Netbook TV mount

[snfexpress]

I've been wanting a netbook mount in our truck for quite some time but didn't want to part with the upwards of $300 or more for the comercially available mounts.

Since we are in New York and our friend has a plant with gads of neat stuffs and machines, he told me that I could go scrounging. After all was said and done, I found all of the parts and used various tools and machines including a metal lathe, a metal bending tool and welders and grinders. Here is what I came up with.

The stainless steel parts are from a medical supply warehouse (found in the plant), and all of the other stuffs were either made or scrounged. There are no new holes in the truck - I used the seat hold-down bolt for the custom fabricated steel support bar (the one painted York brown).

The netbook can be viewed and operated by either the driver or passenger, and when not wanted, it easily stows away in just 3 pieces (the steel support bar is the only thing that stays put).

[noneck]

Nice...does it wiggle much when driving?

Where in NY?

[Jolu]

Nice! I want one of those. Great fab job.

[snfexpress]

Nope - doesn't move, unless we move it. I used foam pad behind the steel support bar and it is purposefully tight against the center console, providing additional support for the mount.

[Waynem]

So if I see you swerving down the road I'll know you are not on the cell phone, but on the computer sending email!!!

Nice job - how much to make me one? Never mind. If I have to ask I can't afford it.

[Art-n-Marge]

Very nice implementation! Complete with swivel!

Are you thinking of adding GPS capability down the line? The PC would provide a very large screen to support it. (I see the GPS in front of your instrument panel). What is the monitor on your dash?

Good job!

[snfexpress]

We have a GPS for the netbook and use it in conjunction with the aircard to complement the Garmin GPS. We find that between the Garmin and S&T, with Internet access, we typically find what we're looking for. The monitor on the dash is the rear view camera on the Big Sky.

[hookman]

Looks great. You could get a little side business building them for MOCers

[Art-n-Marge]

Thanks for the explanation, snfexpress. That's a nice setup.

Wow, you'll be able to surf the net with your laptop - there's no law against that, yet. LOL. Please, I'm just kidding. But the options are endless having an active laptop at your fingertips.

:-)

[DONnANNIE]

There's your future retirement Mike. Get a patent and let the money roll in.

Very nice piece of handywork.

[Delaine and Lindy]

Michael, that is a Professional, (think Patent). You are going to have to upgrade to a HDT/MDT to have enough room to mount all that high tech equipment. We have a in-dash screen for our TV,CD,DVD,XM radio, and of course the Garmin. We have plenty of room and will have to research a mount for the Computer, DW has talked about this before. Again a very neat and Professional. GBY....

[Freeda II]

Micheal; That looks great. I have been thinking of doing something along the same line. Showed DW and her first comment was "where do I sit". If you are able to show me more angles (send to e-mail acct) and how it stores so DW can still come along on trips that would be great. I should be able to find parts at work. Andy

[Trailer Trash 2]

Great job and fabracation, I wish I had the room to do that, I'll wait untill the small notebooks come down in price, and I'll hope I can come up with something as clean as you made.

[KathyandDave]

This is very nice. Of all the GPS things I've tried (admittedly, not too many), Microsoft Streets and Trips suits us the best, but has to run on a laptop, which can be very awkward. Your solution would work great for us. Where do we order?

[simonsrf]

Michael,

Looks like you have as many distractions in your cab as we do!!

You did a real nice job building that stand; nice setup. We have a similar computer setup, only store bought. Steve Grobstig (WTF) also built one using PVC pipe and it came out real nice.

The convenience of having broadband a GPS BIG Screen in the truck while driving is wonderful. We do it a bit differently because we have solar/inverter which gives us electricity while driving. With our booster and router "on" in the trailer, Alice can investigate future plans as we drive down the road.

[snfexpress]

Thanks, all. I had fun making it.

Robbie, what kind of solar setup do you have? I am interested.

[simonsrf]

quote:Originally posted by snfexpress

Thanks, all. I had fun making it.

Robbie, what kind of solar setup do you have? I am interested.

Michael, my signature file pretty much tells it all. For a great education go to amsolar.com We had our system configured and installed by these people. I can't say enough great things about them. Steve Grobstig (sgrobstig47)(also known as WTF Won Ton Fooey), and Bill Young (Oldguard) also bought similar units installed by AMSolar. They are located in Springfield, OR near Eugene.

The solar allows us to keep the router, aircard and booster in the trailer, and Alice can wifi back to the trailer from the truck...it is really pretty simple, but with the addition of having the booster, we get fantastic reception while traveling. We also fill our batteries, run the freezer, and can even run the hot water tank and the ice maker off the solar while traveling....now, the refrigerator is a different animal, and we only run it on the propane when not in a park.

We just spent a week boondocking and never turned the Honda on.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our use and application.

[KathyandDave]

btw, gotta love those Altoids!

[Mudchief]

Michael, once again you have done another great job.

[dsprik]

quote:Originally posted by simonsrf

Michael,

Looks like you have as many distractions in your cab as we do!!

No problem for me. Everywhere we go my wife does the driving. I just hang onto the wheel...

Probably, get in trouble from Cheryl for that one. Couldn't resist the temptation...