Android Tablet Install

[Statts]

Just WOW. This is very ingenious. Does the cold air from the aircon have any effect on the tab, like condensation or anything, or even hot air overheating the tab?

No problems with cold or heat yet, I had the tablet in primed for about 3 weeks, with 5 or so days 35° + with no issues, i have also had some close to zero days once in and painted, and also haven't had any issues. The aircon gets incredibly cold, much more than i thought, it may chill the end of the tablet where the power connects in, but no issues, fingers crossed.

The tablet isn't a Nexus either, its a Freelander PD10 - http://dx.com/p/freelander-pd10-3g-7-ca ... -961167126

Didn't really want to shell out on a Nexus, till I knew what problems I'd have, although I did design my install to be able to be upgraded with a newer 7" tab.

Good thing about the Nexus 7 is the development for it. I'm testing out Timur's USB-ROM which supports charging and USB OTG, has drivers and firmware built in for DAC's and DVB tuners as well as a whole host of features that suit fixed installations.

[krosbow]

Good thing about the Nexus 7 is the development for it. I'm testing out Timur's USB-ROM which supports charging and USB OTG, has drivers and firmware built in for DAC's and DVB tuners as well as a whole host of features that suit fixed installations.

Nice!

[krosbow]

As requested, here is a post on how I completed my Android tablet install. I have been lurking and using some of the great info on this forum for some time, and decided that now is the time to give back - hopefully this can help some others as the forum has helped me. Mod's feel free to move or edit as required.

Items Required/Used In The Install

• Freelander PD10-3G 7" Tablet
• Bluetooth OBDKey®
• Male USB A to angled Mini USB B cable for charging - Custom made from existing USB cable
• 5V/2A Cigarette to Female USB A Charger
• Extra Cigarette socket to splice into factory loom(s)
• Stereo 3.5MM 90 degree to 3.5MM plug
• Anycarlink AL-1080A: For MP3/USB/SD/Aux
• Jaycar Ground Loop Isolator
• Momentary on, push button switch for relocating tablets power switch
• Single poll, single throw switch for relocation of factory 'bright' button
• High quality and universal matt screen protector. (iPad mini cut to size for this install.)
• Miscellaneous wire, sandpaper, connectors, paint and filler.
• Dremel
• Patience

Approximate cost

• Around $450AU, excl labor.

Applications Installed on the Tablet

• AutomateIt - Used for automation of the tablet, including screen brightness and timeout, as well as power saving shutdowns and disabling of radios etc.
• Desktop VisualizeR - Used for creation of image based widgets, that work as shortcuts.
• droid VNC server - Used to remote the tablet while in the car/garage from the desktop PC.
• Google Maps/Navigation - Self Explanatory!
• Super AppLock - Used to password protect any applications that contain personal information or settings, thus enabling the tablet to not need a screen lock, but still maintain some basic security.
• PlayerPro - Great music player, mainly for great widgets, folder browsing, cover art download and EQ.
• Torque - Quite common OBD2 application.
• Tablet Talk - Used to intercept SMS and Calls over Wifi from Phone, does not support audio but allows caller ID etc.
• Widgetsoid - Great widgets app for switching things on and off, with some customization.

Build Steps

1. Firstly I created a wiring diagram in Visio, to work out exactly how this was going to fit together, this also helped working out what components were needed.
   
   
2. Next I completed some rough test fits with the bezel and tablet, working out some angles and how much would need to be built up.
   
   
   
3. At this time I also completed some fitment checks of how much would need to be removed from the RHS vent pipe, at this stage it seemed I would lose the first vent fin from the RHS, this was later confirmed as correct, with minimal/no impact on airflow etc.
   
   
4. Next I opened up the tablet, and with assistance from a mate soldered two wires onto the tablets power button, to allow the button to be relocated off the tablet, to another location in the vehicle, thus allowing the ability to boot and shutdown the tablet. A word on tablet selection: When I started this project the Nexus 7 had not commenced its rapid price dive as it has over the last month, and I could not really justify hacking up a $300 plus tablet on something quite as experimental as this - however the following design is relatively future proof, allowing brackets to be attached to a new 7" device with similar dimensions.
   
   
5. The cutting begins - I had already sliced out the separator between the info display and the factory cubby, but in this step I also trimmed the bezel back for filling, the approximate cut mares are still visible in the photo.
   
   
6. Next I knew I needed to build the sides of the fascia back further into the dash, to a) get the OEM look, but also to b) minimize the disruption and destruction of the RHS vent. Plastic was glued into the channels between where the vents mount and the visible side of the fascia. I found some Phillips headlight packing, which has a near perfect contour for the inner side of the bezel. This area did need some reinforcement later down the track.
   
   
   
7. The bogging begins - I used Septone Fibreglass Filler to start building the sides of the fascia up.
   
   
8. Once I had built the sides to a even finish, I used a wooden model of the tablet to work out the approximate angle the screen would sit at, to allow cutting any excess filling off to create a flush surface to mount the tablet against, this also needed to be done to work out what filling was needed for the top and bottom areas of the fascia.
   
   
9. The sides are now cut, and the filing of the top of the fascia could commence. I used a take-away containers plastic to fill against, and hot melt glued them into place, wile also using the existing gussets for added strength.
   
   
10. The top section being filled.
    
    
    
11. The bottom section was then filled using the same take-away container method as the top. This later needed to be built back slightly, to place the tablet on a more vertical angle in the car. I used a paper diagram of the tablet for rough fitment while filling too.
    
    
12. Sanding and fine tuning could now take place, this was quite tedious, possibly because of my lack of experience completing this type of activity. An off-cut of decking timber was used as a sanding block, to get a uniformed profile for all four corners. Septone Blade Putty was used to fill any small imperfections.
    
    
    
13. In between sanding and filling the section of the RHS vent pipe that needed to be cut was measured, as indicated in white paint marker. Everything forward of the cut was later scraped, as it was not needed. Also the cut needed to be moved slightly further back to allow the felt padding to be added between the fascia and tablet. At this same time I also modified the base plate in the RHS vent that supports the vertical vent fins, this needed to be cut to allow the tablet to protrude into the vent, but still maintain the right screen alignment, this involved using the Dremel to cut the plate near where the furthest left vent fin attaches.
    
    
14. Once all fine tuning, shaping and sanding was completed the fascia was primed using Septone Plastic Primer Filler
    
    
15. Next felt was applied to be the buffer between the tablet and the fascia, this was in perpetration for mounting the tablet to the vents. I used Floor Protection Felt from Bunnings.
    
    
16. Next the tablet was guided down the RHS vent, pressed flush against the LHS vent, and centered horizontally against the fascia/felt, in preparation for attaching the brackets.
    
    
17. Next brackets were aligned between the tablet and vents in preparation to glue them onto the tablet using Araldite. The other end of the brackets was bolted to the vent tubes using M10 nuts and bolts, painted black in the tubes. Final fitment is demonstrated in the 3rd photo, that is from final assembly.
    
    
    
    
18. Once alignment was completed and the tablet, brackets and fascia were assembled, the installation was then tested in the car for about a month of varying temperatures and road surfaces. Once I was satisfied with this the install was disassembled, and the felt removed, followed by re-installing the vent louvers prior to top coat paint, this was due to issues experienced when putting the louvers back in, and them grazing the paint. Once the louvers were installed they were masked to prevent them being painted. It was noted at this time that a matt screen protector would be needed to reduce glare.
    
    Septone Matt Black paint was used for the final finish, I did about 6 light coats, then waited for 48 hours for the curing process, prior to unmasking the vents and proceeding.
    
    
19. Final assembly could now begin, firstly with a new adhesion of Floor Protection Felt, followed by trimming and installing the matt screen protector.
    
    
20. Power and audio cables were ran down the RHS vent prior to gluing, the nuts that hold the bracket (unpainted in this picture) are also visible. The USB cable was modified (bent and twisted) by me to allow it to clear the second vent, as well as run on the correct angle through the vent pipe. The audio cable had to have a small amount of the plug whittled of to clear the second vent too.
    
    
21. Wiring was routed out of the rear of the vent.
    
    
22. Next I prepared to glue the fascia to the vents and tablet assembly. Prior to the tablet install this was not glued, but had 8 small tabs, most of these were damaged prior to me commencing the project, so I have removed them and would be hot melt gluing the two sections together, this also needed to be done, as the vents were supporting the tablet. Black hot melt glue was used, It was quite expensive, but any seepage would be less noticeable. Hot melt glue is also not permanent, allowing for easier future upgrades.
    
    
    
23. This photo demonstrates the close but working proximity of all items in the RHS side of the install.
    
    
24. Bench testing could now be completed prior to installing the unit into the car.
    
    
25. This photo demonstrates the final fitment of the rear of the tablet.
    
    
26. Next the 'accessories bay' was finished, this is located in the space within the glove-box where the factory Sat-Nav DVD would usually be, in this location the extra cigarette socket is located, the Anycarlink, and the Ground Loop Isolator (removed from the case, as well as the input and output jacks being reversed to allow a F to M configuration instead of a M to F). Power and audio wiring for the tablet is also routed through a few small incisions in the RHS of the opened box.
    
    
27. Some may ask why the power is in this location and not hidden behind the install, I have completed this so I can also charge the tablet from mains on the USB connector, and can also (in the future) use USB OTG and USB LAN if required.
    
    
28. Installed!
    

I hope this will enable you to add a tablet to your Liberty! Feel free to reply or PM with any further questions.

[wcefan]

Holy crap. Very nice and detailed guide. Thanks a lot man.

[bigBADbenny]

Unblvbl!!! Love it

[HoFF]

That's some great work there.

Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

[Coops75]

Excellent write up, thank you.

[peadya100]

Thats truly amazing!!
If i wasnt so lazy id do that myself

[Graphite]

Some brilliant work here guys - and great 'How to' krosbow

[nickknack]

Just found this thread! I have a nexus 7 in my B4, pics below. Given I don't have as much extra space as you gen4 guys, mine sits where the head unit was, and audio is via bluetooth or aux in to a head unit I mounted under the passenger seat. What are you doing for volume adjustment?

@Harrybob, are you having issues with discharging at all? My tablet is losing ~5-10% overnight, and the weak charging current of the 12V battery means a 20min commute is not really enough to recoup this loss. The screen goes off and it goes into aeroplane mode at night.

[TheFirstEskimo]

Nice work guys. This is the next mod I'll be doing for sure. Just saw these going for $79 on catch of the day.

http://www.dxtreme.com.au/D703b/d703bspec.html

Would this be any good? Doesnt look like its got bluetooth which could be a pain.

[circlethesky]

Nice work guys. This is the next mod I'll be doing for sure. Just saw these going for $79 on catch of the day.

http://www.dxtreme.com.au/D703b/d703bspec.html

Would this be any good? Doesnt look like its got bluetooth which could be a pain.

To be honest you get what you pay for with android tablets.
As it's just a car install it would probably do the job, though if you load it with music and movies (even on the sd card) it would get really slow and unresponsive. Having lag and apps force closing while you're driving would be very painful and frustrating.

The nexus 7 is more expensive but is one of the best tablets on the market, in the end its up to you but I wouldn't trust the one you linked.

[Harrybob]

Just found this thread! I have a nexus 7 in my B4, pics below. Given I don't have as much extra space as you gen4 guys, mine sits where the head unit was, and audio is via bluetooth or aux in to a head unit I mounted under the passenger seat. What are you doing for volume adjustment?

@Harrybob, are you having issues with discharging at all? My tablet is losing ~5-10% overnight, and the weak charging current of the 12V battery means a 20min commute is not really enough to recoup this loss. The screen goes off and it goes into aeroplane mode at night.

I initially had issues with charging as I was having the screen in full brightness mode and having bluetooth on all the time, the tablet would use more power then what it was being supplied even with a 2.1amp usb car charger.

Since then I have changed a setting so it dims the screen when not in use but returns to full brightness when you touch the screen and have also got audio to go via aux rather then bluetooth, with this setup I have managed to maintain power at 100%.

Sorry I don't have a guide for my install, didnt take any pictures along the way but it pretty much is what krosbow did with his guide.

[circlethesky]

Just found this thread! I have a nexus 7 in my B4, pics below. Given I don't have as much extra space as you gen4 guys, mine sits where the head unit was, and audio is via bluetooth or aux in to a head unit I mounted under the passenger seat. What are you doing for volume adjustment?

@Harrybob, are you having issues with discharging at all? My tablet is losing ~5-10% overnight, and the weak charging current of the 12V battery means a 20min commute is not really enough to recoup this loss. The screen goes off and it goes into aeroplane mode at night.

I initially had issues with charging as I was having the screen in full brightness mode and having bluetooth on all the time, the tablet would use more power then what it was being supplied even with a 2.1amp usb car charger.

Since then I have changed a setting so it dims the screen when not in use but returns to full brightness when you touch the screen and have also got audio to go via aux rather then bluetooth, with this setup I have managed to maintain power at 100%.

Sorry I don't have a guide for my install, didnt take any pictures along the way but it pretty much is what krosbow did with his guide.

Only thing I need to know is how you modified the bezel! I have no idea where to start once I find a spare to use.

[Statts]

Just found this thread! I have a nexus 7 in my B4, pics below. Given I don't have as much extra space as you gen4 guys, mine sits where the head unit was, and audio is via bluetooth or aux in to a head unit I mounted under the passenger seat. What are you doing for volume adjustment?

@Harrybob, are you having issues with discharging at all? My tablet is losing ~5-10% overnight, and the weak charging current of the 12V battery means a 20min commute is not really enough to recoup this loss. The screen goes off and it goes into aeroplane mode at night.

I initially had issues with charging as I was having the screen in full brightness mode and having bluetooth on all the time, the tablet would use more power then what it was being supplied even with a 2.1amp usb car charger.

Since then I have changed a setting so it dims the screen when not in use but returns to full brightness when you touch the screen and have also got audio to go via aux rather then bluetooth, with this setup I have managed to maintain power at 100%.

Sorry I don't have a guide for my install, didnt take any pictures along the way but it pretty much is what krosbow did with his guide.

Only thing I need to know is how you modified the bezel! I have no idea where to start once I find a spare to use.

Modifying bezels takes more time and patience than I have. I ordered the 7" AV panel set from Japan.