iPad Mini In Dash?

[-JD-]

Ipad's output bad quality sound? I haven't used anything besides my iphone/ipod/laptop to listen to music in years.

A friend of mine did an iPad HU replacement a few years back and was quite happy with it. Dont have the details of his setup but the sound quality was good to my ears.

 

[harper7]

Normally, this is the case. BUT, I have the JBL system, meaning my speakers/sub are already amped. So I am not relying on the little internal amp in the factory headunit. So as long as I can get the signal from the iPad to the amp, I should still get some decent sound. I may add a signal processor in between depending on what I hear from the audio shops I go to. I have a lot of experience with sound systems, both designing and installing them. But playing with factory equipment is a bit new, my old style was just rip it all out and go all aftermarket, so I am still doing some research.

Still good advice though, I will still look into mounting it like this.

I thought you were going to take the stock HU out and just install the Ipad mini in it's place ,like this first video.So your talking about putting both of them in your dash , like this second video which is sweet. I also saw one where they put the mini in the dash and a single DIN below it .

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M4Q7_h2LNKw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This second one looks like the way to go!
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsCpy66_MgE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[jangoforhire]

I thought you were going to take the stock HU out and just install the Ipad mini in it's place ,like this first video.So your talking about putting both of them in your dash , like this second video which is sweet. I also saw one where they put the mini in the dash and a single DIN below it .

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M4Q7_h2LNKw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This second one looks like the way to go!
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsCpy66_MgE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I am thinking about doing it with a single din below. The iPad is actually really close to a double din size, so it wouldn't take much modification to a dash kit to get it to fit. And then Id just modify the area below the climate control to accept a single din and I'd be all set to go. I think that would be the best option as of now.

 

[H2O_Doc]

This thread got me to looking at getting an ipad mini and doing as has been discussed. That in mind, I've been goofing around with Siri a bit more and I'm reasonably impressed. I was able to open Mog, Pandora, Navigon, Google Maps and a number of other apps I use while driving. I'm sure there are quite a few more, although requesting Waze produced the reply "there is no app named ways."

I have long been considering Pioneer's App radio, but the recent compatibility hiccup with the iPhone 5 got me to reconsider. With the larger screen of the iPhone mini it might be ideal. Also, since we have iPhones and iPads already, I won't have to buy apps again.

Waze in particular in nice because we in VA can't legally use radar detectors. In any event, I'm going to continue to mess around with Siri (man that sounds naughty), and I might just do it sooner rather than later.

Entune was a nice try, but I just never use it.

 

[jangoforhire]

This thread got me to looking at getting an ipad mini and doing as has been discussed. That in mind, I've been goofing around with Siri a bit more and I'm reasonably impressed. I was able to open Mog, Pandora, Navigon, Google Maps and a number of other apps I use while driving. I'm sure there are quite a few more, although requesting Waze produced the reply "there is no app named ways."

I have long been considering Pioneer's App radio, but the recent compatibility hiccup with the iPhone 5 got me to reconsider. With the larger screen of the iPhone mini it might be ideal. Also, since we have iPhones and iPads already, I won't have to buy apps again.

Waze in particular in nice because we in VA can't legally use radar detectors. In any event, I'm going to continue to mess around with Siri (man that sounds naughty), and I might just do it sooner rather than later.

Entune was a nice try, but I just never use it.

I reached the same conclusion about the app radio. The smoothness of iOS and it's lack of bugs is half the reason I want one in my dash. The pioneer radio defeats much of that.

The only thing I am worried about right now is losing the backup camera. I know I could replace the rearview mirror and re-wire it to that, but id rather keep the display in the dash.

But otherwise this is high on my list for upcoming mods. I already have a mini and have been playing around with places to put it in my dash, I think it could work without to much custom work (which is good, because audio shops will kill you on fiberglass work).

 

[H2O_Doc]

The only thing I am worried about right now is losing the backup camera. I know I could replace the rearview mirror and re-wire it to that, but id rather keep the display in the dash.

But otherwise this is high on my list for upcoming mods. I already have a mini and have been playing around with places to put it in my dash, I think it could work without to much custom work (which is good, because audio shops will kill you on fiberglass work).

I agree and that is why I'm going to try to adapt a mountek cd mount. It looks like you can configure it so that most of the HU screen isn't blocked. It will sit in from of the center vents, but I made a sort of mockup and if you angle the vents toward the seat or upward there seems to be little deflection.

 

[jangoforhire]

I agree and that is why I'm going to try to adapt a mountek cd mount. It looks like you can configure it so that most of the HU screen isn't blocked. It will sit in from of the center vents, but I made a sort of mockup and if you angle the vents toward the seat or upward there seems to be little deflection.

I'd be interested in what you can come up with. Definitely post some pics! I think I'm going to order a dash kit and start hacking it up to see what I can come up with.

 

[treklights]

ipad mini controlling aftermarket HU via bluetooth + magnetic mount FTW

Only issue I can think of is charging the ipad on a road trip while it's in the dash. An exposed cable is inevitable.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Just an FYI:

"7"+ tablets are not compatible with the MT5000, but watch for the nGroove 6000 in early Jan 2013!"

http://www.mountek.com/

I think I will wait and avoid cutting one up, although I always enjoy melted plastic fumes.

 

[Coastiepilot200]

I'm doing it...

Gents,

Hopefully in the coming months I can solve some of these issues for you, as I'm doing it... Here is where I'm at so far:

1. I've talked to the guys at Car Toys here in TX, and they are going to do the fiberglass for me for $500, as well as the install as I'm what you would call "electrically challenged." This way, the whole thing will look stock, and I can maintain a small amount of class on the dash and in the sound quality.
2. I've already ordered the side slider kit from soundman ca, and that's what the guys at Car Toys will be using, as well as an aftermarket dash from Schosh that I got on amazon for about $22.
3. I've already ordered the iStreamer, that will connect via 12v power to the cars existing power, and turns the ipad lightning connector into RCA outputs with great sound (so they, and the reviews, say), and charges the iPad at the same time. The guy at Car Toys seems to think he can pull it off without using an aftermarket amp and external volume control, which, if he can, will save me about $700 in parts and labor.
4. My wife is not happy right now...:faint:
5. I've already got an iPad mini on Verizon, so that part is taken care of.
6. I installed a pioneer DVD player aftermarket a couple of years ago, and while nice, it's just not everything I'm looking for. I hate in dash NAV's because they always seem harder to use, and the audio controls on my pioneer are miserable at best. I always use my iPhone for navigation, and moving up to the iPad mini with apps, music, internet, etc, seemed to make a lot of sense, but we will see how practical it is once this all pans out.

I will keep you all posted with pics as the process goes. Right now I'm waiting for all of the parts to arrive, then I will drop the dash, kit, and iPad off at Car Toys for them to start the fiberglass work. Once they do, I just need to find a good weekend to drop the car off for a few days so they can finish the audio work and ensure everything is working properly. All told, it should be in the range of $1100 (not including the iPad itself), when you count all parts and labor - all the way down to the invisible shield for the iPad mini with fingerprint resistance and glare reduction that I ordered.

By the way, I've got a 2010 limited, just in case you were wondering what model I'm about to permanently ruin/make even more awesome.

 

[DannyLlama]

Very cool! Good luck and best of wishes..

I was contemplating doing that with an android tablet as I'm not really happy with any aftermarket unit that's currently out right now.

Looking forward to the outcome and your review!

 

[Coastiepilot200]

Step One...

I dropped off my Scosche dash kit yesterday, and the iPad mini side slider kit, at Car Toys yesterday to let them begin work and see if they could pull it off. He said to give it a couple of days and he'll give me a call back when its up for my "approval," so once that happens I'll post some pics of where they are at so far.

 

[phillyd2]

I too thought of in dash but here is what I did instead using Ram Mount. Biggest consideration for me: Sound Quality, Glare and knowing that in 6 months the new Ipad mini will be different.

Perfect site picture from drivers seat. Does not interfere with the passenger. And best of all, removable in seconds - including the mount.

Just the FYI to any thinking Ipad for Nav: be aware that the WFi Only versions do NOT come with a GPS chip.

But I am looking forward to what you guys come up with!

 

[jangoforhire]

Keep us posted on the results! I want to do this, but can't make up my mind how yet. Theres things you gain with having an iPad only setup and also things you lose. So Ideally I want to have an iPad but also leave the factory nav, so I may end up going Phillyd2's route. But we'll see...

 

[Quentin]

I too thought of in dash but here is what I did instead using Ram Mount. Biggest consideration for me: Sound Quality, Glare and knowing that in 6 months the new Ipad mini will be different.

Perfect site picture from drivers seat. Does not interfere with the passenger. And best of all, removable in seconds - including the mount.

Just the FYI to any thinking Ipad for Nav: be aware that the WFi Only versions do NOT come with a GPS chip.

But I am looking forward to what you guys come up with!

What app is that on the 2nd pic?

 

[phillyd2]

Gaia GPS.

http://www.gaiagps.com/iphone_and_ipad

 

[DDM4]

The point about an app that caches the maps is key. Made that mistake one week in backwoods TN. My other concern would be GPS reception of the ipad being buried behind the dash. May not be a concern, but I'd hate to do any permanent fab work only to find out that was a limitation. I know some cases can interfere with reception for bluetooth, wifi, and cellular. I've never heard of a specific instance were a case screwed up GPS reception, but it might be worth checking into.

GPS reception, in general (rural included), on idevices is strong from my experience. I always get my location. It's the maps that may never load in rural areas with limited data connection. As mentioned, caching the maps fixes that. Also have friends and family who are private and commercial pilots who use idevices for GPS purposes. They're happy with the performance, as well.

Awesome idea. Good luck! Post pics!

 

[DDM4]

I too thought of in dash but here is what I did instead using Ram Mount. Biggest consideration for me: Sound Quality, Glare and knowing that in 6 months the new Ipad mini will be different.

Perfect site picture from drivers seat. Does not interfere with the passenger. And best of all, removable in seconds - including the mount.

Just the FYI to any thinking Ipad for Nav: be aware that the WFi Only versions do NOT come with a GPS chip.


But I am looking forward to what you guys come up with!

First, cool pics and set up.

Second, you are dead right about the wifi only version not having a GPS chip. I quoted, bolded, and colored just in case someone misses that key point while looking at your pictures instead. :director:

There were some rumblings about adding a GPS chip in the wifi only version for next gen this fall, as hot-spoting a phone has become mainstream and part of any new smart phone package from most major carriers. I personally doubt it, though. Apple doesn't like changing price points, and no business is keen on eating into margin when there is no real reason (demand).

EDIT TO ADD: Ram mounts are GTG gear. Anyone wanting something like PhillyD would do well to follow his lead and use a RAM mount.

 

[phillyd2]

My other concern would be GPS reception of the ipad being buried behind the dash.

Had not thought about this but its a good point to consider and confirm before putting in the dash.

 

[Coastiepilot200]

poo...

Tested out the GPS in the glove box while driving (don't ask he how, but the wife isn't happy...) - it works just fine. To be honest, I can't tell any difference at all. Cell connection was great as well, no problem streaming music.

I hadn't heard anything for a week and a half about my dash mods, so I called Car Toys last Wednesday, and they said it'll be ready for me to look at on Friday. I had some vacation planned, so I made it in there yesterday morning. To say I was not pleased is an understatement...

It looks like this guy had spent maybe 40 minutes on the project, just drilling a bunch of holes in the spare dash panel I gave him (to cut weight I guess, cause they didn't serve any other purpose...), then sitting the side slider base on top of the dash and, poorly, slathering Bondo around the edges. Of course he wasn't there when I went in to look at is, so I explained my displeasure to the guy at the counter and another fabricator, told them (again), what should be happening with that kit, and ordered them to stop work immediately until I can come in and talk to the fabricator myself. From the last two weeks, I'm sure I know how that convo is going to go...:argue:

I am heading in tomorrow morning, so we'll see what happens I guess.:flypig: I will fill you all in when I get a chance. I'm also going to try and snap some photos tomorrow.