Truck Computer - carputer - Build Log

Hey ladies, boys, fellow nerds...
If your not a nerd, too bad! Nerds are the winz.

This project is ambitious for me. Just look at the date on the thread and see how long I have put it off and come back to it--working little by little. Luckily the internet provides plenty of knowledge and I am good at troubleshooting.

Hope you enjoy my wordy-craziness.

LAST UPDATE--Audio Cable Soldering


I want to install a computer and touchscreen in my truck's dash.
Why you ask? For GPS, music, video for passengers, internet and various other applications. I haven't seen much on these installs here so I figured I'd share the build and info I get along the way.

I have a truck that I use for contract work and frequent long road trips to work out of.

I'm getting a friend who has done custom dash work on show cars to help with the fabrication.
The upper limit I'm thinking is a low power i3 build with a ssd main disk and 3tb storage drive.
For power I will used a DC-DC 250-300W. I haven't decided on the model yet.
Monitor I will need a Transflective Touchscreen and haven't decided on size. 7in would be cheapest to install and has the most choices. 10" widescreen would be my preference but I need to do more research on where to buy and the choices.

Other considerations::

• Replace the stock audio headunit?
• Where to relocate the digital a/c controls?
• Install amp/subs?
• Front usb ports?
• Power switch?
• Mouse/keyboard?
  
• Power requirements--battery/alternator...
  
• How to deter theft?

If I go with the 10" screen I will be using XBMC for my media content... smaller and I may look at more options or the best skin for the smaller touchscreen.


POST-PURCHASE BUILD SPECS:
computer - core i3 2100t, GT 520, itx board, 4gb ram, 120gb ssd, 2 x 2tb storage, wifi card (was laying around unused), 250w dc-dc psu with integrated startup-shutdown controller
monitor - 10" touchscreen (non-transflective)
audio - 2 x 10" subs powered by 500w amp


LINKED POSTS:

Purchased computer build.
Purchased monitor, psu.
Purchased subs/amp.
Before Pictures and Parts Pictures Up!
Pulled Dash.

LONGGGG Delay...

Check monitor/dash fit.


PC Test Run.


Audio Cable Routing.


Wiring Harness Work.

1. Dash work
   • Plastic weld, sand, fill/prime/paint dash.
   • Finish audio cables for wiring harness and connect all wiring.
   • Read through wiring harness and PSU manual to determine which wires other then audio cables to connect and where. Called up the people who made it. Made all the connections they said.
   • Install GPS/USB and other accessory cabling.
2. Wiring
   • Big three upgrade (if necessary) -- I need to see what gauge wire currently is installed.
   • Run power wires to amp and psu -- 4 gauge wire for the amp, will use the same for psu. I need to determine where/what fuse to install. Done, used 8gauge for PSU and 2gauge for amp.
   • Splice monitor power cable and tie it into psu for auto power on/off with computer/truck. Done, need to update photos.
   • Run audio cables to amp location -- I might need to make these. I still need to terminate cable but the wire itself is run.
   • Run USB extensions -- will probably just put cable through a grommet on the dash in the compartment on the right hand side to make things easier.
3. Audio
   • Mount amp to back of the cab behind the back seat.
   • Build speaker box. Ordered a pre-built one made to fit under my backseat for $100 that fit the dimensions of my subs.
   • Connect stock audio to pc and sub amp/subs.

Any input or suggestions would be great!

Thanks Guys and Gals!
.Wes
Edited by mrwesth - 4/15/12 at 5:48am

It's a chevy 1500.

Sorry, i5 was a typo. It links back to the lowest power i3 available.
I am considering an i5 though as an alternative because an alternator upgrade isn't a big deal.

I was planning on buying a display with a standard resolution if possible, but if onboard can't handle the display res, a gfx upgrade is no big deal. Again, power is not a huge concern... Alternator upgrade, second battery, whatever.

And the DC-DC psu's I'm looking at do have a usb shutdown controller. If not I will simply buy a separate power controller for these purposes. This is likely to be the psu M4-ATX 250W

Thanks for the thoughts and input!

The computer should be fairly intrinsically safe with an ssd. The storage drive won't be, but I'm willing to lose data on that drive as it is for media that is backed up else where. Plus 3tb of ssd's or laptop hd's would be expensive. I might buy an external hdd controller to keep the storage disc off when not playing media.

Music will be on the ssd.

Good thought!

I'm open to amd but why would it be better then i3?