Nexus 7 car install build thread

timskyline86

Senior Member
Oct 19, 2010
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Having trouble with the audio output though, it is horrible... it buzzes every time i touch the screen and it buzzes when wifi is active and it is just generally crap.
.
This is because you don't have it grounded properly. Either your sound system, the nexus or could also be from the charger.
My guess is you messed up the grounding on the device itself, if you look at the backcover IIRC there is a spot for that. What did you cut with your dremel?
 

curseddagger

Member
Sep 18, 2008
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This is because you don't have it grounded properly. Either your sound system, the nexus or could also be from the charger.
My guess is you messed up the grounding on the device itself, if you look at the backcover IIRC there is a spot for that. What did you cut with your dremel?
Amps are grounded using 4G cable straight to a very clean ground point on the chassis (scrubbed with wirebrush and sandpaper), the nexus when running on battery AND when running on the charger still buzzes but the ground for that is through the charger and once again, straight to the chassis. Ground loop isolators havn't helped, i have tried them in every combination possible.

I simply ground off a piece of plastic on the inside of my dash to make it fit with the dremel, havn't modified the device at all.

Thanks for your suggestions
 

timskyline86

Senior Member
Oct 19, 2010
161
42
48
Amps are grounded using 4G cable straight to a very clean ground point on the chassis (scrubbed with wirebrush and sandpaper), the nexus when running on battery AND when running on the charger still buzzes but the ground for that is through the charger and once again, straight to the chassis. Ground loop isolators havn't helped, i have tried them in every combination possible.

I simply ground off a piece of plastic on the inside of my dash to make it fit with the dremel, havn't modified the device at all.

Thanks for your suggestions
Have you tried plugging the N7 into another stereo/amp? Just to see if it is the device or your system.
 

curseddagger

Member
Sep 18, 2008
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Have you tried plugging the N7 into another stereo/amp? Just to see if it is the device or your system.
Theres 2 issues.

1. The system is noisy without anything plugged in and
2. The nexus is also noisy and it adds to it.

The nexus plugged into my hifi setup at home (or even really good headphones) still is noisy
 

timskyline86

Senior Member
Oct 19, 2010
161
42
48
Theres 2 issues.

1. The system is noisy without anything plugged in and
2. The nexus is also noisy and it adds to it.

The nexus plugged into my hifi setup at home (or even really good headphones) still is noisy
and you tried different audio cables? thats the only other thing I can think of for the nexus.

For the system something isn't grounding right, you said you have a ground loop iso correct?
If so one of your wires are probably messed up after the iso.
Other way to find out is to test, if it's preamp or post amp, is to turn on the amp without an input. If you hear no sound until you plug it back then you no which direction to go.

Hope this helps if you haven't done that already, I know it was a pain trying to figure in my car and it was all because of one wire.
 

curseddagger

Member
Sep 18, 2008
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and you tried different audio cables? thats the only other thing I can think of for the nexus.

For the system something isn't grounding right, you said you have a ground loop iso correct?
If so one of your wires are probably messed up after the iso.
Other way to find out is to test, if it's preamp or post amp, is to turn on the amp without an input. If you hear no sound until you plug it back then you no which direction to go.

Hope this helps if you haven't done that already, I know it was a pain trying to figure in my car and it was all because of one wire.
Thanks heaps for your advice, i appreciate the assistance! it's doing my head in...

I have replaced all the RCA leads to test it.. it still whines when i use a brand new cable directly plugged into the side of the amp in the boot. I'll have another poke around when i get home.

p.s. it seems to only be when i link the amps together either through rca splitters or by using the summed output on my sub amp.
 

rman726

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2011
69
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Looks pretty sweet. I've been tempted to do this to my car, but I've been hesitant to remove my stock stereo as it really does fit in well with the rest of the car, including the in-dash display. Think I'm just gonna wait for Mountek to release a tablet version of their CD slot mount.
 

krazichinaman

Senior Member
Mar 20, 2008
51
1
0
That's an awesome build. I currently have my galaxy nexus mounted to my dash and Run torque and a bluetooth OBD2 Dongle. Nothing like having a digital boost gauge and A/F gauge!

I personally think the N7 is too big to mount in my 2011 wrx, but to each their own. None the less your build is clean!
 

e.mote

Senior Member
Feb 16, 2011
2,165
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@OP

Have you tried viewing it with polarized sunglasses? N7 is horizontally polarized in landscape, so would be a problem for (vertically polarized) sunglasses. But you would be looking at it at an oblique angle, so maybe not. Those in the backseat would be more affected.

I don't think consumer tabs are suitable in permanent car installs. Temperature variation (especially if you live in extreme climes) will damage battery longevity, and many of the plastic components will likely warp or even melt at sustained elevated temp. As the screen-lift issue illustrates, it doesn't take much to warp the N7 screen.

Another concern is that an in-dash tablet would be a theft magnet. By itself the tab isn't worth much, but the smashed windows and bent door jambs will be expensive to repair.
 
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curseddagger

Member
Sep 18, 2008
18
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@OP

Have you tried viewing it with polarized sunglasses? N7 is horizontally polarized in landscape, so would be a problem for (vertically polarized) sunglasses. But you would be looking at it at an oblique angle, so maybe not. Those in the backseat would be more affected.

I don't think consumer tabs are suitable in permanent car installs. Temperature variation (especially if you live in extreme climes) will damage battery longevity, and many of the plastic components will likely warp or even melt at sustained elevated temp. As the screen-lift issue illustrates, it doesn't take much to warp the N7 screen.

Another concern is that an in-dash tablet would be a theft magnet. By itself the tab isn't worth much, but the smashed windows and bent door jambs will be expensive to repair.
All has been taken into consideration. I didn't realize about the polarization but it looks fine through my sunglasses from all angles including the back seats.

I'm not too worried about the battery since it is always on charge. I may remove it if it swells due to temperature though. The climate where I live is not too bad and i always use window shades when I park the car, plus with the darkest tint on my windows that is legal and the location of the tablet, it will certainly not be in direct sun. Something to keep an eye on though and something for others to consider.

My car is more of a theft magnet than the cheapo tablet because it's a wrx with a custom paint job. All insured anyway.

Thanks for your input.
 
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uberNoobZA

Senior Member
Oct 10, 2008
554
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Oxford
Might have issues with newer cars but my 2000 out back should have no issues with being "NFC Hotwired" lol

Edit check this out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9H54r6AUNA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Idk how but he has digital gauges on his tab
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-develope

rs app
You can do the same thing using a Garmin ecoroutehd. It connects to the diagnostic port on your car and uses Bluetooth to send info to a android app or a compatible Garmin satnav. Not sure on all the dials it can show. Will connect mode up later to my car and post some pics.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
 

purple_duckk

Member
Aug 2, 2012
10
1
0
Hey guys/gals,



I was hoping that the pogo pins on the side would allow charging whilst the USB dock connector could be used for OTG but it doesn't look like it will work since both the pogo pins and USB connector go to the same usb switch internally.
Are you sure you can't charge through the pogo pins and use USB OTG at the same time? I am doing the exact same thing and was planning on using the pogo for charging while connecting a thumb drive for additional storage. This may change my dash kit build 100%

Props for the fast quality build and the Scooby. Had a 2001 WRX myself a million years ago.
 

curseddagger

Member
Sep 18, 2008
18
11
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Are you sure you can't charge through the pogo pins and use USB OTG at the same time? I am doing the exact same thing and was planning on using the pogo for charging while connecting a thumb drive for additional storage. This may change my dash kit build 100%

Props for the fast quality build and the Scooby. Had a 2001 WRX myself a million years ago.
Thanks :D

im not 1000% sure but i have been playing with it to no avail. Might be due to the charging circuit being so damn fussy about chargers and cables, etc.

p.s. i love the old GC8 series WRX, my favourite shape of all of them!
 

purple_duckk

Member
Aug 2, 2012
10
1
0
I've used a variety of chargers (all in the car though) i havn't tried the original charger that came with the N7 yet though... might be something to try.
I guess I'm not following how you are going from the charging cable to the pogo connections. Are you cutting the wire up? My plan was to use an offboard power supply that has a 5v 2A output and connect it to some pogo pins mounted in the bottom of the dash kit. If it isn't going to work I don't want to order the parts from Digikey.