Cubby Tablet Mounting Bezel
 

Like many others here, shortly after getting my 370Z I wanted to put a tablet in the cubby space to be able to run Torque for engine and performance monitoring, navigation, music, weather radar, police scanner, and several other apps. I learned from several posters here (esp. Bandit_Kaine); but I wasn't really satisfied with any of the installations I found. I decided that if I was going to create one that would meet my standards; I would try to do it where I could reproduce for others. So, for the last 5 months I've been developing a tablet mount that will directly bolt in to replace the cubby. I had the cubby laser scanned and have been working with Part*Snap to complete the design and 3D printing of this prototype.

This is specifically created for the Nexus-7 (2012 version) as my research found it was by far the most suitable tablet for an automotive fixed installation requiring reliable power management. It has custom ROM which supports OTG USB to enable charging, reboot from touchscreen, and USB audio connected through the stock Bose head unit (through a 3.5mm rear mount stereo plug which I added).

I plan to be able to offer the tablet mount bracket for sale in January, either in black plastic similar to what you see here or covered in a black leather that closely matches the surrounding trim. I will also offer the complete parts list to create this (including all of the tablet customization instructions) or if there is sufficient interest, I may offer a turn-key complete installation. More details on this by EOY.

Here are a few additional photos
Rear view
USB hub and cables
With cubby door (magnetically attached)
Torque Pro Racing Meter

I hope you'll send me your questions and comments!
Larry

Hey Larry, contact AK before even saying you want to offer products especially with prices

Subed

Yes please, sign me up!

It looks like you have the Nexus mounted in a case which is mounted to the center of the bracket by some straps. I was thinking of putting in an 8" Samsung tablet. Either a Tab or a Note depending on dimensions.

Can you give us the inner dimensions of your template? It looks like you can mount an 8" tablet to the back if it's not too deep. That way the screen fills the entire opening.

You like you are off to a great start, good luck with it. Subbed for sure.

Nice, count me in...

Do you have to cut or modify any visible part of the cubby bezel or door?

No cutting whatsoever. My #1 design objective was to make this completely bolt-in without having to mod any existing pieces for the mechanical mounting. This has been my biggest challenge as I've had to do several iterations to overcome some non-obvious interference issues to mate properly. For the door, I removed the latch mechanism essentially retaining the outer shell and attached two 1/2" niobium magnets; but I could easily restore it to the original condition.

For the electrical connections, I have spliced into the power feed to the triple guage cluster to access 12V (always on), 12V switched by ignition, and ground to feed the programmable power supply which enable me to keep the tablet powered for delay after ignition is turned off. I also wired in an audio cable to the radio to provide a rear aux input for my USB DAC which turned out to be very simple to do. These are the ONLY mods needed.

I wanted to use an ipad mini. My main objective was also to retain OEM integrity and be able to quickly put it back to stock. So I just did this

http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...nto-cubby.html

this way I didn't have to even take modify the door.

Nice job on this! I love seeing ideas like this. I'll definitely keep it in mind if I decide to switch to a nexus tablet.

The inside dimensions of the mounting bracket or bezel are 208mm X 130mm which could accommodate 7 inch tablets, but not full size. However, you will likely find that mounting is the small issue compared to the other problems of getting it to work reliably once its integrated into your dash. If you haven't already done so, I recommend you spend some time browsing the forums at www.mp3car.com and Googling "car tablets". Also feel free to shoot me your questions and I'll try to answer as best as I can.

I have an ipad mini, so if you can make one for the mini I'd be interested.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Sorry, but I don't have any plans to develop versions for other tablets as there are just too many design compromises. The main elements that made this work was the custom ROM development done by Timur (Google) that is only available for the Nexus 7, and the availability of the soft case which eliminated many potential alignment and registration issues, and greatly simplified the mounting in the custom bracket I fabricated.

I don't say this to discourage anyone else from pursuing their own solution; but I have no interest in developing for other tablets. On the other hand, if someone wanted to buy or license by design files and modify themselves, I'll be happy to listen to help recover my substantial development costs.

Man those dimensions are perfect for a Galaxy Note 8 mounted behind the bezel.
Specs - Wi-Fi Tabs GT-N5110 | Samsung Galaxy Tab

I am a frequent mp3car reader. With Tasker in place you can automate to your hearts content. I already have a few on my phone for automatically playing music and what not. I have never had a stability problem on my Nexus tablet. I reboot it every few weeks but it has never crashed or locked up on me.

Thanks for the info. If you do decide to produce the bezel let me know. I'm definitely interested. I also have access to a 3d printer so if you just want to sell the file that would work for me too. :happydance:

This is really awesome, count me in! PM me whenever these are up for sale.

subed

Hi Itullos - can you provide more detailed instructions on how to supply power I.e.) what type of USB hub, which specific wires to splice to, etc.

Thanks.

PM sent!

is this available for purchase yet?

OMFG!!!
DO WANT!!
What can I do to get ahold of one?

This is a excellent idea. Great job. Subbed for sure

Update please!!
Love it......!!!!!


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Sub'd

Any updates on this OP? Myself and others are PayPal ready!

Cubby Update
 

Folks, sorry for the long wait on this and I thank those who have offered nice comments and expressed interest. I plan to be able to offer the cubby replacement mount along with the other essential parts required to mount and connect the Nexus 7 tablet as shown and describes here .

While the mount may be suitable for other tablets, I am only supporting the Nexus-7 (2012 version). I am making the final changes to the design to assure clean fit and to be able to print and produce this for under $500. I'm finding that 3D printing for this size piece with the right material, finish and process is expensive; but at this stage I'm committed to see this through. I expect to be able to offer the first one for sale by end of April, and will make sure that the first buyer is fully satisfied before taking orders for others. I will also post the update here after I've confirmed the fit and finish of this final rev and am ready to offer the first one. In the meantime, feel free to PM me with any questions

Thanks for the update, this is one of the best mods I've seen.
Great job!!


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why does it have to be 3d printed? you could make a mold for cheaper re-production.

I am very interested as well. but just curious, if anyone is willing to spend $400 for the mount alone, they probably want the best, latest and fastest tablet too:ugh2:

:iagree:
For just the mount that is steep. I have no doubt that the quality will be anything but, SUPERB. I guess we shall wait and see.

Tablet Mounting Bezel News
 

First of all I want to thank all of you who have given your likes and feedback on this project. It has been one of the motivators to see this through.

Things have been moving along nicely to bring this to market where I can finally say something about firm pricing and availability. My last revision (shown below) met all of my fit requirements, and I have one more rev that I have just sent to be printed which cleans up a couple of cosmetic issues.

I plan to offer both the tablet mounting bezel for the DIY crowd and as well as kits which included other parts needed to complete the full installation. For those of you looking for the lowest cost option, I will place my design on the Shapeways site where you can order an unfinished (white nylon) version for $325 plus shipping by the end of May. This can be sanded and painted or covered as you prefer. I will separately offer a finished version.

I am also building a website which will give all details needed to reproduce what I have done, including step-by-step instructions the hardware install as well as Nexus 7 rooting and custom ROM modifications. Details on the kit options and prices will also be included.

I am also recruiting one or two beta customers who are interested in installing the customized Nexus 7 mounted with one of my prototype bezels at substantial discount. PM me if you are interested.

Finally, here are photos of my latest installation and the last rev of the mounting bezel.

I'd love to pick one of these up for my 2013 Roadster. Been getting local quotes here in Nashville to do a custom install of a Nexus 7 - been between $500-$800. I wouldn't mind paying significantly less to do the install myself, but I don't know fiberglass well enough to do the mold, so best to leave it to the pros. However, if you are looking for a DIY beta-tester with a Nexus 7, let me know and I'll work out a deal and even help market it!

PM sent

which tablet is suitable for pairing with an iphone 4s?

I was thinking of getting the nexus 7 but im not sure how that woud work with an iphone...

I assume you mean which tablet can be tethered to the iPhone Wi-Fi. As far as I know any device can be tethered to the iPhone so long as (a) you pay your carrier out the a** for this privilege or (b) you jailbreak it and install PdaNet or one of the other similar apps that turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot.

I did the later and it worked reasonably well for me. However I eventually grew tired of having to turn it back on every time I got into the car and waiting for it to connect or worse having to check and restart the connection when I was driving. Consequently I just bought a mobile Nexus 7 model with LTE connectivity and am paying T-Mobile $20/mo for 1GB of data (no contract or commitment). I'm much happier after doing so!

I was referring to tethering. Its mainly for the music aspect of it (i.e. pandora, spotify, itunes, ect.) Right now I have a DNX 7140 with the ipod/usb connection in the cubby area. I just hate connecting my iphone everytime i get into the car. I guess worst case scenerio is i import all of my music to run on a nexus 7 and then play them to the DNX 7140 via blue tooth. Im just need to experiment with the tablet to dnx 7140 connection options. Should I connect to the USB input of the DNX 7140 or via cigarette adapter?
I also want the tablet for the guages/OBD II too.

I have my Nexus 7 connected to my Bose head unit through a USB DAC which frees up my Bluetooth for OBD and also gives much higher quality audio connection. I mostly stream Pandora or Rhapsody from WiFi, but could just as easily save my music on my Nexus 7 or even just put it on a thumb drive and plug into USB Hub.

To describe in more detail, I have a OTG Y-cable coming off the Nexus 7 with one leg of the Y connected to the USB Hub output. The other leg connects to the 2A charging port on the USB hub. The USB DAC input connects to one of the hub inputs, and the USB DAC output connects to the Aux-In input of the head unit through a standard 3.5mm stereo cable. Since my Bose head unit did not include a rear Aux-In input, I patched one in which was very simple to do.

I have to point out that this configuration requires installing a custom ROM described here. This enables the Nexus 7 to simultaneously charge and operate in Host mode for the USB hub. It also enables the USB audio.

Besides selling the tablet mounting bezel, I am planning to offer kits that provide this unique capability, and I'm currently working on the website which will provide step-by-step guides for completing the full installation and expect to have this open by July 4th.

Awesome, can't wait! I have a Nexus 7 2013 edition. Will it fit in your mounting bezel?

Yes it will. As a matter of fact, my beta tester has just installed his 2013 edition tablet this past weekend. He did so with the stock ROM.

I expect to be set-up to start taking orders by end of June so stay tuned. Appreciate your interest and patience. I'm working on releasing my website which will provide complete step-by-step installation guides as well as offering various levels of kits to go with the mounting bezel.

Breaking News

Head over to my new thread in the Sponsor area for the latest on my Cubby Tablet Mounting Bezel!

Link doesn't go anywhere...

it's back now :hello:

Cubby tablet mounting bezels in stock and ready to ship. Head over to my new thread in the Sponsor area