theWhiteNoise.net - Web Log

So this weekend I started the project of redesigning the mount for my SUV’s car computer (which is a touch screen tablet PC with GPS via USB).  I originally rigged up a mount to make sure the tablet PC was actually usable under driving conditions.  It worked well and was securely mounted, but all of the wiring was exposed which looked sloppy and the mount made it difficult to reach the cup holders.  I had a little free time this weekend and since I’ll be driving to Florida in a few days, I figured this would be a good time to redesign the mount and clean up the wiring…

It would be easy to just drill holes all over the place and mount the computer, but I wanted to make this reversible and not too destructive to the vehicle.  I decided to use the “huge ass drink holder” as the mounting surface.  I have 2 other decently large cup holders available and I figure if I ever want to use it as a cup holder again, I can easily patch it or epoxy down a new cup holder bottom and no one would notice. 

While I had the dash apart to steal 12V from the cigarette lighter, I pulled out my radio and ran RCA cables to its Aux Input.  I’ll use a headphone-to-RCA adapter on the carputer which will allow me to watch movies or listen to GPS voice guidance using the stereo speakers.  I also took the opportunity to hard wire my radar detector while I was in there – eliminating the coiled cord which was always draped down the dash.

You may have noticed that the above picture looks a little empty in the middle…That’s because I pulled out the center console so I could work on it in my house.  I reinforced the mounting surface & ran the appropriate wires with quick disconnects where appropriate so the console can be removed later if necessary.

I’m using part of the arm-rest storage compartment to store the bulkier “adapter” electronics.  I fabricated a shelf-like cover which will hide everything and allow me to still use the remaining space in the compartment.  The red thing on the right of the right-hand picture is the fuse holder, it is exposed so it’s easy to change if need be.

The mount itself is made from steel pipe pieces (a la Home Depot), painted black.  It has long strips of strong 3M velcro on the side that attaches to the computer.  That way I can easily remove the tablet PC and hide it if I’m in a “bad part of town.”

At this point everything is ready for “final assembly.”  I just ran out of daylight (stupid Winter!), plus the paint could use a little more curing time.  I need to update the software on the tablet PC a little, so maybe I’ll work on that in the mean time.  Check back later for some pictures of the finished project.

Now playing: Nine Inch Nails - Sin

I’ve had to mod my new home gym due to the fact that it would not allow me full extension on some exercises.  Now, I know it was probably made in China, but does that mean it has to be DESIGNED for short Asian arms?  Apparently so.  Either that or they were just too lazy to design it correctly & figured “Hey, this will work for 80% of the users.”  Anyway, to remedy the problem, I essentially replaced the rope which attaches to each handle with a longer thicker rope.  However, I had to adapt the pulley stops and add additional handle loops so that it operated correctly in all of the seat positions.  It wasn’t really a difficult task (if you have a drill press), but very time consuming.  Especially since both ropes had to be identical in length & location of the handle loops.  Here are some pics if any other Bandflex owners stop by researching the same problem:

The loop just under the pulley is for bench press exercises with the seat in the full back incline position (closest to tower).  With the seat about halfway forward, I would bottom out on the rope, so the second loop (grip attached in pic) gives me an additional 6 inches or so.  I have to move the handle grips when I move the seat.  The third loop is of course for the belt as on the original rope.

This gauge of rope seems to fit the pulley better and provides a smoother motion & much less chatter noise.  This is a cheap upgrade, so I’d definitely recommend doing it even if you don’t need the additional reach.  E-mail me if you need any details on the mod.

Now playing: Breaking Benjamin - Firefly

The bookshelves I ordered for my office finally came in after almost 2 weeks of waiting.  I put them together this weekend.  I haven’t totally filled them yet, but they’ve already allowed me to free up a lot of space & reclaim my loft from chaos.  Now I’m thinking a 27–32” LCD on the wall between them would make a mighty fine computer monitor. 

Now playing: Atreyu - Right Side Of The Bed