4runner PC
- Thread starter rando
- Start date
did you consider anywhere else for the monitor
Hey Rando,
Did you consider mounting your screen in any other position? I'm starting to plan out a car pc and found an integration module with the exisiting HU. I'd have the best of both worlds, factory HU with steering wheel controls with an integrated car pc (steering wheel controls that work with both). The biggest issue would be where to put the screen. I was think about modding the storage bin under the ac controls or maybe a mount it as a horizontal pull out from the center armrest.
The module I found is at: <http://www.car2pc.com/index.html>
Hey Rando,
Did you consider mounting your screen in any other position? I'm starting to plan out a car pc and found an integration module with the exisiting HU. I'd have the best of both worlds, factory HU with steering wheel controls with an integrated car pc (steering wheel controls that work with both). The biggest issue would be where to put the screen. I was think about modding the storage bin under the ac controls or maybe a mount it as a horizontal pull out from the center armrest.
The module I found is at: <http://www.car2pc.com/index.html>
rando
Senior Member
The car2pc module is discussed fairly extensively over at mp3car.com. Also, there are ways to integrate your steering wheel controls without keeping your factory HU. In the end, it's all about what you want your system to do. These days there are adequate AM/FM and satellite radio options around that really weaken the argument for keeping the factory HU.
I decided on the HU location for the screen because it felt the most natural and also appeared to be the easiest install location requiring NO modifications to the truck (important to me). Depending on your fabrication skills and comfort level in substantially rewiring part of your truck, you could move the screen down where the A/C controls are. You might even get it down where the cubby is. The problem with the latter location is that the screen would be blocked whenever you use the cup holders. If you mount the screen where the A/C controls are, and move them down, then the A/C controls will be blocked when you use the cup holder.
I guess the center console idea could work -- but then you'd be pulling your eyes even further from the road when you glanced at it. Some people have gone for the high on the dash mount -- but that seems to beg for someone to smash your window to take it. A stealth or "OEM look" install mostly avoids that concern.
Good luck!
I decided on the HU location for the screen because it felt the most natural and also appeared to be the easiest install location requiring NO modifications to the truck (important to me). Depending on your fabrication skills and comfort level in substantially rewiring part of your truck, you could move the screen down where the A/C controls are. You might even get it down where the cubby is. The problem with the latter location is that the screen would be blocked whenever you use the cup holders. If you mount the screen where the A/C controls are, and move them down, then the A/C controls will be blocked when you use the cup holder.
I guess the center console idea could work -- but then you'd be pulling your eyes even further from the road when you glanced at it. Some people have gone for the high on the dash mount -- but that seems to beg for someone to smash your window to take it. A stealth or "OEM look" install mostly avoids that concern.
Good luck!
arizcats9987
New member
ever since i saw this thread i have been really interested in doing soemthing like this for my car. are there any downsides to doing this setup compared to a normal HU?
rando
Senior Member
There are a few off the shelf head units that can do most the canned stuff you can do with a carpc. There are even double din carpc units you can buy now -- so you don't need to bother picking and installing components.
In the end, the PC gives you the most flexibility to customize in any way you want.
As far as sound quality, there's abosultely no reason you can't achieve competition quality with a pc based setup, if you want.
Good luck.
In the end, the PC gives you the most flexibility to customize in any way you want.
As far as sound quality, there's abosultely no reason you can't achieve competition quality with a pc based setup, if you want.
Good luck.
arizcats9987 said:
arizcats9987
New member
does it really just depend on what sound card you happen to have in your setup? is that how you achieve the best SQ or is there more too it?
atomic punk
New member
Totally depends on what level of sound quality you are looking to achieve.
CD?
MP3?
SatRadio?
That's the SQ heirarchy from best to worst.
I assume you are going to use the CarPC for MP3 playback, so I wouldn't sweat the soundcard make/model. I use my $300 laptop right now for MP3 playback in the 4R - I have no idea what soundcard it is, but its integrated into the motherboard and it sounds great. Just like out of an MP3 player. However, I do have a custom audio system which does help with the reproduction of the sound too (not just the stock system).
CD?
MP3?
SatRadio?
That's the SQ heirarchy from best to worst.
I assume you are going to use the CarPC for MP3 playback, so I wouldn't sweat the soundcard make/model. I use my $300 laptop right now for MP3 playback in the 4R - I have no idea what soundcard it is, but its integrated into the motherboard and it sounds great. Just like out of an MP3 player. However, I do have a custom audio system which does help with the reproduction of the sound too (not just the stock system).
I run a cheap android head unit in my 4RUNNER and the quality is horrible. The only reason I got it is for the pratical side of it (gps navigation offroad with phone apps, etc.)
The unit I have right now doesnt have enough RAM (only 1GB) and its super slow. I would be ready to pay twice what I paid to get a quality one with good hardware like a decent processor and lots a RAM but I did not find anything good online when I bought it.
Will still keep it because I am now used to the pratical side of it. But if it ever dies I wont be trying to fix it. Ill try to find something better still android based.
Right now I have a Joying head unit and I would probably go with a Insane Audio FJ1001 next just because its overpriced and I hope it means quality... Insane Jeep Audio - Insane Audio In-dash Navigation and Multimedia Entertainment System - FJ1001 | 4WheelParts.com
The unit I have right now doesnt have enough RAM (only 1GB) and its super slow. I would be ready to pay twice what I paid to get a quality one with good hardware like a decent processor and lots a RAM but I did not find anything good online when I bought it.
Will still keep it because I am now used to the pratical side of it. But if it ever dies I wont be trying to fix it. Ill try to find something better still android based.
Right now I have a Joying head unit and I would probably go with a Insane Audio FJ1001 next just because its overpriced and I hope it means quality... Insane Jeep Audio - Insane Audio In-dash Navigation and Multimedia Entertainment System - FJ1001 | 4WheelParts.com
rando
Senior Member
I now run this Sony Android Auto head unit which works great.
williamtravis
New member
Go to a Toyota dealer, they have he wiring diagram books for every model. Those books show exact wire color and pin out of all wires in the whole vehicle. If you are talking about the wires that go to the ecu then that will be more money. Dealers have the factory wiring repair toolkit with all the right metal connectors as well as solder, heat shrink tubing and metal crimps to fix harnesses. I was a Toyota tech for 10 years so I know what I'm talking about. Either way if it is just some disconnected wires it should not be very expensive, even if someone had cut the plug off for the ecu it still is only about 50 wires so a few hours labor and some materials could run you maybe 600 or 700 bucks at the most UNLESS THERE IS MORE THINGS THAT YOU:car: