More on SMC 1/2 DIN Repackage

[Rayk]

Thought I'd start a new thread on the repackage effort to kind of refocus on progress to date. The Metra adapter installation kit came in today and I had a chance to play with the parts to see how this would all go together. I've posted some pics at Webshots.com and here is a link:

http://community.webshots.com/album/43179943pysRGu

Several limitations have surfaced. Following are my observations after playing with the kit for awhile:

1) The feasibility of adding a 1/4 or 1/2 DIN accessory is definitely there but because of the size of the opening it is not feasiable to add two 1/4 DIN boxes side by side. (like a boost controller and scannmaster) One or the other is OK.
2) Since only one accessory can be added it makes sense to consider repackaging the SMC Alchy controller to 1/2 DIN so that plenty of space can be utilized.
3) The metal frame with this kit is very strong and will make a really nice package with a 1/4 or 1/2 DIN accessory. It offers even more support for an aftermarket Receiver than the current plastic brackets offer.
4) This kit (Metra 99-4812) comes with 3 faceplates giving a choice of either a flat mounting or 1/2" or 1" extended. I'll try the flat and 1/2" panels out with my DIN radio to see which mounts and looks better. The 1" is definitely too much extention.
5) In the photos, I've punched the panels out to accept a 1/4 DIN box and put in the blanks on each side which come with the kit. When a 1/2 DIN box is used the two side panels would be left out.
6) A 1/4 DIN box must be at least 3 1/2" long. (BSTCont and Scanmaster are 4")
7) To fill up the full 1/2 DIN hole the box must be about 7 inches long and 1" high. the depth can be as much as 6". It would be secured to the side rails by screws which would go into the sides of the box. If this interferes with internal circuitry, a piece of perforated plumber's strap could also be used.

Well, that's about it for now. Any comments from you folks are welcome and as many as are interested should post here to let Steve at SMC know that there is a market for his kit in DIN form. I've E-mailed him privately and will send him a copy of this post. His initial response was a general interest and he is also looking into feasibility from his perspective. My next step is to install the kit in my car with my Boost Controller in the 1/4 DIN slot. But, I'm drooling over the possibility of putting my SMC Alchy controller there instead.

 

[Two Lane]

Keep At It!

Thanks for the ingenuity & experimentation, Ray!

Please keep us posted...it'd be a great improvement on an already great product!

 

[OKTurbo]

Hey Ray...

I can't get the link to work?!?!?!

John

 

[Rayk]

John, I just checked it again and it opens fine on my machine. Make sure you have links enabled on your browser and that a little hand with a finger appears when you place your curser on the link. If it doesn't, you can copy and paste it into your browser's "go to" window and open the web page that way. Good luck.

 

[OKTurbo]

Hmmmm...strange. Still won't work. My browser opens up a new window and goes to the site, but it tells me that I'm not the owner of the album and I must login.

Is there a way you can share the album, or do I need to sign up/ login somewhere?

Thanks,
John

 

[Rayk]

Sorry about that. I think I posted my private page. Try this link:

http://community.webshots.com/album/43179943pysRGu

 

[OKTurbo]

Thanks Ray. That got it working.

I'm not sure if the SMC kit will fit, but it sure looks like a nice place to put a BstC!

John

 

[salvageV6]

I am now thinking you only need to relocate the boost switch, pump speed Pot., the led's and push to test switch.

Shouldn't be impossible. Keep the rest of the stuff, wiring in the original box behind the radio even the fuse that prolly will never blow anyway.

A doable project and just might fit with something else too.

My scanmaster is gonna stay on top of the dash however.

 

[Rayk]

I installed the new kit with my Boost Controller this morning and it went in really easy after some minor trimming and bracket fabricating for the Boost Controller mount. Here are a couple more pictures showing the finished install along with the previous ones showing the breakdown of the new adapter:

http://community.webshots.com/album/43179943pysRGu

As for making it work for the SMC controller, It would be quite easy. There's a total of over 40 Cu. In. of space back there
(7"W X 1"H X 6"Deep) and the current SMC controller only uses about 18 Cu. In. I like Salvage6s idea of only relocating the lights and switches and leaving the rest of the components in the existing unit. Given some thought, I think it could be worked out to get a 3" wide SMC controller next to a Boost Controller (or Scanmaster). Hey Steve, are you lurking?

 

[salvageV6]

I think he could do it as an option rather easily.

Just have it hook up on the terminal strips like he does now.

Prolly need about 8-10 connections total to do the necessary functions.

Remote display and control panel option, leave the original box.

Cords available in 3 ft. or 6 ft. depending on where you want the remote display box in 1/4 DIN size.

Cool idea eh?

My guess is a $75 or so increase in price. Guessing as usual.

 

[OKTurbo]

VERY good idea SalvageV6....

Now if we can just get ol' Steve excited enough to actually make one available. It would be pretty slick to have the SMC and the BstC side by side in the radio pod.

Ray...the BstC mounting looks cool. How hard is it to get the BstC out for adjustments to the switches etc. on the back?

I've been wanting to upgrade my tired old stock stereo for a while now....this may just seal the deal.

John

 

[Rayk]

OKTurbo writes:
"Ray...the BstC mounting looks cool. How hard is it to get the BstC out for adjustments to the switches etc. on the back? "


The way I have it mounted it would mean removing the radio trim plate and the 4 hold down screws that secure the radio. Then you'd have to slide the assembly out about 3 or 4 inches and make the adjustments. You would not have to remove the radio all the way.

For those (like you maybe), that need to make more than infrequent adjustments on the rear panel it would also be possible to mount the Controller a little looser than I've got mine mounted. Then you could just slide the controller out, make the adjustments, and slide it back in. You'd just have to be sure to have plenty of wire loop in back so it could pull out without stretching the wires. If you'll notice, I added a disconnect to my Boost Controller so I could remove the whole radio addembly while leaving the BST in place.