theMGZS.co.uk :: MG ZS forum - View Single Post - MK2 180 Centre Console Tablet build project

Smokey · 26-10-11, 10:23 PM

OK, I created a thread a looong time ago with rough outline to my plans for a custom centre console. Thread was here:

http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=11562

Well today I completed my order of items bar one or two cables. I have done this on a ?500 budget and still have around ?100 left. (I already had the laptop)

I have chosen to go with a laptop under the footwell for a couple of reasons; space/ventilation and when ignition goes off the PC will still run on laptop battery so no rebooting every petrol stop!

The plan is thus:

I am completely customising the centre console from the bottom up.

Installed will be a touchscreen monitor with DVD drive beneath it, usb slots, power button and push start button.

The above will be connected to a laptop with sat nav, ipod connectivity and all the usual PC gubbins (internet etc)

I will be installing an amp as there will be no head unit.

The four buttons along the top (fogs etc) will be removed and replaced with red led ring switches.

OBD2 data will be accessible.

The aircon will be relocated on the centre console and will be changed to red led's to match the rest of the dash.

I plan on extending the dash over the ashtray recess as I have no use for it and it means I can position USB ports there.

I will be running Centrafuse front end for the PC and I am running a second 4" monitor in the dash recess where the light sensor for climate control is. This will be hinged to allow it to be stowed away.

This monitor will be a secondary desktop, so using my iphone as a mouse, I will be able to have it display sat nav/obd2 data or......

I am also installing 2 night vision colour cameras, front and rear. The rear one will activate when I go in reverse and will display on the 4" monitor.
The front camera will be available to both monitors and will have a record function too. Obviously not gonna be high quality but will be fun. Also has night vision so may come in useful.

Lastly, I already have rear parking sensors but someone installed front ones but they have never worked and are becoming loose. So I have ordered new ones and they have a monitor that tells you the distance of the car in front. This will replace the clock.

Anyway, you're all probably asleep by now so here's some piccies!

ALL THE ELECTRICAL GOODIES

CLIMATE CONTROL CUT OUT AND PARKING SENSOR SCREEN SHAPED

ONE SWITCH HOLE FILLED AND SWITCHES TESTED

BOTH SWITCH HOLES FILLED AND NEW SWITCHES TEST FITTED

BOTTOM SECTION REMOVED

SCREEN POSITIONED AND PARKING SENSOR SCREEN HOUSING IN PLACE

SWITCH HOLE FILLER GLUED IN PLACE

SHAPED UP CLIMATE CONTROL FACE

CLIMATE CONTROL FACE TESTED IN POSITION

TEST PLACEMENT OF PARKING SENSOR SCREEN AND SECOND SWITCH FILLER IN PLACE

Still go plenty to do but next is DVD-RW drive with pc power switch and push start buttons either side, then climate control, then 2x USB ports and temp sensor for aircon. This should leave the cubby hole space at the bottom which I like having for the sunglasses

I have tested most of the electronics and am satisfied so far.

Will keep everything updated as I go.

26-10-11, 10:23 PM	#1
Smokey The Alan Gow of OBTCC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dundee Posts: 8,557	MK2 180 Centre Console Tablet build project - Making Another One? OK, I created a thread a looong time ago with rough outline to my plans for a custom centre console. Thread was here: http://www.themgzs.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=11562 Well today I completed my order of items bar one or two cables. I have done this on a ?500 budget and still have around ?100 left. (I already had the laptop) I have chosen to go with a laptop under the footwell for a couple of reasons; space/ventilation and when ignition goes off the PC will still run on laptop battery so no rebooting every petrol stop! The plan is thus: I am completely customising the centre console from the bottom up. Installed will be a touchscreen monitor with DVD drive beneath it, usb slots, power button and push start button. The above will be connected to a laptop with sat nav, ipod connectivity and all the usual PC gubbins (internet etc) I will be installing an amp as there will be no head unit. The four buttons along the top (fogs etc) will be removed and replaced with red led ring switches. OBD2 data will be accessible. The aircon will be relocated on the centre console and will be changed to red led's to match the rest of the dash. I plan on extending the dash over the ashtray recess as I have no use for it and it means I can position USB ports there. I will be running Centrafuse front end for the PC and I am running a second 4" monitor in the dash recess where the light sensor for climate control is. This will be hinged to allow it to be stowed away. This monitor will be a secondary desktop, so using my iphone as a mouse, I will be able to have it display sat nav/obd2 data or...... I am also installing 2 night vision colour cameras, front and rear. The rear one will activate when I go in reverse and will display on the 4" monitor. The front camera will be available to both monitors and will have a record function too. Obviously not gonna be high quality but will be fun. Also has night vision so may come in useful. Lastly, I already have rear parking sensors but someone installed front ones but they have never worked and are becoming loose. So I have ordered new ones and they have a monitor that tells you the distance of the car in front. This will replace the clock. Anyway, you're all probably asleep by now so here's some piccies! ALL THE ELECTRICAL GOODIES CLIMATE CONTROL CUT OUT AND PARKING SENSOR SCREEN SHAPED ONE SWITCH HOLE FILLED AND SWITCHES TESTED BOTH SWITCH HOLES FILLED AND NEW SWITCHES TEST FITTED BOTTOM SECTION REMOVED SCREEN POSITIONED AND PARKING SENSOR SCREEN HOUSING IN PLACE SWITCH HOLE FILLER GLUED IN PLACE SHAPED UP CLIMATE CONTROL FACE CLIMATE CONTROL FACE TESTED IN POSITION TEST PLACEMENT OF PARKING SENSOR SCREEN AND SECOND SWITCH FILLER IN PLACE Still go plenty to do but next is DVD-RW drive with pc power switch and push start buttons either side, then climate control, then 2x USB ports and temp sensor for aircon. This should leave the cubby hole space at the bottom which I like having for the sunglasses I have tested most of the electronics and am satisfied so far. Will keep everything updated as I go. __________________ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ __________________ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ __________________ ------------------------------ ------------------------------ __________________ 2009 Forza 2 theMGZS.co.uk OBTCC 2nd Place Runner-up 2009/2010 Forza 3 theMGZS.co.uk OBTCC/Clio Cup 4th Place 2010 Forza 3 theMGZS.co.uk OBTCC/F500 Cup 2nd Place Runner-up 2011 Forza 3 theMGZS.co.uk OBTCC/Driver's Championship 3rd Place 2012 Forza 4 theMGZS.co.uk OBTCC/Driver's Championship 1st Place Winner 2012/2013 Forza 4 theMGZS.co.uk OBTCC/DTM Championship 3rd Place Last edited by Smokey; 17-12-11 at 10:46 PM.