HarryB
05-23-2016, 02:19 PM
So, I decided to document my NB2 Nexus 7 install. Found somehow that the 2012 Nexus 7" is almost identical in dimensions with a 2DIN faceplate, so it makes the perfect candidate for an in-car installation. I plan on having all my music in there, as well as GPS and an OBDII reader paired with bluetooth to the tablet for monitoring/logging ECU data.
Hardware required for the installation:
Essentials:
- Nexus 7 (of course). I use the 2012 version, but the 2013 can be used as well.
- USB OTG Y cable. This is used to simultaneously charge the tablet while allowing USB devices (such as USB sticks) to be used.
- DC/DC converter (12V to 5V), with an USB output. This is to charge the tablet. Find a decent quality one that provides at least 2A of output current; less is not enough to keep the tablet charged at all times.
- 3.5 jack to send the sound from the tablet to your amp (will get there in a moment)
- Ground loop isolator to avoid parasitic noise in your sound signal
- Some sort of amplifier to drive the speakers. An short-chassis (mechless) aftermarket head unit can be used if pushed behind the tablet. Alternatively, a "barebones" amp can be bought off eBay/Amazon for cheap. Keep in mind that these usually require some form of cooling.
- ISO harness adaptor
Nice to have:
- External USB sound card. The integrated Nexus sound card is not bad, but not great either. For higher quality sound output, an external sound card is recommended
- USB DVB-T antenna. The Nexus hasn't got an on-board FM receiver, so if you want radio, this is a must
- External GPS antenna. Some people have found the internal GPS antenna to be weak.
- OBDII bluetooth reader. This is pretty much self-explainable
- Matte anti-glare screen protectors. Sun can be too annoying at times.
Software:
- Timurs' USB ROM. This is a CyanogenMod based ROM, specifically developed for use in cars. It adds a bunch of great features such as deep sleep on power loss and wake up on power. 2012 version can be downloaded HERE (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9AIXdZgarikLVF3S1FYdGlYYzg)
- GApps. Timurs' ROM does not come with Google apps pre-installed and for a good reason. I have these disabled most of the time, as they drain the battery rather quickly. However, the app store is nice when setting up your apps. Can be downloaded from HERE (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9AIXdZgarikUGtHcFhKeThPU00)
- Stickmount. A great app to recognize and auto scan all USB drive media once you mount it on the tablet
- PowerAmp. A really good media player, albeit there are other alternatives out there
- HERE Maps, my GPS navigation app of choice
- UCCW app; it allows you to build clickable widgets/hotspots so you can control your tablet from the home screen.
Hardware required for the installation:
Essentials:
- Nexus 7 (of course). I use the 2012 version, but the 2013 can be used as well.
- USB OTG Y cable. This is used to simultaneously charge the tablet while allowing USB devices (such as USB sticks) to be used.
- DC/DC converter (12V to 5V), with an USB output. This is to charge the tablet. Find a decent quality one that provides at least 2A of output current; less is not enough to keep the tablet charged at all times.
- 3.5 jack to send the sound from the tablet to your amp (will get there in a moment)
- Ground loop isolator to avoid parasitic noise in your sound signal
- Some sort of amplifier to drive the speakers. An short-chassis (mechless) aftermarket head unit can be used if pushed behind the tablet. Alternatively, a "barebones" amp can be bought off eBay/Amazon for cheap. Keep in mind that these usually require some form of cooling.
- ISO harness adaptor
Nice to have:
- External USB sound card. The integrated Nexus sound card is not bad, but not great either. For higher quality sound output, an external sound card is recommended
- USB DVB-T antenna. The Nexus hasn't got an on-board FM receiver, so if you want radio, this is a must
- External GPS antenna. Some people have found the internal GPS antenna to be weak.
- OBDII bluetooth reader. This is pretty much self-explainable
- Matte anti-glare screen protectors. Sun can be too annoying at times.
Software:
- Timurs' USB ROM. This is a CyanogenMod based ROM, specifically developed for use in cars. It adds a bunch of great features such as deep sleep on power loss and wake up on power. 2012 version can be downloaded HERE (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9AIXdZgarikLVF3S1FYdGlYYzg)
- GApps. Timurs' ROM does not come with Google apps pre-installed and for a good reason. I have these disabled most of the time, as they drain the battery rather quickly. However, the app store is nice when setting up your apps. Can be downloaded from HERE (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9AIXdZgarikUGtHcFhKeThPU00)
- Stickmount. A great app to recognize and auto scan all USB drive media once you mount it on the tablet
- PowerAmp. A really good media player, albeit there are other alternatives out there
- HERE Maps, my GPS navigation app of choice
- UCCW app; it allows you to build clickable widgets/hotspots so you can control your tablet from the home screen.