SDB_FTW

Hey everyone, I'm an active member over at corvetteforum, but new to LS1tech. I recently completed an Android tablet in-dash stereo installation so I thought I'd share my build thread here as well as CF. So, here goes!

USEFUL LINKS
Original stereo install thread
Original tablet install thread
G+ photo album for the stereo install
G+ photo album for the tablet install
My Lexus IS-350 stereo install (just in case you’re bored)

ANDROID APP LINKS
Tasker
Secure Settings (Tasker plugin)
Tablet Talk
PlayerPro
PlayerPro DSP Pack
Simple Last.fm Scrobbler
Audio Glow Live Wallpaper
Beats Audio Drivers
HD Widgets
Media Keys
Pandora
Sixaxis Controller
Volume Control Widget
Volume Widget
FolderSync
Nova Launcher

EQUIPMENT
SPEAKER DRIVERS
Tweeters: SB Acoustics Ring Radiators SB29RDCN
Midranges: Dayton 2" domes RS52AN
Woofers: Dayton Audio 7" RS180
Subwoofers: Image Dynamics 8" ID8V.3 (Have been replaced by Sundown Audio E-8 V.2)
ELECTRONICS
Head Unit: Pioneer AVH-P3300BT (Has been replaced by Samsung Galaxy Tab2 7.0 tablet)
Speaker Amplifier: JL Audio XD600/6
Subwoofer Amplifier: JL Audio XD600/1
Line Driver: AudioControl Epicenter
4-way active crossover network: JBL GTX47
INSTALLATION EQUIPMENT
SubThump partition subwoofer box
Metra double din dash kit
PAC interface unit to retain OnStar
Dynamat Superlite
Stinger electronics for all wiring and signal distribution

TABLET DEMO VIDEOS

Initial results and basic demo, part 1

Initial results and basic demo, part 2

Sixaxis adapter for android tablet media control (1 of 2)

Sixaxis adapter for android tablet media control (2 of 2)

Initialization and hands free system demo

PICTURES OF STEREO INSTALL


































PICTURES OF TABLET INSTALL

SDB_FTW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(I’ll add to this section as people ask more questions)

Does the roof mount properly over the top of your sub box?
Yep, barely. SubThump specifically designed the sub for this purpose.

How much weight do you estimate the system added to the car?
I'd say the door speakers + adapters + dynamat superlite - factory speakers = somewhere around 10lbs per side.
I know from the ups shipping weight that the sub box is 27lbs. The subs weigh 9lbs each, so sub box/subs weighs 45lbs.
The amp rack weighs practically nothing, because I made it out of 3/8" plywood. I'd roughly guess that it weighs about 5lbs. The JBL units weigh 8lbs combined, and the JL amps weigh 10lbs combined, so the electronics/amp rack weigh 23lbs.
10+10+45+23=88lbs, and add 15% fudge factor, so I'd guess I added, including wiring and such, about 100lbs to the car.

Did the speaker install require heavy modification of the doors?
Nope. I had to make the 4 screw holes larger to support larger bolts, but that’s all. Since I used all my own wiring, the factory speaker connections are still in tact, should I ever need to revert the speakers back to stock.

Did the tablet install require heavy modification of the dash or radio bezel?
Nope. One of the highest priority requirements of this install was not to hack apart the dash. I wanted an easily repeatable, minimal effort install, so that others could take it on.

I want to install a tablet as well, but I want to use the stock amp and speaker system. How simple is it to do this?
Pretty simple. If you purchase the right wiring harness, it will have low-level signal inputs that you can connect directly to your tablet’s headphone jack using a 3.5mm<->RCA adapter or cord. Forum member blazinblue did this with success.

The tablet’s power and volume buttons are no longer accessible. How do you address this?
I use on-screen volume control apps, so I don’t need access to the volume rocker buttons. I DO need access to the power button. If ever the battery completely dies, the power button is the only way to turn it back on. I “etched” a small notch into my temperature controls so that I can access the power button with a key or small screwdriver.

Is the tablet removable?
Nope. As I proceeded through this install, I always had that in the back of my mind, but I would’ve had to modify the radio bezel to do that, or find a tablet that wasn’t as wide.

How does the tablet get internet access?
I bluetooth tether my Galaxy S3 to the tablet for internet access.

What about AM/FM radio? What about CDs?
Nope, and nope. If I were concerned about these, I wouldn’t have bothered with a tablet stereo! Besides, with access to apps like Pandora and iHeartRadio, why would even want FM??

Can you interface the system with steering wheel controls?
Yes, but it’s not easy, and I haven’t yet, because I don’t have factory steering wheel controls, and I don’t want to buy and install a new clock spring. Look at the video section, and you’ll see how I plan to install button controls in the vette. I’m sure this would be easier if my vette had factory steering wheel controls, but I can’t verify that. I have a few other ideas with this as well, and I’ll update this thread if/when I move forward with them.

How does the tablet get power?
I used a cig lighter USB adapter, and a hard-wired cig lighter socket, receiving power through a Bosch-type SPDT relay. See wiring diagram in pictures.

Do you worry about the tablet being effected by extreme temperatures?
Yes, I do. I haven't had to deal with extreme heat/cold yet, but as they present themselves, I'm sure I'll have to come up with a way to mitigate the temps. Refer to the manual of your tablet and compare that to the extreme temps in your area (keep in mind it's much hotter in the car than the ambient temp outside the car).

Your Android operating system doesn’t look like mine. Do I have to root and/or install a custom OS ROM for this project?
You certainly do not have to modify your tablet’s stock OS to have a fun and functional tablet stereo. However, there are several advanced features regarding this install that would not be possible without rooting the device and/or installing a custom ROM. Some of the automated tasker actions, such as auto-connecting to my phone via bluetooth for tethering, is only possible with a rooted device. Also, the custom ROM allows for a much more customizable front screen, to include icon density, widget resizing, etc. A third note worth considering is that most tablets out there with a couple of exceptions do not run the latest version of the Android OS (Jelly Bean). This is vitally important to me because I wanted to have the “Google Now” feature, which includes a very robust voice recognition system, allowing you to ask for navigation directions, play music, get sports scores, and much, much more.

This seems like a lot of work. Why don’t you just buy an Android-based double-din stereo such as the Pioneer AppRadio2?
1. Old Android version: I haven't yet seen an Android-based HU that runs ICS, much less Jelly Bean. Most run Gingerbread. Boo.
2. Restricted Apps: Most Android based HUs only have a small subset of apps available that have been approved to be "safe" to operate while driving. Boo.
3. Lack of custom ROM support/rooting capabilities: I like custom ROMs, especially for use in this project. I've been able to accomplish much of my project using features that are built into cyanogenmod, or simply by having root access.
4. Screen quality: Yes, my tablet screen isn't as "sun friendly" but it is a much higher quality screen than those that I've seen in lower priced Android-based HUs.
5. Jelly Bean/Google Now: I didn't look at android based HU features in detail, but I'd be willing to bet that they don't have a voice command capability that is nearly as good as Google Now (except maybe the new Parrot "Asteroid Smart").
6. It's not as fun.

How do you automatically control things such as bluetooth, tethering, music start/stop, etc.?
One of the most important tools for the tablet install is an app called “Tasker”. I won’t get into detail regarding the app, as there is a full wiki page on it, but basically, it’s an app that performs certain actions based on triggers. A trigger can be many things, such as the tablet getting power, etc. Here is a breakdown of what happens when I enter the car:
1. Turn Car on (or turn on ACC, works the same way)
2. A SPDT relay provides power to a usb cig lighter adapter, giving power to the tablet (see wiring diagram in pics section)
3. Tasker app (on the tablet) sees that the tablet is plugged in and executes the following:4. The TabletTalk app (on the tablet) detects that bluetooth has been enabled, and initiates connection to TabletTalk app on SGS3
5. My phone connects to my parrot ck3000 hands-free kit via bluetooth
6. Tasker app (on the phone) detects a bluetooth connection to the ck3000 and turns on wifi hotspot
7. Tasker app (on the tablet) sees my phone's wifi hotspot and executes the following:Similar process on power down:
1. Turn off car (or turn off ACC) and open door
2. Relay cuts power to USB adapter, cutting power to the tablet
3. Tasker (on the tablet) sees that power is cut and executes the following:4. Tasker (on the phone) detects that bluetooth connection to ck3000 is lost, and turns off wifi hotspot

Guitar

iTrader: (9)

Dude. This is badass. You did some awesome work with amazing documentation. I really am considering tackling this.

One question, did you get the steering wheel controls working? I see the Sixaxis controller mod you did...I didn't realize there was a way to actually control Android with a Sixaxis outside of games? So basically, you just mapped the controls to Sixaxis buttons which click as they would with a regular controller inside Android?

Another question, so in Android, you can obviously manage volume, but it has specific increments and is kind of weird (in an application such as this) I would say. It would seem there is sort of low, medium, and high, but in between volume is in a way sort of not there. I wonder if there is an app to allow more volume control, or numbered volume for instance?

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

thats the same tablet I have, from my understanding you should be able to get the audio out thru that dock connector you took apart that way you can a single connection setup, it won't do video out tho.

dementia

iTrader: (4)

Amazing job man. Definitely inspires me in my build

Zlow28

iTrader: (11)

thanks for all the links man. The tablet idea is pretty badass!

This should be stickied

My6speedZ

iTrader: (18)

Guitar stuff like this is not too hard, I feel confident you can handle it. There are apps that allow you to fine tune your speaker outputs I had one on my Droid, it had equalizer adjustments as well as master outputs and boosters. I have an Iphone now so I cannot tell you the name of the app but it was free.

I don't know if you would be able to see the increments like your talking about, I know what your saying about how the increments don't allow the kind of volume control like a **** does. Especially at lower volumes it is either slightly too loud or slightly too soft. I suppose you might be able to toy with the master output to where the blocked increments better suit your listening styles so that you could then control it remotely.


OP very nice work, and you did a great job on detailing all that is involved. The tablet in the console is becoming something you see more and more, I am sure the stereo companies are in fear.

t_raven

iTrader: (12)

Excellent thread, subscribing for later

SDB_FTW

Thanks!

For the sixaxis hack, the "sixaxis controller" app did all the work for me. Just follow the directions in the youtube video for initial bluetooth pairing (see the app's page), and the app controlls all button mapping.

I do not have steering wheel controls working as of right now. The problem isn't with the sixaxis solution, rather the problem is with my car. I don't have factory steering wheel controls, so for me to install them would require buying a new steering wheel harness and clock spring (easily $200 or more). If someone is tackling this project with a car that has steering wheel controls, it would make the project easier. I've basically abandoned the steering wheel controls because now that I'm used to my interface, I don't think I need them. I might, at some point, go ahead and install some volume/track/play/pause buttons in my HUD dead panel buttons (to the left of my gauge cluster).

Regarding your second question, I definitely see your point. All android volume control is digitally sampled, and some android volume widgets are better at this than others (more samples means more adjustment levels from min to max). I have EXHAUSTIVELY searched the play store for different volume widgets, trying to find the one that best suits my needs. The one I've settled on is called "volumewidget", simply enough, haha. There's a link to it in the original post. The reason I chose this widget is because it has 20 volume adjustment levels from minimum to maximum, which is plenty of resolution. Another reason I used this app was because I was able to decompile and modify it so that it's completely transparent and uses corvette wings as its buttons . Give me a few minutes and I'll post a screenshot of what is my "near-finished" home screen.

SDB_FTW

I did get audio out via the dock connector. However, the dock connector doesn't support the mic input, so that's why I still couldn't use it.

SDB_FTW

The "volumewidget" app (see op for link) has 20 different volume levels from min to max, which, for me at least, is plenty. I've never had an issue in which I couldn't find the right volume level. I recommend it for sure.

SDB_FTW

I'm finally satisfied with my home screen (for now, haha). See the screenshot below.

The Jake Skull is "play/pause"
The Tachometer is "previous track"
The Speedometer is "next track"
The left corvette wing is "volume down"
The right corvette wing is "volume up"

Those corvette wings are the "volumewidget" app (see op for link). I decompiled and modified it to use the wings as its icon, instead of the default arrows. The Jake skull, tachometer, and speedometer are the "mediabuttons" app, again with modified icons. I used the "nova launcher" app to get rid of the dock icons and notification bar. Nova launcher is awesome. It includes gestures, which lets you perform certain actions on the home screen with different finger motions. For example, I have Nova set up to launch google voice search when I double tap the screen. I can also pop in and out the notification bar and icon dock by performing a two-finger "rotate" either cw or ccw.

Yes, I do realize that there were a ton of potential dirty jokes in the paragraph above...

Also, if anyone wants these modified apps, I'd be happy to send them to you, just pm me your email address.

kainedogg

iTrader: (23)

Outstanding write-up.

TruBloodTransAm

iTrader: (24)

Damn that's impressive.

Guitar

iTrader: (9)

Yeah I think I can do it, just trying to gauge how much of a project I'm looking into. I think the issues I have with volume and everything can be cured/subdued with an app, just want to make sure.

Awesome. I'm considering doing this on the Rustang, and this does not have steering wheel controls, and I'm not a fan of them anyways really (never used them when I got them in my SS, so didn't bother putting a module for them in the TA). The other question I have is do you know what the tablet itself measures from screen to screen? From what I read a double din is a 180 x 100 mm panel, and the Tab 2 is 193.7 x 122.4mm - I'm guessing the bezel takes a nice part of this, so I don't think that in itself would be an issue, it'd be more of the mounting. I'm considering buying just a regular double din bezel and modifying it just slightly, I'm just on the edge of if I want to buy a nice $150 bezel or a not as nice $75 one if I have to hack it up, lol. The way the Mustang bezel sits (99-04 bezel) is that it has the opening for AC controls then the radio, then 3 buttons on the bottom. What I'm thinking is maybe I could modify those buttons to do previous/next track and play/pause (would do volume, but I switch tracks more than I change the volume I think).



I'm liking this idea a lot more every time I think about it! Home screens look great BTW!

Atrus_SS

iTrader: (1)

This is really awesome!!!! I had thought about this a little while ago, but figured it'd be more of a pain than anything with trying to cycle the tablet on and off with the ignition and whatnot.

I'm not an Android user, so I didn't realize tasker and the other apps exist. This seems damn close to being on par, or better in some respects, to CUE (at least from the very limited knowledge I have).

The two issues I really see:

1) Heat - My SS is a "fair weather" car, so for about half of it's usage it's in hot summer weather.
2) Glare - I have a 'vert, so the glare would be terrible. I wonder how a matte screen protector would work. I am also worried about heat being that the tablet will be in direct sunlight a lot. I know my iPhone 4 went into thermal mode once when I left it sitting out in the sun.

SDB_FTW

Just a quick correction on my previous post: My volume widget has 15 different volume levels from min to max, not 20. Still, I think it's plenty, and I've never had an issue in which I couldn't find the right volume level for a given situation.

If my math is correct (based on a screen resolution of 1024x600 and a diagonal size of 7"), the horizontal width of the tablet's screen should be 6.03", with a vertical height of 3.53". If I remember, I'll measure it to be sure (I'm at work right now).

After looking at your bezel pic, I'm really not sure you'd need those play/pause/prevtrack/nexttrack buttons in the 3 button slots. I say this because, since the buttons are every bit as far from you as the tablet, the tablet's widget buttons would be just as convenient. You may have other reasons for having physical buttons though. It's tough to tell from a picture of a bezel, but at first glance, it looks like you should have sufficient space to mount the tablet.

Be sure to jump on this thread and update me on your progress. I'm interested to see how it turns out. Good luck!

SDB_FTW

Very valid concerns.

1) I don't think heat will be too much of an issue if you take the proper precautions. Make sure to get a good reflective sun visor, make sure your windows are tinted as dark as legally possible, leave your windows cracked (if possible). If that's not enough, on the hottest of days, I plan to use a product like THIS.

2) I've had the top off my vette (ttop, not convertible), and the glare on mine isn't too bad as long as the screen is clean. I make a habit of wiping down the screen with a microfiber cloth before taking the car out if the top is off. The glare might be worse in a convertible though. You might look into an anti-glare overlay film like THIS if it's too bad.

You will definitely have to be mindful of direct sunlight when the car isn't in operation, and make sure the top is up whenever the car isn't in operation. I don't think direct sunlight will be much of an issue while driving down the road, but by no means do I know that for sure.

Guitar

iTrader: (9)

I just like physical buttons. I would like to do something with the buttons on the bottom - only other things would be cutouts or something like that, and I don't plan to have any of that on the Mustang. But I also don't exactly know my plans for the interior yet either - so I'm not sure if I want to jump into this on it, or go ahead and just put my stereo from the TA into the Rustang and do this in the TA instead, since that is nicer anyways and I already have a good solid stereo in there. Decisions decisions. I will be doing it versus purchasing a new headunit though, may require some more work but the payoff and the fact that the technology will outlast any headunit like that will be great. Thanks again for the writeup and if I do start this on one of the cars soon I'll be sure to update.

Atrus_SS

iTrader: (1)

Valid points - technically, I can't legally tint my door windows, but will be this before summer anyway. I agree, I think the matte finish protectors may help a lot. My wife has a 1st gen iPad, so I could do some trial tests with that to see how it glares and whatnot.

Nice thing is, I am already running a 5 channel amp, so really, the hardware I'd need would be the tablet and a few peripherals.