A cheap slot load DVD/CDRW

After blowing up my last DVD drive I needed a replacement. Quick look round eBay and I got this.

I then went on LinITX and picked these up:
http://linitx.com/product_info.php?cPath=110&products_id=829
http://linitx.com/product_info.php?cPath=59&products_id=637

All fixed together nicely and works like a charm. It's better too cos it's a slot loader. Yay

USB Radio

I won an eBay auction for a DLink USB radio. This will be handy (if the signal is good enough) because I won't have to use the head unit for anything other than an amp (and pretty pictures) which means less to fiddle with and one step closer to making the PC an all in one solution

It's in!! I actually put it in!

Ok so it didn't exactly go off without a hitch but it's mostly sorted.
I wired it all up ok and was very careful to verify the voltages with a multi-meter. I then hooked the PC up to test it. Unfortunately I had connected the monitor power supply to the DVD drive. Ooops. Switched on the ignition and the drive crackled, ejected violently and started to smoke pretty bad! Fortunately I whipped it out quick and lobbed it out of the car so no major harm done but I do need a new DVD drive :(
Apart from that it booted up fine and the startup/shutdown controller works like a charm. The GPS mouse seems to be faulty but it was a freebie and I already suspected it wasn't working so it's no biggie.
I also have a lot of engine whine through the speakers but this is a problem I've had for a while which is caused by a ground loop and has just been exaccerbated by runnning even more power to the ground.

All in all it went as well as could be expected. The wires are nice and tidy, the P1290 controls the startup and shutdown nicely and the car diagnostics work perfectly. I am pleased :)

Spoiler

Well anyone who reads this blog (that's me and Martin then) knows that I'm not exactly speedy when I undertake a project. I have had a spoiler for my car sitting in my parents shed for about 6 months and finally I have got it booked in for fitting next week. It's a standard GT spoiler but I don't like those stupid boy racer ones so this is a nice subtle option. Pics to come once it's done.

Where does the time go... not into the CarPC, that's for sure!

It has been months since I posted on here and to be honest, that's because nothing has changed!
I have moved house and got a new (permanent) job but it's been a while since I did anything on the car, until now.

Since I now commute to work on the train (and walk each side of that) the car is doing VERY few miles. This means I can spend more time pampering it so I've upgraded to 99 octane fuel, Castrol GTX Magnatec oil and started washing it more. The best bit of news is that now I've moved and my Mum doesn't need or use the car anymore, my parents have given it to me! I am now the official owner and it's my name on the log book :)

I have also made a move on the CarPC.

Try not to get too excited (difficult as I'm sure that is) because it isn't in yet but I have made big steps. I have now wired up the power and signal wires to my startup/shutdown controller as well as soldering all the connections, the fuse holder and the switch together. I have measured the spaces in the car (under the seat for the PC and in the glove box for the DVD, mouse and keyboard) and cut all the cables to length.

All I need to do next weekend is:

1. Splice and solder the positive power cable into the one I already have supplying the amps.
2. Connect the ground (either to the chassis or spliced into my battery negative lead).
3. Splice and solder the ignition cable into the head unit one.
4. Feed all the cables under the trim.
5. Connect the USB devices, monitor and Consult lead to the PC.
6. Fix the DVD drive into place in the glove box.
7. Test it.

I predict this all taking about 2 hours which will allow me a little time to get the car hoovered and cleaned too.