2020 Camry.

[Donanon]

Got the first 'pod' out of the vacuum bag. I used 5 layers of 5.8oz. carbon cloth with one layer of 6oz. satin E-glass and a layer of .5oz. glass over all to make a nice surface over a blue foam shape. I went a little overboard and lined the interior with CLD...it is solid and VERY dead sounding when rapped on. The odd shape is to fit in the corner of the dash between the windshield and top of the dash. Still need to hone out the driver openings for a good fit and I'm torn between a perforated metal grill or a grill cloth over frame type...I have the material for either one.

You can probably see in the photo where I partially caved the midrange cone in by dropping it and tried to unbend the cone with not so great results, I ordered a replacement and it should be here early next week. Rather a bummer but that's what happens at 3AM when one should be sleeping instead of messing with car audio.

[BigAl205]

Wow, that's frikkin sweet!

[Donanon]

I've been getting an online education in applying data transmission systems to car audio at various websites and IMO the most important lesson has been to spend $2.23 on a signal transformer:

https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/...qcYB2N4w%3D%3D

This can and probably will at some point save the CPU in the car PC.

[Donanon]

I've decided to use the Khadas Tone Board DAC in my install. This DAC is made to be used with the VIM3 single board computer I am using as the core of the playback system. The Tone Board uses the ESS E9038Q2M DAC and outputs digital to S/PDIF and analogue to RCA so I don't have to worry and futz with hanging after market bits on the VIM3. So what we have here is a system that will play just about any file format out there with video playback, aftermarket GPS and wireless or wired control from a LCD, tablet or phone.

So I ordered it this morning and expect it within a couple of weeks from Hong Kong.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that this complete playback system (without touchscreen) can be had for $198USD shipped.
https://www.khadas.com/tone

[Donanon]

Well, the wife gave me a miniDSP C-DSP 6x8 for Hanukkah so I will be using that...for now at least. Just over two weeks before we leave to warmer climes for a few weeks so this install will take longer than I thought.

[Donanon]

I've been humming and hawing over which 7" HDMI display to use for my install so I put a post out on another forum for advice and I've been recommended to this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000373269310.html

One guy tells me he has been using this screen for over a year without a hick up and another says the ZHIXIANDA 7" has performed flawlessly for over 8 months so I bought one tonight. Not risking a lot of money on this so I think it is a good bet at $39.89CDN or $30.49USD.

Forgot to mention that it's 12 volt.

[Donanon]

To isolate the playback system from the car electrical system I'll use this:

https://www.digikey.com/product-deta...063-ND/7706506

I have one on hand from a past project and it's $25. well spent.

[Donanon]

The 7" display I bought will recess into the in dash enclosure I'm fabbing so the finished install should have good fit and finish into the dash. I am told the screen doesn't run overly hot but if I find it does during those hot summer days I'll put a small de-rated fan in the enclosure for cooling...something like this:

https://www.coolerguys.com/products/...alarm-8314-19h

There will be louvers in the sides, top and bottom of the enclosure for air flow.

[Donanon]

I ordered the infrared remote control extender to enable remote control of the VIM3, which
will be behind the display so unable to receive remote commands directly. I'll mount the IR receiver on the bottom edge of the display.

https://m.vi.aliexpress.com/item/330...ac12815&is_c=N

[JCsAudio]

This install is crazy different and good. I’ve never seen anything done like this before. Very interesting to watch!