First off, I got this idea from Edbone who had a similar install, and I thought it was a great idea, so I built project "Fiero Vision" incorporating some of my own ideas. The dvd player itself is an Apex 1100w (yes its a home unit) that I disassemble and built into the small confines of the centre console. (Just a reminder for anyone attempting this... there’s not really any room for anything more then some Canadian penny's.)
Here’s the dvd player before.
And here is the after pics
(closed)
(open. P.S. I haven't vacuumed, so all that dust is from the install, better pics to come)
The Apex 1100w playes DVD, VCD, SVCD, MP3, XVCD and Audio CD's. Don't forget that it has a flashable memory to add your favorite fiero screen savor and Fiero Background.
Ok so I left out the LCD screen and the construction photos. They're coming as soon as I get them developed.
Total Cost $129.99+tax Canadian (* I got the LCD (Sony PSONE) screen as a gift from my girlfriend Angela)
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1G2PG9799GP274113
[This message has been edited by David Bartlett (edited 06-20-2002).]
[This message has been edited by David Bartlett (edited 06-25-2002).]
That looks cool. I was planning to do the samething myself but I'm not really good with wires at all Plus I'm not rich so I can't have it professionaly installed. I guess it will have to wait till I get a deal of a lifetime.
Hey, thats sweet! Taking a home DVD player apart and installing it in a car sounds like something I would do I havent even thought of doing this, maybe Ill take apart a Playstation 2.....DVD and games......oh yea! Nice install to, very sharp !
85 gt fiero : I see that you are looking for a 2.8? I have an 88 Formula 5-speed with 97,318 miles on it. I was hit on the pass. side and am now using it as a parts car. It is really a shame too because it WAS in near perfect condition......Anyway, the engine runs strong and I have never had any problems with it. If you are interested LMK, I can do a compression check also. Make me an offer!
------------------ 88 Formula 5-speed .....NO options... 88 Coupe Auto ....NO options...
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07:26 PM
David Bartlett Member
Posts: 1090 From: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada Registered: Aug 2001
-Tabs. I'm cosidering making a mounting kit that you can buy off of me, and ofcouse I'll modify all connecting wires (at a small) cost for anyone who interested.
-Turbo. PS2'S tend to skip in cars and I believe the inners would be too large to install within the confines of the console. Not to mention they can't play SVCD's. But still it would be nice to see.
[This message has been edited by David Bartlett (edited 06-20-2002).]
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07:27 PM
Riceburner98 Member
Posts: 2179 From: Natick, Ma, USA Registered: Apr 2002
There *was* one of those portable "Discman" sized DVD players w/ 5.6" screen on Walmart.com for $200 a few weeks back.. Now I can't even find the brand on the site, never mind the player. Now that was a good deal, even if it was a no-name brand.. Wish I had had the $$...
------------------ Bob Williams Multi-colored '87 GT, a work in progress!
isthiswhereiputausername? - I skipped over the transformer board and made a little circuit to adjust the voltages for the drive to run. Basically it needs similar voltages to your computer +12, +5 ground etc.
But during my test runs I used an ac to dc converter that worked just as well.
Ok I wasn't going to post the pics of the lcd to it was finished (it's in a temporary stat right now) but what the hey. I'll post the final when its done.
And if you wondering how I got that start-up screen I flashed the eprom.
[This message has been edited by David Bartlett (edited 06-28-2002).]
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11:19 PM
Jun 21st, 2002
Joe Torma Member
Posts: 3485 From: Hillsborough, NJ USA Registered: Jul 2001
I'm currently designing a multimedia computer for my Fiero, and all I need now is a decent LCD screen. I have been looking at the Sony screens as well but I thought they were a bit too small to watch comfortably. What is the Sony's diagonal? 5"?
Mac - the PSONE Lcd has an mini AV input, so you'll have to buy a cable or make your own. It also has stereo out for headphones -Everythings available at Walmart
Fellow Bartlett - I'll be posting all my photo's and instructions soon.
longtermgt - The apex 1100w has internal springs to compensate, plus its mounted on a little kit I made that has 2 strips of soft rubber. I think I've had it skip once while playing an SVCD when I hit a huge pothole in Hamilton. Other then that its in the optimal spot.
Cliff Pennock - the PSONE LCD is a 5inch and it easy to read (including very fine text), I am also able to view the screen from a variety of angles. The only draw back is that LCD's arn't great in direct sunlight, but with window tint it shouldn't be much of a problem.
al_fair - I'll make my image file available soon, for a small fortune. jk
Avery Montembeault - I have a cupholder project in the works made from an old cd player..
[This message has been edited by David Bartlett (edited 06-21-2002).]
Thanks David, greatly appreciated.. I've been known to solder a few wires together in my time so as soon as I get the supplies you can guarentee I'll be looking you up
I like my Apex 1100w better then my $250 Samsung M305. However the Samsung has a better feeling remote and a display on the drive. If your going to buy the 1100w make sure you get the 1meg version NOT the 512K model. Both the same price, and the only way to tell is the by the serial numbers.
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01:12 AM
Jun 25th, 2002
Mac Member
Posts: 330 From: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Registered: May 2002
Originally posted by David Bartlett: Ok I wasn't going to post the pics of the lcd to it was finished (its in temporary fit right now) but what the hey. I'll the final pics soon.
And if you wondering how I got that start-up screen I flashed the eprom.
Can you explain flashing the eprom? By the way, GREAT WORK!!!! That is a very nice setup you have done.
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08:07 AM
David Bartlett Member
Posts: 1090 From: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada Registered: Aug 2001
Originally posted by FieroRumor: This is SUCH a sweet setup! Is the DVD player connected directly to 12 volts, or did you build a Q&D Power supply for it?VERY NICE WORK!
Ditto. What is the output of the 120v power supply? 12 volts? Or did you use a DC/AC converter?
Roy
[This message has been edited by mrfixit58 (edited 06-28-2002).]
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09:15 AM
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
THE EASY WAY... -buy a 175watt dc to ac converter from Canadian Tire (39bucks cdn) or from Autozone and chop the plug end off. Then wire that into your ignition and find a good ground on your car. I chose the to use the ignition from the radio (can't remember the colour of the wire but I think its yellow) and slice it in there. Even better wire in a switch on the ground side so you can turn it off even while driving.
I'll post a schematic if theres enough interest.
HARD WAY:
Well soon to be easy way is to create a board that bypasses the ac to dc converter that the 1100w needs. I mad one but I'm still in the testing phase. Make sure its reliable, safe and small.
[This message has been edited by David Bartlett (edited 06-28-2002).]
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06:04 PM
The Aura Member
Posts: 2290 From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Registered: Nov 2001