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Integration of a tablet instead of a standard radio. A tablet in a car instead of a radio: making the right choice

Now many vehicle owners are faced with the problem of the wretchedness of the standard ones and the cosmic high cost good radios With modern features. So I, having bought a car in 2010, could not get along with the CD player and hastened to install a tablet instead - a Tablet. The article describes aspects not covered in other sources of information. In particular, not how to physically embed the tablet into the car, but how to set everything up so that it is pleasant and convenient to use.

Let's take a closer look at all the Profiles (triggers) and Tasks:
Profiles:
Power AC - runs the corresponding tasks (DC ON, DC OFF) when connecting and turning off the power. We mean that the Tablet only works when there is food, and without it it falls asleep.
Media Utilities State New Track - Calls the “Fill Track” task when a new song starts playing
Media Utilities State Is Playing - Calls the “Now Playing” task when the song is playing and “Now Not Playing” when playback is stopped
Device Boot - Calls the “Boot Startup” task when the tablet boots. Almost not used yet. It might come in handy in the winter when the batteries won’t be enough to survive a power outage. Many guards from www.pccar.ru/showthread.php?t=18305 advise immediately disconnecting and removing the battery. Experience Russian exploitation Nexus has received very positive reviews from many. Life will show. I have no problems in the summer yet. We'll see in winter. If necessary, we will remove the battery, fortunately all procedures are described in detail.
Device Shutdown - Calls the “Shutdown” task when the tablet is turned off. Almost not used yet. It might come in handy in the winter when the batteries won’t be enough to survive a power outage.
Music - Calls the “Set Active App To Music” task when Music is on the screen and is the active application.
NAVIGON - Calls the “Set Active App To Navigation” task when NAVIGON is on the screen and is the active application.

Tasks:
DC ON - Sets the %DCPOWER variable to 1, calls / wakes up the automatic controller Lux brightness Plug-in and
launches the “On” task.
DC OFF - Sets the %DCPOWER variable to 0, and runs the “Off” task.
On - resumes playback if it was interrupted by a short-term power failure. Includes GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth. Sets the volume. Greets the voices and says Time. Launches the Navigation and Music Program (just in case they were nailed in a dream). If music was played during the previous shutdown, the name of the Song and artist is pronounced and playback resumes. Recalls/wakes up the automatic brightness control Lux Plug-in.
Off - Stops music playback. Turns off GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth. Nailing the navigation program. Falls asleep.
Resume Music - The name of the Song and artist is pronounced in the correct TTS language and playback resumes, smoothly increasing the volume to the desired level.
Fill Track - Receives the name of the artist and composition from Media Utilities and remembers them by pre-determining the language of the text in order to use the correct TTS when reading. It also separately remembers the name of the previous artist so as not to repeat itself when pronounced. Says the name of the artist (if it does not match the previous song) and the composition.
Say Time - Fills in the system time correctly
Now Playing - Sets the %MPLAYING variable to 1. This means the Music is playing.
Now Not Playing - Sets the %MPLAYING variable to 0. This means the Music is not playing.
Boot Startup - still empty
Speed ​​Volume Control Plus - Spins in an eternal loop and changes the volume in accordance with the speed. This function is available in many machines, but is not always available, so I wrote a task that does this in Android. There are five volume levels and 5 speed ranges that need to be set according to your situation in Init Vars.
Init Vars - initial initialization of some constants and variables
Shutdown - Performs an Off task by turning everything off


I couldn’t stop there because 5 buttons on the steering wheel (-, +,<, >, Mode) that control the standard radio and it would be super convenient if the android understood them. Thun the second phase of the project began.
It all depends on the car and the type of signals from the buttons.
Either it's analog ( different levels voltage) or CAN bus. There are ready-made solutions for both.
theksmith.com/technology/hack-vehicle-bus-cheap-easy-part-1/
And
JoyCon

Both are still wired, but bluetooth is just around the corner.
I ended up with analog buttons.
I made myself an analogue of JoyCon Arduino mini Pro + Bluefruit EZ-Key It turned out without wires to the tablet. Bluefruit emulates an HID keyboard and sends standard commands to the acdroid. Controlling the music is simple, but the rest had to be done through the emulation of the Search + Letter and then Quicklinks Shortcuts in Task and to Tasker. But everything works as seen in the video. There is a click and a long click. In the second part I will describe in detail.

Car interior tuning is one of the areas of tuning designed to improve comfort and make driving easier. A tablet instead of a radio in a car is a service provided by our tuning studio.
Expensive configurations of almost all modern cars have devices designed to improve the comfort and convenience of driving. This is navigation with built-in GPS, a stereo system with the ability to play from different storage media (memory cards, phones), on-board computer with the ability to control fuel consumption, read check engine errors and a number of other technological solutions. What should owners of cars with basic configurations or more do? early years release for those wishing to use modern gadgets? Tablet in the car - optimal solution, which requires an order of magnitude less expenditure and brings an element of originality and individual style to the interior of your car. A tablet computer has incomparably more functionality than multimedia center or car radio.

Choosing a tablet for a car

Huge market various devices opens up a wide range of possibilities for you to choose a tablet for your car instead of a radio. Choice operating system It just depends on your personal preferences. After all, both Android and IOS have required applications and programs for mobile devices, significantly simplifying life for motorists: turning the tablet on and off synchronously with the ignition, engine diagnostics and reading check engine errors, monitoring fuel consumption, video recording like a dash cam.
Color and exterior design It is better to choose so that the device fits organically into the overall interior.
The wide center console of an SUV or truck will allow, for example, to install a tablet with a 10-inch screen diagonal, which will not look bulky. In a middle-class sedan, it is probably better to install a tablet with a smaller screen (7"-8"), which will not take up much space and will not distract the driver's attention from the road.
Some parameters don't really matter since the tablet becomes relatively stationary. Battery capacity (working time without recharging) is not important - the device will be charged from on-board network car via a charger of at least 5 volts, via a USB port or through a special adapter from the cigarette lighter. dimensions and the weight of the device can also be ignored. Not all users will need the performance and speed of a tablet. After all basic functions(navigation, music playback and others) will not require much power from your gadget.
An additional slot for a memory card will help expand the device’s memory for, for example, storing area maps, GPS tracks, and recordings from the recorder.
A tablet with a docking station will solve some issues for car owners. There will be additional USB ports and slots for connecting memory cards, speakers, additional devices. By pre-installing the docking station on the dashboard or center console, you can remove the tablet at any time and take it with you if the need arises.

Place of installation of the tablet in the car

By placing the tablet on the headrest of the car, you will take care of the leisure of passengers in the back seat. Very convenient way entertain a small child on a long trip.
You can install the tablet instead of the radio on a special tripod frame attached with suction cups to windshield or on the dashboard. This is the cheapest and most inconvenient option - these fastenings are bulky and unaesthetic.
A tablet computer in place of a radio is the most logical and best option. The place is familiar, really convenient for doing everything functionality Your device does not interfere with monitoring the situation on the road.

Advantages of installing a tablet in a car instead of a radio

Installing a tablet in a car leads to, in addition to the above advantages, more convenient touch control device; the ability to access the Internet, for example, to track traffic jams online or replenish your media library; the opportunity to diversify leisure time at stops with games and watching films. In addition, you can adjust the device interface, personalizing it to suit your needs (adjust the desired brightness or display main screen most frequently used applications). The tablet can finally be used as a phone if your smartphone is dead. Or, if, having installed a tablet instead of a radio, you want nothing more than to listen to music, control the player and enjoy the sound. To achieve high-quality sound music via tablet must be connected external amplifier or use the car radio as an amplifier, install a fuse on the power cable of the amplifier, make decorative frame made of fiberglass for a tablet in place of the radio. Installing a tablet in a car requires certain knowledge and skills and physical and time expenditure. The specialists of our tuning studio will help you choose the tablet you need and will completely install and connect the tablet instead of the radio.

Many drivers are dissatisfied with the capabilities of the standard media system. are expensive, so it seems very rational decision: Use a tablet instead of a radio. Such a gadget costs from 3-4 thousand rubles, and its capabilities leave most media systems far behind.

Methods for implementing the task

Many car enthusiasts install a tablet instead of a radio, as they find it more convenient

The tablet can be installed on the dashboard (instrument panel), ceiling or glass. This is the simplest option, which does not require special skills or significant financial costs (the cost of a budget holder is 200–300 rubles). However, it has 2 serious drawbacks: unreliability (especially when it comes to holders with suction cups) and bulkiness, since the gadget will take up too much space, especially if it has a diagonal larger than 7 inches.

Due to the disadvantages listed above, it is recommended to install the tablet in the car instead of the radio (in other words, in its place). This procedure will require more time and financial costs, but the final result will definitely please you - the device will sit “tightly” without stealing such valuable space next to the driver. It is this option that we will focus on.

Technical nuances of using a tablet instead of a radio

You can install a tablet instead of a radio only in a 2 DIN connector. Therefore, in this case, a model with a diagonal of 7-10 inches and a standard aspect ratio (16 x 9) is required. Therefore iPad in view technical features(non-standard proportions) in most cases it will not be possible to install the radio in place. You will have to get a model on Android or adjust the instrument panel (make a frame from improvised means).

The audio jack of all known tablets is designed to work with headphones. Therefore for correct operation you will need to purchase an amplifier. The channel capacity should be equal to the number of speakers built into the car.

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Important! You cannot connect both devices to the cigarette lighter, because in this case the voltage will be extremely unstable, which increases the risk of a short circuit. Be sure to use a fuse.

It is advisable to purchase a tablet with a docking station, since in this case you can install it and it will fit exactly in size. In addition, you will not experience charging problems.

System assembly

The first question during installation is: where should I put the amplifier? It is not entirely reasonable and not always possible to fit it in the trunk. The most rational solution is to hide the unit under the front passenger seat.

Installing the tablet instead of the radio is done in the following sequence:

  • To extend the wires to the battery, you will need to remove the covering working panel. Many cars have an access hole in it. If there is none, then, armed with a drill and a drill, we correct this ill-conceived assembly line production.
  • A rubber sleeve is placed over the hole to prevent the wires from fraying during operation. The main thing is to choose the right size.
  • The amplifier's power cord is connected to the battery. 2 wires from the amplifier are connected to the adapter; it is advisable to use the soldering method with heat shrink - due to the greater reliability of the connection. The remaining ends of the adapter are fed to the speakers.
  • The fastener for the tablet is fixed in the radio socket using sealant or epoxy resin. After the adhesive has dried, the device is mounted.
  • Next, connect the tablet using an RCA cable (red and white). On the fuse block, select a cable that is not supplied with voltage when the ignition is deactivated.

Background

I have a 2003 Toyota Corolla, from the factory only cassette radios were installed on official cars. Of course, I never put cassettes into the radio; I made do with a radio and an FM modulator.

I can’t say that I’m particularly picky about music, but of course I wanted something more. What were the options:
1. Place the frame on 1 or 2 din and install a regular radio.
2. Buy your original one for $70, on eBay, but with disks. But without mp3 :)
3. Buy a cool one for $600, right under my car, with everything...

But I didn’t particularly like one of them...
1. regular radios were deprived of the on-board computer.
2. It was a shame :)
3. A little expensive and didn’t really like it...

So the decision came to put a computer in the car. Here's what happened BEFORE and AFTER. Interesting? Welcome to the habrakat =)
Before after:

Main part

Of course, I didn’t rush to do everything right away, but spent quite some time collecting everything I needed :)

It turned out that I already had 60% or could easily get it from friends and relatives.

I’ll describe the equipment a little - Of course, it all started with the motherboard:


This is PCM-9386. The main advantage is passive cooling, and very small size. But the processor is only 600 MHz. Memory 512 MB.
Price: everything is trophy, it was already there before the start of the project.

As a carrier of information there is a 4gig KF flash drive, the system is installed on it, and a 40gig 2.5 hard drive.
Price: everything was there too.

Nutrition.
Small power supply from 12v. There are no 220V converters in the car, the maximum voltage is 12V.

Price: about 20 - 30$ (I got it for free) :)

Sound
Of course you can't connect car speakers straight to the computer, I had to invent sound scheme:
USB audio+ power filter NEXT audio filter (ground isolator:) NEXT Amplifier NEXT speakers.
There was no task to do super sound, as I already said before, I went with an FM modulator :) and the speakers remained original.

USB Sound 5.1


Price: $16 on eBay
The scarf actually produces 5.1, but the car only uses stereo. The payment was taken for growth and with the hope of getting rid of interference. By the way, interference is a separate issue - you don’t even think about it before installation, but when you turn it on for a test, you understand that it’s tough, you hear everything: how the hard drive turns on and the camp works, the engine speed - the generator.

I played with different filters for a long time, only this one completely eliminated the interference:


Price: $8 all the same :)
There is a lot of discussion on the Internet about this filter, or rather others like it, that it distorts the sound, but I didn’t notice any particular distortion.

Amplifier:


A Chinese miracle with 4 channels, and supposedly enormous power. Instead of head unit plays well in my opinion...
Price: 26$ ebay

I bought a 2 din frame.


Price: $15

The most expensive part is the monitor:


Price: $320
This is a monitor for the lazy. It is exactly 2 din, with a touchscreen, 2 AV inputs, automatic switching on (no need to turn it on manually every time), and automatic switching to the rear camera.

I also purchased a USB hub with external power.


Price:19$

AND wireless keyboard with trackball.
I couldn't find any photos.
Price: 40$ I think...

USB GPS - I already had it, hid it under the dashboard, it receives it normally.
USB to OBD2 - bought for $10 six months ago, reads real-time sensor readings and error codes.

A few more photos:

Installation process

Working system


We install Windows on the computer (the cat is not included in the package =)


Top view of the motherboard (we see the CF memory card)


Let's install drivers for something... =)

Conclusion

That seems to be all. All sorts of buttons, wires, fuses, and other small things...

The case for the motherboard was made from the case from a 16-port switch (iron box). The housing is located directly behind the monitor.
The amplifier is located in the glove compartment between the seats. To do this we had to reduce it a little...
I installed a shell for easy control from the touchscreen.
What are the main functions implemented:
- Multimedia - music, videos, films...
- GPS - costs iGo 8
- OBD - monitoring vehicle parameters.
- Internet - you can track where the car is using Google maps, both from the car and from home.

Which ones will be implemented:
- Rear view camera (everything is ready to install, but I broke the camera)
- Video registration
- Monitoring tire pressure - while devices for camp are expensive ~ $250, we’ll wait a little.
- Radio, but there is no radio yet :) I bought an FM radio, but it doesn’t receive well.

Finally:

The original idea is a person with the nickname Ivbar; The article was published by me with his permission =)

A car is valued primarily for its reliability and power, and not for its electronic filling. But time is running, radios remind full-fledged computer with built-in navigator and player. Owners of older cars also want to modernize their “steel horse”. And this can be done using a tablet that will replace the car radio.


Here are some reasons to perform this “upgrade”:

  • Enjoying music will be even more convenient, you can quickly switch between tracks and create playlists;
  • While stuck in traffic jams, you can play applications, watch videos, or refresh your Internet pages;
  • Full personalization – the tablet allows you to create an interface to your liking;
  • When connected to the Internet, music and videos can be played in real time.

As for the shortcomings, there are only two. The device must be securely fixed to the dashboard - this is extra work for the driver. If installed carelessly, the wiring may be damaged. If this does not bother you, then you can safely proceed to the instructions for installing the tablet instead of the radio.

Finding a place to install

The easiest way to secure the tablet is to use a special tripod, which can be found in any automotive store. Mounts can be on the dashboard, ceiling or glass.

The second option is more complex, but also functional - you put the tablet computer in place of the radio. The advantage of this method is that the tablet will be securely fixed, the wires will not stick out.

Connecting a tablet

Let's say you find a suitable place and install the tablet computer on a tripod or in the cavity for the radio. The next task is to find power for the gadget. It is unlikely that you will want to take the device home after each charge to replenish the battery. It would be great if the standard radio has a USB connector. Then you just need to connect the tablet with a USB cable to the dashboard.

Don't you have such a connector? It's okay, all models have cigarette lighters, even the oldest ones. You need to purchase a special adapter from the cigarette lighter to the tablet's USB cable. You can also make it yourself if you have skills in working with electronics.

There is a third option - connecting directly to the car's power system. This method is chosen if the car owner does not plan to remove the tablet from the car. Contacts charger connected to the vehicle wiring.

IMPORTANT! It is not recommended to use a voltage converter from battery car. Even though your gadget will be constantly charged, its battery will not last more than two months. Voltage surges are not acceptable for such devices.

Most often, a 7-inch tablet is purchased for a car. The compact device is charged using a 5 V charger. The minimum current should be 2 Amps.

Eventually

  • The main buttons on the gadget are located on the screen - easy control on the road.
  • The screen diagonal should not exceed seven inches if you plan to install a tablet instead of a radio.
  • It is worth giving preference to gadgets that support 3G and GPS. This device will replace your navigator.
  • Pay attention to the design too tablet computer– it should look harmonious with other elements of your car’s interior.

We hope that our tips will help you install a tablet instead of a radio!