny 5" or 7" touchscreen, routing cables to a computer in the trunk or on the glove compartment or under the seats, not sure yet. Any suggestion on how it can be done? Any esquematics for the wiring for the overhead monitor?

Alteratively, has anybody tried to use the center console where the clock is? Has anybody tried to put a double din head unit, for instance, an can post pics, or links to pictures?

Thanks!

[RipplingHurst]

Search words: how to carputer computer project Infiniti M35 sport stock monitor display LCD aftermarket touch screen virtual dashboard Looks like I did some progress since my first post! not much, but I'm more clear on what direction I'm going for now!

I just finished dismantling part of my 06 M35 Sport dashboard, and I am currently trying to hack the connections between the AV Unit (Nav Unit with those with Navigation) and the stock 7” LCD screen. I have already installed the 4PDT relay in place to allow me to remotely switch between the stock data and my computer display. The problem is of course to emulate the RGB+sync signals the car display is expecting to get. There are some products in the market that use Composite inputs as source (TV and nav to go, PAC, Gnet, AvElectronic), but although these might be good enough for DVD playing, it is far from good enough for a computer display. The stock 7” widescreen LCD has 16 bit depth color and (as I can see in my FX35 with nav) can display the small font on the navigation maps reasonably good. We have to find a way to convert the computer’s 30KHz VGA (RGB with separate Horizontal and Vertical Sync) output into Arcade/CGA style 15KHz RGB+combined sync inputs required by the stock screen. I have tried the Australian made Converters.tv (http://converters.tv/products/vga_to_cga/40.html) VGA to CGA Converter, with not much success. This converter only converts the frequency signals, without much control for the screen size and resolution. My hunch is that the stock M35 screen is something like 480x200 “progressive”, 640x200p or 800x400 interlaced, but it is hard to dial this in correctly. I am currently trying the http://www.ultimarc.com/avgainf.html ArcadeVGA from the Ultimarc, from Britain. As you can see in the picture below, I still have not been able to dial in the correct screen size, and the correct vertical and horizontal sync frequency is highly dependent on that.

Since this VGA card (a modified ATI Radeon X550) only outputs 15 KHz, I am experimenting with Powerstrip, but this I know can take ages. That’s why my M35 screen is currently sitting in my office now (never used the voice commands so much! Excellent training tool, if you ask me!).

If all this fails, I will keep the stock screen where it belongs and I’ll buy another monitor to work as my computer display. I’m thinking of using a 5.8” to 7” widescreen touch screen monitor on my sunglass holder, or a 7” and bigger touch screen where the clock and the stock head unit is. The first alternative looks easier to build, but I would have to leave room for the rearview mirror to work. It is easy with a 5.8” screen, not so with a 7”, but I’ll have to see. This should be a perfect excuse to pull off the headliner and put some dynamat on it to boot: If I put a screen where the stock HU is, I would probably lose the CD changer (not needed with a computer anyway), and keep the radio in another position. That part is easy; the difficult part would be to find a place for the main volume control, and memory buttons. I’d have to build a cable extender to move them wherever I want, but where? Finally, I’d have to build a plastic surrounding the screen to match the opening. I’ve searched everywhere, and unless I buy some e-bay replacement rosewood parts, I’ll have to settle for black surroundings.

The hardware part is almost complete, just need some software and of course, lots of configuration to do. I have the http://store.mp3car.com/Mp3Car_DSATX_p/pwr-023.htm DC-DC 230w PSU, necessary to allow the computer to survive engine crank, giving the computer time to sync, hibernate or go to sleep with ACC off, monitor battery voltage and shut off if necessary, etc. I’ll be using 4 gauge wires from the engine bay to the trunk, and I’ll be using this very small http://www.antec.com/us/produc...91380 mAtx case

I’m using a 65w max AMD X2 4600+ EE with a mATX board, a WD 320GB HD and DVD ROM drive. I have already Wi-Fi and HDTV turner ready (Just need bigger antennas), as an old https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=6445 Garmin GPS 18, OBD-II connector and software to display car data in real time, like in the new Nissan GTR (scroll down http://www.obd-diag.de/ this previous page to see the beautiful virtual dashboard and other screen data). I have already settled on a carputer front end, for now, the free Roadrunner with the http://www.mp3car.com/vbulleti....html DigitalFX skin, but that can change later. For now I’m using the http://www.pac-audio.com/instructions/AAI-NIS2.pdf PAC-Audio aux input, with the http://www.turtlebeach.com/pro....aspxTurtle Beach Roadie USB soundcard, but later I’ll hook the computer directly to the amplifiers for better sound quality. As main input I already have the http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dm...r.php Space Navigator, which with the correct drivers can work as Mercedes and BMW I-drive devices (only better). “Why a computer?” you might ask. Well, right after solving the display issue I’d be able to: Play my 190 GB FLAC, WAV and MP3 collection. Use voice commands to search and settle for a band or playlist or specific rating. Connect to the internet wherever I can find a Wi-Fi hotspot. Play home videos, ripped DVDs, or pictures downloaded from my home network. Synchronize with my home network for 30 minutes every time I park the car in my garage, for updated songs, playlists, album art, lyrics, pictures, etc. Upload pictures and videos taken on vacation, display them on the car and save camera’s batteries (just need the card reader on the console, with firewire connector). What’s next? 1. The main display of course. In the future, two headrest monitors for my 3 year old daughter controlled by the computer. No need for the passenger to reach the back seat to set up the DVD, waiting for the trailers, then the menu, hit play, etc. boy, that sucks! 2. In car camera and microphone in the driver’s door. In the camera I will project GPS data (mainly speed and position); this will be constantly recorded to a fixed sized HD buffer. This can be done with http://www.blackboxcamera.com/pic-osd/gpsspd.htm this gear. Also, if I hit a button, it may record the last 30 seconds, or can start recording indefinitely. Very useful just after an accident (no more “he did so/did not” endless arguing), if you want to bring a case of road rage to court, or if you’re unlucky and have a http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/19/1961.asp close encounter with a corrupt police officer (“I bet I could say you resisted arrest or something. You want to come up with something? I come up with nine things.” Try to prove that in court, w/o the camera…). 3. Internet navigation, for trips, news, etc, with or without Wi-Fi hotspot: just buy something like http://b2b.vzw.com/broadband/bbapccard.html Verizon’s wireless cards and you (but mainly your passenger really) are good to go!

4. Engine mapping, boost and other stuff monitoring, and/or adjusting. Of course, if and when I decide to go for some forced induction alternative (not sure the VQ35 is up to it though). 5. Remotely call my car from any phone and have it turn it off the engine, display/play a message, etc., like http://www.mp3car.com/vbulleti....html this guy did on his Porsche.That’s all what I can think of right now. You never know with computers, right? So yeah, I’d love to see if somebody here had experience with carputers, double din head units, and maybe give some suggestions on where to put a screen and make it look as stock as possible. For instance, anybody who knows someone with experience fabricating plastic housing for a screen mount would be great. Hints of products, paints, finishes, fiberglass, tips on what color and products works and matches the Infiniti dashboard would be great! In the computer car forums that I follow (mainly mp3car.com), there is a lot of BMW owners, a couple of G35s, one FX, but not one M35. Given the “uniqueness” of the M35 dash, I think I’m in for a challenge, but maybe not. We’ll see. As soon as I finish something I’ll be updating this post. I’ve never done anything like this before, but if anything I hope this encourages somebody else doing something like this. New ideas are always welcome!


Modified by RipplingHurst at 12:50 AM 1/30/2008

[szh]

Very interesting work! We would love to see a detailed write-up after you are done with the modifications - will add it to our DIY forum section!

Z

[RipplingHurst]

Oh, yeah, as soon as it is done, I'll post a complete write-up, no problem!

[infinitiandbeyond]

I suppose you could read this and call this guy...

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/1...sh-pc/

This was one of a few in-dash PC's at SEMA.

As for a really cool in-car video system, try http://www.vuzonline.com. I saw this at the PRI show with 4 lipstick cameras(that you could put anywhwere) on a race car. Front, rear, pedals and one under the car pointed in the shock tower showing suspension movement.

[RipplingHurst]

Not sure about the in-car pc,

Really love the in car cameras! Somewhat expensive, but awsome. I think one can get away with less rugged camera for the pedals, but that's about it!

The infill system is super cool, but there are a lot of limitations. Really like the monitors and the front end, but I want to build my own system, it's much more flexible this way. There are tons of software possibilities with a computer, so you don't want to get stuck with a proprietary system, specially one with a 40gig HD.

Thanks for the info!

[RipplingHurst]

Hi guys,

Well, I'm just in the process of mounting a new control piece for my computer and I would like your input on how it's looking like. I'm going for a factory look as much as possible, but that can be difficult to get sometimes and compromises must be made. I just don't want it to look tacky or worse.

I'm going to use a touchscreen LCD in place on the stock one, and I will place the OEM screen in the cup holder. I gave up on trying to hack on the factory screen to get a high quality VGA input, since it's hard to talk to the LCD screen since it only accepts +.4V to -.4V for its RGB signals, which is unique in the LCD business as far as I know. The M and the 2006 G35 on wards all use this system (but not older G's or the FX).

So this is the Space Navigator (http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dm...r.php). It's much more than a mouse, you can push, pull, twist and tilt in any direction, and you can make it do different things according to the application. For instance, next track on the play list can be "push to the left", "volume up" can be "twist to the right" and you can zoom in with "push to the center", etc. You can use it as a mouse too of course, and keyboard shortcuts can be assigned to each action. You got the picture.



What I did is just a bolt on job, no fabrication or modification of any OEM part was made. If later I think of another cool spot for this thing I can put the ashtray/lighter back on easily. I took some project boxes from Radio Shack, cut and screw two of them together, but some straps to support it, use some high quality velvet to it and this was it. It is finished just like the glove/console compartment, or the little useless hole I have just beside the heated seats buttons (the hole is there for those without the rear entertainment system).



Note that there is still plastic film protector around the SpaceNav. It's shinier without it, but I'm still testing it.

I left some space at the top to add a couple of more buttons, I'd like to add shortcuts for like "TV", "Movies", "Audio", "M Status", etc. but I still have to find "car like" "soft to touch" buttons for that, kind of like the Audi ones. Ideally I'd like to use white/black ones just like on those for the air/status/radio screen. Maybe I'll look for something like this (here http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...sting) on e-bay or in a junkyard (but since I don't need them to be working, nor do I need many buttons, maybe 3 or 4, I'd expect to pay much cheaper than that listing), I don't know if I can easily substitute the lettering though.

In my humble opinion this is better looking than BMW's knob for the i-Drive thing, take a look at this (5 series, http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw...4.jpg) and this (http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw...4.jpg 6 series). Mercedes' Command on the S Class (http://www.c216.se/img/2007-Br...0.jpg)is a beauty, but on the lesser Mercedes (http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/...e.jpg), I'm not so sure. The same goes for Audi's MMI.

I recessed the thing just a bit to expose the hardwood finish around the edges, and the Space NAV is just above the level of the automatic transmission lever/display set. This thing is heavy, about 1 pound, I'm not kidding, it is mostly use by architecture/3D modeling applications, still, I put some industrial strength heavy duty Velcro on it, I hope it does not fly around the cabin in an accident. But it has a high quality feel to it, it's mostly aluminum, so I think it really adds to the car.

I thinking of maybe getting it even lower than the auto lever Assembly, it does look like a blob sometimes. Yeah, I'm thinking of lowering it a bit...the more I look at it as I write this, the more I think it's too big. I don't remember being that big while sit on the car though.

It already passed the approval of my wife, but she asked about also using it to control the car system already in place, maybe she was expecting it to control the reclining seats or the stock display info. I can't see how now, but who knows?

What do you guys think? Suggestions?

[ZGadson]

Old post, I know, but you should post picts of the final product! Nice work!

[jwheaton]

Agreed! I'd love to see a write-up!

[chemao]

Hey brother, I wanted to follow your installation (which I read up on a few months back) in my own FX45 just received yesterday. Sadly, I find that the images are no longer available. Can you post the images again or maybe email them to me? It's the cleanest install I've seen so far, complete with relocating the factory display, etc. I hope you'll consider to post the images again because I'm sure there are many others that would value the example groundwork you've lain.

Justin

[RipplingHurst]

Hey brother, I wanted to follow your installation (which I read up on a few months back) in my own FX45 just received yesterday. Sadly, I find that the images are no longer available. Can you post the images again or maybe email them to me? It's the cleanest install I've seen so far, complete with relocating the factory display, etc. I hope you'll consider to post the images again because I'm sure there are many others that would value the example groundwork you've lain.

Justin

Cleanest? Thanks, but you should see my FX35 install.

I didn't have much feedback here, so I stopped posting here, but all the pictures are updated and current elsewhere here.

I sold the car anyway, but I then put the computer (actually a mini-ITX board) on my FX35, with the screen on the overhead console. Just google "rippling hurst carputer" and you'll find it!

[fiveliterbeater]

not trying to rain on anyone's parade here....but all the suggestions here on the perfect carputer setup (in my opinion of course) don't come close to what this guy's M has done.

as soon as i get an xtra $700 to burn this is what im gonna do!

feast your eyes on this! :

http://www.dragtimes.com/galle...t-Row

[RipplingHurst]

You gotta be kidding me. It looks like he just dropped the MacMini in the console - where's the integration? Also DVI to Composite? I wonder if one can read anything at all in that screen. Try plugging your computer into the composite input of any receiver or monitor and tell me if you like what you see.

[fiveliterbeater]

you do realize a car was built for transport right? are you that picky, that you need HD video on your main navi screen?

the setup that this guy has is perfect and i would'nt change anything about it. he retained all the factory functions and just tapped into the AUX in ports to get his little mac mini in there.

the screen is more than legible and that's all one needs to watch music videos, browse the internet and scroll through music. (you should'nt be doing any of that in the 1st place but you catch my drift)

[RipplingHurst]

you do realize a car was built for transport right? are you that picky, that you need HD video on your main navi screen?

the setup that this guy has is perfect and i would'nt change anything about it. he retained all the factory functions and just tapped into the AUX in ports to get his little mac mini in there.

the screen is more than legible and that's all one needs to watch music videos, browse the internet and scroll through music. (you should'nt be doing any of that in the 1st place but you catch my drift)

"Car for transportation", right, what do you drive again? Are you saying the M35 just a transportation device?

Sorry, I think you have no idea what you're talking about. It's not a matter of HD. Do you think your computer is "HD"?

Composite signal can't barely cope with analog NTSC, may at most 640x480. If OEM NAV was composite you could barely make up a street name...It's okay for DVD, but that's all. You could buy a $50.00 Coby DVD player, drop into the console and be done with that. I'm sure that was not the guy's intention.

Now if you're think it's fine to spend money on a MacMini to play DVDs and that's it, then that's not my problem. It can do a lot more than that though - like OBD info, skype, web browsing, pull traffic info from Google maps - Have you seen Google Earth on the upcoming Audi A8? All I'm saying is that a lot comes just tether the PC to your 3g phone like I do - not only for you and/or by you, bur for your passenger. You just have to see decent graphics at 800x600. Nothing to do with "HD" here.

[fiveliterbeater]

"Car for transportation", right, what do you drive again? Are you saying the M35 just a transportation device?

...uhhh yes the "automobile": (from webster's dictionary) noun,a passenger vehicle, usually four-wheeled, propelled by an engine or motor that is part of it, esp. an internal-combustion engine, and meant for traveling on streets or roads; motorcar

weather my car has xtra features or not, doesn't deviate from the main purpose of what a car's main function is. we make a car unique on our own.

Sorry, I think you have no idea what you're talking about.

......don't be sry, cause right now we're all gonna rush to Fry's and shop on ebay, so we can chop up the factory wiring, pull over on the side of the freeway and view CNN and update my iTunes on a better looking 7" LCD monitor......

It's not a matter of HD. Do you think your computer is "HD"?

...i was being sarcastic.....i didn't mean to ruffle your feathers...you can go back to splicing wires now....

Now if you're think it's fine to spend money on a MacMini to play DVDs and that's it, then that's not my problem. It can do a lot more than that though - like OBD info, skype, web browsing, pull traffic info from Google maps - Have you seen Google Earth on the upcoming Audi A8?

Mac mini (now able to support Windows) does google Earth, web browsing, traffic updates from Google earth (so does my phone though), watch movies, rip movies, Burn CD's, check email...etc etc

not sure about Skype though...but who cares...i have the cars Bluetooth hooked to my phone...

All I'm saying is that a lot comes just tether the PC to your 3g phone like I do - not only for you and/or by you, bur for your passenger. You just have to see decent graphics at 800x600. Nothing to do with "HD" here

agreed. and all im saying is that the graphics projected on the factory screen aren't as bad as you are making them. i've personally seen a Mac Mini hooked to our factory screen and it looked as good as it does on the link provided.

can it be better? sure!

but a 640x480 to 800x600 upgrade on a 7" screen to me is not worth it.

the argument you're making is the similar to the everlasting debate that 720p looks better than 1080i.does it? i dont know...they look exactly the same to me and i have a 52" plasma (don't laugh, its all i could afford).

granted i haven't seen it up close, but your 7" 800x600 monitor compared to the factory 8" 640x480 screen looks the same to me.

i have to say though excellent modification. too bad you don't have anywhere to put your starbux coffee in the morning though. j/k

[ninos_9]

Wats up guys, i did a lil mod to my m45 so can be able to do the following; play music, video's, surf internet, text msging, etc... here is link to video that i just recorded to show your guys how it works.. its not that great but its o.k i guess.. let me if you have any questions

http://s114.photobucket.com/al...o.flv

Modified by ninos_9 at 1:26 PM 1/23/2010
Modified by ninos_9 at 9:31 PM 1/23/2010

[antzrus]

Wats up guys, i did a lil mod to my m45 so can be able to do the following; play music, video's, surf internet, text msging, etc... here is link to video that i just recorded to show your guys how it works.. its not that great but its o.k i guess.. let me if you have any questions

http://s114.photobucket.com/al...o.flv

Modified by ninos_9 at 1:26 PM 1/23/2010

Your above link is DOA..?

[RipplingHurst]

blah blah blah

This is wrong in so many ways, it's not even worth arguing. I did it for me only, and if it's not your cup of tea, then whatever. It's all about wanting what you have, methinks.

So, as I said before I sold the M35 already, the innards are now in my family room in another case I build with my 5 year old daughter - yes, she painted the HD and lots of stuff inside (after I taped everything I should of course):



And I build a new carputer for my FX . This time, I used a very small mini-itx board under the seat (the case is not bigger than an amp). The same screen I used on the M35 is now on the overhead console:



Next project will be in my fully loaded 08 Sequoia Platinum I traded for the M. Why not? Will see what happens. But of course, that has nothing to do with an M35 forum so I'm not going to be here much if at all. If anybody need any help with anything M35 related, just ask, I'll try to help.

So long,

R. Hurst.

[ninos_9]

Sorry about that try now..

http://s114.photobucket.com/al...o.flv

[antzrus]

I don't know about this Ripple Drinkin' Hearst? I mean getting his 5 y/o daughter involved w/computers and using paint that's toxic; putting her in danger when she oughta' be playing with My Little Pony or Barbie Dolls. He sounds like a communist! And he doesn't even own an M...

[RipplingHurst]

I don't know about this Ripple Drinkin' Hearst? I mean getting his 5 y/o daughter involved w/computers and using paint that's toxic; putting her in danger when she oughta' be playing with My Little Pony or Barbie Dolls. He sounds like a communist! And he doesn't even own an M...

You know me very well, ant. That above is not even funny, not at all.

Are you out of your meds again, or you're this idiot?

[fiveliterbeater]

Sorry about that try now..

http://s114.photobucket.com/al...o.flv

wow! i have to admit: that's certainly a lot better than buying a mac mini and going through all the hassel of installing it! not to mention chopping up all the factory wiring just to install a better monitor. good simple idea! you reatined all factory functions so you don't void your warranty in case something were to go wrong.

now my question is: what phone is that???????

[antzrus]

You know me very well, ant. That above is not even funny, not at all.

Are you out of your meds again, or you're this idiot?

Well I'm probably a bit of both!!

I thought I knew you better.

But where's your sense of humor? You really must be a communist?

[ninos_9]

Thanx ..Yup like you said there is no need to go thru all the mini mac n etc.. I made it simple.. Im using Nokia N95 8gb Black.

[hugedude33]

thats pretty cool ninos, what software did you use to sync your car with the phone

[fiveliterbeater]

i think i can answer that one for you; looks like he just has a cable running from the phone to the RCA jacks in the back.

question is where do i get that cable?

[ninos_9]

lol close one "fiveliterbeater ... I dont have the RCA plugins in the back.. My car came only with nav thats about it. so when i installed my external dvd player and headrest tv's, i had to buy a dvd to nav converter so the movies can been watched thru nav screen .. I also had iphone adaptor but i told him take it off and replace with my nokia mod. So that converter was basicaly like RCA..Finaly, i asked my guy if he can connect my phone to nav desplay and he did it.. it took him not even a minute..

Cables can be baught from ebay.. here is a link to one http://cgi.ebay.com/Video-Cabl...24aee

[fiveliterbeater]

so just to be clear, you only did the above because you didnt have RCA plugs from the factory.

however if you r in my situation, where i do have RCA in, do i just hook the phone straight to the car with that cable?

[odie]

This would be another possible solution:

http://www.jr.com/archos/pe/AH...tails

Granted, you would need a power source and nav-hack. Still a cheaper option.