Nissan 370Z Forum  

Another Tablet Cubby Thread (Nexus 7)

Well I have posted in a few threads my desire to mount a tablet in my Z for various reasons. After months of research I decided the best tablet for

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Exterior & Interior


Like Tree44Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-11-2013, 11:36 PM   #1 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Mr&Mrs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 4,207
Drives: RZ34
Rep Power: 31940
Mr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond repute
Cool Another Tablet Cubby Thread (Nexus 7)

Well I have posted in a few threads my desire to mount a tablet in my Z for various reasons. After months of research I decided the best tablet for me ( I know some will disagree) was the Nexus 7.

The main things I want to use it for is a GPS, music/movie player, and torque pro for an OBD display. I also want to be able to remove it when I want to. It will power on/off with the car. With the help a few apps this should be no problem.

I am pretty much a noob to this kind of stuff so the install will take me some time. I really like the way member Bandit Kaine went about installing his iPad Mini and plan on doing a similar setup. Bandits Thread

I would like to have my power and audio cords hidden behind the cubby/dash. I am trying to read up on where to get my source of power so it is only on while in ACC or the car is running. I will probably be asking for help with this part.

My part list and prices so far are:

Nexus 7 - 249.99
OBD MX - 149.99
(Update 4/12/13)
Asus Factory Cable - 5.60
N45 1/2" x 1/16" Neodymium Magnets x10 - 7.87
Dual 3.1A 15W Car Charger - 10.99
Poetic Element Hard Case - 8.95
Anti Glare Matte Screen Protector 3 Pack - 2.97
Torque Pro (App) - 4.95
Tasker (App) - 1.99
Fiberglass - 5.99
Fiberglass Resin - 11.99
Bondo - 14.99
iSimple ISNI572 - 84.00

Current Total - 560.27


I know im going to need magnets or some sort of clips, I want a hard case for the Nexus, an anti glare screen protector, and misc parts for fabbing the cubby.

I think I will be around 700.00 total once im done and have all the paid version of apps I need. I will post pictures and info as I go.

Any tips to help me along my way are appreciated!
GaleForce and Wabbyyy like this.
__________________
Project Z <--Click - Check out the link too many mods to list!

Last edited by Mr&Mrs; 04-14-2013 at 11:38 PM. Reason: Price Update
Mr&Mrs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 12:01 AM   #2 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
GaleForce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 21,749
Drives: Varis Arising II
Rep Power: 51865
GaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond reputeGaleForce has a reputation beyond repute
Default

The fabrication part is easy... I'll help any way I can.
Mr&Mrs likes this.
__________________
GaleForce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 12:10 AM   #3 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324198
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr&Mrs View Post
Well I have posted in a few threads my desire to mount a tablet in my Z for various reasons. After months of research I decided the best tablet for me ( I know some will disagree) was the Nexus 7.

The main things I want to use it for is a GPS, music/movie player, and torque pro for an OBD display. I also want to be able to remove it when I want to. It will power on/off with the car. With the help a few apps this should be no problem. ...

I would like to have my power and audio cords hidden behind the cubby/dash. I am trying to read up on where to get my source of power so it is only on while in ACC or the car is running. I will probably be asking for help with this part.
I've been mulling over doing something similar. Subbed for updates.

Power to the cigarette lighter is off when the car is off. Many ppl use it for GPS, cell phones, and such. It's close to the cubby and pretty easy to get to the back to tap in.

Edit: I don't know how this compares to what you are using, but it's a lot cheaper.
Mr&Mrs likes this.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 12:52 AM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Mr&Mrs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 4,207
Drives: RZ34
Rep Power: 31940
Mr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Thanks brother!

Quote:
Originally Posted by GaleForce View Post
The fabrication part is easy... I'll help any way I can.
I already purchased my Nexus 7, and OBD MX. Actually my wife called me and they arrived today. When I get home im going to fiddle around with it and get used to the controls vs our ipad and kindle fire.

If I had not already purchased it for 70 bucks I guess that one is worth a try, but im a firm believer in if "It sounds to good to be true" then it probably is. That my friend is cheap, but at the same time I guess the Nexus and iPad mini are not priced to much higher.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z View Post
I've been mulling over doing something similar. Subbed for updates.

Power to the cigarette lighter is off when the car is off. Many ppl use it for GPS, cell phones, and such. It's close to the cubby and pretty easy to get to the back to tap in.

Edit: I don't know how this compares to what you are using, but it's a lot cheaper.
__________________
Project Z <--Click - Check out the link too many mods to list!
Mr&Mrs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 10:24 AM   #5 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
LostSol's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Orlando
Posts: 1,021
Drives: 2010 370z 40th A.E.
Rep Power: 15
LostSol is a splendid one to beholdLostSol is a splendid one to beholdLostSol is a splendid one to beholdLostSol is a splendid one to beholdLostSol is a splendid one to beholdLostSol is a splendid one to beholdLostSol is a splendid one to beholdLostSol is a splendid one to behold
Default

An easy way to get power is to use the passenger side power plug, what I did is unscrewed it and shoved it up under the dash, then plugged in a high power (2.1w) adapter and ran my cable from there. You've still got the power plug in the arm rest if you need it.

Edit.

Also I'd suggest unlocking and rooting your nexus to get the most out of it, a rom like AOKP will allow you to change the size of the nav buttons, quick toggles, and orientation locks to help use it in a car. If you need help with that let me know, I've been an android evangelist for a few years.
Mr&Mrs and Rid3_FaM0uS like this.
__________________
2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition #762/1000
| Forgestar | Michelin | Swift | TRS | Z Speed | ARK | Z1 | Hawk | CFE | Evo-R | GTMat | Stillen | Seibon | Whiteline | Pioneer |

Last edited by LostSol; 04-12-2013 at 10:26 AM.
LostSol is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 01:30 PM   #6 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
cheshirecat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,428
Drives: N54 135i
Rep Power: 292
cheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Let me know if you have any questions. I remember talking to you about this regarding my 7'' tablet install.

I personally am not familiar with the obd that you purchased, but the Kiwi PLX is a hundred bucks if you want to save a little cash.

PLX Devices Kiwi Bluetooth Wireless Trip Computer and OBDII Scanner : Amazon.com : Automotive

I would also suggest pulling power from the passenger side plug. it's not very hard to run at all once you have the center console out. Tight in a few places but there's plenty of area to work in.

Also, I would suggest wrapping the interior of the cubby with some kind of material for a finished look. I used DiNoc.
Mr&Mrs likes this.
cheshirecat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 04:17 PM   #7 (permalink)
Track Member
 
m3chhawk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 878
Drives: '11 370Z SPT 6MT BLK
Rep Power: 25
m3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond reputem3chhawk has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Hate to be the bearer of bad news and hopefully I can catch you before you open the OBD MX, but I have this :

Soliport ELM 327 Bluetooth OBDII OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner : Amazon.com : Automotive

$15 shipped and works perfectly with Torque
m3chhawk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 04:35 PM   #8 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
cheshirecat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,428
Drives: N54 135i
Rep Power: 292
cheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond reputecheshirecat has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I personally wouldn't suggest that adapter, as (if I remember correctly) the transmission rate can be pretty slow at times. Since Torque toggles through each dial multiple times a second and updates them one at a time, the feedback can really slow down once you add more than 2 or 3.

You can see how often Torque recieves info based on the little blinking light on each gauge.

But, if this unit works as fast as the PLX, go for it.
Mr&Mrs likes this.
cheshirecat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 04:45 PM   #9 (permalink)
Track Member
 
bdavis89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Jacksonville FL
Posts: 586
Drives: '10 370Z PW Auto
Rep Power: 15
bdavis89 is on a distinguished road
Default

sub'd for results! Its of no use to me, but looks cool!
Mr&Mrs likes this.
__________________
2010 Pearl White Touring
Sport Package | Navigation | 7 Speed Automatic
bdavis89 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 05:04 PM   #10 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Wiggins3377's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 3,236
Drives: 40th 370
Rep Power: 77
Wiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond reputeWiggins3377 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

can't wait to see your results
Mr&Mrs likes this.
__________________
AccuAir/ AirRex/ Amuse/ Bride Japan/ Carbon Fiber Element/ Carbon Signal/ Evo-R/ NRG/ Project Kics/ Samco/ Shine Auto/ SPC/ SPL/ Stance/ Stillen/ Takata/ Top Secret/ Work

Last edited by Wiggins3377; 04-12-2013 at 05:10 PM.
Wiggins3377 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 05:17 PM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Amuse370z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Toronto
Posts: 1,170
Drives: '13 PW Fairlady Z
Rep Power: 16
Amuse370z will become famous soon enough
Default

OT: What material is the cubby? I think it feels really nice lol.

I think I'm just going to go the ghetto way and purchase a clip and put my phablet there when I'm in the car.
Amuse370z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 06:15 PM   #12 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Mr&Mrs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 4,207
Drives: RZ34
Rep Power: 31940
Mr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Hey guys thanks for all of the support. I'm using the nexus now and so far I love it. There are a few hurdles I will have getting it set up but nothing major.


The N7 (figured out this is a short name for it) that I have has no problems with screen orientation I guess they fixed that problem with Jelly Bean 4.2. I am reading up on rooting the tablet but that stuff is was over my head. I may be back for more info on that.


You have convenienced me to use power from the passenger outlet. I will be using an app called tasker to program the N7 to turn on the screen and leave it on when it senses power. I will then have it default to torque for the OBD display.


The reason I went with the OBD MX is for the data rate. It will allow me to use more gauges than the cheaper models. I have read great reviews for it with the next best being the Kiwi. How ever it is 4x faster than it.


I'm going to keep learning the features of the N7, torque, and tasker because they are the main focus of this install. I found some magnets, case, and anti glare screen protector that I like. I will probably order those tonight.


Back to the power did you guys splice into it? Or just use a plug inside the dash? I also have to make sure I get the right charger because I have read, and don't completey understand the N7 has charging issues.
__________________
Project Z <--Click - Check out the link too many mods to list!

Last edited by Mr&Mrs; 04-12-2013 at 07:35 PM.
Mr&Mrs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 06:33 PM   #13 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324198
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr&Mrs View Post
... Back to the power did you guys splice into it? Or just use a plug inside the dash? I also have to make sure I get the right charger because I have read, and don't completey understand the N7 has charging issues.
There are several methods that work well, which is best for you depends on how much experience you have.

Arguably the best method, but also the hardest to do, would be to solder your taps directly to the wires going to the lighter and insulate with heat-shrink tubing.

You can also use a fuse tap* at one of the fuse blocks. Easy to install and easy to remove if needed. The fuse block on the outer wall of the driver footwell is easy to get to but kinda defeats the purpose of finding a close place to tap power. You can grab power at the IPDM, but then you have to thread the wire through the firewall (not that difficult to do but I like to avoid going through the firewall because of possible leaks).

Then there are the crimp-type taps* that are very easy to install but can nick the wire and are more-or-less permanent. An acceptable method but, IMNSHO, low on the list.

*Not a recommendation, just the first example I found.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 07:08 PM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Mr&Mrs's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 4,207
Drives: RZ34
Rep Power: 31940
Mr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond reputeMr&Mrs has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Ok so if I tap into the power going to the outlet....

1) Is it ok to hack up a Micro USB and tap in with it?
2) Will the outlet still have power to charge something? If not it kind of defeats the purpose of tapping into it.

3) How the fudge do I tap into it, I cant seem to find a diagram for it.

EDIT: One more thing! That would be coming right off of the 12V supply from the battery 14-15V while charging correct? Not sure of the amps...but that is to high of voltage I would think. Would I need some sort of resistor?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z View Post
There are several methods that work well, which is best for you depends on how much experience you have.

Arguably the best method, but also the hardest to do, would be to solder your taps directly to the wires going to the lighter and insulate with heat-shrink tubing.

You can also use a fuse tap* at one of the fuse blocks. Easy to install and easy to remove if needed. The fuse block on the outer wall of the driver footwell is easy to get to but kinda defeats the purpose of finding a close place to tap power. You can grab power at the IPDM, but then you have to thread the wire through the firewall (not that difficult to do but I like to avoid going through the firewall because of possible leaks).

Then there are the crimp-type taps* that are very easy to install but can nick the wire and are more-or-less permanent. An acceptable method but, IMNSHO, low on the list.

*Not a recommendation, just the first example I found.
__________________
Project Z <--Click - Check out the link too many mods to list!

Last edited by Mr&Mrs; 04-12-2013 at 07:16 PM.
Mr&Mrs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2013, 07:17 PM   #15 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
asdfsammich's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 456
Drives: 09 370Z SR MT
Rep Power: 13
asdfsammich is on a distinguished road
Default

Sub'd for cool idea.

This might even suit apple guys with their music on an iPhone (like me). I can see doing N7 for torque pro and GPS in cubby while keeping a head unit strictly for music.



Tapatalk2 ...
Mr&Mrs likes this.
asdfsammich is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cubby Tablet (iPad Mini) Bandit_Kaine Exterior & Interior 31 09-04-2013 01:30 AM
Google Nexus 4 xGPx Misc Items for sale (No Z stuff) 1 01-15-2013 05:20 PM
FS Sony Tablet Like New Big J Misc Items for sale (No Z stuff) 2 05-14-2012 08:50 AM
FS: HTC EVO VIEW 4G Tablet ALX370Z Misc Items for sale (No Z stuff) 0 03-04-2012 01:24 PM
The Apple tablet theDreamer The Lounge (Off Topic) 83 04-05-2010 07:05 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:43 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2