Jan-Petter Kruger
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• Horten, XX, Norway |
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• Registered on 3/3/2004 |
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• 2 posts |
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 Posted:4/19/2004 00:44 |
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I've been toying around with a carputer project for my 2000 X for some time now. I think I'm starting to get the picture of what I need(want) concerning the computer part. Now I need some pointers and help concerning the sound things. No point in installing a carputer without beeing able to listen to those mp3's filling up the harddisk , right ?
I hava a stock radio. 6 CD shifter located in the center console with rear seat controls. Anyone have any pointers on how to get the computer connected to the stock radio system ?
Jan-Petter ::-Q
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Dave Sullivan
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• Kitchener, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 2/27/2003 |
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• 199 posts |
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 Posted:4/19/2004 10:54 |
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I'm assuming your only talking audio.
You only need to figgure out if the data from the cd changer is audio or if its processed inside the radio.
From there you would inject the audio (mono or stereo) from your computer. I would guess the signal level would be compatable. Probably a couple of mV or so.
Injecting the audio at that stage would give you lots of bells and whistles to play with.
If you just want to amplify the audio from the comp then just wire it into the pre-amp stage in the radio making sure that you decouple any D.C.. You would likely want to put a phone plug in to make it nice and tidy.
Hey .. will this thing wash the dishes and take care of the kids in the back too?
Dave S.
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Jan-Petter Kruger
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• Horten, XX, Norway |
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• Registered on 3/3/2004 |
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• 2 posts |
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Posted:4/19/2004 11:47 |
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yup, only talking audio. The one thing in this project I know absolutely nothing about. So when reading something like checking where audio is processed, injecting the audio , pre-amp stage and things like that I get all 
Could you just point me a little more into what to look after ?
And , yes. This thing will in relase 10.2.3 do my dishes, wash my clothes , and give me a shower. The kids in the back have to move out though, because there will not be any room for them
First release is making my own Linux distro, getting in a 7" lcd screen, making my own computer case to go into the center console, playing music, showing GPS data, and a reverse activated rear view camera. This is going to take long time , elapsed, so all the other ideas have to be on hold for a while. |
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Dave Sullivan
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• Kitchener, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 2/27/2003 |
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• 199 posts |
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Posted:4/19/2004 16:20 |
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Sounds like you have some neat features going in.
If you have the wiring diagrams for your ex, Page 130-7 gives the pin outs for the radio and cd changer. This looks like the best point of entry for your computer music although, I would think the cd changer would be a better option. Unless your one of those Audiophiles that as umpty gig of music on his comp.
One thing you don't want to do is splice and tape. Try to use proper wiring harness and plugs. IT looks better and its safer and you won't have to be concerned with intermitant problemsand when it comes to selling your EX (Heaven forbid) you just have to unplug and Run.
I'm betting all you have to do is input the audio but you may have a protocol issue cuz the radio is set up to tell the cd changer what to do. If not then the next best thing to do is obtain a suitable amplifier and just set up a switching device to switch your speakers (X6) from the radio to the amp and just plug in your comp to the input of the amp. And again.. use proper harness and plugs. don't go the splice and tape route.
If you need the pin outs from the diagrams, I'll put those on here too.
OH.. and too bad about the kids :-)
Dave S.
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Boar-Ral
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• Edmonton, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 8/20/2003 |
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• 56 posts |
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Posted:6/10/2004 10:59 |
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| Quote: | | I've been toying around with a carputer project for my 2000 X for some time now. I think I'm starting to get the picture of what I need(want) concerning the computer part. Now I need some pointers and help concerning the sound things. No point in installing a carputer without beeing able to listen to those mp3's filling up the harddisk , right ? |
I built an AutoPC in my Chevrolet Avalanche's centre console using a lot of fibreglass reconstruction. Connecting the stereo was easy using a PIE auxilliary input but General Motors uses as many stereos in all of their vehicles as Ford uses in the past few years of Excursions. This makes it very difficult to determine if PIE makes an adapter for a particular Excursion stereo. Someone posted a method to access the service mode in the stereo that revealed the version number of the firmware. If I can locate that thread and post it, it might help.
When I purchased my Excursion, I did not transfer my AutoPC. I bought a Pioneer navigation system, a Kenwood Music Keg, and the factory DVD system to replace it. I am still considering installing a computer under each seat, but it would not be as tightly integrated with the vehicle and each passenger would be responsible for their own sound from the computer via the headphone jack.
I understand that you have a good idea what you are doing but if you do have any questions, feel free to ask. I've built three AutoPCs over the past two years and have considerable experience with these.  |
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Boar-Ral
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• Edmonton, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 8/20/2003 |
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• 56 posts |
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Posted:6/10/2004 11:14 |
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| Quote: | | First release is making my own Linux distro, getting in a 7" lcd screen, making my own computer case to go into the center console, playing music, showing GPS data, and a reverse activated rear view camera. This is going to take long time , elapsed, so all the other ideas have to be on hold for a while. |
My LCD display of choice for AutoPC projects is the Xenarc 7" touchscreen. (This might be what you are using.) I slowly collected components for a year and at Christmas 18 months ago I decided to purchase all of the remaining hardware at once and complete the project. Building the fibreglass enclosure and fitting everything was the most difficult. (Anyone who has seen the interior of a Silverado or Sierra will get a general idea. The AutoPC was built where the CD storage is beneath climate control.) When completed though, the project was definitely worth it. |
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Boar-Ral
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• Edmonton, XX, Canada |
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• Registered on 8/20/2003 |
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• 56 posts |
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Posted:6/10/2004 12:01 |
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| Quote: | | From there you would inject the audio (mono or stereo) from your computer. I would guess the signal level would be compatable. Probably a couple of mV or so. |
I have the factory DVD system and found that the auxilliary inputs are ideal for aftermarket audio. At the moment, I have an ugly set of cables hanging from there but as soon as I have time, I want to get a stereo shop to wire into it directly, behind the plastic shroud. This is another option, for those with the factory system. |
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