Nexus 7 Head-unit Install
Hi all, long time reader, first time poster. I'm working on a Nexus 7 Car Head-unit install, and figured I would post my working through the install, hardware, software, and kinda just help all the tons of people I see out there who have the same idea, but just have no idea how to go about it.
This is ment to be half a tutorial (once everything is done) and half a brainstorming to give me idea's for things I haven't thought of or considered. I'll be coming back and updating this OP with pictures, and the build as it gets worked on.
Goals of the Install
I want to be able to run my entire car off the Nexus. I have already set up wifi tethering from my S3 to get internet into the Nexus, and thus open up a realm of possibilities. Necessary features are Nav, and Music. I rarely call from my car, but in car calling would be a nice feature to have as well. I also go out to the track ever now and again, and adding car stats (boost, RPM logging, acceleration, mapping) would be great. The biggest reason to do the install is that one the hardware is configured, you literally have a ultimately customizable setup that will take years to outdate.
The Hardware
1 x 2003 Subaru WRX
1 x Nexus 7
1 x Samsung Galaxy S3 (T-Mobile)
1 x MRX-V60 - Alpine 5-Channel Subwoofer Amplifier
1 x 7 Channel Equalizer
lots of hacked wiring
The Software
This is where I would love some feedback on on what I may be missing, better solutions to what I have suggested, and just some general awesome idea's!
Music:
Pandora, Play Music, DI.fm, Soundcloud, Radio.com
In Car Phone/Text:
Talkatak, Google Voice
OBDII Support: (Future Project)
Right now this is not a nessiacty as the hardware to do this could get very tricky. However I know I can read from the OBDII port with a bluetooth OBDII dongel and an app like Torque Lite. However I do own a tatrix cable, and am considering if it would be possible to go from the USB to the tablet, and find an app/write one what allows for the tablet to control the car in real time.
Nav:
Google Navigation, Local
Track Apps:
aLapHD
The Two Builds
There are two ways to go about this. The first would be the simple and easy way which is to hack together a charger wired to the power source of the car, and use that to keep the tablet charged. Then run a 3.5mm audio into the amp, and have sound run from there. There are a few issues with that. 1. There will be no volume control, as the Tablet's buttons will be part of the center console. I suppose I can run a controller to the amp, that will let me adjust volume. 2. This will not allow for the possibility of adding OBDII support.
The second option is to purchase a micro USB dock that does audio out. Hack it apart, and run the audio to the amp, and the power to the power. This would be necessary if I want to do a full USB ODBII connection (I believe, please tell me if I'm wrong), and would be much "cleaner" when it comes time to take the tablet out of the car for any reason (hardwire sync, parking in the "ghetto").
What I need Help with
Have any idea's. Tried something similar and have some tips. Have suggestions for apps, hardware configurations I haven't listed, or just generally want to say "sick man". Please let me know. I would love to have some people who are also interested in doing this join in on my build, and we can work together to eliminate any issues to make tablet installs easier. I will be coming back and updating this OP throughout the entire process so please look for updates!
Thanks All!
(reserved for pics)
Check out a half-DIN equalizer or crossover to solve your volume, fading, equalizing concerns... can't post a link because this is first post!
I'd like do do this in the future... I hope someone comes out with a custom set of apps that make this really cool and easy... maybe even a custom ROM.
Basically what I'd want out of this is:
Auto-on with power. Auto off after 10 minutes of no power. FM radio tuner. Maybe the ability to connect a rear-view camera (wifi?). Bluetooth OBDII would be good enough for me.
I'd also appreciate the ability to connect to at least one camera and use it as a DVR, but I think that it would probably be beyond feasibility with the Nexus 7...
What I really want to see is the ability for the Nexus to be a full Bluetooth head unit. I want it to pair with my phone for both internet (already do this, works great) and have it act as a headset essentially. This is the part that appears to not exist anywhere. The ability for the Android Tablet to act as a hands free device. I mean if a car stereo can fully integrate with your phone read your address book, start and answer calls hands free, stream music, everything from your phone then why the heck not the tablet! Someone needs to write the BT stack that can handle that. Apparently it doesn't exist for android. It exists for Windows, but not Android. That is just wrong. Are there any car stereo head units running Android as their OS? If so can someone dump their rom so we can see what all it can do for a project like this?
I really want this!
I have had mine in the dash for a couple weeks now, streaming Bluetooth to the radio which I relocated, also using NFC sticker to turn on WiFi, bluetooth , set audio volume, screen brightness and start playing music. Tasker to put unit into car mode, its sick! I'll be following, really interested to see what you come up with. My car is N 06 altima and the Nexus 7 fits almost like a glove where factory stereo use to be.
Nexus 7 in altima
sneakk said:
I have had mine in the dash for a couple weeks now, streaming Bluetooth to the radio which I relocated, also using NFC sticker to turn on WiFi, bluetooth , set audio volume, screen brightness and start playing music. Tasker to put unit into car mode, its sick! I'll be following, really interested to see what you come up with. My car is N 06 altima and the Nexus 7 fits almost like a glove where factory stereo use to be.
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Click to collapse
Hi!
Can you upload a picture of your install? I own a altima and I am looking to install the Nexus 7 on my dash as well. And also, did your factory stereo have bluetooth? If not, what are you streaming bluetooth to?
Thanks
Just gonna subscribe as I thought of doing something similar
Sent from my LG-E739 using Tapatalk 2
Look into this thread
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
here's a video also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdLi9wCFZ7M
timskyline86 said:
Look into this thread
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
here's a video also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdLi9wCFZ7M
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Click to collapse
If anyone can post on his site, tell him to connect two middle pins in usb plug, then it will start charging from the lighter socket.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2
Does anyone know of a micro USB dock/cable that then splits to power, usb, and audio? I know of one's that will do 2 of the three, but nothing that does all three. Maybe just a USB and power one, and run the audio straight out of the 3.5mm on the N7.
Amp was ordered, and will be here next week. Prelimanary fitment pics coming soon...
Hello, I'm considering permanently mounting a nexus 7 in my car. It seems like the perfect in car device.
With this in mind I have updated my CarHome Ultra app to better accommodate the Nexus 7 screen. I will be posting a new video soon showing it running on the 7.
I've looked at doing this as well, I've always been prevented by the issue of the FM radio. I use the car a lot in places where I get no or poor connection via the phone, but the radio works fine, so loosing it would not be an option as I use the FM radio quite alot.
I've been trying to figure out away to control an FM radio via the Nexus so if anyone out there has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Jonnym
Jonnym said:
I've looked at doing this as well, I've always been prevented by the issue of the FM radio. I use the car a lot in places where I get no or poor connection via the phone, but the radio works fine, so loosing it would not be an option as I use the FM radio quite alot.
I've been trying to figure out away to control an FM radio via the Nexus so if anyone out there has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Jonnym
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Load a hand full of mp3s on the device. Then use Tasker to switch to switch to your favorite music player when reception is bad
Sent from my LG-E379 running ICSyndicate 2.0
I am actually currently doing a very similar project with a Nexus 7 and my Nissan 350z
I am planning on installing the Nexus 7 inside my dash (to replace sat nav dash)
HOWEVER
what about routing the power button on the tablet? Because If you cant access the power button the tablet will only get power when the car is on and if you dont use the car for a day or two the tablets battery would go flat and next time you turn on the car the tablet would go into charging mode (screen with charging battery only) and not boot up into android jelly bean.
Theres 2 potential solutions:
1. Open the tablet and wire the power button to a custom one, however on opening it I have found the button is actually a physical push press button and cannot be wired.
2. There is potential to change a file on the android system to tell the tablet to boot up when a charger is plugged in, check these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1187631
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1815131
Any updates from the OP?
Here's my install. Kept the factory radio intact, if not using the nexus, everything looks totally stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1847452
regalpimpin said:
Here's my install. Kept the factory radio intact, if not using the nexus, everything looks totally stock.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1847452
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What OBD ll connector are you using?
tallyforeman said:
What OBD ll connector are you using?
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Click to collapse
xitech xr7 purchased off amazon over a year ago.
http://www.amazon.com/XiTech-ELM327...TF8&qid=1347466620&sr=1-3&keywords=xitech+xr7
Never had any problems with it.
Despite working in the car industry and loving gadgets and mod-ing...I haven't really seen what people are up to these days in terms of car mods. The Nexus 7 makes so much sense and looks great!
Hey all
Just to add to the discusion;
Radio/DAB
Frontier silicon are the only company that I can find that do an app that can control an external radio and stream it's signal to the tablet as opposed to picking up the signal over the cellular network.
App:
Their page
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/software/DOK_App.html
Play store
http://tinyurl.com/d24gwm4
Module:
http://www.frontier-silicon.com/products/modules/briefs/Venice6_PB.pdf
now the problem with this is, aside from building the module in somewhere' the audio out as it feeds out of the module, but I was thinking I could use some form of y split cables near to my amps 'in'.
Media storage and playback
As far as storage for everything video/audio atc and a player to match I was thinking of useing xmbc
http://xbmc.org/
andriod port;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1813089
and pairing this with a WiFi DLNA HDD that I would wire in remoted off (say in the boot)
GPS
For improved gps I was going to use an external bluetooth gps reciver then allow mock locations on the tablet, there are also a few apps that help with this.
This app seems to have good support and a nice help page.
App:http://tinyurl.com/a9s7gvo
An example of a external GPS receiver
http://tinyurl.com/a339vu7
Hands Free
The only work round I seem to have found atm though far from perfect is this
http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/1919
it allows you to to 'cut in' the audio stream, but (can't fins the tread now will keep looking) the guy who was playing round with this was having audio issues.
not an idea solution but workable.
before my mind starts melting again;
How I plan to implement the tablet is to use tasker to wake the tablet when power is supplied then shut of down after, if I disable all kinds of connectivity when tablet shuts down then reactivates when it wakes up everything should run smoothly. Power will be cut because I'll wire in the ignition live, like you do in a stereo anyway, an this shouldn't put a drain on my battery to much, an if the dash build is good it shouldn't be too much of an issue extracting the tablet to hard boot anyway.
Volume and Audio
Volume and audio quality is another issue that needs to be addressed.
http://tinyurl.com/d2zbbnf
Seems like an ok work round.
Another way would be to install a direct in-line volume control as suggested in other threads, and put in an external DAC or hardwired EQ.
On a side note I came across this........ http://www.crutchfield.com/p_773AIRDAC/NuForce-Air-DAC-Receiver.html?tp=59282 ........ although you need to use their plug in senders but I'm sure this can be worked round with the knowledge on this forum, an would provide a very nice solution. then again there are quite a few bluetooth devices around. this probably wouldn't allow for in-line controls though.
well thats it for now, hope this helps push this forward to a working system
ben
nice build thread containing alot of theses ideas;
http://www.mp3car.com/worklogs/152658-nexus-7-android-in-a-2001-audi-s4.html
Hi there,
Is it possible to stream video thru wifi to TV without lag/buffer interrupts/skips? if anybody got this right, would you please post your working setup (app, hardware, what kind of video formats); even better, can someone knowledgeable post a guide on how to make this feature work?
just to mention things I tried with little to no success:
what works every time : locally playing any video using basically any player such as mx player bsplayer, the system video player..
Also streaming from a media server to phone works fine.
partially work for streaming thru wifi ie with interrupts imediashare, skifta, etc. I tried with TV wired or on same wifi network, didn't make a difference ; I also tried 3 various wifi routers, b, g and n, on both 2.4 and 5 GHz, link speed on phone shows anything from say 30 to maximum 70 Mbps.
thanks,
--m
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
I use HTC accessory , although it isn't inexpensive, it works fine with all the tv and computer monitor that I have tried.
This device plugs into hdmI socket on tv, it's powered by usb power supply that's included in the package and streams whatever is on your HTC One screen, still images or video. It seems to manage full hd 1080p without noticeable lag .
http://www.htcaccessorystore.com/uk/p_htc_store_product.aspx?i=229872&phone=246667#view-description
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
thanks for your input. I was also thinking about getting the xiaomi box : http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CXJTPIE
there are few reviews of this Chinese product but the format coverage and all other specs seem interesting. I am only waiting for the next iteration of it with improved cpu..
Going back to my previous question, had anyone been successful streaming directly from HTC one, without additional hdmi box?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
My HTC Media Link sucks.
But the more i think about it the more i think it might just be my router settings or something that is limiting it.
I used imediashare program
Sent from my HTC 802w
Hey!
Can I use both bluetooth audio and an OBD2 connection at the same time? I would like to be able to stream music to my car, and also see engine stats at the same time.
Has anyone done this? Can it be done? What OBD2 adapter would you recommend?
(edit becuz I kent spell)
You can connect to more than one BT device at a time but mileage may vary. I can do streaming and keyboard without issue but when I tether and stream I get stuttering. Also there is a good deal on gizmodo right now for a BT odb.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
Hmmm.. Thanks. I'd hate to have music skipping all the time. I'll have to do a bit more looking around.
Thanks for the reply!
Just to clarify, he means OBD (On-Board Diagnostics, and more than likely OBD2) in case anyone else was confused like myself. Ole' Dirty Bastard is nowhere to be found here.
Arak-Nafein said:
Just to clarify, he means OBD (On-Board Diagnostics, and more than likely OBD2) in case anyone else was confused like myself. Ole' Dirty Bastard is nowhere to be found here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for pointing this out. And not making me feel like a complete idiot.
I use an elm327 obd2 with the torque pro app. It works fine for diagnostics but I have never tried streaming music at the same time.
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I had a pioneer deh-x6700bt stereo installed recently that has Bluetooth and hands free wired mic that clips behind the rear view mirror. My son in law did the install for me and he works and mods all kinds of cars so I don't think it was the install itself.
Everything works except when I make a call people don't hear me speak and have to grab my phone and turn on the speaker on the phone to use. It pairs with Bluetooth fine using my music via my phone's sd card and pandora etc.
I sent pioneer and email and they sent me a new mic to install, but had the same issue. The phone I'm using is an AT&T S5 on rooted 4.4.4
Wondering if anyone else has had issues with pioneer systems and found a fix.
Ha, Ha 45 views and nuttin? I figured someone would have something to say on the subject.
Tomorrow I will have some time to play around with it and use my wife's unrooted S5. Also borrow other phones to see if they work.
I have a feeling it's a setting within the radio itself (I hope). I'm not ripping it out if I can't get it to work. It is what it is.
The only thing i can think of is you do not have the phone paired proper you should see 2 profiles in your Bluetooth one with a headphone next to it and ine with a telephone reciver next to it for the same unit
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Thanks for the reply rurigokou. I actually do have the two profiles synced.
I tried everything and have come to the conclusion it is a problem with the head unit itself. I called best buy and the manager was very gracious and is going to have a tech do some diagnostics on the unit for me.
If they find a problem I'm guessing they will switch out the unit, since that is where I purchased it. I have studded tires on the front of the car and have to grab others for me to take it in (here in Oregon the tires need to be changed early this year cause of the good weather , March 30).
Thanks for the reply rurigokou.
I have exact same issue
Gonna try new mic
Hi,
I've seen some fairly old information about enabling the "allow 720p video output" option in developer options, resulting in better quality image on certain head units. I wanted to try this out for my Ford Fiesta, but the setting seems to disable itself as soon as I leave the Android Auto app, and even if I enable it and plug straight into the car it seems to have no effect (not sure if head unit doesn't support it, or the app, or both).
I'm using a Nexus 6P. Tried reinstalling the app and it made no difference. Android Auto: 3.1.581054-release
Anyone else had this issue?
I saw this Android Police post https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/...ow-message-previews-hd-graphics-apk-teardown/ - it looks like Google are setting up to make HD projection functionality official, but for the time being I'd really like to play with these options.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Shure your car support 720p resolution?
henno88 said:
Shure your car support 720p resolution?
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I'm not sure no, but the app seems to reset the setting all by itself regardless of whether or not I connect it to the car - so like I said, I don't know if it's the app or the head unit.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Maybe your car doesn't support this.
This causes AA to reset this option.
What car?
AA wireless working on your Nexus?
Any wireless settings in AA app ?
henno88 said:
Maybe your car doesn't support this.
This causes AA to reset this option.
What car?
AA wireless working on your Nexus?
Any wireless settings in AA app ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe, but that doesn't really make sense since as I mentioned, it being reset is completely independent of whether or not I connect it to my car (happens as soon as I close the app and open it again) and for all the app knows I could easily be connecting it to a different car next which does support it.
It's a Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017 onwards). The car doesn't support wireless AA. I don't see any mention of it in the app - I think I read that it only launched in the US? I'm in the UK.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Have the same "bug".
I try it with my Galaxy Note 8 (Stock) and Note 3 (Custom ROM). I install crankshaft on my Raspberry Pi and activate 720p and 1080p.
If i activate the suppord for 720 and 1080 it works one time. After i close the AA-App its disabled.
If i plug my phone on again, i see a error, that my phone or "car" is not supported.
The option in Open Auto / CrankShaft is still activated.
I read somewhere that this issue should be fixed in next release of Android Auto.
tomechio said:
I read somewhere that this issue should be fixed in next release of Android Auto.
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Just installed 3.2.581534-release and it looks like the issue has been resolved. 720p and 1080p output seem to stay on after killing and relaunching the app. I'll test it in my car tonight but without the car, it works
Enabling the option really makes a big difference in my case. I drive a Skoda Superb 2018 and Waze looks totally pixelated without this option on. I was going to post this question in the forum because I also encountered the issue of disabling the 720p output when closing the app but I'm glad it appears to be fixed now.
ljo13 said:
Just installed 3.2.581534-release and it looks like the issue has been resolved. 720p and 1080p output seem to stay on after killing and relaunching the app. I'll test it in my car tonight but without the car, it works
Enabling the option really makes a big difference in my case. I drive a Skoda Superb 2018 and Waze looks totally pixelated without this option on. I was going to post this question in the forum because I also encountered the issue of disabling the 720p output when closing the app but I'm glad it appears to be fixed now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep it's fixed for me as of an update a couple of weeks ago as the option is sticking, but sadly it looks like my car doesn't support it.
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