"Carputer Peep's" New Xenarc MDT-X7000

[Toy xBox]

Just wanted to get a quick post on the new Xenarc MDT–X7000, and my apologies for the picture quality.

First just want to say thanks to Xenarc for giving me the opportunity to have my Scion xB in their booth #6619 at CES 2007 again; and working with me on this “Toy xBox” project.

The MDT –X7000 prototype model could be the answer to a lot of issues that the majority of “carputer” peeps have and conveniences/functions that they need. I have installed several systems and my biggest issue was finding areas to but USB connections power on buttons, and all the external devices etc. The MDT –X7000 prototype has two USB ports right on the face, a PC/PWR, Menu buttons and a DVD/CD player AM/FM Radio.

Since this is a prototype and no installation manual it appears to be a straight forward install it is a single DIN unit and the connections/inputs-outputs are as follows

Power, Acc Power, Ground
Touch Screen USB connection
AM/FM antenna connection
RCA Video 1&2 inputs, Video out
Speaker Front & Rear connections for the Radio
What appear to be DVD/CD maybe even Radio outputs for front/rear/center and sub
SVGA/VGA connector and DVI connector
Remote/Power Antenna connection
Dimmer/Illumination connection
Wired Remote Connection
Wireless Remote

I think that is it but as you can see from the pic a whole $@# load of wires. My conversations with the techs at Xenarc might get designs going for a hide-away module for all the connections - I/O’s; a bonus for all those tight stereo compartments.

Before getting the MDT –X7000 Prototype I was sort of hesitant to go to a flip up because of the look etc but with all the features and room under the single din unit I could maybe do a card reader or more USB, I/O connections.

One last thought is that would be a dream dash unit added feature is a Bluetooth connection for cell phone and mic that is built in. Maybe for us Double Din cars a double din version and or a optional lower panel to fill the pocket space and provide extra I/O’s and card readers microphone etc. (just a thought for the upcoming cell phone laws in CA.)

I look forward to CES 2007 and hope you can stop by and check out the great Xenarc products and my “Toy xBox” Scion xB.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/Toy_xBox/Xenarc/MDT01.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/Toy_xBox/Xenarc/MDT05.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/Toy_xBox/Xenarc/MDT04.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o298/Toy_xBox/Xenarc/MDT02.jpg

[mdenoga]

Interesting. The Xenarc MDT-X7000 is pretty much like a mobile PC? If not, please explain. I'll probably see you at CES.

[Toy xBox]

Interesting. The Xenarc MDT-X7000 is pretty much like a mobile PC correct? If not, please explain. I'll probably see you at CES.

Actually this is a touch Screen with a dvd/cd player and controls a remote mounted car PC, I have the XENARC MP-SC8™ / MP-SC8P™
Small Form Factor Mini P4 compter http://www.xenarc.com/product/mp-sc8.html . The cool features are the AM/FM radio, cd/dvd player, PC/PWR button and my favorite USB ports in the head unit face.

[carlos]

its cool, but the look of a double din screen is a hell of a lot nicer than a flip out. in my opinion anyway.

its got a lot of features... thats for sure.

[gmckey]

yeah, I'm with car lost on his opinion that in-dash mounted screens look a TON better than flip outs... hopefully I can make my carputer install clean!

[carlos]

i like what www.drivesoft.com has to offer.

[VIPStyleCars]

the USB ports in the face is a nice touch I think.* As for "Carputers" go, I think once companies start making "lite" OS, it would make this venture go a lot farther.* I don't personally like any of the "Mobile OS's" that are out now on PDAs, but I am biased for personal reasons.* I've toyed with running a Mac Mini in the GS but scrapped that project once I decided to leave that car alone.**

but its nice to see "carputers" now go into DINs and Double DINs.* the above poster does have a point, I prefer a Double Din just based on cleanliness on the dash. *However the original poster could take that extra din spot and put all sorts of ports for him there.* Not hard to do at all

[Toy xBox]

yeah, I'm with car lost on his opinion that in-dash mounted screens look a TON better than flip outs... hopefully I can make my carputer install clean!

My original Carputer install has a flush mounted molded in dash which I like much better but to have a op like this to play with a prototype and get to have my ride in CES booth I can live with the flip up until the show is over ;]

Check out my ride...

http://www.scionevolution.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8444

http://www.scionevolution.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8717

[Dominik]

Looks very promising. Can you show us some pics of the Radio, CD and DVD screens?

One thing that has always got me about the integrated DVD player/screen combos (regardless of whether they are flip out or double-din) is the display when you are using DVD, Radio or MP3s...

All the ones i have seen have had a cheap looking display that is neither intuitive or 'OEM like'. Exceptions to this are some of the top end branded ones like Pioneer and Alpine.

Also, do you have any idea on expected pricing?

[gmckey]

well... the Xenarc, like other LCD stand alone screens like Lilliput, are just a part of the system. Most of the 'cheap looking displays' are skins from different computer programs. And there are TONS of different players and skins to choose from...

[Dominik]

Yes, i am aware that you can have skins etc (I have built a carputer before), actually that was my main reason for building a carputer - the ability to have a display that looked OEM.

BUT! This screen is not just a standalone screen. It has a DVD player, and radio built in (for when you are not using the car PC presumably). They would be independent of the Carputer and can be controlled by the knob on the right (I am not a huge fan of touchscreens). I want to see the display for those features...

[gmckey]

BUT! This screen is not just a standalone screen. It has a DVD player, and radio built in (for when you are not using the car PC presumably). They would be independent of the Carputer and can be controlled by the knob on the right (I am not a huge fan of touchscreens). I want to see the display for those features...

ahh I see what you're saying.

I, on the other hand, am a big fan of touchscreens

[Dominik]

Dont get me wrong, touchscreens are great in certain situations but have the following flaws:
* Fingerprints...
* No sensory feedback so you have to look at what you are doing (even Alpine's touch attempt was pretty lame).
* Touchscreen+Foldout Screen flimsyness+moving car+coilover ride quality = Broken foldout mechanism before you can say "oops!"

When i was building my car PC there were a few frontends available, but all of them went for the 'Cool' factor and the 'techie' look. The ones you see in OEM touchscreens are *very* simple and often have only a few large buttons to press... Not sure if something like that exists these days, but until then i will stick to a USB numpad for control :)

[Toy xBox]

Sorry Peeps for not following up just got back into the daily grind after CES...

The unit I had was being tested and the designers are working the firmware and I was only able to test out the some of the features.... this is what I found on this one:

The USB ports work great with simple devices ones that do not require a lot of power like external drives and some WIFI devices.

The Screen has 10 settings for angle for vertical adjustment no horizontal on the one I had.

Touch screen works like my original Xenarc screen

On the way to the show I ran the system non stop for 4-5 hours and had no issues, screen stayed put did not shake on me and did not feel weak when I used the touchsreen and pushed to hard on occasion.

During the show I had my box connected to a Cascade 90 amp power supply. The computer was running off the new CarNetix CNX-P2140 (more info http://www.carnetix.com/P2140/CNXP2140.htm ) the screen under normal conditions had no ripples. I did however have some light ripples while running all the Varad lighting and cranking the sound system to uncomfortable listening levels (yeah-yeah to loud to old, I know).

One issue I had is, and maybe it is part of my anal retentive over protective power layout and switch/relay system I have to the CarNetix CNX-P2140 power supply. But I had two instances were the system would freak out and I had to power down the unit to clear the USB signals to be able to access the DVD/USB ports and touch screen. I do believe it was not the fault of the hardware just my layout of relays and disconnect switches which I have in place to avoid draining my battery when it is garage for long periods of time.

Overall I like the Xenarc MDT-X7000 and see the benefits it will bring to carputer installs. I would only hope that a double din with these features is in the works but for now I will be fabricating a custom bracket to better fit my dash and appearance of the install.

[ACleanSC4]

I'm glad to see Xenarc putting more time into their products. I still run their 700TSV in my car going 3 years strong, daily driver...

Maybe you can throw a word into them about adding a "transflective" option to their monitors for those who have them in direct sunlight...

That's the only problem I have with my carputer, its tough to see at certain times of the day because of my viewing angle from the drivers seat. Backseat passengers have no problem with glare anytime of day.

Here's a shot of how my carputer setup looks...

[kyeguy82]

nice work dave! its mike at honda btw. i still need to get that source for lifting our trucks! call me if u see this, if not i'll be calling you soon.