Whilst looking on the web for somthing completely unrelated I came across this site -
http://www.seidio-europe.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BD-SMGF1XDAII
They do a mount for the XDA II which according to the site will be available on March 21st. A cut and paste of some of the info on the mount is below (it looks quite good as well) -
G2500 offers the following features:
It is model specific. You can simply slide your PDA into the mount without having to take the time to plug in the additional wires and cables.
It can securely hold and charge your PDA , while also improving the sound output making GPS voice commands and other digital sounds clearly and loudly through the integral speaker.
It is GPS ready meaning you can plug the GPS mouse (wired) receiver directly to the cradle for charging and connecting to PDA. No more messing around with tangled and expensive Y-cables. For blue tooth receiver users, It can charge the blue tooth receiver with the optional charging cable.
It can serve as a hands free speaker phone for cellular phone or PDA phone with optional hands free cable.
With a 360 degree swivel adaptor, maximum driver/passenger readability and viewing is always assured.
It can charge your blue tooth receiver, cellular phone, and additional PDA with optional charging cable.
DC power can be supplied either from the cigarette lighter socket or the unit can be hard wired directly into the car electrical system (12-24 V)
The mounting solutions: With the pedestals included, PDA users can mount their PDA in a variety of ways based on their personal preference or vehicle interior.
Seidio G2500 GPS Ready Powered mount kit includes:
1 Seidio G2500 GPS Ready Powered cradle with detachable DC power cord.
1 8" Super Strong Suction Windshield Pedestal
1 Slide and Lock Air Vent Pedestal
1 360 Degree Swivel Adaptor
1 Audio Cable (used to enable the speaker)
Hey there, can anyone recommend a good car holder for this phone, preferrably one that doesn't allow the phone to wobble, with support for charging it.
yes i bought this one. very good:
http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=250397514691
I use a desk cradle with both power and USB sockets so I can just plonk the phone in and have it ready. It's kindof tied to the dashboard so moves around a bit but is much more convenient than faffing about with loose cables every time.
What tablet do I get?
I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions for a tablet to install into my dash. The Archos 5 IMT looks like it has almost everything I want, but I would really like a 7".
It needs:
Built-in GPS (or enough ports for a dongle, and support for a dongle. I don't want bluetooth, because I don't want to have to worry about it losing power)
FM receiver (I know there are internet radio apps, but I want to be able to use this offline.. if it's possible)
Capacitive screen (Cause I want it) with a wide viewing angle.
I don't care much about which version of Android it has, it will pretty much just be used for GPS and Music/video.
As a side note, I'm still doing research, but if anyone knows how to, or knows where there's a tutorial, I need to figure out how to hook the tablet to the speakers. I don't really want to have to use a head unit, though that would be the easy way. There must be some kind of small device I can use that has a volume knob and maybe fade/balance controls that I can install anywhere in the truck.
Thanks for reading!
I have installed the archos 5IT in my dash and love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kUsui3-5Y0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nN-8Hrf0sM
Its not capacitive but it does not suffer from the glare that the glass screens have. As far as touch sensitivity its pretty acurate for a resistive device.
I dont have the gps signal issues most have as i have the flash version and not the hard drive based ones as most say the hdd must be blocking the gps. I paid for the one time map fee from Ndrive but also tether to my phone and use google maps as well.
I have over 100 youtube music video's in mp4 format ripped to the device and use those as my music and have it set to random play and it goes from one file to the next without having to select a new video once one is over.
Thanks!
Some good input there. I'll have to keep that in mind. I just really think a 7" would look a lot better. Especially in my F150 XLT. Seems like the 5" would look dinky, and I have room for a 7".
If archos put the 5's guts into the 7 form factor, I'd buy 2 right now. Rly.
Also, for anyone who stumbled on this, I think it won't be too hard to set this up without using a head unit. (I could be wrong on some of the technical info, but I think I have the right idea here.) Your amplifier has a 'plug' with like 20 wires attached coming out. Normally, your radio has a plug that fits this plug. You plug it in, and now the radio's attached to the amp, which is attached to the speakers. Good to go. So you buy a new plug (called a wire harness), one that fits your amplifier (assuming stock amplifier, I will just look up 2000 F150 wire harness on amazon, and that's it), and wire up your tablet to it instead of your radio.
The wire harness puts out a 12v (ignition on) wire. You can adapt this to a USB and use that to charge the device. Set it to display/wifi/gps/all other battery draining crap off while not charging. When you turn the car on, it's now "Charging" and everything will turn off. I think it should be able to 'sleep' for a few days, so it should be 'always on' as far as you can tell.
The harness also has a wire for each of the 4 speakers, maybe subwoofers too, I forget now. I'm sure someone makes a product that controls these easily, I'm going to have to go to a local car audio shop, and ask some questions. Hopefully I can put the audio out from the tablet into the audio in of this unknown device. Then I should be able to wire the unknown device to the wiring harness. If I can't find something, I think I'll just make my own circuit, 3 Pots for volume, fade and balance, some resistors or something.. we'll see if I can't just buy something. The rest of the EQ can be done on the tablet.
(If I do make my own, I want to use a slide-style pot for volume instead of a rotating one. I think that'd be the nuts.)
Wiring harness: Ignition on wire adapted to USB. Speaker wires wired to volume/fade/bal device.
Tablet: plug in USB, and connect audio out to volume/fade/bal device.
Easy cheesy.
I'll be updating.
This thing is starting to look like it'll be really easy to do.
I can't get started 'til I find my tablet though. I would love to hear some more ideas! THANKS!
they updated the 7" home with newer hardware but it does not have gps. I would look into the upcoming wifi only samsung galaxy tab and see if it will have gps.
your on the right track with the audio wiring however you would better off getting a cheap 4ch amp to do it as you need power to pump the speakers the way you are talking about wiring it up would basically have the android device trying to power door speakers from the headphone output amp. If you got a cheap 4 ch amp and wired it through the stock vehicle harness you would have all the hookups u need just get the headphone to rca cable and a set of splitters to power all 4 channels of the amp volume could be controlled from the android device. If the amp had external volume remote or if you wired one inline with the headphone output you could have better volume control however the turning on and off of the amp might send a pop to the speakers as the amp would always be turned up.
Hmm
I was under the impression that my vehicle came with a stock amp. Everything's stock (as far as I know, got it used and haven't tinkered with it yet.)
Just trying to understand better, as I have never dealt with car stereos before.
So my stereo was supplying power to the speakers before? There's not an amp in my truck right now between the stereo and the speakers?
EDIT:
I'm almost thinking of getting something really cheap, as I plan on permanently mounting it in the dash. Something Chinese maybe?
I'm sure the Galaxy Tab would work really well, but it's a bit expensive for a GPS/radio/computer.. now that I'm typing this out, that's a ****ing deal! Maybe I will get something nice to pop in there.
I found a tutorial online for making the 12v ignition into 2 USBs, so I am now considering a usb-powered bluetooth gps. Too bad it adds $50 to the cost.
Alright
Nope, no amp in the F-150 standard. It's in the head unit. So I will need to get an amp.
I figure I can move this whole system to my next car (Plan on getting a new truck in 3-4 years.. or sooner if this one decides to go on me), so the amp is an investment.
Truck has 4 speakers stock (no subwoofers)
I will hook those 4 speakers to the amp I buy. (I'll have to look up how to install an amp now.. geesh.)
I will put the audio out from my tablet into the amp.
Now I have to figure out how the 12v ignition on is gonna work, since I'm now going through a new amp. I found a tutorial on instructables titled "12v to USB adapter \ 12v to 5v transformer (great for cars)" I'm not allowed to post links yet, but I'm sure you can find it if you want it.
Yeah the amp any small 4ch or 2ch if you dont care about front rear fade will work..
As far as hooking up an amp they are pretty easy just need to run your own main power wire for the 12v constant for the amp. 8-10 gage should be fine for 400-600w 2 or 4 ch amp to power door speakers....
then use your red ignition wire from the harness u get to power the remote to the amp so its only on with the ignition. Extent the speaker wires to reach your amp you can mount under the passenger side dash or behind the center consol as trucks have plenty of room under there.
the wires from the harness you get to plug into your factory radio harness are easy to figure out as the colors have been standard for a while. Black is ground but you will need your own closest to the amp as possible any bare metal spot you can find that has a bolt to the frame or under dash should suffice. The black from the harness will power the usb fine. Yellow is constant + (always on) if you want the usb to always have power if not use the red as its only on with the ignition it will have enogh amps to power the remote for the amp and charge/power the tablet. green and purple are rear speakers, white/gray are front speakers. the remaining wire colors depend on the vehicle if they have them like blue is for power antenna or factory amp turn on. orange is to dim an after market head unit display when the head lights are on.
I was in best buy a few weeks ago and saw the archos 7 home tablet for $129 almost got one just because of the deal but dont need it as the 5it i have is fine and has the built in gps. but if using an external bluetooth gps is the route you go the 7 should be great. You will just need to find your own gps app or use google maps and have to terher to something like a smart phone for data.
http://www.archos.com/products/ta/archos_7/specs.html?country=us&lang=en
they show the gps icon on the home screen however it does not have built in gps. there are a ton of gps solutions you can side load or get from android market.
Damn...
Was just about to order the 7 home. Such a good deal.
No bluetooth...
The search continues.
i was searching ebay for something 7" that had gps or bluetooth and nothing cheap cought my eye so i took the 7" tag out and added 2.2 for froyo and gps...
I came up with this. http://goo.gl/hyNtC
All you would need to look like the soundman from youtube with his f150 ipad 2 install.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jr3_zLHTbY
May have found a contender.
a 10 inch would be nice, but I don't know how to do fiberglass, and for my first car mod, I'd prefer to keep it simple. a 7-inch should just fit in my double din.
Found this little gem.
http://www.dinodirect.com/tablet-pc...camera-android.html?ddse= gps&utm_source= gps
Gonna look at it more when I get home, will probably buy it. Only thing that's funky about it is that it charges with AC. We'll see...
A software to be written to tell it to go to sleep immediately when "ac" power is removed would be nice, also, that app to tell music/radio to resume on "wake" would be nice.
That way it plays the true car infotainment roll.
A device with USB host would almost be required before I dig into android platform for my infotainment system.
I have a custom built net-top based system built in my truck using a 7" touch screen, automatic power supply from mini-box.com, and a USB controller connected to my steering wheel control buttons. USB host is a must for me!
Sounds like a good setup. Honestly i'm fine with the stock radio in my truck, but I like to tinker.
Still haven't found the right device. I'm buying an Arnova 8 when they switch to the new model, and I'll give that a test fit.. see how it goes.
My plan is to set the device to have the display always on when plugged in. It's in settings or something. If it's wired to the ignition, should work right? We'll see.
I think if I get juice defender and set it to aggressive (no gps, no wifi, no bluetooth, no anything), it should stay on for a while in standby.
Well...
Seems like Android Tablets haven't matured enough for my project. I don't see a cheap 7" capacitive tablet with GPS coming out anytime soon. I'm going to go ahead and get a stereo with rear usb and aux ports, and make a mount for my phone. Should be fun. I'll make a new post with pictures and instructions, and link it here.
Oh well...
My 2 cents...
I've been looking to do the same thing. I've been digging around for a good table and this is the best I've got. Specs wise, it fits the bill. But I can't find any good reviews.
http://hotmid.com/wits-a81h-tablet-cortex-a8-7-capacitive-touchscreen-android-2-3-gps-wifi.html
Just in case that link doesn't work...
http://mp4nation.net/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=483
The big thing I'm looking for is a parts list. Amp, harnesses, etc. And a how-to would be the coolest as far as basic wiring for power and sound.
The xoom
T-Mobile G2 1.42 GHZ
I recommend the Asus eee pad transformer. 98percent the same as motorola xoom and lighter
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concept after-market product
What appears to be lacking in the market currently is a ready-to-use 2DIN or double-din head unit that is basically a permanent in-dash universal docking system such that you can simply pop in a 5 or 7 inch tablet (or adaptable for say a minimum 4 inch or greater smartphone?) with the head unit's rear interface designed for plugging into the car's power, sound system, and steering wheel controls just like an aftermarket care stereo. Sorta like the currently available units that utilize removable electronic faceplates-- except here the tablet or smartphone itself is the "removable faceplate".
Spepper, I have seen one on Ebay. Looks a bit dodgy but might be good:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ES666MO-...153004?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item336b841f6c
ES666MO Car DVD/GPS/ANDROIT TABLET
http://ca-fi.com/en/ it's not a removable tablet, but it's an all-in-one Android-powered double-din radio, looks awesome, but it comes at a price because it has all the hardware built-in
stevey500 said:
A software to be written to tell it to go to sleep immediately when "ac" power is removed would be nice, also, that app to tell music/radio to resume on "wake" would be nice.
That way it plays the true car infotainment roll.
A device with USB host would almost be required before I dig into android platform for my infotainment system.
I have a custom built net-top based system built in my truck using a 7" touch screen, automatic power supply from mini-box.com, and a USB controller connected to my steering wheel control buttons. USB host is a must for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The wake-up is covered using plug in launcher from the market.
I am checking if it can be used for the sleep portion.
So I wanted an inline audio option for my 2004 Isuzu Axiom. I hate FM modulators, especially due to how I love road trips, always running into some nosey radio station trying to annex my music. I don't have a tape player, so those nifty contraptions are out. And if you saw how Isuzu decided to combine a radio, a/c and onboard computer (of sorts) then you would understand how complicated it would be to simply replace the radio (hell, I would lose the ability to change through different suspension presets among other things). Yeah, it is possible, but is it worth it, meh.
Well, w/me joining Google music beta, I have finally decided to do something about it w/this purchase.
For those that don't know, the TranzIt offers a direct, inline connection to your stereo by hooking it up inline through the antenna in. It also adds a 5volt charging station via USB, which, if I understand correctly, is the correct voltage for charging mobile phones and such as opposed to the voltage used by car chargers.
I also got a 1 meter long micro USB cable at no charge due to some special.
Obviously, it's not connected just yet, but I should be able to install it this weekend. After which, I'll update this post w/install pics, a review of both installation and actual usage. Once I get home, I'll edit a link into this post, but again, I can't verify whether it's worth it yet.
So, here are some pics still in the box...
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ok thats a inline fm modulator with a usb charging port the modulator will cut off the antennas connection to the radio while on and you will still have to tune it to a certain frequency to use it. but that is deffinatly a better option then using the regular fm modulators.
Xargon321 said:
ok thats a inline fm modulator with a usb charging port the modulator will cut off the antennas connection to the radio while on and you will still have to tune it to a certain frequency to use it. but that is deffinatly a better option then using the regular fm modulators.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but the operative statement "will cut off the connection to the" antenna feed, is what makes me so happy. My options are limited, and if I want to keep the installation at least fairly simple, than that drops my options even more.
I plan on placing the USB and audio in ports in an unused and available spot on the radio itself (basically next to my sport suspension preset and winter TOD preset) they have a couple of other areas that look like they were meant for other options and could look stock. Then I want to mount the power switch to on the dash or maybe in the center console next to the CD changer. The cord is more than long enough and it would be less conspicuous. I want it to look as OEM as possible. And looking over the contents of the box, it shouldn't be difficult to make it look like it belongs. I've done much more complicated NOS switches.
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How much does this options run???
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I use the car charger to charge my G2x and I use the old tape player adapter for CD players and plug it in to the headphone port on the phone. Works awesome!
tidewaterns said:
I use the car charger to charge my G2x and I use the old tape player adapter for CD players and plug it in to the headphone port on the phone. Works awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I LOVE those tape player adapters! The sound was great, but my stock radio doesn't have a cassette player. But you're right, that is an awesome combo.
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tidewaterns said:
I use the car charger to charge my G2x and I use the old tape player adapter for CD players and plug it in to the headphone port on the phone. Works awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my hook-up also. With PowerAmp, those Bose speakers in my Maxima are getting a work-out.
Well, it only took me almost 20 days, but today I decided to brave the 100+ degree heat and connect it up in my Axiom.
It turned out to be an easy set up, well, as far as connecting it up. I connected the power to the leads connecting to my cigarette lighter, although, when I go back in to place the connections in my console [or maybe in my ashtray, just some cuts to allow the wires] I think I'll directly connect it to the ignition.
Now for the review. F'N AWESOME! I'm running CM that comes preinstalled w/DSPManager, so I'm given a full gambit of audio options. Even w/o that, it still comes out crisp and works well w/my oem stereo and the options available through it.
It gives a 5 volt charge, which is the correct voltage as opposed to most car chargers that don't have the ability to drop down the voltage.
My only real issue is the fact the USB connection is for pwr only and I have to use a 3.5 audio connector to play the music. So I have 2 lines running from my phone to 2 separate jacks... I won't say it's a small issue either. I'm big on as few cables and as neat as possible, so this is a thorn in my side. I also understand though, that it's not as simple as just changing the wire or the USB port, so the possibility I'll ever find an aftermarket connector that offeres all in one isn't going to happen.
Overall, considering how much simpler this is than getting a new stereo, then customizing my console [the Axiom combines the A/C controls, GPS, damn near everything into the head unit] this was a much better option for me and I'm glad I got it.
best bet would be to hook into the accessory wire on your ignition. that way it only runs when your car is on.
is the cig lighter powered all the time? if it is you can hook a relay in between the cig lighter and car kit and use the accessory wire as a signal wire to tell the relay to turn on the power.
Xargon321 said:
best bet would be to hook into the accessory wire on your ignition. that way it only runs when your car is on.
is the cig lighter powered all the time? if it is you can hook a relay in between the cig lighter and car kit and use the accessory wire as a signal wire to tell the relay to turn on the power.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's the plan, the ignition at least. The only reason I connected it through my cig lighter was to get it done fast. I don't have the USB or audio port set where I want it either. I wanted an idea on how I liked it prior to putting any real time into it, especially cutting for the ports.
Several days into it now and I love it more than before. Decided I'm going to modify my ashtray to house the ports and the power switch. That way it'll stay incognito for the most part [since the available pop out tabs on the head unit aren't large enough to house the USB port for a more OEM look] and the light that activates at night, when opened, will be great as far as not fumbling around for the connections. Won't be this weekend, but once I get some time, I'm finishing this project up, my interior looks GHE-TTO and I don't like it.