HI;

I am embarking on an ambitious project to install a computer in my 2004 MDX (I'm a professional computer guy).

Does anyone know where I can get a technically detailed manual of the navigation and stereo system? My MDX has the touring and navigation packages of course.

I want to have a PowerMac G4 Cube (http://www.apple-history.com/frames/...y&model=g4cube) trunk or center console mounted. This G4 Cube will tie in to the existing Acura navigation system (KVM to display in dash) and have a full Mac there with iTunes, Internet, etc. Have a Bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse to control system, and a Griffin Technology PowerMate (http://griffintechnology.com/product...te/blackpm.php) for easy system control from driver's seat. Adapt Verizon Wireless Audiovox PC card (https://evdo.sslpowered.com/secure.htm) or alternative for high speed Internet on the road. Include USB microphone (http://www.macmice.com/micflex.html) above drivers seat for aiding in voice control of system.

And yes, I am a bit nuts. All of us professional computer geeks are.

Vic

 

Wow! That's quite a list. Be sure to post pictures, I can't wait to see the final product. Good luck!

 

Like what kind of technical detail are you looking for? If you're trying to hack the systems so that you can use the OEM nav screen as the Mac's display, I wouldn't count on it. I doubt the screen can take VGA or DVI input.

 

it's no big deal
just hide an inverter below the cube somehow and then get a vga to rca converter, or a card for the cube

then just wire it up in the back of the nav system tied into the dvd input (i believe there is one there, if not o well, tie it into the monitor)

there are sellers online of systems that make flat paneles and such touch screens that pllug into usb ports with software, try and find a universal one that is smalll enough for your screen.

this task would be much easier wiht a PC than a mac, just to tell you.

even if you were to run linux instead of windows, a PC would be 30 times easeir casue of perhiperal support, as a computer guy you should know that mac's arent worth the trouble anymore, they are just unix systems now that have no hardware support.
i suggest buying somthing like a bragbox or a mini box for use

 

It isn't a TV screen. Do you know for sure that there's a composite video input on the back of that LCD? I would be surprised.

What exactly does "tie it into the monitor" mean?

Uh, he already picked out exactly the hardware he wants to use. I don't know how you qualify "no hardware support" for Macs.

And what is a bragbox? I searched for it on google and didn't see anything that looked relevent.

 

fragbox, it's a small computer utilizing only one 5.25" drive bay, it's made for lan partys and such. but i has a handle.

you can find small form-factor boxes online at stores otherwise.

tie it in means use VGA/ dvi support from the monitor. remember, when making something you dont want to create all new technologies, i'm sure that it is just a form of composite/ vga/ dvi that they used

to me this entire project seems like somthign that is never going to be useful, and is just going to be a pain in the a**

having a monitor in the dash that is 7" or so and tying a computer inot it, you'd have to have the passenger control it if you were to use a mouse/ keyboard, thats why i suggest the use of a pc and a touch-screen interface.

and have the box up front? you might as well have it in the back and run all the wires up front.

patch up an IDE cable and then run the DVD rom/rw drive into a DIN and use that at least.

I have heard of many computers being put into the trunks of cars for the use of MP3 playing in cars and as the car stereo, but i'm not sure how they were controled.

don't flame me, i know what i'm talking about and this just seems like it would be a giant mess.... tho i mus admit, it is tempting, it will be to hard to do to take any pleasure out of when he's done

 

It might be VGA, but at what resolution and refresh rate? Is he going to have to write his own video driver for the LCD? Is the LCD going to be able to display anything other than the resolution that the nav system was desigend for? If, in fact, it is VGA, is there going to be a connector accessible? Will he have to cut open the nav system to get to it? Will he have to solder his own 15 pin connectors in? What if there's one thick cable running to the LCD screen that includes power and video data? Will he have to cut it and patch into it?

I'm not trying to flame you. Your ideas raise a lot of questions that you don't answer. If you do know what you're talking about, please try to write more clearly about it.

 

it's written in a consise format.

i dont know what he'll run into it all depends on the system, which i have never seen, i am just stating that it would probably be smarter from a economical standpoint for the manufacturer to use already proven technologies in some form of another.

it is all a matter of just hot-wiring the screen trial-error style. unless you can find the manufacturers original specs.

i mean for all i know there could be a composite video in jack for futher support, but i've never seen it, so i just don't know exactly.

sorry if my lack of knowledge in a small area of a navigation system is incomplete, but it doesnt mean that i am wrong in saying that it is completely insane to try and do this because of all the work involved, it just seems like somthing that will just keep posing problems and not actually worth the effort you put into it other than saying you did (which is stastisfation enough for many, but come on, do we always need to brag?) I completely understand your stance that what i'm saying is incomplete, but it's also not full of holes either, i wasnt writing a DIY or anything, i was just proposing a plan of action that one might want to take or things one who is trying to do this might want to look into.

mod's don't cclose this thread, it's getting interesting, and it really isnt about flaming, i'm not mad at him, this is an educated discussion.

 

Well I found out that the NAV system is OEM from Alpine. I will call them on Monday and see if I can find out what the resolution is.

Worst case, I will move the NAV/CD/Radio down a few inches in a custom built housing and have the bigger screen up top for hte computer, probably this one from Xenarc: http://xenarc.com/product/700ts.html

I will absolutely, positively not use Windows. I am a professional Mac guy. I can do everything I need to do with Mac OS X. I already have the G4 Cube in my office and I am ordering all the components I need (USB mic, fingerprint authentication, USB hubs, etc.) I've contacted a few custom audio shops to see who can assist with making everything look professional once installed (mainly power and positioning of components without making the dash look like Baghdad when everything is done.

Vic

 

that monitor is a nice choice, i'd go with it, but it still looks a little off for a car. I'd try to find one that is square and that screws directly to the dash