Xbox Install in my 2k3 Maxima
Unfortunately, I don't have any pics as of yet, but I will soon (just have no time right now).
Project MaXiBOX
Well, my plans were initially to install a computer in my car. But what I really wanted to do was be able to store movies, music, etc on a harddrive and have everything controlled by a remote control, without having to change DVD's or CD's.
Well the X-BOX is the perfect setup!
Screen: Innovatek 7" indash
Screen IN (Manual fold in)
Screen OUT 
This screen is not bad, but not the best. In sunlight, its very difficult to see. This is a temp setup for now, as you can see my dash is not complete. I am rebuilding this later in the summer, possible changing screens. Stay tuned for new fiberglass console.
NOTE: For some reason, the screen has an infared remote, but it conflicts with any IR remote, shutting off, adjusting contrast, etc.. therefore i taped it up with electric tape at the bottom, until i crack this sucker open and desolder the faulty IR eye.
X-BOX Screenshot
When i first turn on my X-BOX, it boots up XBOX Media Center within 10 seconds. From here, I can select my movies, pictures, games, programs, etc.
Controlling the XBOX
This is where I got very creative. People all use the XBOX controllers to control the xbox. I wanted the versatility of the wireless remote. For this I HACKED the XBOX DVD Dongle, and used USB cables to extend the controller port 4 to the front dash and attached the dongle under the deck, where the IR eye is located. I use this remote to control ALL FUNCTIONS of the XBOX
In addition to that, I also rewired my XBOX so taht i can turn the XBOX on and off via a switch mounted under the deck. (Use the yellow wire and tie that to the SHIELD on your USB cable, and then attach the switch to ground. INside the xbox, rewire the yellow wire and solder to the control panel power switch.
BONUS control
My maxima has a nice set of steering wheel controls
This also controls the XBOX and my Kenwood stereo.
Using the SWI-X steering wheel interface, I have reprogrammed the interface to emit corresponding infared signals to teh specified devices.
The buttons on the steering wheel operate as follows:
VOL UP/DOWN => Kenwood deck VOL UP/DOWN
MODE => Kenwood deck source (CD/TUNER/OFF/XBOX)
ARROW UP/DOWN => XBOX track up/down
Now when i use XBOX Media Center to play MP3's or movies in queue, i use the ARROW UP/DOWN to go to next movie/song or previous movie/song as opposed to using the infarad remote. NEAT?
POWERING THE XBOX
Here is where I also got creative. I used a DC/AC power invertor 200watts. BUT, i wanted everything to work automatically.
Here is the issue, when you leave it plugged into the cigerette lighter, the invertor and XBOX shut off with the key. Problem is, when i start my car, my XBOX dies as a result of the accessory line shutting down when the key hits the start position.
SOLUTION!:
Well, as I was rewiring my alarm for better security, I decided, to do teh following.
I found the ACCESSORY line and the ON/START lines which is powered 12 volts. Using diodes to prevent feed back i connect these two lines to a single 1.5AMP fuse (FOR PROTECTION incase of shortage). From there i ran the wire to the rear of the car, and attached to the relay which powers up the invertor.
NOW since the relay is constantly on whether the key is in Accessory, ON, or start position, the XBOX only dies when the key is turned to the off position. PERFECT!
FINAL THOUGHTS AND THE FUTURE
With 160gigs of games, movies, programs, pictures, etc, the possiblity is endless. the beauty of the XBOX setup, is I usually take it out of the car, and I can STILL use it at home. Its WAY better than those people with DVD units.
