986 Carputer? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Sain0rs · 07-26-2007, 09:06 AM

Don't forget you'll want to make sure you get a transreflective LCD otherwise the display will be washed out (re: unreadable) in the sunlight with the top down.

cmarks20 · 07-26-2007, 10:05 AM

Thanks for reminder. I'll have to see if I can find a double-DIN one. Either that or maybe some kind of "hood" to block the sunlight without blocking visibility of the LCD. $400 or so is still $400.....

cmarks20 · 07-27-2007, 06:05 AM

After much research, I've come up with a requirements / function list and a few things I'll be implementing:

1. MP3 audio
2. DVD playback
3. Navigation with voice (GPS based)
4. Wifi via USB
5. Bluetooth via USB
6. OBDII diagnostics via USB
7. In-cabin access for USB devices
8. Mini wireless keyboard
9. AM / FM Radio (possibly XM or Sirius as well)
10. Touchscreen (transreflective)
11. PCMCIA slot type I & II
12. Voice recognition

I've decided on a VoomPC2 case mounted in the front trunk with a "molded in" LCD touchscreen and CD \ DVD slot loaded drive in the dash. I'm thiniking a VIA C7 enabled board, as they run on around 20w at full load. This project should be interesting, and cost around the same price as a high end in-dash DVD unit.

I'm currently looking for a fabrication shop that will be able to mount a 7-8" LCD in my radio bezel (I'll be relocating the AC controls to the lower bracket) locally. I'm in Northern VA, so if anyone has any suggestions, please share.

I'll make sure to take lots of pictures and keep this thread going throughout my install for those who may be interested in this as a future modification.

LowFlyR · 03-15-2008, 10:05 AM

Did you ever finish this project? I'm looking to do something similar.

cmarks20 · 03-16-2008, 08:19 AM

Unfortunately not =(. A slew of things got in the way of doing any modification to the car. Now that things have slowed down a bit, I'll have more time to start working on a few of the dozen projects I have in store for it.

I'm loving the C4S cluster. How much trouble was it to get it in there?

LowFlyR · 03-16-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmarks20

I'm loving the C4S cluster. How much trouble was it to get it in there?

Actually, it was not that bad. If you are planning to do it, use C2 cluster, it is even easier and less problems.

cmarks20 · 03-16-2008, 09:08 PM

I'm just looking for something that's a bit more functional and appealing than the standard 986 one. I love the idea of being able to use the on-board computer, but cringe at the thought of installing the stalk.

cmarks20 · 03-16-2008, 09:19 PM

I'm just looking for something that's a bit more functional and appealing than the standard 986 one. I love the idea of being able to use the on-board computer, but cringe at the thought of installing the stalk.