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14 January 2004
Total integration
Today
both my FM modulator and power regulator board arrived.
The power board was sent over from the USA and I had
to pay £17 on the door, import tax, before they'd
let me have it >:(
Anyways, with both major new pieces of electronics
in my possession I decided to go ahead and do the install!
Even though it was a dark evening, with a temperature
of around 4 degrees, nasty! But a hardcore carputer
addict like me doesn't fear the cold, even though I
couldn't feel my feet by the end of the install ;)
I decided the best way to get all the various power
rails needed, would be to pull out the radio and solder
on an extra set of wires I could use for power. So I
yanked out my radio and began the soldering job.
I tested the connections as I went, to make sure I wouldn't
have to rip out all my wiring at the end and start again.
Finally after almost an hour of delicate work, I slid
the radio back into its slot, double checked all the
wiring and took a moment to mentally prepear myself
for the outcome.
After all this work, would both the power regulator
and FM modulator work? Or would I just blow a fuse and
be left sitting in the dark. (Something I've experienced
many a time before! ;) )
I inserted the key into the ignition, turned it to
start the engine, then a few short moment later the
heatsink fan on the carputer whirred into life! Yes!
:) Next thing I knew, a rewarding *beep* came through
loud and clear on the car speakers, the FM modulator
worked too! Mission successful! :)
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| My fancy power switch arrives,
it's really small! |
Both of my new toys, power regulator
and FM modulator |
Radio pulled out to get at the
electrics. Wearing gloves because it's only 4degrees
outside *brrr* |
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| Checking the always on and ignition
power rails |
FM modulator and power connected
up |
Ok, now let's slide everything
back into the glove box |
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| Success! The radio is tuned in
and the carputer works first try! :) |
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As I was freezing cold by this point, I decided to
leave further tweaking and tidying until a slightly
warmer time. So I turned the ignition key back and removed
it, with lead to the carputer shutting down just as
it should. Top class!
So now finally, the carputer is truely integrated with
my car. Whenever the engine is running, so is the carputer.
Plus the audio output is just another radio station
on the head unit, great sound and integration.
I'll be back with more details and refinements soon
:)
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