MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Audio / Security / Electrical => Topic started by: venomizer on March 30, 2013, 17:45

Title: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: venomizer on March 30, 2013, 17:45
I've been thinking about trying to install a 7" tablet inside the storage bin at the top of the centre console. The idea being that I can engineer some mechanism that can fold the tablet away flat when I close the bin and snap into place when I open the bin. Was then going to drill a hole in the back of the storage bin and run an aux cable down to my HU and run a spur off the cigarette socket for power.

Has anyone tried something like this before? A 7" tablet looks like a perfect size for that space (any larger and it starts to restrict your viewing out the windscreen).

Hope to use it for music playback, GPS and pair it with the Bluetooth OBD2 reader I just bought for vehicle stats etc.
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: dj2k21 on March 30, 2013, 17:49
Ive got just a normal 7" screen in the pod on my dash. Linked to my stereo and also my ecu to display data from it
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Pavett1990 on March 30, 2013, 17:54
im going to look at this closely as i want to do something like this also.. i was considering a lock in hinge (which locks open) then the top of the bin lid rests on top.. i was looking at either nexus7 or galaxy tab as the ipad i have is too big.. the only thing i can think of how to attatch the tab to the hinge is like a coating of tiger seal on the hinge to the back of the tab.. again was considering drilling a hole and running aux down through dash as i have rear aux inputs on cd player.. and again charger down to ciggy lighter.. my only issue i can think of is how to update it as it wont be able to be removed.. perhaps just take lappy to car? lol
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: venomizer on March 30, 2013, 18:10
Quote from: "Pavett1990"I'm going to look at this closely as i want to do something like this also.. i was considering a lock in hinge (which locks open) then the top of the bin lid rests on top.. i was looking at either nexus7 or galaxy tab as the ipad i have is too big.. the only thing i can think of how to attatch the tab to the hinge is like a coating of tiger seal on the hinge to the back of the tab.. again was considering drilling a hole and running aux down through dash as i have rear aux inputs on cd player.. and again charger down to ciggy lighter.. my only issue i can think of is how to update it as it wont be able to be removed.. perhaps just take lappy to car? lol

Yeah pretty much exactly what I was thinking. Nexus 7 is probably my best bet (needs to have GPS). Could buy a cheap case for the tablet and remove the cover so that you're only left with the mounting onto the tab. Then you can attach the hinge to that. That way you can still remove the tab and don't have to worry about putting anything glue-like on the back of it.

My only concern is being able to make it look neat. A 7" tab will have lots of spare room on either side (not all bad as there needs to be some spare to accommodate the wiring). Plus there will be big gaps on the side of the cubby hole...
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Pavett1990 on March 30, 2013, 18:28
i didnt think of a case  s:D :D s:D   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

the thing i was thinking is that you need quite a bit of room either side due to hinges in the bin.. i wouldnt want it to get snagged all the time.. also the case idea is great for security measures also..  s:D :D s:D  

good thinking  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: venomizer on March 30, 2013, 18:40
The other option I've seen is these navpod things (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=toyota+navpod&hl=en&safe=off&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.&bvm=bv.44442042,d.ZWU&biw=1024&bih=672&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=fShXUYehJYq-PIKdgagD#biv=i%7C51%3Bd%7Crvwf1tntv8rWDM%3A)

They look neat but two issues. Think it would be a pretty permanent job, quite difficult to get at the tab after installing. Secondly they sit the screen quite far back, probably too far to reach whilst driving. If I could do this hinged DIY jobby the screen would be right near the front of the lid, so easily reached...
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Pavett1990 on March 30, 2013, 18:44
yea they do look a little bit far back.. like you said the hinge would bring it close so it is easily used.. (though not opperated whilst driving)  s;) ;) s;)   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

i do have to work out what will be the better option between tab or just a 7" double din moniter..

my mate builds mini computers for £200 and will fit and install software on to double din so i would have windows on there..

so im trying to weigh up my options
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: trevsmr2 on March 30, 2013, 18:50
You can buy the proper navpod to fit in the cubby box
fits a 7"screen in

£46 plus postage ?

 m http://www.japanparts.com/db/partslist. ... 14-007-011 (http://www.japanparts.com/db/partslist.php?dealer=&car=&middlesmall=&maker=&volkey=014-007-011) m

edit
Just done an enquiry
£20.84 postage
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Pavett1990 on March 30, 2013, 18:54
hmm that is also something worth considering...  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  you guys aint cool spending my money  s:oops: :oops: s:oops:
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Pavett1990 on March 30, 2013, 18:56
must be fate  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

 m http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/fu ... h-199.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/fun/competitions/promotions/4861255/Win-a-Nexus-7-tablet-worth-199.html) m
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Ricardo on March 30, 2013, 19:32
Was looking at fitting a screen in the same place for the same reasons and then thought about a tablet. Am keeping an eye on this  m http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/aste ... roid-smart (http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/asteroid-range/parrot-asteroid-smart) m  it has just been released but and waiting to see if the torque app is available or can be installed on it.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: trevsmr2 on March 30, 2013, 19:50
Wont the appradio do the same job?

 m http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio) m

 m http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_265857 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_925239_langId_-1_categoryId_265857) m
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Ricardo on March 30, 2013, 20:27
Quote from: "trevsmr2"Wont the appradio do the same job?

Not sure, blurb says only works with compatible apps. If anyone has one I'm sure they could let us know if they can use apps like spotify and torque on it.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: trevsmr2 on March 31, 2013, 07:59
Quote from: "Ricardo"
Quote from: "trevsmr2"Wont the appradio do the same job?

Not sure, blurb says only works with compatible apps.

Didn't read that bit
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Anonymous on April 3, 2013, 00:05
Quote from: "Ricardo"
Quote from: "trevsmr2"Wont the appradio do the same job?

Not sure, blurb says only works with compatible apps. If anyone has one I'm sure they could let us know if they can use apps like spotify and torque on it.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I got appradio 2...

and

i got it working with my galaxy s3... the Head unit is the nuts!

see my post here:

 l viewtopic.php?f=9&t=42313&p=497630&hilit=center+console#p497630 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=42313&p=497630&hilit=center+console#p497630) l

If you have any questions pm me
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Ricardo on April 3, 2013, 17:54
PM sent  s:) :) s:)

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: trevsmr2 on April 15, 2013, 22:12
I wonder if this would be suitable ?

 m http://www.ebuyer.com/450846-zoostorm-p ... b2c_monday (http://www.ebuyer.com/450846-zoostorm-playtab-pc-3305-1030?utm_source=b2c_monday&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=b2c_monday) m
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Anonymous on May 4, 2013, 18:28
 l viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43819 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43819) l

Write up
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: Markb on May 6, 2013, 15:52
My 7" Blackberry Playbook jams itself nicely between the lid and groove on the dash cubby hole......no power or anything yet but i only use the car the occasional weekend so a full charge  suits me.....mainly used for touch screen/Bluetooth audio to the headunit.

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/MARKB68/mr2playbook_zpsee5beb8b.jpg) (http://s51.photobucket.com/user/MARKB68/media/mr2playbook_zpsee5beb8b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: venomizer on August 10, 2013, 15:20
Well I finally got round to buying a Nexus 7 for this. Got the bracket designed and ready to be made by someone. Will keep you posted
Title: Re: Centre storage bin tablet install
Post by: swampy_donkey on August 16, 2013, 09:09
Please do, interesting project!