-=Jeff=-

no plans for a back-up camera at the moment. I still need to pull the GPS antenna and Mic from my App Radio install.

plus I still have a list of stuff to install.. LOL

anyway, the switches will end up being hidden in the console box. I would really like a control solution for the Tablet, I have found a couple guys doing some development on that so I may add that stuff, one of them has a cool looking UI I want to try..

Zmeister

Thanks for that additional info.
Was hoping that you'd be doing the backup cam install so that you could work out the kinks for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any links you can share for that UI that you referenced???

-=Jeff=-

http://www.mp3car.com/android/155941...-frontend.html

UI I mentioned

Zmeister

Thank you Sir. Now I'll have some reading material for this evening!

-=Jeff=-

Current state of the radio bezel:



The Bezel is in Primer to find all the voids and get it smooth

Zmeister

You're really getting good at that!!

-=Jeff=-

So the UI is not working with the USB-ROM.. I am still using Nova until I find something else. If I can make Car Home Ultra act like a home launcher all the time I will use that.

here is the bezel.. it should be complete and ready for paint



Here the 2 bezels are together.

-=Jeff=-

not quite 100% perfect but for the first one not too bad. I have a better idea of how to mod the next one.. just need to get one or 2 more. LOL

Dave__K

Nice work Jeff! I know what you mean, I now have 3 of the bezels as well Hoping to get some more done on my project this weekend, been very busy recently.

-=Jeff=-

Here is a comparison of the OEM Bezel and my Bezel



I will start on a second one now


Here are the new panels installed. I used an older Ash Tray door as I have not finished refinishing the others



Switches Left to Right:
Amps
Antenna
Push button is Tablet power, lower toggle is Volume

-=Jeff=-

drove the car today with new panel..

I think I have the 2 ***** too close, but only time will tell

I can actually press the buttons on the bottom of the screen.. now I just need to find a better launcher app

pentavolvo

Awesome, looks great Jeff

Zmeister

That is really shaping up nice!
Great attention to detail.
Please keep the updates coming as you work through the remaining issues.
Congrats on the progress!!

-=Jeff=-

I think the Drivers side tweeter died.. I have a pair on order and will replace them. I confirmed left is left and right is right

Next I will install the hidden antenna and connect it to test in place of the stock one.. Stock one works good on nice days but in the rain it does not

I will be swapping the panels again after I build another set. Also ther eis a guy working on a different version of the HDTuner app, but his requires a bluetooth connection as an interface tot he cable. I could use it but waiting to get the details from him.

otherwise everything seems to be working quite well. I need to go play with the display, if I can get larger icons I might be happier with the layout.. that is when time allows.

-=Jeff=-

So I found a spot to mount the hidden antenna.. ran a cable in the cabin and connected it.

The reception is less that stellar in the garage. I will road test it and make a judgement call on it. See how well it will pick up stations.. hopefully later this week

I also changed the main Screen to the Landscape UI found on larger tablets, and purchased Nova Prime. Next is to add a Tasker based on time for setting Auto dim or full Brightness

Zmeister

Glad to see you're still making progress. Thanks for continuing the updates.
I'm eager to hear more about the new tuner app. Not sure why the developer would go with the bluetooth, but, I'm sure he has his reasons. Really want to have one of those tuners in my car!

-=Jeff=-

Hidden antenna does not work that well..

Time to take the powered one out and replace it.. that is on the To Do list now

-=Jeff=-

Okay..

after seeing this:
AM/FM, CD, GPS Touchscreen Navigation w/ NAV DVD, GM 15791220 in my 2007 Z06 2LZ with a 1.6 GHz Dual-Core Android 4.2.2 Double-Din 6.2" 800x480 Capacitive Touchscreen Navigation Head Unit with Bluetooth, Wifi, DVD, DVR, etc.: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=191227453040
in another post it got me thinking about my install..

Also seeing a LION Battery swelled in an old phone I was using for streaming in the garage

Here are some or the pros and cons from the tablet

Pros:
Nexus 7 Hardware known to work well
USB Host mode
HD Radio capability
can add several devices
Easy to find replacement parts

CONs
using 4.2.2 USB ROM (custom) so no updates
no remote wire for amps
internal battery ( potential issue)
Not quite sure all the grounding is right
Requires External Volume due to HD Tuner
Had to really mod my radio opening

Now, I have my App radio int he basement with an Android Stick, I am still playing with it and need to figure out how to keep it powered on when the car is off But it seem to work quite well with the app radio and ARU.

If I can find a Stereo USB Microphone I think I can modify it to be a RCA input then I could keep the HD radio and swap back.

I also think that Android radio on eBay has potential.

I am not saying I don't like the tablet but I have noticed some sound issues (tablet and amps on, no audio selected) that are a bit concerning. It could be the Amps or it could be something else, I just have not had a chance to look.. Here is the Screen layout on the App Radio I have on the bench

-=Jeff=-

Forget another good thing switching to the other solutions would be...

Hands free through the radio for calls

-=Jeff=-

Found my Antenna issue I believe.. I am going to look at it more in depth and get a picture.

I am hoping this is the problem and I can easily fix it.. then try the Hidden antenna again

UPDATE:

Hidden antenna still not so good

here is the culprit.. Need to buy a new cable to run from Headunit to back of car