Inspired by people like SharksWeb and Nicklemedia, I, too, decided to undertake the task of installing a carPC to play MP3s, Videos, DVDs, and have NAV and VAG-COM capability on the fly.

While it took a couple of months to get a handle on what I needed for what I wanted, the learning curve was steep, but it all came together nicely in the end. I've got the PC up and running w/ all the software and controls working as it should. I am now at the even more fun, yet frustrating, part...fabrication.

I decided on a miniPC case to ease the installation/removal of the PC for updates, maintainence, etc. I wanted something that could come out relatively easily and plugged into my hot bench. Doing an indash install would make that rather cumbersome to do. Eventually, I'd like to incorporate internet capability, but I'm not Mr. Deeppockets.

Now, some pics:
My hot bench:
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/carPC001.jpg">

<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/carPC002.jpg">

<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/carPC003.jpg">

<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/carPC004.jpg">

<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/carPC005.jpg">

Pic of the Road Runner Front End control panel:
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/menu.jpg">

Audio Browser:
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/browser.jpg">

Audio Player:
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/player.jpg">

IGuidance Navigation:
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/nav.jpg">

Last but not least, VAG-COM functionality:
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b382/sal52112/RR%20Skin/vag.jpg">

My plans for fabrication are as follows:
The touchscreen will take the place of the OEM Symphony Radio. I purchased the Metra Kit <a href="http://www.installer-data.com/item/display_item.php?it=99-9105">99-9105</a> to help make a new bezel for the touchscreen. Also embedded into the faceplate will be two usb ports and a power and reset buttion.

The case will be mounted in the trunk.

I don't have any plans for installing a remote slot load DVD into the dash anywhere, but I can always utilize the hazard/fog/cupholder area if I ever change my mind.

Not too shabby for $1200

 

Sal that's pretty dang cool!

 

Looks cool!!

 

All for 1200 beans Man kudos incredible job and on the cheap also, you get lots of brownie pts!

 

Some cities e.g. Pittsburgh have free WiFi in downtown (2 hours) and there are hotspots and other open access points all around. Your pockets won't need to be too deep to get that on a miniPC.
It looks really good so far. Good luck with the rest.

 

very nice all-in-one, even VAG. bonus is that the red appears to come close to matching the cluster

 

Very nice, kind of like an RNS-E

 

I might be in contact with you actually about something similar.

 

does it run inside of windows, or is it its own OS (maybe linux-based?)

 

probably runs inside of windows since hes running vag-com