CarPC, Rearview Cam, JVC Deck and Speakers Finally Done! - LotusTalk

noobified · 07-12-2008, 10:00 PM

First off, thanks to everyone who helped me while planning this install.

Here is the list of stuff I installed:

JVC KD-AVX44
CarPC (Aopen MiniPC w/ 7" Touchscreen)
Boyo License Plate Mounted Rearview Camera (Always on)
Polk db401 (front) speakers
Polk db521 (rear) speakers

This install was a pain due to the limited space in the car as well as having to manage/conceal all the wires. Also, there was absolutely no drilling of holes or modifications done to the car.

The 12V wire and backup camera wires were routed from the rear of the car and hidden beneath the center console.

Sorry, I do not have any pics of the installation process, but here are some pics of the end result.

1. The camera is always displaying on the JVC unit. Here is a picture with both screens.

2. Both screens. JVC controls showing.

3. Closer shot of the rearview screen.

4. Close up of the CarPC (Road Runner front end software)

5. Windows desktop screen.

6. Close up of the NAV (iGuidance 4) on the CarPC.

7. DVD playing on the CarPC

8. CarPC Mounted under the dash on the passenger side. The only wires exposed in the install are the USB cables (IPOD and NAV) plugged into the front of the CarPC.

9. USB GPS Module.

10. Front db401 speaker.

Here is a video of the system in action. Sorry for the poor quality. I recorded it using my digital camera. Both windows are down, going about 60+mph, and I can still hear the music well

YouTube - Lotus Exige S 240 Backup (Rearview) Camera and CarPC

The CarPC also has wireless installed, so I can just download music/videos/etc from my media server while parked in the driveway.

The CarPC controls the IPOD, while the JVC is connected to my cell phone via Bluetooth and displays the rearview camera.

Now, I need a car wash!

noobified · 07-13-2008, 10:16 AM

I'm also thinking about integrating DashDAQ. Anyone have any experience with it?

DashDAQ Series II - customizable OBD2 gauges, data logging, dianostics, and GPS Navigation

charliex · 07-13-2008, 10:22 AM

you might say i have some experience with it.

Since you've already got the windows pc with nav, in there, you might want to go with a obd2 interface and palmer performances PCMScan instead, it'll give you more diagnostic info and one less screen, since you've got an 2008 car you'll need CAN line OBD II diagnostics instead of K line though.

noobified · 07-15-2008, 08:28 AM

Anyone else try a CarPC installation in their Lotus?

noobified · 07-23-2008, 03:02 AM

I just downloaded a demo for PCMScan. Looks awesome. So many features, diagnostics, custom graphs, table and gauges. Even calculates MPG

I'm going to order the package from Palmer.

More fun with the CarPC. Thanks, Charlie.

charliex · 08-11-2008, 02:35 PM

Did you get an off the shelf bracket or custom for the Xenarc? I was going to put mine in place of the radio ( it fits almost perfectly ) but while i mess around with it i might as well mount it elsewhere.

noobified · 08-11-2008, 07:02 PM

I just got a clamp mount from ram-mount.com

It wasn't cheap, but a great temporary solution that looks permanent. I put padding on the areas that contact the dash area so that the aluminum surface would not get scratched. It's very sturdy too. I've never had to re-adjust it.

You can see it a little better fom this angle. The jockstrap looking thing under the screen isn't part of it, that's the Lotus cupholder

Here are the part numbers that I got...
RAP-B-121BU - Clamp base
RAP-B-201U-A - Short Arm
RAM-B-202-MA4U - Plate that attaches to the screen

charliex · 08-13-2008, 07:01 PM

cheers, good luck with the sale.

local600 · 08-13-2008, 07:48 PM

I have this unit and it is awesome.

Built in GPS with back-up camera that you can have on all the time. Ipod cable, mp3s can be loaded, It plays DVDs (which I don't plan on), etc etc. But I think the best part is that it fits the Lotus without looking out of place.

I recommend it highly.

plastique999 · 08-14-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by local600

I have this unit and it is awesome.

Built in GPS with back-up camera that you can have on all the time. Ipod cable, mp3s can be loaded, It plays DVDs (which I don't plan on), etc etc. But I think the best part is that it fits the Lotus without looking out of place.

I recommend it highly.

hey local...good to see ya again...can you give me a link to where you bought this unit? thanks!

07-13-2008, 10:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
noobified Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 447	I'm also thinking about integrating DashDAQ. Anyone have any experience with it? DashDAQ Series II - customizable OBD2 gauges, data logging, dianostics, and GPS Navigation __________________ 2008 Lotus Exige S 240 Aspen White - FOR SALE SOLD! MODS: JVC KD-AVX44 w/ Full-Time Rearview Camera, IPOD Control & Bluetooth \| Polk db401 Front Speakers \| Polk db521 Rear Speakers Rest In Peace, Little Sister. Last edited by noobified : 07-13-2008 at 10:24 AM.

07-13-2008, 10:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
charliex F=ma Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 7,893	you might say i have some experience with it. Since you've already got the windows pc with nav, in there, you might want to go with a obd2 interface and palmer performances PCMScan instead, it'll give you more diagnostic info and one less screen, since you've got an 2008 car you'll need CAN line OBD II diagnostics instead of K line though. __________________ Black Exige S - http://goth.am 265 Mule / Elan M100 ECU Tuning, http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39660

07-15-2008, 08:28 AM	#4 (permalink)
noobified Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 447	Anyone else try a CarPC installation in their Lotus? __________________ 2008 Lotus Exige S 240 Aspen White - FOR SALE SOLD! MODS: JVC KD-AVX44 w/ Full-Time Rearview Camera, IPOD Control & Bluetooth \| Polk db401 Front Speakers \| Polk db521 Rear Speakers Rest In Peace, Little Sister.

07-23-2008, 03:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
noobified Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 447	I just downloaded a demo for PCMScan. Looks awesome. So many features, diagnostics, custom graphs, table and gauges. Even calculates MPG I'm going to order the package from Palmer. More fun with the CarPC. Thanks, Charlie. __________________ 2008 Lotus Exige S 240 Aspen White - FOR SALE SOLD! MODS: JVC KD-AVX44 w/ Full-Time Rearview Camera, IPOD Control & Bluetooth \| Polk db401 Front Speakers \| Polk db521 Rear Speakers Rest In Peace, Little Sister. Last edited by noobified : 07-23-2008 at 05:00 AM.

08-11-2008, 02:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
charliex F=ma Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 7,893	Did you get an off the shelf bracket or custom for the Xenarc? I was going to put mine in place of the radio ( it fits almost perfectly ) but while i mess around with it i might as well mount it elsewhere. __________________ Black Exige S - http://goth.am 265 Mule / Elan M100 ECU Tuning, http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39660

08-11-2008, 07:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
noobified Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 447	I just got a clamp mount from ram-mount.com It wasn't cheap, but a great temporary solution that looks permanent. I put padding on the areas that contact the dash area so that the aluminum surface would not get scratched. It's very sturdy too. I've never had to re-adjust it. You can see it a little better fom this angle. The jockstrap looking thing under the screen isn't part of it, that's the Lotus cupholder Here are the part numbers that I got... RAP-B-121BU - Clamp base RAP-B-201U-A - Short Arm RAM-B-202-MA4U - Plate that attaches to the screen __________________ 2008 Lotus Exige S 240 Aspen White - FOR SALE SOLD! MODS: JVC KD-AVX44 w/ Full-Time Rearview Camera, IPOD Control & Bluetooth \| Polk db401 Front Speakers \| Polk db521 Rear Speakers Rest In Peace, Little Sister.

08-13-2008, 07:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
charliex F=ma Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 7,893	cheers, good luck with the sale. __________________ Black Exige S - http://goth.am 265 Mule / Elan M100 ECU Tuning, http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39660

08-13-2008, 07:48 PM	#9 (permalink)
local600 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: burbank, ca Posts: 169	I have this unit and it is awesome. Built in GPS with back-up camera that you can have on all the time. Ipod cable, mp3s can be loaded, It plays DVDs (which I don't plan on), etc etc. But I think the best part is that it fits the Lotus without looking out of place. I recommend it highly. __________________ John McCain on Iraq: “I don’t think Americans are concerned if we’re there for 100 years, or a 1,000 years, or 10,000 years” Sarah Palin on running mate rumors: “As for that VP talk all the time, I’ll tell you, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me what is it exactly that the VP does every day?

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