Repackage SMC to 1/2 DIN

[Rayk]

We've had a good thread going on the Car Audio Topic about adding 1/2 or 1/4 DIN accessories under the Radio for those of us with aftermarket CD Receivers. Turns out there is a Metra Adapter available which will allow a full inch (1/2 DIN) space under the radio which could be used for some of our accessories like Boost Commander, Scanmaster, Switch panels, etc.

Now, wouldn't it be cool if SMC sould design a 1/2 DIN box to house their Alchy system which could be located in this free space? I'd love to get my SMC unit off of the top of the radio/AC cluster. How about it Steve? Is it possible?

The volume inside the current SMC Controller is about 18 cubic inches. The volume inside a 1/2 DIN case 1" X 8" X 4" is 32 cubic inches. Sounds feasible to me. Question is, would there be enough demand from the T/R community??????????

 

[ChrisF]

Ray, are you suggesting a controller/light box that would fit in the stock "double DIN" GM opening, so that a standard Alpine faceplate and the controls would be a drop in??

If so, let's work with SMC and engineer one. I would love one.

 

[SilverSleeper]

Yes, thats the general idea.
But, just for reference, the factory is 1 1/2 DIN. double DIN is common in imports and would fit 2 aftermarket heads ontop pf each other.
Heres the link to the original post in car audio:

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45376

 

[Rayk]

Right, and to clarify a bit further.........the factory cutout is 1.5 DIN and most aftermarket CD or Cassette Receivers are single DIN. Most of the installation adapters (like the ones from Metra) center the DIN aftermarket receiver in the 1.5 DIN opening leaving no room for anything else. What we've found is a Metra Adapter that moves the unit up or down in the adapter so that a full 1/2 DIN of space is made available. This space is intended for little Equalizers, radar detectors, etc. What we propose is to have SMC repackage the SMC controller to fit into a 1/2 DIN package (about 1.25" X 8") so we can slip it into the new space. Voila! Dash mounted Alchy Controller. Hope I didn't get too wordy.

 

[ChrisF]

Ray, where is the "Metra" adapter available?

 

[Rayk]

Originally posted by ChrisF
Ray, where is the "Metra" adapter available?

You should be able to get it at any audio installation shop in your home town. P/N is 99-4812 Or you can order it on-line at this web site.

http://www.wholesaleaudio.com/metra kits.html

Toll free number is 800-450-8173

 

[salvageV6]

Take a peak inside the controller. There is a finned heatsink PWM converter or something like it in there. Not sure if DIN or 1/2 DIN will work.

Worth looking into however.

 

[Rayk]

Originally posted by salvageV6
Take a peak inside the controller. There is a finned heatsink PWM converter or something like it in there. Not sure if DIN or 1/2 DIN will work.

I haven't opened my SMC up yet but does the heat sink look thicker than about an inch? If so, maybe it could be laid over on its side. the depth of the 1/2 DIN package can be as deep as about 6 inches.

 

[Earl H]

Not a buick owner, but I think that it is a great idea. I'm still in the process of making the decision to purchase one for my blown cobra. One of my biggest concerns (outside of tuning the thing) is the packaging of the in-car interface. If SMC kit came with a din sized interfaced, it would be an easy decision.

 

[salvageV6]

I haven't looked at one lately, it may fit but there won't be much air going around the heatsink which isn't good with cheap plastic boxes.

Then again there is no reason you can't make a box that is bigger out back and still has the DIN size or 1/2DIN faceplate area. Should be more room vertically or out back, stepped box or angled box.

 

[gn1220]

I would like this set-up also. I have a Kenwood 4042 EQ below my stereo now and would like to put an SMC controller next to it.

 

[gn1220]

I've never seen inside an SMC box but would it be possible to relocate the controls into a Scanmaster box? Get Ramchargers to sell us some boxes and BFH to make new faceplates and mount them in the 1/2 DIN or anywhere we want. Make it a do-it-yourself kit for those who already have the SMC. I really like the idea of having it below my stereo next to my EQ. Let's keep this going.

 

[Rayk]

By the way, who if BFH?

 

[gn1220]

Buick From Hell

 

[salvageV6]

BFH is Kevin from Utah. He makes the rear engraved plate for the scanmaster.

He can engrave anything just about.

I looked at the new controller when I put the kit in saturday for my GN. It would be possible but not easy to fit the whole kit in a Din enclosure that is 1/2 DIN wide.

Total rewiring and relocation of the electronics. Steve C. should be notified as no way will it stand up to warranty issues.

I also don't like the on/off pump speed control in one pot. I liked the toggle switch and leave the speed alone.

Just my .02 on that one.

Gotta really know down to the last mm. how much room is available for the kit to be relocated and the DIN radios to be relocated.

I did do the Power Injection and Low Washer Fluid light options for this kit and it works great so far.

 

[Rayk]

Quote:
I did do the Power Injection and Low Washer Fluid light options for this kit and it works great so far.




So, if the controller is repackaged we could leave out the low alchy and pump on lights? Where can I find the install instructions to wire these two lights on the dash?

I agree that a little toggle switch would be preferable to the on/off function of the motor switch. Like that one.

 

[salvageV6]

Instructions? I don't think so....

What I had was a digital dash car.

Second spot down is the low washer fluid level bulb spot. Nothing in the hole and no circuit board traces go to it. I made up a spare bulb socket using a standard dash lamp and little plastic socket. First you solder two wires to the lamp ends which are the little tabs that normally will contact the circuit board traces. Then another bulb is prepared to go into the power injection hole both are in the right bulb pod. No circuit board traces are in the way of that hole either and there was no lamp or socket in the dash.

After the bulbs and wires are prepared install them into the holes and they will lock in place. Use 20-22 gauge stranded wire to the lamps.

Run the bulb wires down to the controller.

Once you get that far I will have to look at my wiring one lamp gets a ground and the other gets +12 from the kit forget which one right now. The other side of the lamps go to ground and the IGN terminal where you wire the kit up to. I just have to double check to see if it's the low washer fluid or power injection that gets which signal.

It's easy to do without going inside the controller box.

 

[Roc87]

The pump (Power injection) light is 12V+, the low washer fluid is ground because the float in the tank completes a ground. HTH

 

[OTHRWMN]

Even if 1/2 or 1/4 din does'nt work I would be happy if it was all around about a 1/4 in smaller. It would fit better in the ash tray location.

If not I will just deal with it. Thats what puts creative minds to work.