Planet 9

themperor · #1 03-14-2009, 12:19 PM

Forum member "nperetz" posted a mini-mac installation in his/her Cayman. I did some digging because I was going to do a full stereo installation and was waiting for the Kenwood 9140.

A full mini-mac installation might be a better option. I did some web surfing and found this website with some information: MacVroom | Mac your ride!

I am hoping nperetz can share more details about the components and installation.

**nperetz** · #2 03-14-2009, 01:41 PM

i definitely will... i'm going to update the article with the components piece, the hardships, and the install details early this week (or hopefully before the weekend ends). I have to spend some time with the family today but as soon as i get some computer time I'll post...

Cheers,
Nasi

V1CKMAN · #3 03-14-2009, 02:19 PM

Wow. Thats really cool. Does it come with navigation?

**rcr** · #4 03-14-2009, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by nperetz

i definitely will... i'm going to update the article with the components piece, the hardships, and the install details early this week (or hopefully before the weekend ends). I have to spend some time with the family today but as soon as i get some computer time I'll post...

Cheers,
Nasi

I look forward to your post. I've been a mac guy from way back in the early 80's. I don't know if I would attempt this mod, but I would sure like to read how you did it.

**nperetz** · #5 03-15-2009, 08:39 PM

Sure, here are a bit more details about my install...I'm writing an article for MacVroom this week so all the details should be there, here are the components:

1. Screen: Xenarc 7 inch Touchscreen 705TSV
2. Mac Mini: Latest generation mac mini (released last Tuesday by Apple) with 120 Gig drive
3. CarNetix P1900 Version 2.2
4. Logitech DiNovo Mini Keyboards
5. Apple Remote (not included with the new generation Mac Mini computers)
6. IR Repeaters to extend the infrared signal from the front of the car to the inside of the car
7. 4 Channel AMP to give the Mac sound some juice
8. Power switch to turn the AMP on/off based on usage, as it was creating static when no signal was coming in to it
9. Extra Long VGA cable extender
10. Extra long RCA cables
11. Mini DVI to VGA Adapter (not included in mac mini) to connect to Xenarc screen
12. 4 port USB hub to have USB connections in glove compartment of car (for external hard drive, and for the next part listed here)
13. Sprint Wireless USB Dongle to have internet everywhere you go

These are the components I used, the 14th & most expensive component believe it or not is a custom bezel for the Porsche to make it look stock.

JimSouCal · #6 03-15-2009, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by nperetz

...the 14th & most expensive component believe it or not is a custom bezel for the Porsche to make it look stock.

+1 easy to believe.

I find the possibilities of an internet connected car computer very intriguing and wide open. There are various devices sold for science that could be coded for all kinds of interesting stuff.

When you write the article, I would be interested if you put the mini to sleep, or boot up on ignition, or even just set it to standby on it's own and keep a tender attached, and how the power is run.... Thanks for sharing.