Another Tablet Cubby Thread (Nexus 7)

[Mr&Mrs]

Thanks JAR, when I tried my phone last night I got worried of the same thing. I was shocked everything being the same minus the device the difference in quality. I forgot to try my phone with the Bose audio port, I bet it will be comparable to the iTouch. That being based on the improvment over the N7 using the Media Gateway. Let me know how your test go, it may help us both in the right direction.

[Wabbyyy]

Sounds cool. Take pics of the results. Good luck

[cheshirecat]

Have you tried setting the music streaming to high quality in the google play music app

[JARblue]

Well, I did a simple test that tells me the capability is there, and the N7 can put out nearly as much bass as my iPhone 4S. I think the difference should be considered negligible for car audio applications, although it is noticeable on my office stereo system set up.

I performed the first test inside using a Pioneer Elite receiver and a pair of JBL Northridge E30 speakers. I did a simple analog direct input with an analog 3.5mm to RCA cable using the exact same file played by the native MP3 playback application on each device (I emailed the file to myself and played it directly out of the mail application). If anyone cares, I used 311 - Misdirected Hostility for my test song.

I performed the second test using the aux cable in the Z on the base stereo. The results of the first test were confirmed. In fact, due to the $hitty base stereo and speakers, I was unable to notice a difference in quality between the two devices.

When I have some more time, I will do some more tests with additional factors, including lossless file quality (easier to email a 128K MP3 file) and various playback apps available on the N7.

[mfeinst]

Guys I got my N7 working fine, including pristine audio, iPhone tethering, OBD II, etc... What questions do you have? I'll do my best to help everyone out.

[joeybosco]

Originally Posted by mfeinst

Guys I got my N7 working fine, including pristine audio, iPhone tethering, OBD II, etc... What questions do you have? I'll do my best to help everyone out.

Omg I want that. How do I do that! Please pm everything I need for that and software etc... Also I have an iPad I wanna mount

[craig.pulliam]

wow thats nice. do want...
I'd like to know what it takes to get that in too. might as well post here for everyone.

[Mr&Mrs]

Please explain your audio setup and all items used. I see you have an aftermarket head unit, which means a possible AMP and maybe even speakers. Simply posting a pic and saying yours works fine does not give any information. Your also using an iPhone which as stated works fine in my car as well. It does look great though and is exactly what im trying to achieve.

I am having trouble with audio. #1 Bass does not exist, #2 I have to turn the volume up to 20 for a decent sound level, versus 8 using the front audio plug.

Originally Posted by mfeinst

Guys I got my N7 working fine, including pristine audio, iPhone tethering, OBD II, etc... What questions do you have? I'll do my best to help everyone out.

[JARblue]

Well, I guess you already confirmed that the 3.5mm jack works fine. I don't really have a way to test BT playback quality at this time. If I can get my hands on a BT speaker module, I'll try that.

[cheshirecat]

Originally Posted by Mr&Mrs

Please explain your audio setup and all items used. I see you have an aftermarket head unit, which means a possible AMP and maybe even speakers. Simply posting a pic and saying yours works fine does not give any information. Your also using an iPhone which as stated works fine in my car as well. It does look great though and is exactly what im trying to achieve.
I am having trouble with audio. #1 Bass does not exist, #2 I have to turn the volume up to 20 for a decent sound level, versus 8 using the front audio plug.

There are quite a few threads on forums that complain about volume on the Nexus 7 being broken with the 4.2 android update.

At this point, I would suggest flashing back to 4.1 and trying it.

[mfeinst]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat

There are quite a few threads on forums that complain about volume on the Nexus 7 being broken with the 4.2 android update.

At this point, I would suggest flashing back to 4.1 and trying it.

I'm on 4.2.2, no issues. Okay, first off, nobody should be doing audio mods without replacing the speakers on a base system. For a little over $100, no amp necessary, you can get a great set. Installation not difficult if you have a modicum of discipline and patience.

Bluetooth signals do carry volume information, but the bulk of the amplification comes from the head unit. Once again, the base unit is horrible. $140 for my HU, built-in BT. No amp, but not needed. OBD II BT transmitter was $25 on Amazon. Ask me for the link if interested; there are 15 bad ones and 1 good one.

The AUX jack on any receiver likely wont sound as good as BT, since it's mainly an afterthought analog input, which means crap quality; this is the biggest weakness of the stock HU, and the volume will need to be turned way up on any input; loss of frequencies tend to occur at this connection.

My N7 is mounted on a heavily cut down stock cubbyhole. I used wire cutters to dig into the felt/plastic material and cut out the borders until the tablet fit snugly. Use the red (extra strength) 3M double-sided tape from a place like AutoZone to mount. A micro USB cable is permanently fixed to the N7; the rubber casing on the cable had to be stripped to allow for angular flexibility of the cable because of the right HVAC vent blocking the path. The wire goes down to the passenger side power jack, which I unmounted from its awful stock position under the glovebox and moved it up under the glovebox overhang. Power supply is absolutely key; N7 is very picky. PowerGEN 3.1A dual charger (NA port) highly recommended for steady supply of power.

I'll go into more detail upon request. Bottom line, components are the make-it or break-it of a functional setup. It can be done under $300 including speakers/HU and tools. Took a lot of trial and error (>30 hrs).

[JARblue]

Originally Posted by mfeinst

( Click to show/hide )

I'm on 4.2.2, no issues. Okay, first off, nobody should be doing audio mods without replacing the speakers on a base system. For a little over $100, no amp necessary, you can get a great set. Installation not difficult if you have a modicum of discipline and patience.

Bluetooth signals do carry volume information, but the bulk of the amplification comes from the head unit. Once again, the base unit is horrible. $140 for my HU, built-in BT. No amp, but not needed. OBD II BT transmitter was $25 on Amazon. Ask me for the link if interested; there are 15 bad ones and 1 good one.

The AUX jack on any receiver likely wont sound as good as BT, since it's mainly an afterthought analog input, which means crap quality; this is the biggest weakness of the stock HU, and the volume will need to be turned way up on any input; loss of frequencies tend to occur at this connection.

My N7 is mounted on a heavily cut down stock cubbyhole. I used wire cutters to dig into the felt/plastic material and cut out the borders until the tablet fit snugly. Use the red (extra strength) 3M double-sided tape from a place like AutoZone to mount. A micro USB cable is permanently fixed to the N7; the rubber casing on the cable had to be stripped to allow for angular flexibility of the cable because of the right HVAC vent blocking the path. The wire goes down to the passenger side power jack, which I unmounted from its awful stock position under the glovebox and moved it up under the glovebox overhang. Power supply is absolutely key; N7 is very picky. PowerGEN 3.1A dual charger (NA port) highly recommended for steady supply of power.

I'll go into more detail upon request. Bottom line, components are the make-it or break-it of a functional setup. It can be done under $300 including speakers/HU and tools. Took a lot of trial and error (>30 hrs).

Good info and some good points. Speakers are definitely an easy upgrade (and can be inexpensive, too, if that's your goal), but I would argue that adding the N7 should not be defined as an "audio mod". Many people are going to do this for the Torque app; those that are interested in true audio mods are going to go for the real audio gear like a new HU, speakers, and amp(s).

That being said, if the stock HU is the weakest link in the chain and the culprit affecting music quality, I won't hesitate to upgrade my HU. However, if I was interested in only audio, I probably wouldn't bother with the N7 at that point. A solution that does not require replacing the stock HU, would be ideal for many people.

I am interested to see where people will go from here. I am still interested in the N7, but having to purchase a new HU will significantly alter my thoughts on the matter because I will likely purchase the Pioneer AVIC flagship model or similar whenever the time comes. After spending that much money, I probably won't bother investing in anything for the N7 except the Torque app and a way to mount it with power.

[mfeinst]

Originally Posted by JARblue

Good info and some good points. Speakers are definitely an easy upgrade (and can be inexpensive, too, if that's your goal), but I would argue that adding the N7 should not be defined as an "audio mod". Many people are going to do this for the Torque app; those that are interested in true audio mods are going to go for the real audio gear like a new HU, speakers, and amp(s).

That being said, if the stock HU is the weakest link in the chain and the culprit affecting music quality, I won't hesitate to upgrade my HU. However, if I was interested in only audio, I probably wouldn't bother with the N7 at that point. A solution that does not require replacing the stock HU, would be ideal for many people.

I am interested to see where people will go from here. I am still interested in the N7, but having to purchase a new HU will significantly alter my thoughts on the matter because I will likely purchase the Pioneer AVIC flagship model or similar whenever the time comes. After spending that much money, I probably won't bother investing in anything for the N7 except the Torque app and a way to mount it with power.

You're right, it all depends on your goals. If audio quality is your main beef, replace the audio components. I installed the N7 for the torque app and Internet capabilities; the audio through spotify\youtube is a bonus (not while driving, of course).

If you want torque and a mounted N7 for relatively low cost, key components are as follows:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005NL...sr=8-1&pi=SL75

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0088U...sr=8-5&pi=SL75

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002JO...sr=8-1&pi=SL75

Standard Phillips screwdriver
#00 Phillips screwdriver
Magnetic tray for screws (helpful, not necessary)
Wire Clippers
Rotary Sanding Tool
Eye protection and a respirator <---- the plastic on the cubby smells nasty when cut and probably isn't too good for you
Vinyl to wrap cubby (I used SimCarbon vinyl, but anything will work. Functions to cover gaps and anything looks nicer than the felt material on there stock.

[JARblue]

Originally Posted by mfeinst

You're right, it all depends on your goals. If audio quality is your main beef, replace the audio components. I installed the N7 for the torque app and Internet capabilities; the audio through spotify\youtube is a bonus (not while driving, of course).

If you want torque and a mounted N7 for relatively low cost, key components are as follows:

BAFX Products (TM) - ELM 327 Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light and other diagnostics - Android compatible:Amazon:Automotive

PowerGen Dual USB 3.1A 15w High Output Car Charger - BLACK:Amazon:Cell Phones & Accessories

3M 03614 Scotch-Mount 1/2" x 15' Molding Tape:Amazon:Automotive

Standard Phillips screwdriver
#00 Phillips screwdriver
Magnetic tray for screws (helpful, not necessary)
Wire Clippers
Rotary Sanding Tool
Eye protection and a respirator <---- the plastic on the cubby smells nasty when cut and probably isn't too good for you
Vinyl to wrap cubby (I used SimCarbon vinyl, but anything will work. Functions to cover gaps and anything looks nicer than the felt material on there stock.

Thanks for the BT OBDII module link. It's the one thing I don't have yet, and that's an excellent price Also, I plan to use my iPhone for tethering the N7 while driving. I think upgrading the HU and speakers will be sufficient for my audio needs (meaning I won't need the N7 for music because the HU will do everything I need including store music).

[Mr&Mrs]

Thanks for the info I am not going to give up on the HU yet, because I really do not want to take out the factory unit. If all else fails I too will just use it for torque and tether it to my phone.