This looks great - exactly what I want to do - but I have a few questions:
1. Will this set up work on the post-facelift (MY07-MY08) models?
2. I assume you're using your phone as a wireless hotspot? Any reason why you didn't opt for 3g other than the extra $100 or so (Kogan has 32GB 3g Nexus 7 for $299)
3. Was the Behringer USB DAC only to improve sound quality? Can it be removed? (I only ask this as I have one of these for recording DJ sets to laptop which was temperamental and died after very limited use)
4. Does the sound go via a plug on the back of the McIntosh for CD changers, or are you still using an AUX in?
5. Did the install disable your 12v power source (cigarette lighter)?
6. Does the 1TB HDD run all the time when the car is on? Is the Mini-Box DCDC-USB Power Supply for the HDD, or the tablet, or both?
7. Does the 4-port USB Hub allow you to easily plug in USB sticks, or is this hidden behind the dash for the HDD and tablet only?
8. Can you still use the tablet's USB to transfer files from a laptop with the USB-ROM ? Can you disable the USB?
9. Link to the Subaru 7" AV Panel Kit? I had a look but couldn't find it, unless it's the Hasepro one:
http://www.japanparts.com/db/parts_deta ... ARCH_page=10. Do you have any ground loops coming through your stereo?
Anyone know whether this install would be improved with a GROM to integrate bluetooth, phone and ensure steering steering controls? eg:
http://www.cushieaudio.com.au/subaru-usb2p.htmlMy thought is an install with:
Nexus 7 3g tablet ($299)
av panel kit ($150-200?)
tablet power supply switched to ignition ($50?)
GROM USB2 Plus with Bluetooth dongle, mic, and USB extension cable accessories ($220 + delivery)
USB cable from tablet to GROM in ($10-20)
~$800 all up
This way (I think) I can plug in a USB stick to the GROM for music (which is the easiest format to update), or take handsfree phone calls, and I can have navigation/movies/torque (minus sound) running at the same time and still retain steering controls for anything connected via the GROM. The obvious downside is that I may not be able to run two audio sources (eg. navigation instructions and music via GROM) simultaneously, but I'm not sure there's any set up which can do this anyway, other than playing music from the tablet and having navi running but I don't think that works very well.
My main concerns about installing a tablet are:
1. the tablet might suffer with temperature changes - especially sitting right next to the air vents - and could be subjected to ~5 degrees with A/C on to 50 degrees with windows up in summer (black car);
2. Accessing the power button for reset
3. battery life might become non-existent if always charging when the engine is on, but I guess you could add a charge on/off switch?
4. rapid pace of technology means the tablet it will be a p.o.s. in 1-2 years. The Nexus 7, whilst a good tablet, is already discontinued. So at $800 it's a bit of an expensive install for such a short life.
I have the Samsung Galaxy Nexus and the Nexus car dock which essentially does the job that I want (music/navi, etc), although the dock is too tight to get in and out and phone screen is only 4.6". Plus I don't want to put my phone in there for short drives / leave in there when parked. So I thought my other option is to get the Galaxy desk dock for $90 (which, like the car dock, has USB charging and 3.5mm stereo out); a car cubby mount for $30 + postage (
http://www.cubbymounts.com/2005-2009.html) and then modify the mount to make it fold, retract, and recess behind the cubby door (this might be difficult/costly). This would be a good cheap option which allows me to drop my phone in and pull out easily, except it still requires me to run a 3.5mm stereo cable from the cubby area, underneath the centre console and pop up in the glove box where the AUX in is, and I'll have average sound, a small screen, and the setup will be obsolete in 12 months or less when I upgrade my phone.
I really wish someone would produce a dash-mounted lockable universal car dock which allowed you to slide in and out any brand of Android 7" tablet where charging & audio operats flawlessly (eg. via pogo pins, and only when vehicle is on), and looks like a factory option and doesn't show thieves that there's a tablet in there to steal.