Successful installation of a tablet instead of a radio in a car: how to do it yourself. Tablet in the car for navigation and multimedia: about models, mounts and how to connect

For many car enthusiasts, installing a tablet in a car instead of a radio tape recorder with their own hands is an interesting and very tempting idea. It is no secret that many basic configurations of seemingly modern car models have not-so-perfect audio and video systems on board. In some cases, it is completely absent, only the allotted place is present.

Someone may not be satisfied with the interface of the existing equipment, someone may not be satisfied with the set of functions provided - the driving forces forcing improvement are different for everyone. However, they are pushing in one direction: towards buying a new media device. And these are expenses, and, if you take into account all your wishes, they are quite significant.

If you already have a tablet on hand, then only labor and time will remain. Some cash investments will be required only if the audio system on your car is built-in: you will also have to buy an amplifier for the tablet. If a removable radio is provided, then it will act as an amplifier, the tablet can be connected directly to it.

Installing a tablet in a car instead of a radio tape recorder with your own hands will require you to know the electrical business and small specific nuances. But there is nothing outrageous in this procedure.

Some clarifications

Without a basic framework, mistakes can be made right from the start.

• It is instead of the radio that you can put only a tablet in 2 DIN (7 inches), and having a proportion of 16 by 9. Leave the idea of ​​mounting some kind of iPad;
• If you haven't bought a tablet yet, take a model with a docking station. It will be much more convenient to put / take it off and it will fit exactly in size. Tested options - ASUS Transformer Book T100TA 64 GB dock, Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 or HP SlateBook x2 32 GB;
• The amplifier is purchased in accordance with the number of speakers installed in the car. For example, 4 columns means 4 channels. Without it, replacing the radio tape recorder with a tablet will not work, since it was originally designed for working with headphones;
• Both the tablet and the amplifier will have to be connected to the on-board electrical system. Do not throw both wires on the cigarette lighter: the power will be unstable, and the risk of a short circuit will be great. The amplifier must be connected to the battery, and on the way, a fuse must also be built into the circuit;
• To connect the amplifier to your speakers without crashing into the wiring, it is wise to buy a car adapter.

Assembling the system into a single whole

One of the tormenting task installers: what to do with the amplifier? Recommendations to put in the trunk are not serious: the wires will have to be pulled through the entire cabin, and in the body, look for an additional hole or drill it. It is best to remove the amplifier under the front passenger seat, and hide the wires under the floor trim or at least under the rug.

• To pull the wire to the battery, you need to remove the protection from the bottom of the dashboard; if there is a hole in the engine compartment - great, if not, you have to do it. When laying the cable, you need to put a rubber sleeve on the hole - it will not let the wires fray;
• The power cord from the amplifier is shorted to the battery;
• 2 cords with an amplifier are given to the adapter; experienced people advise using heat shrink soldering. The other ends of the adapter are shorted to the speakers;
• The tablet is connected with stereo mini-cables for RCA (one white, one red). On the fuse box, it is better to choose the one that does not receive current when the ignition is turned off - this way the battery will not sit down.
• The tablet itself is located in the nest of the radio. The fasteners (but not the tablet itself, of course) can be fixed with epoxy or sealant.

Software

In principle, you can not put anything extra, but get by with what you already have uploaded to the tablet. However, on the way, it is not very convenient to be distracted by guidance instructions, and your hands are usually busy.

Switching on / off can be automated by installing the Tasker application for Android on the tablet. Believe me, you won't regret it. In extreme cases, you will not like it - you will just take it down.

Another successful development of programmers - Car home ultra specially for those who are driving. In addition to managing the media system, you will have access to: reading errors from the Check Engine; sound warning about reaching critical values ​​of any parameters; video recording of the entire trip with fixing a detailed route on the map and registering sensor readings (however, you will also have to download the Track Recorder plugin) and many other pleasant and useful functions.

Finally, advice: Don't skimp on quality connectors and shielded wires. With them, installing a tablet in a car instead of a radio tape recorder with your own hands will cost, of course, more expensive, but then the sound will not choke with noise when switching speeds, thrashing and other car controls.

Car interior tuning is one of the tuning directions designed to improve comfort and facilitate driving. A tablet instead of a radio in a car is a service provided by our tuning studio.
Expensive configurations of almost all modern cars have devices designed to improve driving comfort and convenience. These are navigation with built-in GPS, a stereo system with the ability to play from different media (memory cards, phones), an on-board computer with the ability to control fuel consumption, read "check engine" errors and a number of other technological solutions. What about owners of cars with basic trim levels or earlier years of production who want to use modern gadgets? A tablet in a car is an optimal solution that requires an order of magnitude less spending and brings an element of originality and individual style to the interior of your car. A tablet computer has incomparably more functionality than a multimedia center or car radio.

Choosing a tablet in a car

The huge market for various devices opens up a wide range of possibilities for you to choose a tablet in your car instead of a radio. The choice of the operating system depends only on your personal preferences. After all, both Android and IOS have the necessary applications and programs for mobile devices that greatly simplify the life of motorists: turning on and off the tablet synchronously with the ignition, engine diagnostics and reading "check engine" errors, fuel consumption control, video recording like a recorder.
It is better to choose the color and external design so that the device will organically fit into the overall interior.
The wide center console of an SUV or a truck will allow, for example, to install a tablet with a 10-inch screen, which will not look bulky. In a middle-class sedan, it is probably better to install a tablet with a smaller screen (7 "-8"), which will not take up much space and will not distract the driver's attention from the road.
Some parameters don't really matter as the tablet becomes relatively stationary. The battery capacity (operating time without recharging) is not important - the device will be charged from the vehicle's on-board network through a charger for at least 5 volts, through a USB port or through a special adapter from the cigarette lighter. The dimensions and weight of the device can also be disregarded. Tablet performance and responsiveness will not be necessary for all users. After all, basic functions (navigation, music playback, and others) will not require much power from your gadget.
An additional slot for a memory card will help expand the device's memory for, for example, storing maps of the area, GPS tracks, recordings from the recorder.
A tablet with a docking station will solve some problems for car owners. Additional USB ports and slots for connecting memory cards, speakers, additional devices will appear. By pre-installing the docking station on the dashboard or center console, you can remove the tablet at any time and take it with you if the need arises.

Place of installation of the tablet in the car

By placing the tablet on the headrest of the car, you will take care of the leisure of passengers in the back seat. A very convenient way to entertain a small child on a long trip.
You can install the tablet instead of the radio tape recorder on a special tripod frame, which is attached to the windshield or to the dashboard with suction cups. This is the cheapest and most inconvenient option - these mounts are cumbersome and unaesthetic.
A tablet computer in place of the radio is the most logical and optimal option. The place is familiar, really convenient for performing all the functionalities with your device and does not interfere with monitoring the situation on the road.

Advantages of installing a tablet in a car instead of a radio

In addition to the above advantages, installing the tablet in a car leads to more convenient touch control of the device; the ability to access the Internet, for example, to track traffic jams online or replenish the media library; the opportunity to diversify leisure time at stops with games and watching movies. In addition, you can adjust the device interface, personalizing it to suit your needs (adjust the desired brightness or display the most frequently used applications on the home screen). The tablet can finally be used as a phone if your smartphone is out of power. Or, if installing a tablet instead of a radio tape recorder you do not want anything but to listen to music, control the player and enjoy the sound. made of fiberglass for the tablet in place of the radio. Installing a tablet in a car requires certain knowledge and skills, and is physically and time-consuming. The specialists of our tuning studio will help you with the choice of the tablet that you need and will completely install and connect the tablet instead of the radio.

Previously, an indicator of the advancement of a car was the presence of an installed navigator and a CD-player. But now such technological solutions have practically supplanted the tablet. And this is not surprising, because a tablet computer in a car can be used for different purposes, so one device can replace many other less functional, and often more expensive, devices.

This is a navigator for the driver, and a multimedia center for passengers, and a full-fledged replacement for the radio. It is very convenient to use a tablet instead of a car radio. It's easy to download your favorite library there and it's very easy to manage it later. And if necessary, you can use the tablet for other purposes.

1. How to choose a tablet.

There is a huge selection of tablet computers on the market today, in which you can simply get lost. Let's take a look at what to look for when choosing a tablet.

Tablets can be divided into several categories based on their screen size:

1.With a screen up to 7 inches (aspect ratio 16: 9).

2.With 8-9 inches screen (4: 3 aspect ratio).

3. With a screen of 10 inches or more (aspect ratio 16: 9).

What size to choose depends on the car (if the car is small, then you will have to be satisfied with a small tablet, and if it is large, then the driver will be able to afford a large tablet) and on the driver's preferences. In most cases, a 7-inch tablet is sufficient to replace the radio. Such a screen is quite enough to comfortably manage your media library, and its installation will be simple and does not require any special skills. In addition, when installed, the 7-inch device will not take up much space and will not interfere with the driver.

What are the characteristics to choose a tablet?

1. Device screen. Screens are capacitive and resistive. A stylus is required to work with resistive screens, but any objects or fingers can be used. Such screens have a slow response speed and are resistant to accidental touches. Today, tablets with resistive screens are almost never produced.

Capacitive screens are more sensitive to touch and are designed to be operated primarily with your fingers. As a radio tape recorder, capacitive screens fit better into the car, since the driver is focused on using a finger, not a stylus.

2. Screen resolution. The clarity of the image on the screen depends on this criterion, but it is not so important if you use the tablet purely as a radio tape recorder. Although for a 7-inch screen it is better to take a resolution of at least 800x480 pixels.

3. Aspect ratio. The most common tablet form factors today are 16: 9 and 4: 7. The 16: 9 ratio is suitable for those who want to watch movies on the tablet, and the 4: 3 ratio is suitable for Internet surfing, navigation, and working with applications. To use the tablet as a radio, you can choose devices with any aspect ratio.

4. Battery capacity (battery life). Everything is simple here. The larger the battery, the longer the tablet will last without recharging. But if you use it in a car, then, most likely, it will always be connected to a power source.

5. Weight of the device and its thickness. For installation in a car, the lightest and thinnest tablet models are best suited. You can even sacrifice battery life and opt for a lighter one.

6. Software. The most common operating systems for mobile gadgets are Android and iOS. Each OS has both pros and cons. And which one to choose depends on the user's preferences. There are many music listening apps for both Android and iOS, so the driver shouldn't worry about it.

7. Performance. This characteristic depends on the "stuffing" of the mobile device: the number of cores, the frequency of the processor, the graphics core, etc. The most sophisticated models are suitable for those who play demanding games and use "heavy" applications. And for ordinary listening to music, the most budget model and not even the very last year of production will be enough.

8. External interfaces. A very important characteristic, since it determines which additional devices can be connected to the tablet. For a car, it is better to take a model with several USB ports and a slot for memory cards. So it will always be possible, if necessary, to expand the memory of the device. As for the HDMI and Ethernet connectors, they are unlikely to be needed in the car.

9. Additional functions. Tablets may or may not have additional features such as GPS, 3G, WiFi, camera and others. What functions to choose a device with depends on why else the driver plans to use this tablet: as a navigator, as a camera, as a web browser. If it is purely needed only for listening to music, then feel free to refuse additional functionality.

10. Design and appearance of the device. When choosing a tablet for a car, you should definitely pay attention to this characteristic and choose the model that will most harmoniously fit into the interior design of the car.

1. It is desirable that there are no physical buttons on the tablet, except for the lock button. And all the necessary buttons appeared on the screen.

2. If you intend to mount the tablet inside the car, then its diagonal should be no more than 7 inches.

3. Better to give preference to models with GPS and 3G. This will make it possible to significantly expand the functionality of the device and use it not only for listening to music.

4. Be sure to have external interfaces.

5. The appearance of the tablet should be in harmony with the design of the car interior.

2. Where to install the tablet (in the place of the radio or on a tripod).

The tablet computer in the car can be installed by two methods:

1. Using tripods for mounting. There are tons of tablet mounts in the car on the market. These can be ceiling mounts, glass mounts or dashboard mounts. The cost of these mounts is low and the installation process is very simple.

2. Fastening the radio in place. This is a better and more convenient option, as well as more reliable than the first one. Such an installation takes a lot of time and requires certain knowledge, but it is worth it, because it looks more aesthetically pleasing (all the wires can be hidden inside), and during the movement the tablet will definitely not fall out of its place.

Where to install the tablet depends only on the wishes of the driver. The first option is very fast and efficient. It does not require additional skills on the part of the driver. You just need to buy a special installation kit and read the instructions for it. The assortment of such sets is huge, as well as the number of options for where to install the tablet. There are tripods with suction cups for windows, there are mounts for seat backs, and there are mounts for the roof of the car. So changing the position of the tablet, and the tablet itself, will not be difficult. The main disadvantage of such an installation is the cumbersomeness of such an installation, which can interfere with the driver. Therefore, the best option is still the second - to attach the tablet to the place of the radio. But here you need certain knowledge and skills. If you do not have them, then contact a car service center.

3. Connecting recharging to the tablet.

The peculiarity of tablets is that they drain very quickly. And if you use the tablet in the car, then the driver is unlikely to want to constantly take it home to recharge. Therefore, before installing the tablet instead of the car radio, you should immediately think about charging it.

In many modern vehicles, radio tape recorders contain built-in USB interfaces from which you can recharge the device. In older cars, the tablet can be charged using a cigarette lighter by connecting an adapter to it. Another option is to connect the device directly to the power system.

If the tablet is placed in the place of the radio, then the charging should be placed under the tablet, because there is no need for protruding wires. A 7-inch tablet requires a 5 V charger with a current of at least 2 A. It is recommended not to use a battery voltage converter, as constant voltage surges will quickly damage the device's battery.

4. Advantages and disadvantages of a tablet instead of a radio.

Installing a tablet computer in place of a radio, like any technological modernization of a car, has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

1. More convenient and visual reproduction of music than with the built-in radio tape recorder.

2. The ability to personalize the device (change the interface, customize everything to your liking), download and sort the media library according to your own taste and wishes.

3. The tablet can also be used for other purposes besides listening to music (watching videos, browsing the Internet, navigating, playing games, etc.).

4. If the Internet is connected on the tablet, then the music can be played online in real time.

disadvantages using a tablet instead of a radio:

1. When using the tablet, there are additional problems with fixing and installing the device in the car.

2. Replacing the tablet in place of the radio may damage internal components, affecting the operation of the entire system.

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In my 2003 toyota corolla, the manufacturer installed only cassette car radios. Of course, I did not listen to cassettes at all, and I had to do only with an FM receiver.

I would not say that I am a big music lover, however, I always wanted something better in the car than a simple radio. There were options to install a regular CD radio, buy a "native" one on eBay for $ 70 (albeit without MP3), or buy a fully featured audio system for $ 600.

None of these options really suited me. Firstly, standard radio tape recorders do not allow using an on-board computer, and secondly, expensive or used radio tape recorders for me personally is not an option.

So the idea came to install a computer in the car. For a long time I collected everything I needed to implement this idea. It turned out that I, my relatives and friends had all the necessary parts.

Before after:

So, the package was as follows.

As a storage medium, I installed a 4 GB flash drive, as well as a 40 GB hard drive.

Since the speakers in the car cannot be connected directly to the computer, I came up with the following sound scheme: USB sound card + power filter + audio filter (as a ground isolator) + amplifier + speakers.

I did not set myself the task of providing super sound and the speakers used from a former FM receiver.

I also used a wireless keyboard with a trackball.

I neatly mounted the USB GPS navigator under the steering wheel mount.

I connected all the wires, buttons and controls, fuses and other small things, and the work was completed.

As a result, this system has implemented all the functions of multimedia, GPS, OBD (tracking the parameters of the car) and the Internet, which makes it possible to identify the location of the car using google maps (both from the car itself and from home). In the future, I also plan to implement the function of a rear view camera, tire pressure monitoring and radio.

Every year there are more opportunities for motorists to improve their car. The radio tape recorders have already been replaced by tablet PCs, which are actively replacing their predecessors. The main reason for this trend is to create comfort for both the driver and passengers. The tablet will successfully replace not only an old radio tape recorder, but also become a reliable guide instead of a navigator. It will entertain travelers with films, cartoons, any television programs, games, or simply allow them to "walk" the endless expanses of the Internet. But this is not all of its functions. How is the tablet installed in the car instead of the radio?

Selection of the tablet and the place for its installation in the car

Each motorist makes the choice of a tablet PC himself. Everything here will depend only on the personal preferences of the driver and his needs. Each model has both positive and negative traits. The general advice for everyone will be only one point - the tablet should not interfere with the driver from driving. Therefore, it must be installed either in a specially provided place (if it exists in the car), or on a special stand.

If you choose a large tablet in a small car interior, then it will take up a lot of space and you will not be able to drive comfortably. One more rule can be deduced from this - a small car has a small tablet, and a large one - any, at the discretion of the owner. The lighter and thinner the tablet, the more beneficial it is for the motorist.

How and who installs a tablet PC in a car

For the installation service, you can contact the specialists. But, if you know at least a little about electrics, then you can install the tablet yourself, because there is nothing super complicated in this procedure. Many motorists, assembling the tablet with their own hands, are satisfied with the result of their own work and the amounts saved.

Difficulties and additional financial costs (except for the purchase of the tablet PC itself) arise only when a built-in audio system is installed in the car. In this case, you will need to additionally purchase an amplifier for the tablet. With a removable radio, everything is much easier, since it will replace the amplifier and tablet.

How to properly install a tablet for a car with your own hands

When installing any device in each individual car, its own individual nuances will arise, which are important to take into account even before starting work. Therefore, we propose to consider the main ones in more detail in order to avoid possible errors:

1. Replacing the car radio itself is possible only with a 2 DIN tablet. This is a 7-inch tablet with a 16: 9 format, which means that no iPad will work in this case.
2. When choosing a device for self-installation, we recommend choosing models that have a docking station. Then questions with its size disappear by themselves, and it will be easier to put or remove the device. The most popular models are Samsung Galaxy Tab 7, ASUS Transformer Book T100TA 64 GB dock, HP SlateBook x2 32 GB.
3. If speakers are already installed in the car, then the amplifier must correspond to their number. That is, there should be exactly 4 channels to 4 columns. If you do not take into account this moment, then you will have to listen to music only with headphones.
4. It is imperative to connect both the tablet and the amplifier itself to the on-board electrical system. If both wires are connected to the cigarette lighter, there is a high risk of short circuits and the power will not be stable.
5. The amplifier is connected to the battery and a fuse is built in along the way into the circuit.
6. To connect the amplifier to your existing speakers, it is best to use a car adapter that will not cut into the wiring.

Read also

Choice of 1 din car radio with retractable screen and navigator

Installation tools

To install a tablet in a car with your own hands, you should stock up on the following set of tools:

• a set of keys and screwdrivers;
• cutting tool;
• drill with a set of drills;
• a soldering iron (it is more convenient if it has a thin tip), tin and solder.

System collection process

First, you need to choose a place where to mount the amplifier. Many people install it in the trunk, but this is a laborious process, because you will have to stretch the wires and drill additional holes. There is one more place for the amplifier - this is the place under the passenger seat. In this case, the wires can be hidden behind the interior trim.

Another important consideration is the selection of quality connectors as well as shielded wires. Their cost will cost the car enthusiast more, but the sound quality will ultimately please. Then, during gear shifting or when gasping, as well as other moments of driving, there will be no sound suppression by extraneous noise.

Let's start assembling step by step:

1. From the bottom of the dashboard, we remove the protection in order to be able to stretch the necessary wires to the battery. If there is no hole in the car leading to the engine compartment, then it must be done. To prevent the wires from fraying, a rubber sleeve is placed on the hole.
2. The power cord coming from the amplifier must be short-circuited to the battery.
   Next, connect the two cords together with the amplifier to the adapter. Here, for convenience, you can use heat shrink soldering. The other ends of the adapter must be connected to the speakers.
3. The tablet is connected with stereo mini cables for RCA (red and white wires). In order not to plant the battery, on the fuse box itself, you need to select the wire through which no current flows.
4. The slot designed for the radio tape recorder houses a tablet PC.
5. You can fix the fasteners with a sealant or epoxy. Just do not confuse the fasteners with the tablet itself, because it cannot be fixed in this way.

The tablet is now ready to use. If you do not want to install additional software, then feel free to use what you have. For those who want more comfortable control of the tablet while driving, we can recommend the Tasker apps for Android. After setting it to turn off or turn on, it is automated, which frees the driver from unnecessary touches and does not scatter his attention.