Tablet in car

Rocket · 16th August 2012, 10:54

I am thinking of getting a nexus 7 tablet to put in my highline tourer and to use outside the car.

My sat nav has packed up so I will use the tablet instead.

The tv has not been upgraded to digital and I could use the tablet to watch a film.

I don't use the cd player and would not mind losing it if I could use the tablet as a mp3 player.

I will use the torque app for in car data moitoring.

I will use internet hot spots for web browsing.

What's the best way of getting the headphone output from the tablet into the car audio system? I have got a FM transmitter for the cigarette lighter but sound quality is poor.(hissy) Can I get something to plug into the CD player loom and loose the CD player?

sikelsh · 16th August 2012, 11:35

Connects2 provide an interface to replace the CD changer

http://www.connects2.co.uk/c2search....=226&modID=547

Simon

Rocket · 16th August 2012, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by sikelsh

Connects2 provide an interface to replace the CD changer

http://www.connects2.co.uk/c2search....=226&modID=547

Simon

Excellent, that would seem to fit the bill. I could mount this in the glove box and maybe fit an AUX fag lighter socket in a similar area for charging the tablet.

I have the OBD2 bluetooth jobie already but not the tablet. What software can I run on an xp laptop for free or minimal cost until I get the tablet. Amyone please?

sikelsh · 16th August 2012, 14:41

Just as an aside to this, I have long since been trying to work out if I could remove the head unit and all the trimmings off it, right back to the bare case, or even better just the circuit board and inner workings then hide the unit at the back of a 7" tablet.

This to me seems the cheapest option, the steering wheel would work for the radio, and the mode would then switch to CD, which would use the Connects2 for the audio output of the tablet.

It may not be as neat as the double din, but I find the prices of the android units obscene!

the only issues are

1) power on on the headunit would need to be moved to another switch
2) whether the power / audio / GPS cables for the tablet can be fitted plugged in the side neatly without cable damage.

I think the rest of my theory stacks up

Simon

rovexCDTi · 16th August 2012, 20:18

Id wait a week before getting the Nexus 7. The first batch had horrendous build quality issues, the return rate was over 70% in some stores. I had 3 and returned them all. The newest batches are much improved however.

Once the charging docks are out you can just mount that in the car in some form and dock the tablet i am aware of a guy ion the US who made a custom one from a dock and it looks almost OEM.. I already use my Galaxy Tab 8.9 in my car for many things including Bluetooth audio to the Double Din.

Rocket · 16th August 2012, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by rovexCDTi

Id wait a week before getting the Nexus 7. The first batch had horrendous build quality issues, the return rate was over 70% in some stores. I had 3 and returned them all. The newest batches are much improved however.

Once the charging docks are out you can just mount that in the car in some form and dock the tablet i am aware of a guy ion the US who made a custom one from a dock and it looks almost OEM.. I already use my Galaxy Tab 8.9 in my car for many things including Bluetooth audio to the Double Din.

I was in PC world today and they had none on display so maybe they sold out or sent them back. Either way the next ones in will be new stock. I have read they are selling like hot cakes.

What are the ins and outs of connecting a phone via bluetooth to the tablet and using that setup as an in car phone. I am not a great user of mobile phones and have limited knowlege of their setup but it is another possible use.

Rocket · 20th August 2012, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by sikelsh

Connects2 provide an interface to replace the CD changer

http://www.connects2.co.uk/c2search....=226&modID=547

Simon

OK, I have taken the CD changer out. Does this connects2 box just plug into the cable already in the glove box or do I have to replace the original cable with the one from connects 2.

Anyone want a cheap CD auto changer?

sikelsh · 21st August 2012, 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocket

OK, I have taken the CD changer out. Does this connects2 box just plug into the cable already in the glove box or do I have to replace the original cable with the one from connects 2.

Anyone want a cheap CD auto changer?

I don't know I am afraid, haven't fitted one myself, just know they exist.

Try a post in the ICE section, im sure others have

Rocket · 22nd August 2012, 19:59

I got the mount for the tablet today and it looks ok especially as it was about £6 on ebay. The tablet is a bit large for window mounting so I tried the mount on top of the dash but it won't suck onto the dash board top. I have now ordered an adhesive pad to stick on top the dash and then the mount should suck onto the pad. Offering everything by hand I should be able to mount it in front the clock.

Also today, I got the connects2 aux adapter. After a brief look it was apparant it would not fit onto the connector that plugged into the CD autochanger. So I thought it must plug in up behind the highline monitor. I read up on how to take the monitor out and it was dead easy. I still could not figure out where to plug in the connects 2 thingy as the CD changer wires just go into a loom

. After more reading I think the connects2 thing plugs into the audio unit in rear wheel well. You unplug the connector that goes to the CD changer and then plug in the connects2 device. This does not help much as I don't really want to be running wires from front to back.

The easy way out was a cassette adapter. I can put it in the cassette deck and just have a short wire going up above the eyebrow on the dash. So I bought one of these and tried the audio on the tablet. It is great. With a bit of fiddling and playing with the equaliser and base boost, I got the tablet to output the best audio I have had through the highline system

. It still is not top class but it's not bad. I use a music app called N7 on the tablet and it is superb.

I could put the CD changer back in if I wanted, but I did not use it before so I think I will just be grateful for the extra space in the glove box.

I am now waiting for the adhesive pad to enable mounting the tablet and the I can try everything it in situe.

bryanfury75 · 29th August 2012, 09:17

Wow, have you seen this setup ? A Nexus 7 in a Dodge Ram... Pretty impressive !

16th August 2012, 10:54	#1
Rocket Posted a thing or two ROVER 75 CONNOISSEUR SE HIGHLINE TOURER MANUAL 2.5 V6 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Midhurst Posts: 1,680 Thanks: 679 Thanked 735 Times in 530 Posts	Tablet in car I am thinking of getting a nexus 7 tablet to put in my highline tourer and to use outside the car. My sat nav has packed up so I will use the tablet instead. The tv has not been upgraded to digital and I could use the tablet to watch a film. I don't use the cd player and would not mind losing it if I could use the tablet as a mp3 player. I will use the torque app for in car data moitoring. I will use internet hot spots for web browsing. What's the best way of getting the headphone output from the tablet into the car audio system? I have got a FM transmitter for the cigarette lighter but sound quality is poor.(hissy) Can I get something to plug into the CD player loom and loose the CD player? __________________ Paul http://www.paulstickley.com/

16th August 2012, 20:18	#5
rovexCDTi This is my second home MG ZT+ 135 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Exeter Posts: 3,626 Thanks: 9 Thanked 42 Times in 26 Posts	Id wait a week before getting the Nexus 7. The first batch had horrendous build quality issues, the return rate was over 70% in some stores. I had 3 and returned them all. The newest batches are much improved however. Once the charging docks are out you can just mount that in the car in some form and dock the tablet i am aware of a guy ion the US who made a custom one from a dock and it looks almost OEM.. I already use my Galaxy Tab 8.9 in my car for many things including Bluetooth audio to the Double Din. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

22nd August 2012, 19:59	#9
Rocket Posted a thing or two ROVER 75 CONNOISSEUR SE HIGHLINE TOURER MANUAL 2.5 V6 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Midhurst Posts: 1,680 Thanks: 679 Thanked 735 Times in 530 Posts	I got the mount for the tablet today and it looks ok especially as it was about £6 on ebay. The tablet is a bit large for window mounting so I tried the mount on top of the dash but it won't suck onto the dash board top. I have now ordered an adhesive pad to stick on top the dash and then the mount should suck onto the pad. Offering everything by hand I should be able to mount it in front the clock. Also today, I got the connects2 aux adapter. After a brief look it was apparant it would not fit onto the connector that plugged into the CD autochanger. So I thought it must plug in up behind the highline monitor. I read up on how to take the monitor out and it was dead easy. I still could not figure out where to plug in the connects 2 thingy as the CD changer wires just go into a loom. After more reading I think the connects2 thing plugs into the audio unit in rear wheel well. You unplug the connector that goes to the CD changer and then plug in the connects2 device. This does not help much as I don't really want to be running wires from front to back. The easy way out was a cassette adapter. I can put it in the cassette deck and just have a short wire going up above the eyebrow on the dash. So I bought one of these and tried the audio on the tablet. It is great. With a bit of fiddling and playing with the equaliser and base boost, I got the tablet to output the best audio I have had through the highline system. It still is not top class but it's not bad. I use a music app called N7 on the tablet and it is superb. I could put the CD changer back in if I wanted, but I did not use it before so I think I will just be grateful for the extra space in the glove box. I am now waiting for the adhesive pad to enable mounting the tablet and the I can try everything it in situe. __________________ Paul http://www.paulstickley.com/

16th August 2012, 11:35	#2
sikelsh This is my second home MGF Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 4,865 Thanks: 123 Thanked 281 Times in 178 Posts	Connects2 provide an interface to replace the CD changer http://www.connects2.co.uk/c2search....=226&modID=547 Simon

16th August 2012, 14:41	#4
sikelsh This is my second home MGF Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 4,865 Thanks: 123 Thanked 281 Times in 178 Posts	Just as an aside to this, I have long since been trying to work out if I could remove the head unit and all the trimmings off it, right back to the bare case, or even better just the circuit board and inner workings then hide the unit at the back of a 7" tablet. This to me seems the cheapest option, the steering wheel would work for the radio, and the mode would then switch to CD, which would use the Connects2 for the audio output of the tablet. It may not be as neat as the double din, but I find the prices of the android units obscene! the only issues are 1) power on on the headunit would need to be moved to another switch 2) whether the power / audio / GPS cables for the tablet can be fitted plugged in the side neatly without cable damage. I think the rest of my theory stacks up Simon

29th August 2012, 09:17	#10
bryanfury75 Avid contributor MG ZT 190 MK2 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Paris Posts: 208 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Wow, have you seen this setup ? A Nexus 7 in a Dodge Ram... Pretty impressive !