iPad in Center Console......again

[GRSHOPR]

Ok, so just like every other upstart in the past, I'm curious about putting an iPad in my center console, to replace the DIN stock stereo. However, this time, we can get over the first logistical hurdle of size dimensions.

With the new iPad mini, fitting into the center console should require little to no modifications. That out of the way, my desire is to use this iPad mini as a stereo/video console, wire SiriusXM radio into it from a standard satellite radio antenna, and use the Bluetooth function to be able to data log, since they have those spiffy new wireless logger modules. What does everyone think of this idea? Please feel free to chime in.

[green-lantern]

Seems like a good idea. I think I'd want mine to be easily removed so I could use it in the house or whatever. Have a frame that would lean forward so you could remove it but when the pad is in there with the frame pushed back it looks like it's permanently mounted.

[GRSHOPR]

Indeed, and being able to remove it allows me to add/remove music and movies at my whim, and helps prevent theft. I was thinking about maybe giving it a spring loaded frame that it can snap in and out of the console, so that it can look stock, but I'm not sure exactly sure how I would go about that just yet.

[green-lantern]

Yeah I was just thinking of a hinge that would pop out like an old tape player but if the frame was removable it could also be a protective cover.

How do you plan on doing the stereo part of it? Just amps?

[Jimvr4]

Does the iPad do navigation?

[CoopKill]

Yes, and this thread is useless without pics

[GRSHOPR]

Rofl. Shall I draw a thought bubble? I haven't done any of the works yet, I was gauging opinion before I proceeded.

It CAN do navigation, if you pay a monthly data charge. Honestly, I don't want to, and I'm fine with using my phone to do GPS. My goals for it to be able to do are normal am/fm radio, satellite radio, video, and in dash obd. All of that should be possible without a monthly data plan for the iPad.

[vr4tune]

Rofl. Shall I draw a thought bubble? I haven't done any of the works yet, I was gauging opinion before I proceeded.

It CAN do navigation, if you pay a monthly data charge. Honestly, I don't want to, and I'm fine with using my phone to do GPS. My goals for it to be able to do are normal am/fm radio, satellite radio, video, and in dash obd. All of that should be possible without a monthly data plan for the iPad.

if you download an app for navigation that stores the maps on the hard drive (like a garmin) instead of streaming it like the apple maps or google Maps do then you don't need a data plan.

[IPD]

ugg. needs micro USB and an android tablet--like a tab/note. don't corrupt your car with a proprietary apple peripheral interface.

[Jimvr4]

if you download an app for navigation that stores the maps on the hard drive (like a garmin) instead of streaming it like the apple maps or google Maps do then you don't need a data plan.

Still you would be relying on the internal GPS sensor which I don't think is that good since it doesn't have an external antenna.

[green-lantern]

How do you plan on doing the stereo part of it? Just amps?

...........

[GRSHOPR]

Sure. Just amps. 1000 watts straight into the iPad. It'll handle that

[green-lantern]

Sure. Just amps. 1000 watts straight into the iPad. It'll handle that

Seems like it might be a little cumbersome to control, I guess there's and app for that lol

[Elderloc]

I thought about doing this myself there are several options out there. I'll have to look bak through my links. To connect to the amp you would need either a bluetooth bridge or a amp with blue tooth. There is also the option of mini stereo connector. I think they removed all analog with the new lightning connector so no dock connector with RCA break out.

Now on my car I put a 2006 Outlander deck in with 6 disc, then used the Mitsubishi iPod interface that plugs into the changer control. I can control my iPhone from the steering wheel. So far I have not tried an adaptor on a newet device that has the lightning connector.

Now that Pioneer and a few others will have the iOS car interface I'm debating just getting the pioneer deck with nav, apps and all. Still iPad would be nice you could write your own interface app.

[Streamln1]

I'm have done this...now I'm re molding the dash console and making a pocket for my iPad mini to sit flush and look stock....a normal usb / Bluetooth stereo is behind it