Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

[TNPhoon]

I am somewhat a geek at heart, obviously.

This winter, one of the projects I am going to do is install some type of multimedia tablet into the Typhoon, and wondering if anyone has already done this, is thinking of doing this, is in the process of doing this, or would have any thoughts, suggestions, etc.

Right now, I am thinking an Android tablet, mainly because of the size and the versatility and openess of the application building.

The goal is to install something such as a Samsung Galaxy and mount it in the front cup holder area of the truck. I can either fabricate some stand for it or I am sure that there are many device holders out there that I could buy that would work and hold it in a solid state.

I could easily connect the tablet into an existing radio for sound. Since I never listen to the radio anyways and always use my BlackBerry or EVO for music, having a tablet would allow me to not only store my current on the tablet, but also allow me to use such things like Pandora, Slacker and iHeartRadio in the truck as well.

It would also allow me to use the built-in Voice commands, Google Maps and Google Navigation in the instances that I need it.

Obviously, it will also let me have email access, browsing access, applications, blah blah. Also depending on the type I get, it would also have the ability to setup a wifi hot spot, in cab camera/video, blah blah. Not that any of the last mentioned features would be something that were used on a regular basis, but they would be there if there was ever a need or desire to use them.

While thinking about this and researching it, I came across the PLX Kiwi application. It seems pretty cool, but it only works with ODBII, and that's something that I don't want to dig into this winter, so if that happens, it would probably be next year. Also I would want to get it and test before as well, as I don't know anyone who has used it and how decent of an application it really is. Again, that's not going to happen anytime soon with the truck/tablet, but just something that I came across while doing some research of what beneficial things I would have access too when I do put the tablet in the truck.

I'm not worried about using/installing/etc the tablet. It's fairly simple. All I need is a stand, a power connection and a bluetooth stereo gateway. I would probably go with a bluetooth stereo gateway so that I don't have to run any wires or anything to the stereo from the tablet. I can simply connect the gateway to the back of the existing radio, wire it to turn on with the ignition and then I will never have to touch it again (hopefully) once it's paired with the tablet.

Anyhoo...was wondering if anyone has taken this route yet in any of their vehicles (doesn't necessarily have to be a SyTySgt) and what the thoughts have been on it.

 

[13Pelle]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

I have with my EVO...in whatever vehicle I am driving. I use it for GPS, live video webcasting, music, etc. The options are limitless. I currently use a universal "media" hold in the from cup holder when in the Typhoon. Works well all things considered. I considered making more of a custom holder but as often as I break phones and they become obsolete, who know how long I will have this for. I used my PSP for awhile in the rides too but there wasn't as many options.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

The only thing I don't like about using the evo is the size while I am driving. I wish I could enlarge it when I was in a vehicle and then shrink it back to normal size when I wasn't. Are you just using a straight wire from the headphone jacks to input? Or are you bluetoothing it?

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

i'm hot for an android tablet too...but i'm waiting for them to evolve a little and get faster/better. I would never buy the stupid galaxy for $600, plus you need its own data plan for it to work, and can't just share your phone plan....I'll want one that i can just tether my phone to it for internet access - pretty sure the galaxy doesn't have a usb port on it that would allow me to do so.

Once i get one i'm sure i'll make a mount for my car, not sure if i'd bother with it in the Ty though. I kinda dig simplicity in the cab of the Ty.

 

[The Bronze]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

I use the PLX Kiwi. I just robbed an obdII connector and added the power and grounds so I can use it with my spare PLX wideband to tune other rigs. If you equip your rig with their gauges, they can all be wired together and you can monitor w/o OBDII.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

How is that KIWI working out? Accuracy wise and whatnot? Are you running it in a SyTy? Might be a good way to monitor several things that I don't have gauges for to monitor, which was one of my plans assuming I could get it to work correctly.

 

[13Pelle]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

The only thing I don't like about using the evo is the size while I am driving. I wish I could enlarge it when I was in a vehicle and then shrink it back to normal size when I wasn't. Are you just using a straight wire from the headphone jacks to input? Or are you bluetoothing it?

I haven't had too much of an issue with the size of the screen. It is really easy IMO to adjust it. I have used both headphone jack and bluetooh with it. I like the sound quality of the bluetooth better though. I am looking into using eithe the mini HDMI or the USB as other options for connection in the car. I have also been looking into some of the hardware/software options with the EVO due to it being on the Linux platform. It is very open ended with a ton of options.

 

[canadian]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

Oh Hai!

 

[Alteredego]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

If you want to get really really custom, loose the two vents and fiberglass an Ipad with 3G in there and run the 30 pin connector to an AtoD optical converter theen run a Audioson bit one to a couple of amps to run the stereo. I have a 64G 3G gen 1 in my show truck with 4 amps. Its nice to have a huge map when in GPS mode and be able to DL any music I want from Itunes. Now if you want to go for a bit more stock there is a flip down unit that the ipad slips into and includes the wiring for charging and it has a built in RF mod for two wireless headsets for the kidos to watch movies. I bought one of these for my 32 Dodge for rear seat entertainment. If you want the link for it let me know

 

[canadian]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

If you want to get really really custom, loose the two vents and fiberglass an Ipad with 3G in there and run the 30 pin connector to an AtoD optical converter theen run a Audioson bit one to a couple of amps to run the stereo. I have a 64G 3G gen 1 in my show truck with 4 amps. Its nice to have a huge map when in GPS mode and be able to DL any music I want from Itunes. Now if you want to go for a bit more stock there is a flip down unit that the ipad slips into and includes the wiring for charging and it has a built in RF mod for two wireless headsets for the kidos to watch movies. I bought one of these for my 32 Dodge for rear seat entertainment. If you want the link for it let me know

Someone must shit $100 bills.

 

[sy605]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

I would never buy the stupid galaxy for $600, plus you need its own data plan for it to work, and can't just share your phone plan....I'll want one that i can just tether my phone to it for internet access

You can share data on the new Verizon plans (if that's the carrier you have). Plus hotspot to run it from your phone is free.

 

[Alteredego]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

Nope, would be nice though...
Just cruse craigslist, time are tough, people are down sizing.
I found both Ipads in San Antonio CL for 225 each. I got the audioson bit one for 400 bucks.
I have a friend sponsored by Memphis Audio so I got all his outdated amps. Then the AtoD converter with optical output for 100 bucks. If you can swing the price for a new turbo for this truck you can have a pretty nice sound system. you could also go with the JL MS8 instead of the audioson it just doessnt have the optical input for about 300 bucks.
Dont settle for something you might not be happy with. Find a platform you really like and shop around. For me it was the ipad because I can do everything I need to do and with ease going down the highway.

 

[canadian]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

Nope, would be nice though...
Just cruse craigslist, time are tough, people are down sizing.
I found both Ipads in San Antonio CL for 225 each. I got the audioson bit one for 400 bucks.
I have a friend sponsored by Memphis Audio so I got all his outdated amps. Then the AtoD converter with optical output for 100 bucks. If you can swing the price for a new turbo for this truck you can have a pretty nice sound system. you could also go with the JL MS8 instead of the audioson it just doessnt have the optical input for about 300 bucks.
Dont settle for something you might not be happy with. Find a platform you really like and shop around. For me it was the ipad because I can do everything I need to do and with ease going down the highway.

I'm not looking for IASCA quality systems here. I just want something better than stock. This truck gets driven less than 1000 miles a year. It makes no sense for ME to install an iPad MS8/Bit One or anything that high quality in this truck. In my daily driver, maybe.

I've seen a lot of installs using tablets into the Bit One/MS-8, but most of them are doing competitions or high end installs using Focal separates or other $400 sets of speakers.

Maybe one day I'll get that serious about the system, but not right now. You're at $625 without the amps or speakers. Add that to your total and you're over $1k for the stereo. There's no way I can justify it for MYSELF.

Glad that you got good deals and have hook ups for amps. Post up some pics of your install in the stereo section. I have a post there asking for pics from people but I don't think anybody replied.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

FWIW and to bump an old thread, since the truck is almost ready, spent some time this weekend looking at units. I have decided to go with a JVC KDX50BT. $119 total from Crutchfield and that included the unit, wiring kit, installation kit and antenna adapter.

It's a very basic stereo for the most part, but the main thing I was looking for in a headunit was Bluetooth that not only did phone calls, but streamed music from a device (phone/tablet) as well. I read through several pages of comments and Android users stated they also had the pandora/spotify/bluetooth commands through the headunit as well which is good.

Weird thing is, it doesn't have a CD player...but I sat there for a bit trying to remember the last time I actually used a CD player, and it was over a year ago, so I don't think I will have any issues seeing as I already use my phone for everything. It does however have the Bluetooth AD2P streaming, a front auxillary port and a front USB port.

Now can't wait for the Samsung Note 2 to come out, because I think that I am FINALLY going to upgrade from this old G2 that I've been using for the last few years. :tup:

 

[canadian]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

How deep is it? Do you still have to use that stupid bump out to get it to install right without it hitting the vents at the back? With no CD player you'd think they could make a player that wasn't 8 feet deep.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

Not sure. Didn't attempt it without the install kit. Imma be dicking around some more with the truck tomorrow so I can slide it out and measure it.

Played around with it a little Sunday night. Impressed by the bluetooth functions on it for $120. Better bluetooth connectivity than GMs current shit by far.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

6.25" from back of faceplate where it meets the install kit to the rear of the unit.

 

[ZavzTy547]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

6.25" from back of faceplate where it meets the install kit to the rear of the unit.

Nice setup - love to see more pics - To bad Tunerpro doesn't work with Android os tablets. . .

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

Here's 1 pic. I can take some others tonight from the front and different angles. So far, it works great. There's a little lag when you're trying to FORWARD or BACK songs from the bluetooth, but not too bad at all. Maybe 1.5 seconds. Hands-free phone works great too. Actually got a call yesterday while I was in the truck and it impressed me how it rang through, displays on the headunit, sound, etc. I have my mic installed right in front of the drivers seat up.

EDIT: Also, if it matters - It comes with a USB bluetooth "adapter". There is a usb port on the front, but there is also a USB cable on the back of the unit as well. That's where the USB adapter is by default, but you can move it to the front USB port also and then use the rear one for something else like an iPod. I kept the bluetooth adapter in the back wire, which I ran into the glovebox in case I ever need to use for some reason or another. But I know some people keep their iPods in their glovebox or the car at all times, so it would work well if you wanted to put your ipod in the glovebox and not have it dangling from the front USB port.

 

[TNPhoon]

Re: Tablet Installation (Android, iPad, etc)

I have a pretty shitty camera so the pics aren't all that great.

When I was researching it, I also watched part of this video just to see how it looked and functioned, so it may help. It's not in english though, but gives a good visual (SKIP TO 4:15 to get past the dumb shit at the beginning)

I mounted my microphone right in front of the drivers seat headliner, but the wire is long enough that you could run it anywhere you wanted to, even the back seat.

It's not a bad ass receiver by any means, but for $120 total, I'm more than happy with it. My thoughts were either installing a tablet directly into the dash OR finding a very simple Bluetooth AD2P connectivity with Android support, which this does both. I can fast forward through my music app, pandora and spotify. It also streams any audio from YouTube. If tested Google Navigation on it on the way home, and the turn by turns paused the music and came across the speaker system just like OnStar turn-by-turn. It will also scroll the song information across the screen from the device wirelessly (band name, song name, etc), has a plethora of color combos to choose from so if you have custom gauges, you can set to match. Like I said earlier, hands free phone worked well when I used it yesterday, however, I was doing about 10mph but had the windows down. Haven't used it yet at highway speeds to see if engine and road noise drown it out. There's a few different tune presets and the ability to make your own. Other things, but can't remember off the top of my head.

The only thing that I really don't like about it is that the faceplate isn't detachable. :tdown:

Here's the Crutchfield link. $119 gets you the receiver, install kit, wiring harness, antenna adapter and shipping. (Not sure about tax since I am not sure where they ship from)

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDX50BT/JVC-KD-X50BT.html?search=JVC_KDX50BT&skipvs=T