My iPad 3G install in a 2006 mustang.

**koach** · 06-27-2010, 05:15 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB53-6SWEOk

So here is my ipad install notes and thoughts. I have had my mustang for only a couple of months now but I'm totally in love. I will be posting more on this project so stay posted.

Features: GPS w/live traffic, 3G Internet, Streaming Radio, Onboard Diagnostics, iTunes, App Store, High Resolution Screen, Video, Youtube, Email, Calendar, Contacts, and Much More.

Why I did it: The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the iPad was this is the car system I have been waiting for. The other DVD/GPS systems were ugly, glitchy, slow, and had very low resolution screens. Also I have always dreamed of having internet in my car for traffic updates, restaurant reviews, and everything else. The iPad also gave me a chance to go diskless in my car. We have been diskless at home for a while now so it was only natural to get rid of that dated CD player and FM radio. The last reason was cost. I looked into installing a carputer or a high end dvd/GPS unit but to get all the features I wanted it was going to cost $$$$. With the iPad I could get wifi, GPS, iTunes, Video, Apps, 3G internet, etc... all for $699 or so.

What was needed: At first I was just running the iPad off of an old sony deck that was stuffed behind the unit. This was never meant to be permanent but did workout ok. But in order for me to be happy with the project it couldn't be half assed and I wanted a standalone system. I decided to run the iPad directly from a 4 channel amplifier. I used a headphone splitter and then two headphone to RCA adapters to run to the amp. Then wired the four cabin speakers to the amp. This worked pretty good but it had a couple of draw backs, the biggest being volume control. Because all of the buttons are inaccessible I had to use the ipod app volume slider to control volume for the entire unit. So if I was listening to Pandora and I wanted to change the volume I would have to close the app open the ipod app change the volume and than return to Pandora. This was a pain but manageable. I decided I needed volume control and an equalizer so I got a 3Sixty.2 from Rockford Fosgate. This gave me everything I wanted and more. I also wanted to be able to run diagnostics on the ipad monitoring my boost, engine temp, WHP, etc... So I bought a Plex Kiwi Wifi and the Rev2 App. This is really cool.

Is it Removable: Kind-of.... If I really need to I can remove it in under 3 min. (I did time it). But it was meant to be an in-dash only system. I had only seen two other iPad installs in a car both were removable and both looked cheap. I didn't want to plug and unplug, I just want to get in and drive!

Pros: Awesomeness!!! The iPad was made for the car, GPS works way better than expected and real time traffic and construction updates are amazing! Streaming Radio is also amazing I have yet to loose signal with AT&T Pandora rocks. The screen looks great even in direct sunlight, I do have tinted windows so I think that helps a lot.

Cons: Over heating! On most day's it is not an issue, however on exceptionally hot days if I forget to put up my sun vizor the ipad does over heat. After about 5min with AC on it is fine. Again this can be avoided by just remembering to put up a sun vizor witch is good for your interior anyway. I am worried about theft but I park in a garage most of the time and I have a top of the line security system installed. Like I said before it's no different than having a $700 system in your car.

Must have Apps: If you install an iPad like this you must Jailbreak. Rev2, Pandora, State Farm Insurance App, Full Force (a jail break app that allows full screen iphone apps on ipad), 3G unrestrictor.

Let me know if anyone has any questions!

Koach

Sorry about the video the roads were a little rough .

**Sonicxtacy02** · 06-27-2010, 05:32 PM

you have the 360.1 or .2?

**RipplingHurst** · 06-27-2010, 05:56 PM

I like it a lot, congrats on the job well done!

Are you charging the iPad too? How do you manage sync, what apps do you use, etc.

Also, can you post some pictures on wiring, what brackets did you use to hold in place, etc.?

Again, good job.

**koach** · 06-27-2010, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by Sonicxtacy02

you have the 360.1 or .2?

I have the 360.1 and i have no idea how to set up the equalizer so any help there would be welcome.

**torres1708** · 06-28-2010, 08:46 AM

I also did an iPad install and it works perfectly... The one problem I've had is overheating. I'm actually in the process of placing a linear actuator with a shroud and built in dock connector so I can easily remove it. Right now it slides in and I have to pug the connector... With the new setup I can remove it in3 secs with no plugging...

**Sonicxtacy02** · 06-28-2010, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by koach

I have the 360.1 and i have no idea how to set up the equalizer so any help there would be welcome.

wish i could help but i pulled my .1 outta the car shortly after the bluetooth failed to pair or connect anymore. To be honest i dont really miss it either.

**soundman98** · 06-28-2010, 11:47 AM

for setup, you need to have a windows pc, or windows mobile device, or something that uses the palm OS, and use the software from this page:
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/scrip...%3Afaqs.faq_id

**koach** · 06-28-2010, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by soundman98

for setup, you need to have a windows pc, or windows mobile device, or something that uses the palm OS, and use the software from this page:
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/scrip...%3Afaqs.faq_id

Yah, I got to that point I can connect with my computer I just don't know what settings I should use for the equalizer.

**soundman98** · 06-28-2010, 06:06 PM

whatever sounds best

eq adjustments are mostly personal preferance, and to make up for sounds that your speakers usually can't reproduce-- if you are happy with your audio system, then there really isn't much you need to do with the eq.

if you are able to adjust it with music playing, i like to max a single band to hear what it does, and then move it around until i get the desired effect.

if you have to program it, and then listen, you can try bumping the freq's above 3khz for a louder top end--ie: cymbals, and female voices will sound louder. you can also try bumping the low end--around 80-50hz for more bass drum impact-- just be careful with the low end if you aren't using a sub-- too much can quickly max out a normal speaker, and if pushed too much, could hurt it.

**koach** · 06-29-2010, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by soundman98

whatever sounds best

eq adjustments are mostly personal preferance, and to make up for sounds that your speakers usually can't reproduce-- if you are happy with your audio system, then there really isn't much you need to do with the eq.

if you are able to adjust it with music playing, i like to max a single band to hear what it does, and then move it around until i get the desired effect.

if you have to program it, and then listen, you can try bumping the freq's above 3khz for a louder top end--ie: cymbals, and female voices will sound louder. you can also try bumping the low end--around 80-50hz for more bass drum impact-- just be careful with the low end if you aren't using a sub-- too much can quickly max out a normal speaker, and if pushed too much, could hurt it.

Thanks for the advice! Right now the 3sixty.1 sounds like crap and is pretty quiet. I hope adjusting the equalizer will help if not I'm going to sell it. I'm mainly using for universal volume control (a must have for ipad installs in my opinion) I did find a scosche ipod remote system that might work well for this. The Scosche remote will do volume, playlists, shuffle, and track forward and back unlike the 360.1 with just volume only. I would just need to mount the remote in the dash. I'm leaning more towards this route has anyone had these issues with the 3sixty.1???