i would like to use a tablet computer like an ipad or samsung galaxy for my stereo and navigation. all the forum posts i find concentrate on the mounting and making it look pretty in the dash but leave out technical info.

what i want:

1. to be able to control the head unit including FM tuner, volume, presets, and equalizer settings through the tablet

2. a port to use an external GPS receiver. (don't know how important that is. i just know the gps receiver in my phone fails to acquire a signal inside the vehicle. it has to rely on cell towers which requires a data plan$$)

3. suggestions on nav programs for tablets that do not need an internet connection for the maps (preloaded maps) so i can do without a data plan.

4. head unit that costs less than 300$


do any of you have a setup like this? if so, what tablet, head unit, connections, etc are required?


thanks

 

this question is best asked on a stereo furum

 

yes i know. i posted the question in a few forums. i included this one in case someone has done it in an xj. like this guy https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/an...sh-mod-151803/

 

I works great. Here's what you'll need.

1. Android device, phone or tablet. I'm using the original Galaxy Tab.
2. Backcountry Navigator Pro from the Google Play Store, pro version. https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....license&hl=en
3. A small car audio amplifier.
4. Volume ****. http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=28
5. 3.mm to rca connect http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=45
6. A charger for your device and your done. 2amp for the Tablet. Mine goes dead while using it with a 1amp charger.

I use Backcountry Navigator and it is great! It allows you to use the maps offline when you don't have cell signal. And most mobile GPS's work just fine with out it also. I have all my waypoints loaded on my map, and with the sat view I can see all the trails and navigate perfectly fine. Just make sure you turn your GPS on while you have cell service.

 

You could use something like this that would give you your amp and volume control in one shot. I don't know if it would plug in and charge an iPad, like it will an iPhone. I don't think they thought that far ahead when they introduced this but it could be used with any tablet as a preamp/volume controller.

http://www.kicker.com/pxi502

 

thanks for the info. this is just the kind of stuff i am looking for. but i would really like the ability to have FM radio controlled from the tablet. the ideal place to mount the tablet is where the head unit is now. it is looking like i might have to mount the tablet on a hinge so i can swing it out of the way of the head unit to listen to FM, weather band, and make audio adjustments. they really need to make a tuner accessory for tablets.

 

To do the FM tuner from the tablet you'll need to find one that has an FM tuner built in. This is not something you'll be able to add just with an app, there is hardware required for that.

If that's the only thing you're missing you could always mount a "traditional" head unit somewhere like in the glovebox or custom mount it in the dash under the tablet and do an aux input from the tablet to the head unit for all the other stuff you wanna do. Kind of defeats the purpose though as well as breaks the $300 budget.

Not sure what's out there for add on FM tuner options for tablets.

 

its a 95 xj. the head unit space is only big enough for the old one din style. the ac/heat controls are directly under that. they would be hard to move with out some serious engineering as they are cable operated. don't want to lose glove box space either.

they make cables to plug cameras into tablets, why not a FM tuner? if you happen to run across one on the net please post it here. i will do the same.

i have been researching the galaxy note. it is a phone/tablet hybrid. extremely large screen for a phone, small screen for a tablet. i have read that an unlocked galaxy S phone can receive FM. if that is the the case for the note as well i might have found my solution.......if i can get a galaxy note with data service only (without phone line access). i would just get a note and use it for my phone as well but my employer provides me with a cell phone and i have no need to pay for phone service myself. a data package wouldn't kill me but the extra 40$ for phone service i don't need would be very wasteful. it would basically double the monthly cost compared to just data.

i have an old samsung omnia i910 laying around. it has fm radio, bluetooth, and a usb cable for activesync with a pc. it runs windows mobile, don't know if that would jive with android or not. probably a better chance with the bluetooth. but this is getting a little too technical for me............

 

Just download 'TuneIn Radio' from the google play store https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...51bGwsMSwyLDNd . This will give you most of the popular radio stations, weather stations, police, CHP and fire scanners and so on. There you go, problem solved

 

I agree, this is the simplest solution as well as most affordable. It is possible to relocate the radio to the glove box or even center console but I dont see much advantage in that manner.

 

I discovered yesterday on my phone that the FM Radio App that I have uses the bluetooth to receive signal. So I would guess that any phone that has bluetooth could use an FM radio app to get service through that. Just thought I'd post up and let you know that.

 

thats interesting......what kind of phone? what's the name of the app?

 

I have an HTC Inspire for ATT and it was just the "FM Radio" app that comes with the ROM I'm running (Cyanogen Mod).

 

My HTC Incredible 2 has an FM radio built in but requires headphones or other 3.5mm cable plugged in to work. I assume the phone uses the cable as the antenna.

Neat project. I will be following this.