Hi

I have now been researching how to put a PC into my crossfire roadster for a couple of months now (mainly for fun). I am a Computer Software Engineer with over 15 years experience, so nothing on the PC development side has fazed me.



I now have a viable and working prototype. However, I now have to think about how to interface to the factory amp and, if possible, find a way, at least for the prototype, to interface with the factory head unit (I would really like to re-use the FM tuner(ones available for PC’s seem a bit naff)). Unfortunately, I know bugger all about car amplifiers and head units.



I know lots of you guys have replaced the factory head unit. Hopefully you will be able to answer my questions/queries bellow:

• Can I connect the stereo output from a PC directly to the pre-amp input on the factory amp?

• Can I take the pre-amp output from the factory head unit directly to the line-in on the PC? This would allow me to continue to use the factory head unit via the PC, saving me all the hassle of buying and integrating a USB FM tuner for the PC.

Planned System Overview



Hardware to install in crossfire roadster:

• Very small Laptop PC (roadster seems quite unsuitable for a larger or non-removable PC). I intend to locate this either in the glove compartment or in the passenger well (using Velcro). Power from cigarette lighter socket.

• PowerMate USB controller. Can be easily mounted and provides all required PC application controls. I intend to mount this conveniently on the dash (It has a sexy blue led that changes intensity with volume – yum).

https://www.crossfireforum.org/galle...php/photo/2284

• Matrix Orbital MX410 USB intelligent display. 4 X 20 character display and 15 key assignable keypad. In tandem with the PowerMate this will allow me to navigate quickly and effectively via my application. For the prototype this only allows navigation and control of mp3’s. This should also be easily mounted within the crossfire.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/galle...php/photo/2285

• OPTIONAL – in-dash VGA touch screen monitor. This seems a bit redundant given my plans for the MX410. I will only go for this if I can not find a way to interface to the factory head unit. If the factory head becomes useless I might as well put something else in the hole. It does mean that I will be able to watch DVD’s and even TV.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/galle...php/photo/2286

 

OK

This is obviously a dead thread ... I will just have to try it.

Cheers

 

Don't give up that quick! It's not dead. As you see it had 27 viewers in 1 day.

Maybe it's not easy to answer. As I understood you want do play music from the pc but need the tuner from the radio.
Connecting the pc with the amp is no problem. But extracting the tuner signal only is not possible unless disassembly of the radio unit and some soldering ...

I haven't taken out the radio, so I don't know exactly what input slots the unit has.

My idea for a solution:
Buy a FM interface for your pc and put the car antenna into it. Then just connect the pc directly with the amplifier. Should work IMO.
You can still keep the radio unit by adding some switches.

Is this near to your major plan?

Greets

 

Thanks chfx ... I still think this might work ... I just a bit nervous to try until I am sure.

I still think that it should be possible to take the pre-amp output from the head unit to the line in on a PC. The PC line out could then be routed to the pre-amp in on the factory amp.

I am away on vacation for the next week. I hope someone can bolster my confidence before I try this.

Cheers

 

Usually it should and does. But I think I read somewhere that the radio and amp are not connected with RCA but speaker wires! That means there's no pre-out on the radio or pre-in on the amp.
Take both out and check it.
Why do you want to have the whole radio connected to the pc? You can't change the FM channels on the pc. I thought you want to operate everything (incl. FM) with the PowerMate.