Discovery 1 in dash Nexus 7

[Dizza]

Well here we go, I have finally gotten started on my in dash tablet install.

I have decided to replace the head unit in my 96 Disco 1 with a tablet in order to gain some extra functionality from the slightly outdated interior.

I chose to use the Nexus 7 as it runs android, an operating system I am comfortable with, and is quite regularly installed in vehicles overseas resulting in a number of ROMs that will allow me to run sound out via USB, connect a large storage drive and even connect a reversing camera down the track.

I am permanently mounting my Nexus 7 and so, to drive the speakers I am installing a 4 channel amp under the passengers seat.

The tablet will deal with music, navigation both on and offroad, and movies (for when the car is stationary of course)

The tablet will be connected like this.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/792.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/Picture1_zps1da9285e.png.html)

The tablet will turn the display on and off automatically with the application of power, allowing it to operate like a traditional head unit.

When the ignition is turned off the tablet will turn off the display, wait 5 mins and then turn off any unnecessary functions, shut down all apps and enter a deep sleep mode.
The battery should last a few weeks in this 'sleep' state and be ready to start up when the car is next started.

I will have an extra port on the Hub extended to somewhere on the dashboard so I can connect a flash drive or hard drive.

I will do my best to update this thread as I work my way through the install.

[Dizza]

I purchased a second dashboard to allow me to complete my modifications while still having a usable car.

First I had to widen the opening where the head unit sits with the Dremel and a cutting disk so that it would be wide enough for the tablet.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/789.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/EditWatermark8of8_zpsd525029a.jpg.html)

Once widened I test fitted.
That is about where i hope the tablet will sit one it's installed.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/790.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/EditWatermark7of8_zps21b86169.jpg.html)

Unfortunately I missed a couple of steps here but I cut a piece of 1mm ABS into a bezel for the tablet and glued it into the space with superglue.

Using pieces of ABS I filled as many gaps as I could and began to fill what was left with filler.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/791.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/EditWatermark4of5_zpsb6f30c0b.jpg.html)

That is where it lies at this point. I have to let the filler dry properly before shaping.
I have a hunch it will take much more filler and far more sand papering to get the shape I am looking for.

Let me know what you think so far :D

[SPROVER]

Awesome. Watching with interest. Wouldn't mind something like this in my D2.

[Trippy]

I am excited about this. Will follow with interest. So I assume you will not be able to listen to the radio anymore then?

[Dizza]

So here is where it stands as of right now.

I filled some more spots, sanded a lot more and then sprayed on a coat of primer.
When working with body filler, you do not know whether you have filled all of the gaps or sanded down the high spots properly until you get some paint on it.
The primer also acts as a filler for shallow scratches and cuts caused by the sandpaper.

I test fitted the tablet to double check everything still fit. And it did...just :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/632.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/10291327_10203585422934249_6998395467266105_n_zpsf ce71ec9.jpg.html)

There were still some shallow gaps and 'bumpy' bits so I kept sanding.

The filler I used for the rest of the project isnt suitable for filling tiny gaps. Instead, I purchased some spray on filler and am using that to finish off the shaping of the tablet bezel.

I figured I should properly check to see if it still fits.
After persuading the old dash with the dremel and a few sharp pulls it came off and I test fitted the new one :p

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/633.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/10177864_10203589924046774_4083298271967689737_n_z ps3b77872b.jpg.html)

After sitting there for a few minutes pretending I was driving around with my fancy new head unit. I pulled it back out and kept sanding :censored:

I think it looks good so far.

I'm still waiting on some cables and other bits and pieces to check that the tablet does what I want.

Going to organise my colour matched paint tomorrow, purchase a couple of switches for my battery voltage meter, install my new speakers and install the amp under the passenger seat. One step closer to being finished!

[Dizza]

I am excited about this. Will follow with interest. So I assume you will not be able to listen to the radio anymore then?

Actually, using SDR touch (http://sdrtouch.com/) I can connect a USB TV tuner like this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Realtek-RTL2832U-R820T-USB-DVB-T-Receiver-Tuner-FM-DAB-For-Laptop-/261480699822?pt=US_Video_Capture_TV_Tuner_Cards&hash=item3ce176d7ae) and use that to receive FM radio or even use it as a scanner on police frequencies :D

I don't often listen to radio but I feel it is worth including just in case.

[disco_ute]

What antenna are you going to use with the FM dongle? I am currently using the one it came with but reception is not great

Sent from my GT-N7105 using AULRO mobile app

[Dizza]

Ill be adapting it to the stock Disco antenna.

[loanrangie]

Whats the software you are running with the LR logo etc ?

[Dizza]

Whats the software you are running with the LR logo etc ?

What you can see in the image is just a custom wallpaper thrown together in photoshop to give an OEM look and make it easier to select specific functions on the tablet while taking my eyes off the road for as little time is possible.

This is an older version. If you swipe to the left on the tablet you get the 'offroad' apps :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/466.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/NewDesktop_zpsb78f9bb9.jpg.html)

[loanrangie]

What you can see in the image is just a custom wallpaper thrown together in photoshop to give an OEM look and make it easier to select specific functions on the tablet while taking my eyes off the road for as little time is possible.

This is an older version. If you swipe to the left on the tablet you get the 'offroad' apps :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/05/466.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/NewDesktop_zpsb78f9bb9.jpg.html)

Nice, i assume it would work on almost any android tablet ;).

[Dizza]

Nice, i assume it would work on almost any android tablet ;).

This one is made to match the exact position off the app icons and the dimensions of the Nexus 7 but in theory, yes :p

[DoubleDisco]

Hi Dizza,

Just wondering if you have made an further progress on your Nexus 7 dash install. I'm looking to do something similar in my D1 & D3.

I would like to be able to swap the tablet between the 2 cars, so would need to be able to remove the tablet fairly easily. I'm thinking of some sort of hinged dock/faceplate.

I'm interested to know how much room you have at the end of the tablet to contact the USB to. From your photos it looks like the tablet goes right to the air vents.

Cheers

Adam

[Dizza]

Hi Dizza,

Just wondering if you have made an further progress on your Nexus 7 dash install. I'm looking to do something similar in my D1 & D3.

I would like to be able to swap the tablet between the 2 cars, so would need to be able to remove the tablet fairly easily. I'm thinking of some sort of hinged dock/faceplate.

I'm interested to know how much room you have at the end of the tablet to contact the USB to. From your photos it looks like the tablet goes right to the air vents.

Cheers

Adam

Hi Adam,

I have finished the install and will post pictures when i have access to a computer.
Look up soundman car audio for some interesting removable ipad mounts in a wide variety of vehicles.
The removable mounts could be adapted to suit whatever you want.

The tablet just fit between the vents. I cut open the tablet and moved the micro usb port so it exited the rear of the tablet instead.
On the Nexus 7 this was very easy.

[3lud13]

May need to look into nexus tablet or some other form as that will fill the whole left from my head unit nicely and be functional better than always using phone for maps and having it sitting down by transfer shifter

[DoubleDisco]

Thanks Dizza,

I've made a start on the project. Purchased the Nexus 7 tablet and OTG Y splitter cable!

How did you get the 5v to power yours?

I also bought a 2.1A Cigarette lighter style charger that I was going to hack into but am wonder if one of those DC Converter Buck module things would be better.

[Dizza]

Im using a buck converter (3.1amp i think) they dont produce noise like the other ones.
Its powering a usb sound card, a hard drive, the tablet and a radio reciever so i needed something with more grunt.

The battery in my nexus had issues for the first few weeks. If i didnt drive it enough it would die overnight every couple days.
I installed an app that automatically shut down the media server (a process that searches for new media and drains the battery) every 2 hours and the nexus hasnt dropped below 90% in weeks.

If you would like it Double Disco, i have a spare laser cut bezel the correct size for the Nexus 7 here you can use to make sure it comes out perfect?

[DoubleDisco]

Thanks Dizza the bezel sounds goods. Mine is a 2012 (gen 1) model. Is that the same as yours?

[Dizza]

Yeah mine is the same. Make sure you get yourself Timur's rom for the 'car mode'

Its 2mm abs and is 5mm larger than the actual screen.

[DoubleDisco]

Thanks Dizza.

I've been looking at Timurs rom and using the Tasker app to wake/sleep with ignition.

I've also ordered a couple more bits which I now have to wait to arrive

I've sent you a PM about the Bezel.

Thanks again

Adam

[3lud13]

Wondering how the nexus goes for fittingin that gap for headunit as I been looking into it my research says nexus7 is 198.5mm 7.8inch and standard din size is 7.2inch my measurenments say the gap can increase to about 7.5inch I am wanting to slide it into the dash when not in use.
Biggest issue is trying to find one that fits the gap and is preferably not brand new as I want it running android before 4.2 as that doesn't work properly with my maps app
Do you think ot would be possible to make the nexus 7 fit

[Dizza]

Time to do a proper update of sorts for those of you who are not members of the Australian Land Rover group on Facebook.

My Nexus 7 dashboard is complete and 100% functional!

Once it was all installed and working I very quickly came to the conclusion that it is the best head unit I believe to be possible.

It is easy to use, customisable, fast, versatile and pretty damn cool, if I do say so myself :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/567.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/IMG_3600_zps27e83762.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/568.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/IMG_3599_zps4723cd0d.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/569.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/IMG_3597_zps3994cf4d.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/570.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/IMG_3590_zps11718811.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/571.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/IMG_3587_zpsf0e7ab40.jpg.html)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/572.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/IMG_3584_zps68d20349.jpg.html)


The only issue I had once it was installed was the battery draining if I didn't drive for more than about 30 minutes once every fortnight or so. By my calculations the battery should last a solid 6 weeks if left in 'sleep' mode.

I pulled the dash out a week or so after fitting it to modify the firmware and force it to turn back on when power is applied regardless of the state of the battery. You can have it turn back on without access to the physical buttons anyway by just driving for a few minuted then restarting the car. Im just too lazy :p

I don't think I will be able to live with a regular head unit now :eek:
Fortunately the dash is easily removed and shifted into any other Discovery 1 or 2.

I will post pictures later today of a Discovery 1 Double Din conversion I am currently working on too :D

[Dizza]

And here is my double DIN work in progress :D

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/08/522.jpg (http://s1333.photobucket.com/user/Dillan_Stock/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140823_121702_zps2ad544fa.jpg.html)

[Scouse]

Great work guys :).

[Shakey]

How did you route the USB cable without taking up loads of space?

[SPROVER]

Want to build one for a D2? :D:D You could start selling these. I'd have one that's for sure.:):) By the way very nice work.

Cheers

Chris

[Shakey]

It's a shame they have stopped the nexus 7 production now.

[Corgie Carrier]

Hi mate,

How did you go with the double din dash?

I want to upgrade my stereo and was looking at a double din.

Thanks

Neale

P.S. You need to clear your inbox

[mkenya]

This looks very nice.
Would you consider making a 3d scan of this so that the less handy of us can get a 3d print of it. I'm currently converting a hard dash rrc to soft and this would be an epic addition.

Thanks,
Ian

[Dizza]

Unfortunately they are a touch expensive to manufacture. For it to be worth my time they would cost about $900 a piece.

The Nexus 7 is available on ebay/gumtree for good prices second hand.

Unfortunately I killed a Civic with the Disco pictured (killing my pride and joy in the process)

I have since purchased a Discovery II and have been missing my dash, so ill be building a new one with a newer Nexus 7 (2013).

The new one will be removable, with a bluetooth module to connect to the amp (so I can take the tablet with me) and an Arduino to get the steering wheel audio controls working.

Should be a fun project and an interesting expansion on the original idea, just need to find space, time and money :D

If people are interested in having one built, let me know. If I can build 2 or 3 at the same time, I should be able to do them cheaper.

I have the original Nexus 7, interface and usb hub for sale too if anyone wants it! Make an offer!

Oh, and as far as 3d printing goes, I looked into it. Most 3d printers do not have a printing bed big enough to deal with printing a whole dash, in addition, the finish is not good enough for most people and would need extensive shaping and filling before paint to look good anyway. It would end up costing about the same (in both time and money) as making one with this method.

[Dizza]

How did you route the USB cable without taking up loads of space?

I modified the Nexus, making the USB cable exit to the rear through the speaker grille.


Hi mate,

How did you go with the double din dash?

I want to upgrade my stereo and was looking at a double din.

Thanks

Neale

P.S. You need to clear your inbox

Double din dash went well.

The new owner had it Hydrodipped in a woodgrain finish, turned out fantastic. I will likely do the same with my new one.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/209.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/210.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/05/211.jpg

[Shakey]

Unfortunately they are a touch expensive to manufacture. For it to be worth my time they would cost about $900 a piece.

The Nexus 7 is available on ebay/gumtree for good prices second hand.

Unfortunately I killed a Civic with the Disco pictured (killing my pride and joy in the process)

I have since purchased a Discovery II and have been missing my dash, so ill be building a new one with a newer Nexus 7 (2013).

The new one will be removable, with a bluetooth module to connect to the amp (so I can take the tablet with me) and an Arduino to get the steering wheel audio controls working.

Should be a fun project and an interesting expansion on the original idea, just need to find space, time and money :D

If people are interested in having one built, let me know. If I can build 2 or 3 at the same time, I should be able to do them cheaper.

I have the original Nexus 7, interface and usb hub for sale too if anyone wants it! Make an offer!

Oh, and as far as 3d printing goes, I looked into it. Most 3d printers do not have a printing bed big enough to deal with printing a whole dash, in addition, the finish is not good enough for most people and would need extensive shaping and filling before paint to look good anyway. It would end up costing about the same (in both time and money) as making one with this method.
There is a USB module already available that you can connect steering wheel controls to that then mounts as a USB key board for android. Will try and dig out details.

[disco_ute]

Its called a joycon :)

[Disco-tastic]

Dizza i look forward to the next project. I really enjoyed your first one. Was very,very cool.

Cheers

Dan

[disco_ute]

More options in a d2 :)

[Shakey]

More options in a d2 :)
What does your second hill descent button do?

[disco_ute]

Top one is reserved for front locker bottom is for the rear.

[jmsharp]

Both the nexus and the double din turned out fantastic! If you ever decided to make another batch, I am definitely keen!