CarPC and Centrafuse Install

[guruerror]

Originally Posted by adamw89_2000

so how bout i just purchase yours off of you? lol... this seems very very nice! its excatly what ive been wanting and looking for though.... can you browse the internet on it? im sure there is a way... im like you and would want mine configured pretty much just like yourself. the software you used to set up the screen and all is it easy to use? how to you upload it to the computer? thumbdrive??

You can definitely browse the Internet...CF has a browser built in, you simply need a 3G/4G cellular modem or wifi.

The CF software is a synch to install, configure, and use. You can download a 30 trial at centrafuse.com, perhaps you should check it out. Just download and double-click to setup.

[06 SUT]

That is a great beginning write-up. I have been reviewing your set-up equipment and configuration and it does not seem to complicated to start, Laptops are our friends these days.
As your time permits, I would be interested in the adapters and pigtails that you described earlier on in the post. How is the audio from radio and sat radio? I understand you have to pull information from the installation from a couple years ago, but it is nice to discuss this with someone who has first hand Hummer knowledge.
You also mentioned losing RAP, where does this come into play? I also assume that you purchased the NAV software from CF, how does it compare to other manufacturers?

Again, thanks for the information and I believe we all look forward to reading more about your installation.

[guruerror]

If you've got a solid handle on IT (in general) then this isn't terribly complicated, it can be time consuming though. One of the most frustrating parts is making it all fit. At least I've got that part figured out...LOL.

Regarding laptops...there are a few guys on the CF forum that use a laptop as their carpc. I gave this a thought when first starting my process, but the problem that I ran into was that laptops only have one video out. I couldn't do the type of multiscreen setup that I wanted with a laptop.

As far as pigtails and adapters that were needed; since I used a Mac Mini I required a Mini-Display Port to VGA adapter (http://www.amazon.com/Apple-DisplayP...2576056&sr=8-3) and a Mini-DVI to VGA adapter (http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mini-dvi...6094&sr =1-3). These would only be required if you're also using a Mini.

I also needed 2 bare-wire to mini-rca (headphone jack) cables. The bare wire ends splice to the GM 2005 harness connector (front and rear channel) while the mini-rca end plugs into the audio out. Since the Mini only has stereo out I also used a mini-rca Y-adapter so the audio went to both the front and rear channels. If you used a PC with a surround sound audio card you would have multiple channel audio outputs on the board, so you could simply connect the front channel to the front and rear to the rear and end up with quadraphonic stereo.

I also ordered a right-angled OBD-II extension cable (http://www.scantool.net/accessories/...1962f-2ft.html) as the standard cable came straight out of the plug when connected and interfered with my leg room.

Other than that, you simply need an assortment of varied lengths and types of USB cables to accommodate the devices that you're connected and the locations where you are installing them. I'm fairly anal about cable neatness and length so I tend to have to order my cables online to get exactly want I want. This is a good source: http://www.cablestogo.com/

The radio unit that I have works as well as the stock headunit did. I'm actually looking at a replacement USB radio device though. My current unit, the Visteon HDZ300, is a bit bulky and I wanted a smaller device with a built-in antenna that I can mount in the passenger-side pillar.

Here's some other online resources that may be helpful:

Logic Supply: http://www.logicsupply.com/
Many different industrial/automotive computer systems...in case you're not a fan of Apple, or feel more comfortable with a straight-up, bare bones PC.

Car TFT: http://www.cartft.com/
More carpc stuff, but they also carry an 8" 16:9 open-frame touchscreen that has worked well for me in the past (CTF800-WMSL). The Revosys units that I currently have are apparently getting hard to find.

[adamw89_2000]

how many wire did you have to splice into and find on the truck to make your unit work? im wondering how hard they r to find and how much of the dash ill have to rip out... u dont happen to have any more pics of the install or anything do you? i wanna know as much info as possible as i think i might b able to attempt this. im not the best at it stuff. programming and what all but i think i may be able to try this....

[adamw89_2000]

next ? any pics of how u mounted all this equipement? im looking at each item you used and this is alot of this to crame in behind the dash.. such as the computer, part for the radio, part for internet... is this all behind the dash and do u have problems with no reception... radio wise, internet.. and etc.

[guruerror]

I've been looking for my pics everywhere...I took a lot to document the airbag work and the PC install, but I can't find them any where.

The Mini fits in the old airbag housing...it's actually the only bit that's in that section of the dash (besides the second display). *The hubs are mounted where the OnStar unit was. *The radio module is mounted in the console and connects to the factory antenna...no reception problems. And my 4G modem is mounted inside the passenger-side pillar.

The only wire I had to tap into was the one coming off the steering column that carries the steering wheel control signal. Everything else you need is in the radio wiring harness and can be connected to with the standard GM harness adapter (the same one that is used to install any standard aftermarket head unit).

You'll probably need to take the majority of your dash apart to complete this install...except the bit where the defrosters a are...lol.

[adamw89_2000]

i was reading on the mp3 forum... very knowledagble people there! lol but im leaning towards the idea of a tablet! instead of the car pc..... id advise everyone to read up...