Thinking about using a Galaxy Tab as a head unit....

[eternal21]

....and getting rid of the traditional head unit. I ordered some miniature linear actuators for another project that I was working on that will no longer require them, and I can fab something up so that it either pops up from a slot cut in the dash and hard wire it in (preferred method), flips down from the roof (second option) or I can use a traditional suction mount.

In my Acura, I put together a CarPC setup, and this method would streamline a lot of what I did, specifically, it would enable me to keep everything contained in a unit as opposed to having a separate LCD and computer running everything.

One of the reasons I went CarPC is b/c I have miniature cameras setup so that I record the activity of what's going on in front of and behind me, and the video feed is stored on the SD card, and then uploaded off site, which is awesome. I found an Android app that will do the same thing (http://www.dailyroads.com/voyager.php), and still keep recording while navigation and other apps (Power Amp, anyone?) are still running, eliminating the need to buy all of that stuff. Since my Android phone is rooted and the hotspot feature is unlocked, while in the truck, the tablet can use the phone's Internet connection. In the CarPC, I use a 3.5mm to RCA jack that feeds into the EQ, then to the amps, which gives me full control over everything. I'd be able replicate the same thing w/the tablet. I feel I'll be moving forward on this in the next few weeks.

Thoughts?

[voyeur]

I will be watching you with interest.

Last week I upgraded TORQUE for Android on my Galaxy Tab and at last it works with a cheapo ODB11 bluetooth EMC... My JDM double din head unit is dead so if this looks like a way to go then it could actually save me some money.. I have taken to putting my SIM in the GT anyway so wont need phone to hook up...

[eternal21]

I forgot that the new Dell Streak 7 is out! Dual core 1 Ghz processor w/front facing camera....nice! About the same size as a Tab, a bit more expensive, however, but still. Either way, I plan on going the tablet route. The Sprint Tabs don't use a SIM card, I also don't technically have to activate the device and get another service contract since I can tether it to my phone. Since I use the Samba app, I can move files (i.e., music and movies) to the Tab w/using the Wifi connection, which means I can permanently mount it. GPS will still work, too. I know there are FM radio apps out there, and since my music is all digital, I don't have a need for a CD player.

Which Bluetooth EMC are you using?

[Triathlete]

I will be watching you with interest....

With that screen name we would have expected this!:bwgy:





Thoughts?

Maybe...if I had any clue what you were talking about!:laughing:

[etlsport]

that would be pretty cool if you can create a nice looking mount for it.

the Torque program is fantastic! I am using a Crescent Bluetooth adapter for mine (like 50 bucks on Amazon) works very well. so far i have used it in the VX, a Civic, a couple of Volkswagens and a BMW 7 series

[vxaddict]

I haven't tried the new Galaxy Tab yet - although I did root my Nook Color recently and just use it as my bed side internet browser, Nook/Kindle reader, Facebook appliance, and Gmail reader.

I'm not sure how the Galaxy compares, but I'm not impressed w/ Android 2.x on tablets. I'm waiting for the new Honeycomb version to come out.

I'd love to see how yours setup turns out. I've done the CarPC route before in my BMW E46 awhile back. With our cellphones/tablets being more capable these days, it's a great idea.

[Grif]

This is relevant to my interests...

[eternal21]

that would be pretty cool if you can create a nice looking mount for it.

Like that old saying goes, "I have a guy...." *lol*

He did this for me for my Legend:

Before:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/acura/carpc/before.jpg

After:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/acura/carpc/gps.jpg

[voyeur]

I'm using a Bluetooth ELM327. Which all appear to come from China at around 20 GBP here in the UK. It originally didn't appear to work with Torque for Android when it arrived about a month ago (Comms problem)... but a recent Torque update got it working.

[eternal21]

When I mod a car, I always try to make it so that I could return it to stock if I ever decided to sell it. I was contemplating cutting open the dash above the radio and making it so that the unit flips up. I was driving tonight and I looked in the review mirror when I realized, DOH!, I can make a rear view mirror mount for a Tab! We all know the mirror is useless anyway, so why not?

In my Legend, I'm using a Pioneer DEQ-9200 DSP to move from the computer to the amps, and I was looking for another one. They go for $300+ new and around $150-$200 used. I scored a used one locally that I'm picking up tomorrow for $60! It fits in a DIN sized slot, so it'll go where the stock radio is currently located, and it has a removable face, as well.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/PUSA/Images/Product%20Images/DEQ-9200_reg.jpg

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/Accessories/AV-Components/DEQ-9200

[RamAirZ]

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy6Mx9WQ8cY

It's an ipad but similar to what your talking about I think, it's a sweet setup

[eternal21]

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy6Mx9WQ8cY

It's an ipad but similar to what your talking about I think, it's a sweet setup

Yeah, I've seen that one. There's also a guy that put one in a Nissan Titan, but there are 2 issues with both those installs, IMHO: 1) The ipad is HUGE, WAY too big to put in a car if you ask me and 2) they are mounted low in the dash. I want my stuff to be in line of sight so I don't have to look down and then up at the road, then down, then up @ the road. With the rear view mount, I can keep everything in line of sight, which is better for overall safety.

So, I picked up the DEQ this morning, and the guy that sold it to me works @ a stereo shop and can install my Clifford Avantguard III w/remote start on my 6MT Legend for $120! Scwheet!

On my way back from the Dr's, I stopped by Radio Shack, and the salesman let me take a Tab case out to the VX for a little measurement action.

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/tabmockup.jpg

Yeah, this is *definitely* going to happen *lol*

[RamAirZ]

Ya it is a pretty big unit (that's what she said! zing!), that Tab will look sweet up there, just thought you'd find that install interesting if you hadn't already seen it. IMO I don't think looking at the dash real quick would be much different than glancing up at the rearview mirror. if you had it mounted at the bottom of the dash near the floor yeah, but when I'd glance at my gauges that I had installed in the radio slot it wasn't a big deal.

[eternal21]

IMO I don't think looking at the dash real quick would be much different than glancing up at the rearview mirror. if you had it mounted at the bottom of the dash near the floor yeah, but when I'd glance at my gauges that I had installed in the radio slot it wasn't a big deal.

If you get into an accident, it's a *big* difference. When you're looking up, you're looking out the windshield, and you can still see traffic. If you look down even for an instant, blammo, that's when that deer crosses the street *lol*. It's one of the reasons why gauge pods w/pillars are so popular. I used to work @ USAA and have several police officer friends, and I can't tell you how many times (partial) fault was placed @ the foot of the insured b/c of what is termed inattentive/distracted driving. Oh, you looked down and didn't see that car pull out? Nope, not gonna be me *lol*. Not splitting hairs with you, b/c on my car, the boost and a/f gauges will be in the dash *lol*.

I currently have an HTC Evo, and I spent some time yesterday driving around with that driving app I mentioned, and let me tell you that I'm pretty impressed. I shot some day/night video, more of which I'll upload tonight. It is very easy to use, and the GPS speedo is accurate.

NightHD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpxJ6b5SFLs

The difference in quality between 720p and non-hd is staggering, so I *definitely* want a tablet w/a HD capable video camera. The Tab doesn't shoot video in HD, so that's out the door, and the Streak 7 has rec'd abysmal ratings due to the poor screen resolution, so I'm going to have to pass on that one, too. HTC has a new tablet coming out in Q2 2011, so I'm thinking I can get a dash/windshield mount for the EVO as I wait for that. Specs are here: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/htc-launches-into-tablet-wars-with-1-5ghz-7-inch-flyer/

[Triathlete]

"Video is private" can not be viewed.:(

[eternal21]

"Video is private" can not be viewed.:(

Sorry about that...fixed now.

[rowhard]

Maybe...if I had any clue what you were talking about!:laughing:

X2:confused:

[RamAirZ]

Looks good man. I get what your saying about looking out the windshield but with them at the top of the dash I still felt like I was looking out the windshield, I think staring at it in either spot is "dangerous" and IMO neither is much better than the other but the rearview mount will be alot cooler and be real slick when your finished with it, plus you need room for those gauges :)

[eternal21]

X2:confused:

C'mon, guys, this isn't that hard *lol* Instead of using a regular stereo head unit, I'm going to run my stereo off a Tablet, like this one:

http://images.androidcentral.com/sites/androidcentral.com/files/articleimage/579/2010/09/galaxytabhandson/samsung-galaxy-tab-01.jpg

That way, you don't need to pay for a small screened Garmin or TomTom unit, pay for the upgrades, pay for this,
pay for that. You can have full flexibility and a camera to record day to day driving and offroading
adventures, etc. It'll have your GPS and slew of other features, as well.

Using this to play the music: http://androidcommunity.com/poweramp-music-player-for-android-20101022/
Using this for regular voice commands: http://www.vlingo.com/demo/screenshots
And using Google Maps for GPS

All on a big, clear 7" touchscreen that's portable.

Since we can't really use our rearview mirrors, I'm going to fabricate a mount out of a case so that I can change it
to whichever of my 2 vehicles I'm driving.

Then, you get a car charger and hard wire it in. Get a 3.5mm to RCA cable and run it to an EQ, which I picked up
and posted about earlier. Then run your EQ to your amps like you normally would so your input source is the Tab. CarPC goodness on
the cheap and tidy w/out the need to permanently alter anything. Forget Ford/Microsoft
Sync and all that stuff. This is a more efficient way to do more.

[eternal21]

So today I played with the phone settings. The app was set to take the lowest grade video, so I set it to take 720x480, which is the same as the Galaxy Tab. After I did that, the video quality changed dramatically. Below are the 2 videos I shot, and you can't really tell which one is shot in 720p and which isn't. I checked the frame rate, and one shot in 26fps, the other 29fps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X5NuZCXxHU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4f2-WtKL-Q


Here's what the app looks like on the device screen:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/evopic.jpg

[stangri]

Sorry, which app is that?

[eternal21]

Sorry, which app is that?

Post 1, http://www.dailyroads.com/voyager.php

[crotchrocket]

I just bought an car bracket for my iPad which is now goint to do my music sat nav etc instead of buying another double din head unit. I think its going to work great

[eternal21]

I just bought an car bracket for my iPad which is now goint to do my music sat nav etc instead of buying another double din head unit. I think its going to work great

Where are you planning on mounting it?

[crotchrocket]

For the short term i just got this, i am going to make a bracket for this to mount on the dash at some point. There arent that many brackets available yet.

http://vehicross.info/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1374&d=1298539910

[eternal21]

What are you going to do with it when you go out to eat or to the movies and such?

[crotchrocket]

It clips out pretty quick. And I'll just have to carry it or something I gues

[crotchrocket]

I tried this on the way home last night using the Navfree app. Which was completely free and it worked great! even pauses the music to give directions.

[eternal21]

The Tab and 4 channel Class D amp will be here in a few days.

[RamAirZ]

awesome!

[eternal21]

Looks like it is going to be a fun weekend. Look at how small the amp is!

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/tabandamp.jpg

[eternal21]

So I was playing with my rooted EVO and the Tablet a few minutes ago. I have VNC Server (requires root access) installed on my phone, and installed androidVNC on the Tab.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/android/vnc.jpg

If I root my Tablet and actually get a service plan through Sprint, I can run VNC Server on the Tab and use the phone to connect to it. That means if we leave our Tabs in our vehicles, we can view the front/rear cameras to see what's going on while we're away :)

androidVNC doesn't seem to have full functionality yet, as it is view capable only, it would appear; however, since there is an option for "input" that lets you select (albeit, the selection doesn't change) different input methods, I'm sure it won't be too long now.

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKe-y7TxjrM

[rsteinmetz70112]

Can't wait to see the final result.

[eternal21]

Proof of concept works. I don't even need to use the DEQ-9200, as I previously thought. I'm still waiting the OEM Samsung car mount to complete everything.

[eternal21]

So I stuck the door speakers in, and that's been done before, so it's no big deal. Mounting horns, however, are a pain, as I found out. Steel strapping is the best bet from what I've been able to determine. It takes a lot of fit and refitting to get the straps all in place and the speaker solidly in place. I had to use a few straps, but the results speak for themselves. The speaker doesn't move, the straps aren't in the way, and there is more than enough room between the speaker and the pedals, even for the manual conversion, which I'm going to tackle this summer.

Here's modification of the straps as the speaker was out during one of the test fittings....
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/hornmount.jpg

And here it is in place....
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/hornmounted.jpg

I'll be fabricating a speak-mesh grille for them which will be overlaid with speaker cloth. Side one is down (it only took 3 hours *lol*). I'll tackle the passenger's side today.

[vt_maverick]

^ Is this so I can feel the bass in my man parts? :confused:

[eternal21]

^ Is this so I can feel the bass in my man parts? :confused:

Horns reproduce highs, and help create one of the most accurate front stages achievable in mobile environments.

Read more here> http://www.imagedynamicsusa.com/products.php?Family_Id=5

Experience a realistic sound stage that is uniquely Image Dynamics.

Image Dynamics controlled dispersion HLCD speakers are the most technologically advanced method for overcoming the acoustics of the mobile audio environment. Their proprietary characteristics make them the ultimate choice in midrange and high frequency reproduction.

With the Image Dynamics horn design it is easy to achieve a realistic sound stage with focused imaging from both the passenger and driver positions at the same time. What makes this possible is our proprietary dispersion pattern that overcomes path length differences and greatly reduces unwanted early reflections.

The MH mini-horn versions open up the installation possibilities allowing them to fit into virtually any vehicle. Using a proprietary multiple flare rate horn design the new MH versions do not sacrifice performance for size. To totally eliminate any resonances of the horn mouth which can cause distortion they are molded with a very thick cross section of high damping urethane. The dispersion pattern of the MH version has been improved making achieving a proper sound stage in some vehicles even easier than before.

Our horn loaded speaker designs yield many advantages over direct radiating speaker designs. With ultra high efficiency of up to 110 dB you can experience intense dynamic impact and realism with even low power amplifiers. Another product of their high efficiency is lower distortion that exposes a revealing character to the music that is a thrilling experience to behold.

When you combine the benefits of controlled dispersion, high efficiency, and low distortion it becomes clear that they are the ultimate choice. We invite you to experience the benefits of our competition winning designs that are an affordable way to raise your system to world class performance.

[vt_maverick]

J/k with you... I figure anybody knowledgeable enough to do what you're doing must know what they're doing. :)

[eternal21]

Well, good news and bad news on this project. Good news is that it works like it is supposed to, and I'm pretty pleased. The bad news is that the DEQ won't process the digital signal. Considering that I purchased 2 (one for my car, one for my truck), I'll now be parting with 2 *lol*. I bought a little $50 DAC that should have done the trick, but it doesn't. The Toslink to 3.5 adapter isn't recognized by the Tab or my cell phone, so that idea has been tossed. Now I have these 2 DIN sized openings that I have to fill *lol*. I was thinking of a cb in one, haven't decided on the other quite yet.

I tether the unit to my phone's Internet connection for interwebs access. PowerAmp runs the MP3s nicely, and it has a built-in 11 band EQ, so I do have some flexibility even w/out the DEQ. Everything is just combined into this relative easy, simplistic interface that is very portable. For those looking for an alternate method to overcoming the traditional limitations of so many GPS enabled sat/nav radios, I'd highly suggest it.

As far as mounting, I'm using an OEM Samsung Tab car mount, primarily b/c it has a built in charger. I've removed my rear view mirror and am considering fabbing up something that uses the rearview bracket instead of the suction cup. I decided to rock out like that for the next couple weeks to see how it works out, and then make a decision.

I've loaded Samba FileSharing onto the phone and the tab, so I can browse to them wireless from my laptop and transfer music/videos/etc to them. I'm pretty pleased with the simplicity and portability, and look forward to completing the rest of the sound system w/the edition of some sound deadening (lots!) and another amp and a sub.

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/finalmount.jpg

Immediate plans include hard-wiring the car charger, hard-wiring the phone charger, rooting the Tab, and deciding on whether or not I'd like to acquire a telephone number for it.

[eternal21]

And the video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akJAqJL2aPg&feature=player_embedded

[Grif]

Pretty cool! Nice job.

[eternal21]

I'm not a big fan of wires or cables in the cabin, like the ones used to go from the cigarette lighter to the Tab, and the cigarette lighter to the phone. I wanted something inconspicuous, so I began searching. I found a 3 accessory outlet for ~$20 and picked it up.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/3volt1.jpg

My thought was that in could fit in my center console, and once I trimmed it up a bit, it did.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/3volt2.jpg

There are 2 screw holes on either side, so I drilled the console and stuck two bolts in there to hold it in place. I have my phone plugged in one outlet, my Tab plugged in the other, and one free, not including the cigarette lighter.

Another concern I had in the post-Tab world is that I'm not too keen on having to reach up to the Tab to adjust the volume. I also wanted to control the gain on the amp dedicated to the sub so that I don't advertise when I'm close to home, or driving through bad neighborhoods. I did some searching on eBay and found an RCA gain control.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/gaincontrol.jpg


A guy in GA makes them, and I paid $15 for this one. I liked it so much I bought 3 more for $30 shipped. I have one for overall volume control, and the other is for the sub amp. This is what it looks like under the console:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/underconsole.jpg

and when it was all said and done, this is the finished product:
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/av/consolefinished.jpg

I'm a lot more pleased now. The lid closes and there's no clearance issue. Coupled with no more wires running to the cigarette lighter, it was worth the $40 to knock this out.

The 2 12v outlets I ordered arrived this evening, so I'll be putting those in tonight....one under the rear ashtray, and the other in one of rear compartments.

[samneil2000]

Did you home run the hot wire for that 3-outlet block to the battery or tie in to something else?

[eternal21]

I have two of these under the console, one for positive, one for negative, and it is hooked into them.

http://www.parts-express.com/images/item_large/265-800_l.jpg

$6.00 each @ parts-express.com

[Grif]

Hehe.... looks a bit out of place, but I suppose it fits the task and is handy. Nice work.

[eternal21]

The primary task is to make the interior look as stock as possible. Out of sight, out of mind. :) I've had several vehicles that I've owned broken into, so I try to make things look as ordinary as possible to the casual observer. The mount is about the only thing that looks different, but that isn't its final resting place. I'm currently more involved in another car project that is taking up a lot of my time, but I'll be devoting more time to the VX as the other starts to wind down.

[eternal21]

One thing I noticed about current SUVs is there are power outlets everywhere. I only have one in the ashtray, and the new unit I installed in the armrest is already full of necessities. As I'm riding my bike more, and my kid always wants his DSI w/him, something had to change. I hate having to air up my tires in the front of the truck when I'm pulling the bike out of the rear of the truck. I found some power outlets on eBay and wired them in this weekend. They both work like a champ.

The first one is for the rear seat passengers, and is placed under the ashtray.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet5.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet1.jpg

The second is in the rear compartment that houses the jack tools.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet2.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet3.jpg

http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/poweroutlet4.jpg

I also went to the junkyard this weekend and scored these from a Rodeo:
1) The cubby hole blank for my dash so you don't see a bunch of wires where the radio used to be (it'll work for the old 6 CD changer on the bottom of the console, as well, as it has the special "brackets" needed to house both units built in. It looks like a great place to mount a small CB so that it'll blend in w/the truck...
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/consolestack1.jpg

2) and the switch pod to replace the cubby on the left side of the steering wheel. Notice that it has the tailgate release on it. Since we all know the VX doesn't have an automatic release, I'm going to try and figure out how to install the Rodeo unit.
http://infinitemotion.net/mp/vx/interior/tailgate.jpg