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GraphiteDak
GenIII
 
12/26/2004
23:51:48
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 Subject: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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OK. I usually post this tuff in the members area but thought I'd see what others think of these things.
I've been wanting to use a small PC based media center in my vehicles for years. Now that the costs have come way down and more and more people are actually doing this I finally built myself one.
Using a mini PC board running Windows XP Pro and using a touch screen monitor where my old mp3-CD head unit was I now have over 4000 mp3's on my single hard drive as well as GPS navigation, DVD player, etc. Later I can always add more hardware and software for whatever I want.
I temporarily installed the touch screen monitor today as the rest of the system and a new amp for my door speakers to run on. The subwoofer and amp for it was already surgically installed by me last year in my quad cab (many know there is little room behind these seats).
I've got to reccess the monitor a little more (more surgery) and make some trim for the gaps on the side.
I tested it out and it sounds bad a$$ through the 2 amps from the computer. I don't have a keyboard or mouse hooked up right now. I just use the touch screen monitor for control.
Using Windows Media Player I can play an album from a band or everything from a band with a couple clicks of the screen. The animated visualisations are cool as well.
Funny thing is my Sony mp3 player (I've had for 3 years now) took up to 30 seconds to play when you turned it on when I had around 150 songs on a burned cd with mp3's.
This approx 2 Ghz PC setup starts in about 15 seconds and is easier to navigate the folders of 4000 songs I already have on the hard drive so far!
I've got my entire project so far shown on my site here http://www.paysonarizona.net/MyProjects/ProjectDak/MultiMediaSystem.htm
I found some online sites to get the touch screens and other monitors CHEAP. Parts shipped directly form Honk Kong in less than 1 week and skipping the middle man!
If anyone is interested I can post a link.
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Luke
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2004
00:45:23
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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That looks fun as hell!! Please post your links that you talk about. All you need to figure out now is how to keep a regular radio in there so you have a few more options.
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99blkdak
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2004
05:38:35
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Bro you could of done this easier.
http://www.technofile.com/news/trc_mis.html
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02dak
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2004
07:45:58
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Who cares what he could of bought. I love the modification, i am a big fan of wmp and would like to do something much like this in the future. Graphite, one thought (that you may have already taken care of) is the screen could be mounted so that it could easly placed out of site. I know you dont want anyone breaking in to get ahold of that.
Back to 99blkdak: I love to see people who take a little knowalage, and decide to BUILD things instead of BUYing them. Maybe you should try experincing the thrill of building your own mod, and then you might understand a job well done.
Graphite, why do you want a mouse?
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99blkdak
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2004
08:19:29
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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02dak,
If you want to talk about knowalage, maybe you should learn how to spell knowledge. The reason I gave him this link was that I have installed this in two different cars. Before I found out about the MIS System, I tried to go the same route that GraphiteDak is going, but the computer was way too big, this was before you could buy these mini cases that are the size of cd changers. If you have ever watched Pimp my Ride, it's the same unit that they have installed in a couple of cars. I give GraphiteDak all the props in the world for trying. And I have fabricated many things and yes I understand a job well done. I have rebuilt the entire cuddy in my cabin cruiser, built suspension components for sleds, for that matter I had a tourque rod on my seld before they were even selling them. It was made out of a turnbuckle and some brackets.
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02dak
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2004
23:20:52
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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You say that not having a mini case kept you from making an neat and tidy install...... If I read correctly, Graphite Dak did NOT use a case of anykind, he used a peice of sheet metal to provide a ground
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
12/27/2004
23:21:01
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Well what do you mean trying?
It's not mounted like I intend to do permanently, but IS up and running 100%.
I got THIS from that link you posted.
"With Pentium 4 •2.4 GHz processor •512 DDR RAM •60-GB Hard Drive
SYS 3.1: 7" TFT LCD Touchscreen Monitor with one VGA input and USB interface: $2,699.00
"
Dude. $2699.00??????????
Someone is getting RIPPED for buying that. What a scam!
Maybe I should build and sell these custom and make a profit like that!
You can go to Fry's electronics and BUY that PC system in that square box for $300~$400. It's called a "bare bones system.
All they did was slap a touch screen on it and expect you to MOUNT that thing? Where?
Ok. Mine is about 2.0Ghz. I've got a 120 Gig Hard Drive, DVD BURNER 512 Megs DDR, etc. The computer is NOT in a box THEY build (like shown above) giving less options for installation.
My computer is HIDDEN and intergrated in my truck. The Touch Screen is all that's visable and WILL be removable.
I still need a windows based wireless remote. Just to operate VOLUME and Fast Forward, Rewind. The sliders are too small when driving to do that safely.
The thing actually decodes the mp3's WAY cleaner than the $400 Sony mp3 head unit I have does.
plus the built in audio on the motherboard has great software/hardware to tailer the sound like the 10 band EQ.
For $300 more I can install TWO regular flat screen video monitors in the back seat by ordering where I got my touch screen.
Leaving the middle man out saves lots of money. A website magazine showed a BMW with the touch screen I have. They gave a link for where they got it. It was almost DOUBLE what I paid. Mine came directly form Hong Kong (where most of this stuff is made) rather than from a thrid party here in the states who marks it up once more.
Here's the link for some parts.
http://www.ex-audio.com/shop/index.php
You guys will SHEET when you see how cheap complete overhead DVD systems are there!
The computer parts I just bought from Fry's electronics.
I got lucky on that. I wanted what is called a "mini-itx" board. But I bought a ATX board that was almost as small! Only two PCI ports and runs twice as fast for the same money or less.
If you want to get out the vasoline, you can order one of those $2500 and up systems.
I'll make my own. Like they said, it's a better thrill to build something yourself from the ground up and that's how every single mod so far on my Dak is except for the cams. I got that idea fom others but did it myself. :-)
My next mod is an upgraded security system.
Not sure if I want to make the mustard gas generator or not? Silly how injuring a theif can get you sued!
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02dak
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
11:05:12
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Graphite: I dont know if u looking for sugesstions, but it work we have a wireless mouse, i think logitec makes it. this one is different, it has a "lock" so that u can stay on one control, and a scroll wheel. the wheel would be be a great remote volume control.
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
12/28/2004
18:30:43
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Thanks 02Dak but actually I really don't need the mouse at all with the touch screen.
I do need to go buy a wireless keyboard which there are plenty of those out there.
I even saw one at Best Buy all compact for people doing what i am doing.
Bad thing was a button fell right off the POS demo one when I was playing with it and another was already missing!
I'll probably just buy a name brand one from Fry's. It will be put under the seat 99% of the time until i need to do program mods or type in an address on the navigation program.
Funny thing. Right now I'm typing on my computer I built in my work vehicle. I've been using this one for a while now but it's not a small touch screen, it's a 15" screen with a mini keyboard and touch mouse all mounted to a bracket I welded together. Looks like what the police use.
Right now I'm parked and connected on someone elses wireless connection waiting for my next call :-)
My main purpose for this one is to find addresses of jobs.
This has been working for a few years for me. I used to use a laptop but it was dying and not worth the money to leave in here. This was all spare parts I had except the monitor.
Once I saw touch screens available and affordable (been wanting one for like 3 years) I decided to build one in my truck.
Did anyone check out that link I posted? Between that guy and going to Fry's Electronics for the computer parts you could build 4 systems for what that other place posted gets!
So the choice is
1)do it yourself
or
2)get out the vasoline!
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
19:22:46
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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I love it, sitting outside a business or house and hijacking thier wireless. I guess most people haven't heard of encryption ;)
Graphite, have you found or looked for a FM receiver that's compatable with PC arcitecture, PCI, USB, etc.
Your project sounds pretty sweet and great for storing a years worth of listening pleasure, but what about receiving radio stations? I haven't looked into this type of system, but it seems pretty nice.
$2500 isn't bad, it even comes preloaded with the movie Deliverance and a complimentary copy of the tune Dualing Banjo's,,,
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
12/29/2004
00:41:30
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Dude. $2500 would buy 4 systems elsewhere!!!
You just have to load the software yourself if you build one.
I haven't looked for an FM tuner but I bet one exists. I'm not even interested though.
While driving my company vehicle all I get to listen to is the FM radio. In my personal truck all I listen to is mp3's. There is no reason what so ever to listen to the radio unless I wanted news or something.
Oh, speaking of the wireless, I'm glad most people don't set the encryption.
Heck, I haven't bothered with my own.
I want it to be easy to connect when I work on a computer and I've got two wireless game adapters (playstation/x-box) connected to it and not sure if it would work encrypted or not.
At my house I'm in the middle of a street and there is no place to really parl for people to sit and connect. A neighbor COULD however use my internet. I've been telling my sister for a while she needs to get another computer. I found many connections from her neighbors that she could use.
Anyway. Tonight I bought a USB extension/hub so I can re locate the computer. I also brought home some sheet metal from work. If I get home early enough this week I'll make that compartment under the right rear seat where the computer will recess into.
A wireless remote control is also next on my list. It's impossible to touch the small volume sliders when driving. But damn this thing rocks.
It's loud as hell too.
I'll post some pics when I hack the metal under my rear seat :-P
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
02:00:59
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Sorry, I was hacking the $2500, guess I was dating myself by that reference,,,
I like the radio option for the times that people (like my old man) ride with me, for some odd reason he doesn't like metal??? Plus, weather and road conditions are nice from time to time, guess there has to be something out there.
What are you running for a power supply on the computer components? I have never seen, probably because I never looked, a computer power supply that runs off 14V. I guess a 12vdc-120vac convertor to power the PC components would work?
This sounds like a pretty easy setup if the person knows computers and the ambition to try something different. What type of audio outputs does the MB have, most that I have worked with (can't think of any that don't) have the single banana jack. Is there a low level audio output on the MB or did you use a line level converter like the ones used for car stereo's? My stereo is controlling all Xovers for the amps, but I guess the amps can do this also.
Looks like you had to mount the amp under one of the rear seats, wasn't there enough room behind the rear seats? I just got a QC last week and was thinking of putting my amps behind the rear seats with and a single downfire 12 in the console area. Having the seats folding up is more important to me then losing some leg room in the back since I throw all my work crap back there.
All I can say is,,, Fuggin nice setup!
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Justi
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
10:05:06
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Graph I'd say I'm impressed but I'm not. After seeing your other mods I'm not impressed as I've come to expect stellar mods from you. Kick ass job! I have an '03 4x4 QC as well and bought it around the same time as you. I've been checking out your site since you started adding the Dakota projects and enjoy the hell out of it. Thanks for sharing the projects I don't have the balls to attempt myself!
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
12/29/2004
23:18:33
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Good questions DSW.
Uh, they DO make a 12 Volt powersupply. I have to order one yet. But for now my inverter is running the 120V power supply. It's a very tiny 120V power supply intended for a micro box of some sort.
The audio out works absolutely PERFECT plugging directly into my two amps line inputs.
The output of the 1/8" output is not much different than standard line out. And most new amps accept a input from millivolts to 5 or 6 volts. You simply adjust the input gain.
As for the amp under the seat... he he there is already a 800Watt amp behind the left rear seat. Shoehorned in behind my right rear seat is a Rockford Fozgate P2 subwoofer. I DID however have to modify the seat to be moved forwards 1.5 inches to accomodate that subwoofer and the 1 cu foot box.
Tonight I finally realized where I'm going to mount my computer (it's still temporarily under the front passenger seat).
I'm going to cut out a square of carpet and foam from under the right rear seat (like I did the left rear seat) and move my 800 Watt amp for the subwoofer there. Then I'll mount my computer behind the left rear seat where the 800Watt amp is now.
Another mod I did way back when was modify my rear seats. Unlike a stock quad cab, you can lift the bottom of the seats (like the do stock) and as it rasies up the back rest you can UNHOOK them and then fold them DOWN for access behind the seats.
Oh, here's a picture...
I can easily fold those suckers down.
Right there where that amp is, is where the computer will go. Then I can access it easily. Another good thing is my main power wire off of the 50 amp fuse all comes up there as well as my ground lug. It will be real easy to mount all of the power wires, remote wires and audio wires back there.
Funny thing is right now my amp remote wires are simply plugged into the 12V lead of the computer power supply. The computer turns on the amps.
I'll post more later. I've got to try finishing this by Saturday. Want to take the family up to the snow :-)
Oh, one more update. I bought a RF remote for $50 from Fry's Electronics today. It now makes it easy to adjust volume, change tracks, etc while driving without looking at the screen. That touch screen was too hard to use when driving.The remote came with software that ties everything together. One button opens DVD, one button the 4000 mp3's, one the navigation, etc.
When it's done I hope it's clean enough to show :-P
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2004
00:01:55
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Graphite, It looks like mounting the touch screen into the stereo opening is going to be tough one, but could be done to look real nice if the monitor was fiberglassed into the stereo bezel. Well, I don't mean actually fiberglassing the monitor to the bezel, but making a form fitting pod on the bezel that the monitor will fit into. I have done a few projects with fiberglass (not an expert but not a novice) and it's pretty darn cheap and not that tough for someone that's not afraid of some experimentation. I doubt it would cost more than $20 to glass in a pod.
My newest fiberglass project is going to be shoehorning an Infinity Kappa Perfect 12" sub onto the tranny hump of my QC. I've found the 1 cuft but now comes the fun part, making it look nice ;)
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Boydzz
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2004
22:56:53
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Graghite,
This is a sweet mod! I love this idea, and have been giving it some thought. Here's my question...How do you turn the thing on? Because it runs on AC, and you have to "boot it up" as well as shut it down properly (to avoid windows error messages) how do you turn the unit on and off?
Keep up the good work,
Tim
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
12/30/2004
23:32:33
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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DSW, that's a very good idea.
The last time I messed with fiberglass was to fix some body work for some low rider kid. I never liked lowriders myself :-P
But I could make a rough mount and fine sand it with my dremel and such. Hmm...
As for your sub. You've seen my seat mod to mount mine behind the right rear seat?
It's invisible from sight and would require seat removal to steal.
It's a 10" P2 for now. I am thinking with a slight adjustment I could get a 12" back there.
Boydzz, the thing is using a AC power supply just for now. I have to order the type that adapts right form 12Volts. If I knew which wire was what exactly I would make my own. I know one lead is actually -12VDC compared to ground so that would need at least a switching supply and the rest just some regulators for the 12VDC, 5VDC, 3.3VDC that goes to the motherboard.
My small inverter powers the little micro powersupply for now. I just mounted it all under the seat tonight. Still need a few more things.
I turn it on by the two wires going to the motherboard which usually attach to that little power button you have on the front of your PC.
To turn it off or restart it is easy. Just select "shut down" using either the touch screen or the new RF remote control I bought.
I tell you. You don't know what a "juke box" in a car is until you have 4000+ songs at your fingertips!
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
12/31/2004
00:02:37
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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OK. I went and took a few updated pix just now.
Here is how the seats sit. If you look closely, the right rear seat sits 1.5 inches more forward than the left rear seat.
That allows the 1 cu ft box to fit behind the right seat. The passengers still sit just fine. Especially the typical passengers, my 9 yr old and 7 yr old.
The seat can be unhooked if you lift the bottom up half way then unhook the rear part.
I made that mod to both seats about a year ago.
There's the Rockford Fozgate P2 subwoofer. It is one loud mother f**K for a 10 inch.
I am thinking I MAY be able to shoe horn in a P2 12 inch. Funny thing is when my HE sub went bad for the 3rd time they had discontinued them. Paid the difference for the P2. The P2 actually takes only .75 cu feet vs. the 1.0 the HE used. So, all I did was screw in some 2X4's inside the box to reduce interior volume to .75 cu feet.
The 12 inch P2 I believe said it used 1.0 cu feet. I may be able to fit that sub in that box.
That will be a mod for later. Those subs are not too cheap. About $150 each or so.
Here's how the amps are as of tonight. I moved the 340 watt amp for the door speakers and tweeters to the right side.
On the left is the 800 watt. Neither amps are turned up very far.
In the middle there is the power inverter. I've had it in the truck for about a year. It always comes in handy when needed.
Here was the mess earlier as I had the seats out.
The computer is now mounted behind the left rear seat. Flipping down the seat gives full access to it. Later it will get a new custom enclosure when I change the power supply for it.
OK. In a nut shell that's how I've progressed so far.
Anybody live in Arizona? I could share ideas on mods. I know Todd and Duner lives out here. Met them at the races once :-)
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/31/2004
00:45:39
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Las Vegas, NV now, used to live in Phoenix, grew up in Casa Grande, HEY stop that laughin ;)
I saw your mod of moving the seat forward, it looks like a good option, but I'd like to have the seats flip up so all my work crap isn't sitting on the back seats. I like the seat filp-down mod, going to do that when I tear the truck up for the stereo.
How deep is your sub box at the magnet, looks to be around 6-7". The Infinity Perfect 12" I am getting has a mounting depth of 6 1/2", allow 1-1 1/2" for the vent to breathe, 3/4 MDF, 1/2-3/4" for the sub to extend and I will need about 9+" of depth for the sub and box. I don't think this will go behind the seat easily without moving the seat forward 3+ inches.
I drew up a 10" deep sub box that's has a foot print of the tranny hump and goes from the back seat up to the middle of the console. Only draw backs will be losing leg room for the middle back passanger (who will never be there) and having to cut up the console a bit. I'm glassing the L&R sides so it flows good, doing it in MDF would look choppy, too many f'n angles.
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GraphiteDak
GenIII
12/31/2004
20:16:57
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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Well, my seats WOULD flip up but the right one hits the sub box about 3/4 the way up. That's just enough to reach under and adjust the amp and enough to get the rear latch to unhook so I can lay the seat down.
I'm not sure how deep the speaker is. I guess I could look at my paperwork which i believe also shows specs for the 12 and 15.
My current box has no port. Calls for .75 cu feet sealed.
I just got back from taking some videos back (have copied about 220+ DVD to DVD so far but that's another subject) and while playing some songs I've played before I've noticed the really low sub bass is much more cleaner and louder from the pc sound card than from the almost $400 (at the time) Sony mp3-CD player I just pulled out. The 10 band EQ that the intergrated sound card supports is awesome. Got the 30 Hz cranked up a bit and the 60Hz up a little too.
Got some new pics. Will show them later I guess.
Good luck with fitting that speaker. I've heard of one other trick in our quad cabs. That is to just use another split 40 (%) seat on the right side too. That gives a gap in between.
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Leviticus
Dodge Dakota
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1/02/2005
19:48:28
| RE: Intergrated DVD/MP3 computer system
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This looks great. Ive been wanting to do something like this for a long time also..the parts are more readily available and cheaper now.
Do you have to go thru the entire shut down and start up mode every time you shut the engine off? That would get old quick. Is there someway to make it 'hibernate' or would that still pull too much juice from the battery? Could it shut itself off automatically?
Also as far as FM goes..they do make little FM reciever cards with an antenna input and a RF Remote...that might solve two problems at once. They arent very expensive either.
Ive also heard many times that PC audio is many times better than car audio..Why hte car audio companies are so far behind i dont know. They claim the ability to withstand harsh environments makes for not as good sound quality...but most car audio components dont last worth crap anyway.
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