How hard would this be to install in my G?

[bestint]

thats crazy

[pfarmer]

thats crazy

It is generally better for the computer side of the tracks to use a purpose built computer.

For example many if not most do not rely on a cooling fan but instead rely on a case designed as a heat sink. A fan can suck dirt in and eventually stop running and then the computer will overheat. Not that you can protect the computer itself with a fan on the outside.

Also typically you go with a hardened hard drive which is designed to absorb the shock impacts typical in a car. Some laptops are designed this way but many are not (although normally much better than desktops).

The dvd player shown is an example of a touch panel that allows you to hide the display and also mount the unit in a more normal, often easier to mount method in a car. I think the one I showed is an 8 inch display.

The address of the site is somewhat unique since it brings all of this together in one place, often times you have to really hunt for the various individual pieces of the puzzle.

Also I prefer Delorme's Topo program here. One of the reasons is that it comes on DVD with the entire USA on one disc. It is updated very often and the updates are downloadable. Full version updates which can be substantial are usually less than about 80 bucks to registered users. The latest one for my outdated 2008 is 190 bucks and it was outdated the day I purchased my Infiniti. Also if you hike you can connect your hand held gps and sync maps in both directions and do so in the car. Delorme also sells a hand held gps that is highly regarded in some circles.

As far as the ability of observing your cars performance there are many options including one purpose built computer interface that could be connected to a carputer in much the same way it can connect into the Infiniti's normal system (aux port for example).

For this reason if you really want to customize your electronics in this fashion you are probably much better off with a very basic system in the Infiniti to start with since it is easier to eithe interface it into the carputer or trash it altogether.

If you are really good it is also possible to go this sort of route and replace the cars normal computer systems which is what large industrial trucks essentially do, some have a whole bank of networked truckputers.

Perry

[fiveliterbeater]

not a G, but here is a Mac Mini installed in an M

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

[nismike]

What did you use to mount the screen...

I think if I get a Mac Mini, 200 bux... Wireless keyboard, and some type of mouse... If I use a power inverter that I have... It comes on when I turn the car on lol...

the Mac Mini will be really nice in the glove box... I will cut the back out or put a vent for wires and air...

I found the screen you have on ebay... and I am winning for 40 bux lol... But Im sure that will go for over 100 bux.

DJ

I just used some metal brackets and bolted it to something, I don't remember exactly what i did. I have had it for almost 2 years. If you don't win the xenarc, liliput monitors are good too. So your just going to do hard shut downs by dropping power on your inverter? That cant be good for the computer. you should check out MP3car.com and see if there's a DC to DC power supply for the mini macs.

[nismike]

It is generally better for the computer side of the tracks to use a purpose built computer.

For example many if not most do not rely on a cooling fan but instead rely on a case designed as a heat sink. A fan can suck dirt in and eventually stop running and then the computer will overheat. Not that you can protect the computer itself with a fan on the outside.

Also typically you go with a hardened hard drive which is designed to absorb the shock impacts typical in a car. Some laptops are designed this way but many are not (although normally much better than desktops).

The dvd player shown is an example of a touch panel that allows you to hide the display and also mount the unit in a more normal, often easier to mount method in a car. I think the one I showed is an 8 inch display.

The address of the site is somewhat unique since it brings all of this together in one place, often times you have to really hunt for the various individual pieces of the puzzle.

Also I prefer Delorme's Topo program here. One of the reasons is that it comes on DVD with the entire USA on one disc. It is updated very often and the updates are downloadable. Full version updates which can be substantial are usually less than about 80 bucks to registered users. The latest one for my outdated 2008 is 190 bucks and it was outdated the day I purchased my Infiniti. Also if you hike you can connect your hand held gps and sync maps in both directions and do so in the car. Delorme also sells a hand held gps that is highly regarded in some circles.

As far as the ability of observing your cars performance there are many options including one purpose built computer interface that could be connected to a carputer in much the same way it can connect into the Infiniti's normal system (aux port for example).

For this reason if you really want to customize your electronics in this fashion you are probably much better off with a very basic system in the Infiniti to start with since it is easier to eithe interface it into the carputer or trash it altogether.

If you are really good it is also possible to go this sort of route and replace the cars normal computer systems which is what large industrial trucks essentially do, some have a whole bank of networked truckputers.

Perry

I was with you up to the last three paragraphs.. I have no idea what you were saying. Also, The new garmin software is 3D, it looks just like the garmin portable units. What you see is what was available when I built my PC. Interesting point on the fan thing. I need to take mine apart and see if my fan is getting clogged. Im not sure if the HDDs that are made for the extremes of a vehicle would be worth the expense. I have never had any problems with mine, at this point even if it failed now I would probably just replace it with another standard HDD.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I really don't think that it would be that much of a problem... You can clean it out with a shop vac in about 2 mins...

DJ

[pfarmer]

I was with you up to the last three paragraphs.. I have no idea what you were saying. Also, The new garmin software is 3D, it looks just like the garmin portable units. What you see is what was available when I built my PC. Interesting point on the fan thing. I need to take mine apart and see if my fan is getting clogged. Im not sure if the HDDs that are made for the extremes of a vehicle would be worth the expense. I have never had any problems with mine, at this point even if it failed now I would probably just replace it with another standard HDD.

As far as the computer interface for viewing car parameters, I will have to find the company for that. It puts out an rca output that can connect into the current aux input of an Infiniti.

As far as the basic system for the Infiniti I am refering to the Infiniti sound system. The more basic the better, in fact it would be nice if they was no sound system currently in the car so that you would not have to take certain interactions such as A/C, etc. into consideration.

Many if not most of the new large industrial trucks (ie mining trucks for example) basically run on computers to various degrees, that is their systems are fly by wire. The driver operates the computers which in turn operates the truck. Basically there is a bank of computers that are netted together. Typically you can learn to drive one of these things with a simulator that can be vary realistic with maybe the lack of the sensation of having 3500 hp roaring nearby.

You could do the same with a car if you know the parameters necessary. You could replace all of your cars computers systems that control things like timing, etc. What occurs in the future to your custom Infiniti when the electronics fail? In 10 years will you be able to purchase the parts necessary to keep it running, how about 20 years down the road? Will there be the year 2009 classics like there are 1969 classics?

As far as navigation the Delorme package has 2d, 3d, as well as air and sat views available. They have been in this business for a long time and while I am sure others are very capable as well, I really haven't seen anything that compares as far as software, support including upgrades, and so on.

The importance of the hardened drives come into place when you run on less then perfect roads. I know of some who state that they keep good backups when using non-hardened drives as you will have a crash sometime due to hitting railroad tracks, etc.

Some of the new laptops may be a good choice as well since they are starting to come out with solid state drives.

As far as cooling fans the problem is when they fail your system can easily go down the tubes at the same time with little or no warning. Some fans however have features that measure their rpms and can give warnings or do auto shutdowns, the same as some cpu fans. I would rather rely on a no fan solution.

Perry

[nismike]

As far as the computer interface for viewing car parameters, I will have to find the company for that. It puts out an rca output that can connect into the current aux input of an Infiniti.

As far as the basic system for the Infiniti I am refering to the Infiniti sound system. The more basic the better, in fact it would be nice if they was no sound system currently in the car so that you would not have to take certain interactions such as A/C, etc. into consideration.

Many if not most of the new large industrial trucks (ie mining trucks for example) basically run on computers to various degrees, that is their systems are fly by wire. The driver operates the computers which in turn operates the truck. Basically there is a bank of computers that are netted together. Typically you can learn to drive one of these things with a simulator that can be vary realistic with maybe the lack of the sensation of having 3500 hp roaring nearby.

You could do the same with a car if you know the parameters necessary. You could replace all of your cars computers systems that control things like timing, etc. What occurs in the future to your custom Infiniti when the electronics fail? In 10 years will you be able to purchase the parts necessary to keep it running, how about 20 years down the road? Will there be the year 2009 classics like there are 1969 classics?

As far as navigation the Delorme package has 2d, 3d, as well as air and sat views available. They have been in this business for a long time and while I am sure others are very capable as well, I really haven't seen anything that compares as far as software, support including upgrades, and so on.

The importance of the hardened drives come into place when you run on less then perfect roads. I know of some who state that they keep good backups when using non-hardened drives as you will have a crash sometime due to hitting railroad tracks, etc.

Some of the new laptops may be a good choice as well since they are starting to come out with solid state drives.

As far as cooling fans the problem is when they fail your system can easily go down the tubes at the same time with little or no warning. Some fans however have features that measure their rpms and can give warnings or do auto shutdowns, the same as some cpu fans. I would rather rely on a no fan solution.

Perry

Ok I got ya, all makes sense now. good points.

[bgwilliams1977]

That thing is owesome!!!

[USMCgetsome]

i am enjoying the thread. Keep the installation specs and installation pics coming. Fellas i am very impressed with thinking out of the box for audio/nav systems in the g. GREAT THREAD!

FOR THE GUYS WITH NAV SYSTEMS. What gps systems and antennas are being used?

Also, how will those mac mini's interface with those touch screen lcd screens. This is what i do not understand.
Modified by USMCgetsome at 2:24 PM 5/31/2009

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I got the screen for 128 bux on ebay...

I am trying to get a mac mini now...

DJ

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Well I was bidding on a Mac Mini and then I had a better Idea.

I have a Mac Book Pro that I use for school. But when I am at home I have a desk top. I sync the two and don't ever use the laptop.

I am going to use that as my computer... and I can just take it out of the car when i need it.

I am going to keep it in the back of the driver seat

I will use the power outlet in the center armrest to power the inverter and mount the inverter under the driver seat. I will run the wires to the screen for power, audio, and VGA in the council and then I have an extra power cord for the mac book pro that Can stay in the car...

When I get in the car I open the rear door. Slid the laptop in, Plug the VGA in, The usb for the touch screen and the power cord for the laptop.

When I leave the car and I leave the laptop in it I will just put the computer to sleep before I get out of the car. The mac book can stay on sleep for over 5 days with the battery that it has

The best part will be that the laptop has blue tooth of which i can connect my cell phone to for wireless internet and I am going to buy that really slim apple blue tooth keyboard for the Mac.

I am still looking for a small track ball or something to use as a mouse...

I can't wait for everything to get here.

Also I bought the Adapter for the head unit to have the audio input.

DJ

[nismike]

Congrats on

Well I was bidding on a Mac Mini and then I had a better Idea.

I have a Mac Book Pro that I use for school. But when I am at home I have a desk top. I sync the two and don't ever use the laptop.

I am going to use that as my computer... and I can just take it out of the car when i need it.

I am going to keep it in the back of the driver seat

I will use the power outlet in the center armrest to power the inverter and mount the inverter under the driver seat. I will run the wires to the screen for power, audio, and VGA in the council and then I have an extra power cord for the mac book pro that Can stay in the car...

When I get in the car I open the rear door. Slid the laptop in, Plug the VGA in, The usb for the touch screen and the power cord for the laptop.

When I leave the car and I leave the laptop in it I will just put the computer to sleep before I get out of the car. The mac book can stay on sleep for over 5 days with the battery that it has

The best part will be that the laptop has blue tooth of which i can connect my cell phone to for wireless internet and I am going to buy that really slim apple blue tooth keyboard for the Mac.

I am still looking for a small track ball or something to use as a mouse...

I can't wait for everything to get here.

Also I bought the Adapter for the head unit to have the audio input.

DJ

Congrats on the screen. Did it include the cables? If not, its no big deal, you can order them from xenarc. Your plan sounds like a great way to get started, and you could always move up to a more permanent setup in the future.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Congrats on Congrats on the screen. Did it include the cables? If not, its no big deal, you can order them from xenarc. Your plan sounds like a great way to get started, and you could always move up to a more permanent setup in the future.

it just didn't include the power cable. but I got one from ebay for 15 bux...

Yea and Im thinking that for the time being I don't have to invest in another computer.

When I do upgrade to a Mac Mini I will just mount it under the seat with the power inverter. on the other side. Cutting the glove box requires to much work and then you could never put it back to stock...

The Thing about the mac mini is that it doesn't have a battery and that is the best part about a laptop.

I might just be on the search for a used laptop with a good battery.

DJ

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Update.. Everything is up and working on my desk. I have all the parts.

I am waiting on GPS Receiver, and OBDII Kit.

I will be installing this in the morning

NisMike did you remove the cover to the top dash compartment?

DJ