11 January 2006

Parts List Overview

Written by Yours Truly ( )
Published on January 11th, 2006 @ 06:10:32 pm, using 319 words, 1115 views

Categories: general information, research and planning

This post is simply for tracking the component front-runners, and their associated power consumption and wattage output. It'll be adjusted as necessary...

Primary parts list:

• Alpine CDA-9851 HeadUnit (w/ AUX RCA input from carPC)
• EPIA MII-12000 mainboard
• Akiwa GHB B05-A Mini-ITX chassis
• 512Mb PC2700 memory
• 40Gb laptop hard drive (600mA on the 5V rail)
• slimline cd-rw/dvd drive (unknown Amperage, assuming full 500mA)
• Opus Solutions 120W vehicle power supply
• Road Runner touchscreen front-end package
• 4cm cooling fan (approx 150mA on the 12V rail)
• MTSVO-SC 7" LCD screen (approx 10W [Max 1.2 Amps] on the 12V rail)
• USB1: LCD touchscreen overlay (max 500mA)
• USB2: Rikaline 6010 USB GPS receiver (approx 100mA on the 5V rail)
• USB3: spare panel-mounted USB port (Amperage dependent on device attached, but most often just a USB-key storage device, so probably 100mA)
• USB4: spare panel-mounted USB port (Amperage dependent on device attached, but most often just a USB-key storage device, so probably 100mA)

Supplemental parts list:

• VooDoo FBVC14DGU fused digital distribution block
• Scosche EFX barrel fuse assembly
• Approx 15' of 8 Gauge wire (black) to tap 12V battery current. (Start with 30A inline barrel fuse).
• Approx 10-12' of 16 Gauge wire (red) to tap Ignition ACC signal for Opus120 (approx 5mA)
• Approx 4-5' of 16 Gauge wire (red) to tap Ignition ACC signal for MTSVO-SC LCD screen (approx 5mA)
• Approx 10-12' of 16 Gauge wire (yellow) to run 12V to dashboard LCD screen (Max 1.2Amps)
• 2x10' panel-mount USB cables to run from trunk to dashboard or center console
• dual USB backplate connector using the onboard USB pins instead of using a USB hub.

Useful tool for calculating power requirements in mini-ITX computer systems: mini-ITX Power Simulator

Originally posted 28 November 2005

Edited 08 January 2006
Edited 11 January 2006
Edited 15 March 2006
Edited 20 April 2006
Edited 18 May 2006
Edited 29 May 2006

This post is the creative work of Yours Truly and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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18 November 2005

Acura mini-itx project reborn

Written by Yours Truly ( )
Published on November 18th, 2005 @ 10:36:49 am, using 3282 words, 35300 views

Categories: Acura ITX Car Computer, general information, installation overview

Project Day 1

The Leatherman Tool: We'll be using this a lot.

Well, here we are again, returning to the project which was supposed to begin in the spring of 2005, but because of other projects and random new distractions which got in the way, it looks like it's going to be a winter 2005/06 project. In case anyone is just joining us, this project involves the installation of a mini-ITX computer, retractable in-dashboard LCD touchscreen, gps receiver, wireless internet, mp3 audio (the equivalent of a 250-disc CD changer), and an aftermarket headunit into a 2001 Acura 3.2CL (non-navi). The system will be hardwired into the ignition switch: turn the key to start the car and the computer boots up at the same time. Almost hands-free.

This isn't to say that the last year was time lost, however. The last several months have seen many new developments in the world of mini-ITX computing, and in the realm of mobile LCD displays. In many ways, waiting the amount of time I have may prove to be a blessing in disguise, as the hardware which is available today wasn't around a year ago, and I would have been left wanting to tear apart my car again to upgrade the installed parts.

Anyway, on with the show... Yesterday afternoon I gathered together my Leatherman Wave Tool, a long-shaft screwdriver, some duct tape, and a digital camera, and began the surgery... The steps shown here, from photo #1 to photo #41, took about 75 minutes to complete. (The time it took to complete this write-up? A little longer).

This post is the creative work of Yours Truly and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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15 February 2005

Acura ITX Project is underway!

Written by Yours Truly ( )
Published on February 15th, 2005 @ 04:52:50 pm, using 263 words, 2771 views

Categories: Acura ITX Car Computer, general information

I've gotten most of the core parts for my vehicle-based mini-ITX system, and have started to install the OS. The plan is to hardwire a computer into the ignition of a 2001 Acura CL, run it off the car's battery, and have it turn on and off with the car's ignition switch...

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