Thread: Tablet dash install

Thats a lovely neat job!

Originally Posted by schuy1

IPads need a 2 amp charger / power source. As a guide to any power needs just check the device's supplied charger, They generaly have the rate on them. the BainBridge USB Aux power units are 2amp, as are the Narva 1's
Cheers

I am already using 2.1amp USB plugs. iPad Air battery will run down even when powered when using gps. That's why I am going to try a 3amp USB.

There should be some posts from disco_ute that has installed an 8" android tablet into his slightly modified dash, started off as a D1 but now mostly D2 which the basic dash is the same.

About to do a permanent install of a Nexus 7 in the dash of my Disco for tunes, navi and the 'coolness' factor.

Lots of people in the US have intalled Nexus 7's and so there are a number of software options for having it operate much like a head unit. (On when car starts, goes to sleep when it stops, reversing cameras, even steering wheel controls!)

Mine will be fiberglassed into a second dash and ill swap it over when its all done so i am not without a radio for too long.

Originally Posted by turps

I am already using 2.1amp USB plugs. iPad Air battery will run down even when powered when using gps. That's why I am going to try a 3amp USB.

I've got 3amp USB sockets that I'm trying to keep a Galaxy Note 10.1 running with (bluetooth to GPS module and stereo, running Sygic and music while driving).

The problem is not the USB socket, but the USB cable to the device - Apple and Samsung (tablets) have modified their cables to allow more than 0.5amp charging via USB.

I've yet to find a solution.

Have you tried one of the cables like the Csquid ones that allow for charging only via a little switch on the cable? I've found they work much better than the "stock" cables. I presume they trick the device into thinking it's plugged into the wall.

Originally Posted by Dizza

About to do a permanent install of a Nexus 7 in the dash of my Disco for tunes, navi and the 'coolness' factor.

Really appreciate if you can write up a "how-to" guide while you are progressing through the job.

I will definitely be documenting the process. Purchased the tablet this week and will be picking up a second dash to do the work on soon.

I will be using a 2012 Nexus 7 as there are various roms available to force the tablet to run multiple usb devices and charge via the micro usb port. Its a proven head unit replacement.

I was going to use a toshiba tablet i have had sitting around for a while but decided against it. If anyone wants it ill sell it to you cheap

I will have a 4 amp DC>DC converter to power the tablet and usb devices.
The devices will include:
- USB DAC for better sound quality, a large storage device (64gb flash drive or even a hard drive)
- A keyboard emulator, (the mame of which escapes me) to allow external physical buttons for track selection etc on the dashboard
- And potentially a reversing camera.

You could even connect an OBDII adapter and have live gauges on your tablet.
Mine is a 300tdi. No electronics. But in a TD5 disco or even newer you may be able to?

The tab will be permanently mounted, replacing the head unit in my Disco 1 and enclosed in a 'stock-looking' fiberglass pod, painted to match the dash.

Audio will be handled by a line driver connecting the DAC to a four channel amp under the passengers seat.

I will run Tasker on the tablet to get it to to automatically enable the screen, remove the lock screen, launch spotify, and play the most recent music when the ignition is turned on and the reverse when the ignition is turned off.


The tablet will never fully shut down as with tasker putting the tablet into a 'deep sleep' when the car is turned off it should stay powered for a number of days ready to be used on the next drive. If not, 10 mins on the road will get it charged enough to use again.