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Macbook - Power? Optical > RCA?

Started by Arkhaeon, Sep 18 2009 01:47 AM

25 replies to this topic

#1 Arkhaeon

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 01:47 AM

Gday all, long time since ive been on here!

Just scored a macbook (core2 duo 2ghz) with no screen, CD drive, battery etc (stripped). Chucking in the power cable, it still works fine. Plan is to make it into a teency box and have a neat little carPC.
The basic idea is to use the macbook, its integrated video and optical audio, Lilliput EBY701 (use one of the two USB ports for the touchscreen), add a USB GPS dongle in the second USB port. The macbook MIGHT still have its integrated bluetooth functioning, also.

The macbooks' normal charger claims 16.5V @ 4.6A (max) - How am I best set to achieve this? I'd love to run an M2-ATX, as it has the startup/shutdown timers that I desire. Is there a way to bridge rails to get close to my 16.5V, or will it only result in the smell of burning silicone?

Secondly, the macbook only has one 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, which obviously won't cut the mustard for running a 4.1 setup. Interestingly though, the 3.5mm jack also includes an optical connection.. Does anybody know of a simple, cheap optical > 5.1ch RCA converter? I see optical > 2ch RCA converters going cheap, but thats' pretty pointless!
I would rather NOT use a USB sound card, as I only have 2 USB ports, and would prefer to keep my installation size to a minimum. I will be running windows however, so if no optical decoders are available, I can run any old USB device as a last resort - however I would also then need to add in a USB hub :\

I appreciate any feedback you can muster up!

Cheers,
-Luke

#2 Arkhaeon

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 01:54 AM

Update already:

Started pulling apart remaining bits on the motherboard - Found the bluetooth unit+antenna.

#3 Gobbledok

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 09:05 AM

this is one device you could use.
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/prom...specifications/

2008 Corolla - IDA-X100 - 2x Cadence DCA2500 - 4x Cadence DCW15 - 3 Optima D34M - PB-149.1 - DECEASED

2006 Vito "The Don" - IVA-W205 - 3x Cadence ZRS-9 - 6 Cadence DCW15 - 5 Fullriver SPV70 - PB-148.3 @ 25Hz - DECEASED

1999 Merc C180 - CDA-9887 - AudioSystem F6-380 - Alpine Type X Pro Tweets - Infinity Kappa Perfect 6" Mids - Alpine MRD-M605 - Alpine SBR-S123V - Fullriver SPV70 - FOR SALE w/o stereo.


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#4 speaksgeek

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 11:59 AM

You could try and find one of these on ebay.

http://www.griffinte...oducts/firewave

Discontinued now, but could be the thing. Apple's Audio/Midi utility is a good one to get familiar with in times like this for channel setup.

Also worth looking into different media apps, a couple to look at are Boxee, Plex, XBMC, or just use the built-in front row.

The magsafe connector might make life difficult. Perhaps look into adapting the empower airline connector, as it's designed for about 15v on planes. It doesn't charge the battery, but that's not an issue here.

Edited by speaksgeek, 18 September 2009 - 08:33 PM.

Peugeot 206 GTi 180
Alpine 9887 + Peugeot steering wheel controls
Focal K2P front splits
PPI Art series 2x 75W Front amp
RF 10" Sub
Soundstream 400x1 @ 2ohm Sub amp

#5 Gobbledok

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 12:05 PM

hey geek is that your car in your display?

2008 Corolla - IDA-X100 - 2x Cadence DCA2500 - 4x Cadence DCW15 - 3 Optima D34M - PB-149.1 - DECEASED

2006 Vito "The Don" - IVA-W205 - 3x Cadence ZRS-9 - 6 Cadence DCW15 - 5 Fullriver SPV70 - PB-148.3 @ 25Hz - DECEASED

1999 Merc C180 - CDA-9887 - AudioSystem F6-380 - Alpine Type X Pro Tweets - Infinity Kappa Perfect 6" Mids - Alpine MRD-M605 - Alpine SBR-S123V - Fullriver SPV70 - FOR SALE w/o stereo.


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#6 Pulse-R

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 03:06 PM

I got a (cheap) laptop adapter from jaycar. works a treat.

as for the USB, why not get a USB2 powered hub (powered from a ciggy lighter adapter) to run lots of devices.
http://www.melbourneaudioclub.org.au
http://www.aes.org
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~Spyne~, on 15 July 2009 - 07:33 PM, said:

gear = wank unless it's installed
Note to self: Install more gear.
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#7 Arkhaeon

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 04:21 PM

Thats an idea - run a normal laptop car charger for power, and something like the M2-ATX for the startup/shutdown feature..

Just found the 802.11n wireless card for the macbook, complete with the factory antenna that goes around the screen :)

#8 speaksgeek

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 08:32 PM

GTi-FTW, on Sep 18 2009, 12:05 PM, said:

hey geek is that your car in your display?

Yup.
Peugeot 206 GTi 180
Alpine 9887 + Peugeot steering wheel controls
Focal K2P front splits
PPI Art series 2x 75W Front amp
RF 10" Sub
Soundstream 400x1 @ 2ohm Sub amp

#9 speaksgeek

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 08:43 PM

If you want a factory take apart manual, and having trouble getting one, PM me, I'm sure I can get my hands on one.
Although if you google enough, I'm sure it's out there.
Peugeot 206 GTi 180
Alpine 9887 + Peugeot steering wheel controls
Focal K2P front splits
PPI Art series 2x 75W Front amp
RF 10" Sub
Soundstream 400x1 @ 2ohm Sub amp

#10 Gobbledok

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Posted 18 September 2009 - 09:22 PM

tis ok, i have a servicebox account. just wondering what mods... pm me. we can share experiences :)

2008 Corolla - IDA-X100 - 2x Cadence DCA2500 - 4x Cadence DCW15 - 3 Optima D34M - PB-149.1 - DECEASED

2006 Vito "The Don" - IVA-W205 - 3x Cadence ZRS-9 - 6 Cadence DCW15 - 5 Fullriver SPV70 - PB-148.3 @ 25Hz - DECEASED

1999 Merc C180 - CDA-9887 - AudioSystem F6-380 - Alpine Type X Pro Tweets - Infinity Kappa Perfect 6" Mids - Alpine MRD-M605 - Alpine SBR-S123V - Fullriver SPV70 - FOR SALE w/o stereo.


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#11 speaksgeek

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Posted 19 September 2009 - 04:08 PM

speaksgeek, on Sep 18 2009, 08:43 PM, said:

If you want a factory take apart manual, and having trouble getting one, PM me, I'm sure I can get my hands on one.
Although if you google enough, I'm sure it's out there.

I mean for the macbook. :)
Peugeot 206 GTi 180
Alpine 9887 + Peugeot steering wheel controls
Focal K2P front splits
PPI Art series 2x 75W Front amp
RF 10" Sub
Soundstream 400x1 @ 2ohm Sub amp

#12 Gobbledok

    Denny Crane

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Posted 19 September 2009 - 04:47 PM

ah well. at least now i know you wont offer again :P

2008 Corolla - IDA-X100 - 2x Cadence DCA2500 - 4x Cadence DCW15 - 3 Optima D34M - PB-149.1 - DECEASED

2006 Vito "The Don" - IVA-W205 - 3x Cadence ZRS-9 - 6 Cadence DCW15 - 5 Fullriver SPV70 - PB-148.3 @ 25Hz - DECEASED

1999 Merc C180 - CDA-9887 - AudioSystem F6-380 - Alpine Type X Pro Tweets - Infinity Kappa Perfect 6" Mids - Alpine MRD-M605 - Alpine SBR-S123V - Fullriver SPV70 - FOR SALE w/o stereo.


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#13 Guest_Liquidity_*

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Posted 21 September 2009 - 02:29 PM

I'm almost certain sp/dif optical doesnt have the bandwidth for 5.1, you want an external usb soundcard/box.

#14 Gobbledok

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Posted 21 September 2009 - 02:38 PM

do you mean s/pdif in general, or the macbook one in particular?

2008 Corolla - IDA-X100 - 2x Cadence DCA2500 - 4x Cadence DCW15 - 3 Optima D34M - PB-149.1 - DECEASED

2006 Vito "The Don" - IVA-W205 - 3x Cadence ZRS-9 - 6 Cadence DCW15 - 5 Fullriver SPV70 - PB-148.3 @ 25Hz - DECEASED

1999 Merc C180 - CDA-9887 - AudioSystem F6-380 - Alpine Type X Pro Tweets - Infinity Kappa Perfect 6" Mids - Alpine MRD-M605 - Alpine SBR-S123V - Fullriver SPV70 - FOR SALE w/o stereo.


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#15 0restes

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Posted 21 September 2009 - 06:12 PM

I wouldn't bother with the Macbooks bluetooth for audio, the quality of it is garbage, I got my MacBook to detect the Wifi from my headunit and it sounded average, I was disappointed. You'd probably get away with it for a keyboard/mouse, but I would go with a cable for audio.

Get a USB hub and an external soundcard that is Mac Compatible, or run it on windows and use what you like... you're wasting your time using the MacBooks onboard audio if you want SQ

Edited by 0restes, 21 September 2009 - 09:00 PM.

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