The new Apple trackpad is way cool...

Can't wait to hear how you do... took me 7 years and 3 computers to finally get the system and network I like.

 

Found a link on bypassing the AC/DC powersupply in the 2010 Mini to allow it to run on DC. Not sure if I'll do this however.

http://www.mp3car.com/blogs/143534_how-to-power-your-2010-mac-mini-in-a-vehicle-by-mct-inc.html

 

this might be useful.

[video=youtube;0oTfNjc3M3I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oTfNjc3M3I[/video]

 

This looks cool too. might allow you to return the keyboard and pad

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/touchpad/id297623931?mt=8

 

Three great ideas. Thanks all. I am diligently transferring movies - this might take a lifetime. But I love projects!

 

Project Update-
Final movie is transferring to the mac. My wife is now aware of this project and appears supportive! Looks like a 26" TV is the right size for the boat - will go shopping this weekend. I found a lot of storage space behind the seat cushions, hopefully I can mount the UPS and perhaps some network equipment there.

Today was a working, but fun, day on the boat. Hull is painted / waxed. We got all systems up and running - all that is needed is some canvas work and a wash/wax topsides. Then - the 2011 crab season will begin!

Forward stateroom needs a fix - looks like the 44db had a panel mounted in the TV opening - will call searay on tues to try and order. That would allow a nice flatscreen to be added with a DVD/Apple TV. Then we will be good to go!

 

I agree. The salon TV space takes a 26" perfectly. Previous owner had one installed on mine.

Looking forward to pics of your install. Good luck...

 

I think we are starting this weekend. Pics will follow shortly.

 

Hurry up!!! Winter is coming... ;-)

 

We got a 32" Insignia for the salon. It's fits very well - just a little overhang, but you can't tell. We put it on a completely articulating mount that will allow us to swing it out, spin it around, and watch it from outside.

 

Project is essentially complete. I took many pictures which I will upload shortly. A one day lift.

 

Trying to upload pictures

 

Ok - Today was the first day of the spring break we are not taking, so I decided the day was best spent at the boat. Here is where we started:

A quick removal of the bottom side screws allowed the TV to pivot down:

A few screws removed and off came the TV:

 

I've been up all night waiting for this post only to find you drink Miller Lite?

 

At least he uses a Makita instead of a Dewalt. Kudos there...

Post more pics of the completed install.

 

I used some aluminum flashing to split the "Velcro" holding the DVD down:

It was quite a battle. But I won!

However, it wasn't velco but double sided foam tape:

 

With the doors off, the front panel removed, it was easy to take out the two screws holding the CD changer.

With all the removal completed, a quick trip to Best Buy resulted in:
TV, BluRay, Mount, 2 unnecessary HDMI elbows.

The mount is a two part unit - here is the base attached to the boat:

 

Nice job. Keep 'em coming.

 

Here is a look inside the console - before AC power was changed. Please note the large amount of new velcro in place to hold the TV solidly:

This is how I got the HDMI and cable into the unit- straight into the back. Used spade bits to cut appropriate holes.

I pulled out the unnecessary cables (component, RCA AV etc). I then mounted a UPS inside the STBD seatback:

This provides both UPS and non-UPS outlets. I put the TV, BluRay, and Mac on the UPS side. The other unused DirectTV and IR repeater went into the non-UPS side. Unit held down with big velcro.

With that taken care of, I installed the BluRay - added velcro to the base and the bottom, and put the flashing in between while positioning. I ran an HDMI cable and a Ethernet cable into the unit.

 

The last phase of the install was adding the Mac Mini. Here is the gear ready to go:

A quick review of what goes where showed that my Audio Out (red box in previous picture) couldn't connect to the Clarion (female - female). Off to Radio Shack:

.
The Red Box has both RCA in and Out. This allowed me to hook the Out to the Clarion, and my Ipod plug to the In. Thus, the Mac functions like a dual input switch - sending either Ipod, or Mac music to the Clarion. Works like a champ, so far.

My Panel Mount USB was the main frustration. The hole was drilled perfectly. However, the mount is as deep as the panel is thick - so no room for exposed threads to screw the cover to. I SHOULD have drilled a larger hole on the backside to thin the panel to 3/8s or so. Then finished the actual hole all the way through. But I missed that one, so the trusty utility knife helped chamfer the back side enough to let the threads engage.

The Mac was held down with more velcro. Still not sure what the final panel will look like - this is temporary while I get things running smoothly.

The movie is "The Last Waltz" for those fans of The Band.

The mac in default mode has several outputs that can be used one at a time. I learned this after listening to my movie from the tiny mac speaker. The HDMI was not taking audio to the TV. However, in Preferences / Sounds you can change the output between internal, HDMI (for TV), or USB (the Red Box - for music). I am working on a method to create a hybrid output device using the last two, so I won't have to mess with selecting ever again.

The wireless keyboard, trackpad, and connecting bar are really cool. The next steps are going to be focused on getting the computer up set up for better networking. Our marina has Annapolis Wireless accounts for slip holders, but we have to log in on a web page. I need to find a way to make that work seamlessly. More to follow - it was a full day today!

 

Awesome job there!!! gave me some good ideas for my new boat! want to hire you to do something similar for mine lol!! Really great stuff my friend

 

Great post! We were talking this weekend about upgrading tv and audio. Thanks for the primer.

 

nice clean simple install, I like it.

 

Amazing post, great detail. I am very interested to hear in the future how your mini works for you.

 

Thanks all. Will post an update once we get some use out of it.

 

Ed,

Very nice and slick install.

A quick question, I assume most 420s are done the same way where salon TV is plugged in to the outlet behind the cabinet. Does it mean that salon TVs work only on 110v or is there an inverter somewhere hidden transforming 12v in to 110v?

I've been so busy with getting higher priority items done that I still didn't have a chance to test if my system runs on 12v DC or only on 110v AC (I just know that it works fine on 110v).

 

There is not an inverter - it is on the STBD SYSTEMS AC breaker.

 

Ed,
Great job
You make it look so easy.