Using iPad for vehicle media/navigation center

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Spook50

Spook50

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Has anyone attempted something like this? A while back I was looking at getting a double DIN PC to install in lieu of my Clarion head unit (which I LOVE, but lacks a couple features I would like). It has the 30 pin iPod interface and according to a couple people I've spoken to, will accept an audio signal from (and charge) an iPad. My thought is I could still use the Clarion deck for audio, make a new mount to hold the iPad that would replace my dual cell phone/iPod mount that I made a few years back, and use the iPad for navigation, video, Pandora, etc. Doing this, I could also use it the same way in the wife's car once I integrate iPod/iPad control into the stereo (be it factory or aftermarket) and simply be able to take the iPad with us in whichever vehicle we take.

What are you guys' thoughts on this?
 
I know there are people that have used the iPad for a large-screen navigation set-up....not sure about integrating it into a stereo. Take a look at Expedition Portal.
 
Don't have an Ipad, but mounted my Acer tablet, running Android, as replacement for a car PC. So far it works great.
 
bdutch said:
Don't have an Ipad, but mounted my Acer tablet, running Android, as replacement for a car PC. So far it works great.
Click to expand...

Got any details of your install? I'm curious to see what other options there are (aside from an iPad) and how well they work for those who've done them.

Edit: Just found your posts in the GPS thread. I like what you did. I"m thinking if I got something smaller than an iPad, I would mount it so that the bottom edge would align to the upper edge of the head unit's face, and just slightly angled towards me.

What's funny is I found a great inclinometer & level app on my wife's iPad and that's what got me leaning this way as opposed to trying to mount my 17" ASUS in my 62.
 
Last edited:
Depending on your deck some "take" control of the iPad rendering it useless for nav. I don't have mine mounted but I use the apple connector to charge it from the deck and just switch the source the aux and use the headphone jack and mini stereo2stero cable for audio. I like motionX HD on the iPad.
 
retrofive said:
Depending on your deck some "take" control of the iPad rendering it useless for nav. I don't have mine mounted but I use the apple connector to charge it from the deck and just switch the source the aux and use the headphone jack and mini stereo2stero cable for audio. I like motionX HD on the iPad.
Click to expand...

I had considered that too. If that ends up being the case, I would just use the L/R RCA audio connectors from the iPad's AV/dock cable for an audio connection to the deck's auxiliary input, and connect the USB end to a basic charger (or hardwire it into a homebrew 5VDC circuit specifically for charging the iPad). That would allow me to charge the iPad, and use all its features while still having audio via the vehicle's stereo system.
 
NLXTACY said:
These guys may bring you some happiness:
iPad Parts: SoundMan Car Audio

Take a look at their videos. They are pretty close to me and I "may" wind up just going to them instead of trying to tackle the ipad integration myself.
Click to expand...

That DAC looks like just the ticket to accomplish what I'm trying to do. But at 200 bucks, that seems steep as hell for a DAC with a charging feature.
 
Spook50 said:
Has anyone attempted something like this? A while back I was looking at getting a double DIN PC to install in lieu of my Clarion head unit (which I LOVE, but lacks a couple features I would like). It has the 30 pin iPod interface and according to a couple people I've spoken to, will accept an audio signal from (and charge) an iPad. My thought is I could still use the Clarion deck for audio, make a new mount to hold the iPad that would replace my dual cell phone/iPod mount that I made a few years back, and use the iPad for navigation, video, Pandora, etc. Doing this, I could also use it the same way in the wife's car once I integrate iPod/iPad control into the stereo (be it factory or aftermarket) and simply be able to take the iPad with us in whichever vehicle we take.

What are you guys' thoughts on this?
Click to expand...

I've been doing this for two years. Check this link http://forum.tlcfaq.com/viewforum.php?f=6. Multiple posts on my site regarding it.

I have an Avic and use BT streaming for the audio connection. I reserve the hardwire for my iPhone.

Sent from my iPad 2 using IH8MUD
 
RobRed said:
I've been doing this for two years. Check this link TLC FAQ • View forum - Navigation and Mapping. Multiple posts on my site regarding it.

I have an Avic and use BT streaming for the audio connection. I reserve the hardwire for my iPhone.

Sent from my iPad 2 using IH8MUD
Click to expand...

That custom dash install in the 100 is pure awesomesauce. Wish there was a way to pull that off in a 62, but there's physically not enough dash space to hold both a iPad and even a single DIN head unit.
 
I'll chime in on my (semi recent) iPad install in my 2008 FJ Cruiser. I opted for a iPad 1 64GB 3G (AT&T) to save on the initial investment. 3G allows for GPS without WIFI.

I only use the iPad for couch surfing and in car navigation. I have movies uploaded and music is available via the cloud (I typically use my iPod for music though).


My install mimics others. I used a slightly different approach though.

Ram mount mounted to 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" square tubing (Lowe's) The holes allowed me to 'assemble' without the need to weld.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/C-Fish/40d2ba9d.jpg

Square tubing doubled up to allow the arm more articulation.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/C-Fish/6e5d2105.jpg

I chose the generic Ram mount for the iPad as I utilize a Otterbox Commuter series case.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/C-Fish/098a1ed1.jpg

Setup is solid, very little movement offroad, easy to adjust and allows multiple viewing angles for driver or passenger alike.
Mount also folds flush if iPad is not in use.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/C-Fish/0fffafd0.jpg


Apps installed are MotionX, Gaia GPS, CoPilot Live.

MotionX is a fantastic app. The only issue is downloading maps via WIFI. I've had downloads take 5-6 days for bigger files 1.5GB. I wish you could download to your computer and then upload to the iPad. Gaia allows much faster (TOPO) map downloads.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/C-Fish/c1031285.jpg
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/C-Fish/09e913cf.jpg


I use my iPhone as a hot spot when I have cell coverage to cache maps, but I still have downloaded about 20gb worth of hybrid and TOPO maps on to the device. The zoom settings I use are 10-17.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad14/C-Fish/108f0e32.jpg


Charging is done by a 2.1amp USB charger added into a (always hot) 12v source next to the glove box.




Parts list:
(2x) Amazon.com: RAM Mounts RAM-B-238 RAM 2.43" x 1.31" Diamond Base with 1" Ball: GPS & Navigation
(1x) Amazon.com: RAM Mount Long Double Socket Arm f/1" Ball Bases: Sports & Outdoors
(1X) Amazon.com: RAM-HOL-TAB3U: RAM Tab-TiteTM Holder for the Apple iPad, iPad 2 & HP TouchPad: GPS & Navigation
(1x) 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 36" square tubing (Lowe's)
(2x) 1 1/4 square furniture caps (Lowe's)
Assorted fasteners
Black spray paint.

Let me know if you have any questions.
-Mark
 
^^That's pretty cool!^^
 
RobRed said:
BTW I updated my install pics

TLC FAQ • View topic - iPad Installed in LC 100
Click to expand...

Most likely I'll mimic what you did, with the iPad siting right above the stereo like that. The dash should give a good solid mounting point if I make sure to use a shorter RAM mount. My 62 is going to be basically the test bed, and then I'll do a setup in the Avalon once I have the kinks worked out. Still trying to find a good music & video management app for it that'll basically mimic the iPod Touch's interface though. Not having much luck on that front.

Sent from my Motorola DynaTAC 8000x
 
Spook50 said:
That Deck app looks like just the ticket. Big buttons easy to hit while driving without distracting me from the road, and simple interface. Hopefully I can get this all set up before long. Sure would be nice to have a good media/navigation setup.

Sent from my Motorola DynaTAC 8000x
Click to expand...

I have deck. I like it a lot. Simple simple simple!

Sent from my iPad 2 using IH8MUD
 
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