CarPc - 5 upgrades planned

[cazzz]

I am installing a new mac mini into my car.

I will be performing 5 upgrades along the way.

My goal is to be able to unplug the Mac Mini from the car and use it in the house for upgrading, software install, and testing.

Modifications.

Replace the 500GB HD with a 450GB SSD

Upgrade the RAM to 16GB

Remove the internal power supply and replace it with a cable connected to a DC power plug in the side of the case.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjCdg

-- In Car a DC-DC PSU will plug into the DC power plug

-- In House the original internal PSU will be used with a patch cable to plug into the DC power plug in the side of the case.

Replace the internal WiFi antenna with a pigtail cable to an SMA connector in the side of the case.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjCmA

-- In Car a roof mounted WiFi antenna will be used.

-- In House a small antenna will be attached to the SMA connector on the side of the case.

Install a "Y" cable with the power on button to allow the in car DC-DC PSU to turn the Mac Mini on and off. The cable will attach to a case mounted 3.5mm plug.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjCug

-- In Car the DC-DC PSU will be plugged into the 3.5mm plug and control the power on and power off functions.

-- In house the 3.5mm plug is not used. Power on and off is controlled by the Mac mini power button.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjC3A

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjC_g
_________________
Caz

[cazzz]

Installing a new Mac Mini into my car.

I have completed 4 of 5 mods.

1. Replaced with RAM with 16GB

2. Removed the internal power supply and replaced it with a cable with DC power plug.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjDIg

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjDRA

3. Added a connector to the power button to allow an external switch and/or a DC power supply to control the on/off function of the Mac Mini.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjDZg

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjDiA

4. Replaced the WiFi antenna cable with an external plug to allow the use of an external antenna including the roof mounted WiFi antenna in my car.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjDqg

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjDzA

Here are a few pics after reassembly. The WiFi reception is much better.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjD7g

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjEFg

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AcOHLRw2bOWjENA

Note: I can use the original power supply to power the Mac Mini in the house. I have replaced the original cable that used to plug into the mother board with a cable that plugs into the DC plug.
_________________
Caz

[macmanmacman]

Cool idea but remember don't block the fan port at the back of the mini or the mini will overheat

Also if you choose to use a amp with the mac mini use a amp for a car that supports optical you will get better sound it might run you 150.00 to 200.00 for a amp but will work awesome with the optical on the mini.

[cazzz]

Mac Mini is installed. The build can be seen at:

http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/151480-2004-vw-jetta-gli-carpc-and-more.html

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5773805-04-GLI-interior-refurb-and-carpc

Here is a video of the installed Mac Mini. Still need a bezel and to replace the HDD with an SSD.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZE7kz1BUAI
_________________
Caz

[Smithcraft]

Looks good!

SC
_________________
Grumpy old man of computing.

[Desktop] G4 mini - 1.5Ghz 1GB 80GB HDD - Newer miniStack v2 500GB - 10.5.8

[Media System] Intel i5 mini - 2.33Ghz 8GB 500GB HDD - 4 x Hitachi 2TB HDD in a qBOX-SF - 10.7.5 (Thanks Phil!)

Make sure it has pins!