gt3

iTrader: (10)

awesome! definitely show us the photos of it installed when you are done!

laser24

I was thinking of doing something similer to this with a droid tablet. thanks for the pics

can'tZme

iTrader: (7)

Nice work

vex008

iTrader: (4)

does look pretty huge but the work and execution is top notch. congrats.
subd for final result and video of it in action

CRIDDA

iTrader: (10)

Saw that Was posting from my phone and had no pics.

Done Deal DR

iTrader: (5)

Looks much better than I thought it would.

Spike100

Your project looks great, and it certainly points toward future developments in a CES. The iPad isn’t quite there as far as replacing a PC; but it is close to this goal, and it’s probably just a matter of time before the CarPC is a dinosaur.

A removable self-contained device makes a lot of sense (that’s why the laptop computer is popular for general use).

• It’s easily replaceable with the next and better generation by simply swapping the device with the newest version.
• You can take the device with you when you are outside your car.
• Your passenger can pull the device and use it in their lap while you are driving.

The success of this type of device depends upon continuous communication using a reliable WAN. We have that now with smart phones and the iPad (and other tablet-devices) running on 3G/4G networks.

The main liability is temperature extremes and condensation which can ruin the device.

• Temperature range possible for using it: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C)
• Temperature range for storing it: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C).
• Allowed humidity: 5% to 95%, non-condensing

That problem is solved since the device is removable. Companies manufacturing mobile devices (Kenwood, Alpine, Garmin, etc.) build these to handle the most extreme conditions, so it’s possible to accomplish this. Apple and other companies producing digital tablets will meet this requirement as soon as people climbing Mount Everest and explorers in the Amazon begin using these devices.

--Spike

bmxpert57

iTrader: (1)

updated with pics and vid. Enjoi

verdict.

Definitely the best iPad installed dash out there. Props for the DIY! It came out great.

Voboy

iTrader: (58)

As far as functionality is concerned... this is really slick. Carputer vs iPad is a no brainer because of less weight and not as much power needed. Don't ever need to worry about your car getting broken into for a radio too. I like it.

TSG-Z

iTrader: (34)

Very nice! I will do something like this, yes, I'm going to jack your shiet! One question though, do you have regular local bandwidth? Does apple have an app for local channels?

bmxpert57

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, ya there are many app store apps where you can listen to any local radio station or even radio stations around the country

PDX_Racer

iTrader: (2)

Plus no spinning hard drive to crash when you go over a bump!

vex008

iTrader: (4)

SOOOOOOOO SICK
I want or else

Classy

iTrader: (7)

if someone was to start producing a center dash like that, with volume controls in the dash peice pre-wired, I could really see this catching on in a huge way, I am rediculacely interested in this. How did you wire up the ipod connector, that is the only thing that I am not sure on in this build.

SQBassHead

iTrader: (37)

you should make a DIY

it will answer all the questions everyone has

Spike100

I agree that this is a very nifty setup; however, no one mentions the “elephant in the room” which is how poor the setup looks when the iPad is not mounted.

The dash looks pretty ugly with only the holder (sans iPad) showing. I think that needs to be dealt with since it’s likely the iPad will spend a lot of time outside the car. I suppose you could have two iPads so that one was always in the car.

CarPC enthusiasts will undoubtedly consider this an issue.

The fix would be installing a traditional CES and overlay this with the iPad. This scenario requires a more transparent (and invisible but functional) iPad mounting configuration.

BTW: This thread is going to live for a very long time.

--Spike

bmxpert57

iTrader: (1)

Ya I know it looks weird when the Ipad is removed, which is why I added the Z logo to make it not as plain. Honestly when I park I just pull it out, and it makes it for a great antitheft feature. Flipside..when its docked and I leave it,, its a thief MAGNET. lol
heres what I used;

PAC is76 IPAD/Ipod AUDIO+ Charge adapter

that goes to this:
Pac lc-1 inline volume control

then rca out to either a EQ or your amps

then a little facelift on the dash

Ak48z

iTrader: (2)

How is the sound quality? Seems like it shouldn't be too bad going through the EQ but I am still curious.

Definitly a cool idea, not sure if I would like taking it in/out so often.

crg914

iTrader: (5)

That is definitely awesome. The only real problem I could see for me is even with a 64GB iPad that would only hold ~1/3 of my music.