Nexus 7 tablet as a headunit

[Topjacket]

Seasons greetings all

If you only want to read my question it is in the second to last paragraph...... I just thought it might be good to have some context.

I have always liked the idea of having a car computer to replace my standard head unit. Originally I thought of having a laptop mounted in the boot with a touch screen up front but this seems to have many problems, not least of all, poor battery life and the need for a more 'mobile' style operating system. So I have decided to go for a tablet (Nexus 7). To my mind the tablet seems to solve most of the problems that a laptop carputer could have. For me the main issue that still remains however is having a radio signal without the need for an Internet connection.

I have found a web page that shows a how to on fitting a tablet in a car http://www.instructables.com/id/Android-Tablet-as-Car-PC/?ALLSTEPS which seems very well put together.

To power the Nexus I am going to use the 4 pin pogo connection on the side of the device as and when it becomes available (due out Jan 2013), this will leave the USB port free.

I have not been able to find a way of having just radio as an add on for the tablet but have found a digital tv add on which I assume would also have radio stations http://www.elgato.com/elgato/int/mainmenu/products/tuner/EyeTV-Micro.en.html

I found this item at Halfords http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_215950_langId_-1_categoryId_265877 which I was hoping would allow me to connect the car aerial to the tv tuner (listed above). Does anyone know if the aerial on the car would provide a signal for the tv tuner or would it be different? I guess the potentially stupid question I am asking is; is an aerial an aerial or do you need different cable and antennas for different applications?

If this is the kind of thing that other people would be interested in I would be happy to put together a how to with pictures specific to the EP3 civic. Any comments on what I have suggested so far or just pointing out a potential problem will be gratefully received.

Cheers, Jim

 

[Chris.]

I was actually thinking yesterday that the Nexus 7 is the ideal size for this. Look forward to seeing how you get on.

 

[Doodle]

Every time I've installed the TV tuner in a car, it's been a separate aerial.

That's not to say the car aerial wouldn't work, but the signal is more than likely going to be crap.

 

[Topjacket]

Thanks Doodle

Is the reason for the crap signal because of the cable or the roof aerial? Just wondering if it would be possible to change either of these so I could keep it all looking standard on the outside?

Cheers

Jim

 

[Doodle]

Mostly the aerial. I generally use a pair of glass-mount DVB aerials that sit on the inside of the windscreen in the corners - barely noticeable unless you're looking closely.

 

[NYA]

I would personally think the car aerial is going to be the weak link. They are usually okay for radio but any stronger signals, they are quite poor. It's basically down to the build of them, they aren't the most conductive material. It may be worth looking for an external TV tuner aerial that would fit the same size footprint but has a better receiving signal. Do keep us up to date on this as I'm sure myself and Chris are not the only ones who want to see how you get on with it

 

[NYA]

Edit*** Drew beat me to it :lol:

 

[Topjacket]

Thanks very much for the replies. I really appreciate it.

I just need to wait for this 4 pin charger thing to go on sale now (it seems to have been a long time coming)

As it sounds like people might be interested in the results of this I will keep things updated as I progress.