Thread: 2006 Alfa Romeo GT - Removable In-Dash Android Tablet install (Samsung Galaxy Tab 7")

Hi all!
Sorry for the long delay from the last updates.. I'm testing the setup every day and I am having many good times and a few bad times.
The tab works great! I used it for another long trip (summer vacation to Adriatic Coast.. Rimini!) and all works perfectly, small noises and great music/navigation directions.
But when we come back home, I got very big audio noises, especially with poor 3g signal. Noises was so loud that we can't hear the music!

Unfortunately I realize that these noises are generated by the desk dock: it has audio and power components too close each other, and probably poorly shielded. If I disconnect either power or audio connector, noises are gone.

So I made my decision: I will try to transfer audio to amplifier via bluetooth! I saw some other project that use bluetooth to transfer audio to the car audio system with no issue at all.
I found on ebay a cheap Bluetooth audio receiver (8 eur) that should work. I'll begin with cheap components to test basic functionality, and if I needed I'll try with more expensive ones.

This is the receiver I am waiting for
New Stereo USB Bluetooth Audio Music Receiver Adapter on eBay

These are the other filters I tried without success:

two new ground loop isolators




two power supply filters (I left these installed, but I am sure with no effect)




I even tried to buy the original Samsung Galaxy Tab Car Adapter (the compatible one stop to works weeks ago...), but noises was always present


However, 90% of the time I have no problem and enjoy my new install so much!
Later I'll post the first image of the FINAL install

I haven't yet described Step 4 (software setup) because I jumped to step 5 (testing), but I'll do it as soon as possible!

During test period I added another great tool: the OBD2 Bluetooth interface!



The connector in my Alfa is under the steering wheel, behind a cover screwed to the dash



One more time, the connector seems to be placed perfectly to fit this interface! It fits firmly and can be left in place with cover closed.



I installed the ELM327 interface many weeks ago and haven't had any issues so far. I'm using Torque with this, as I'll describe later.

Great progress on the install! I love the way it's coming out, can't wait to see it all finished up!

Do you leave your ELM327 BT Adapter plugged in and turned on all the time? Also, if so, so you leave your car for a few days at a time without using it? Because I have the PLX Kiwi OBD BT Adapter and I keep mine off except for when I'm using it, I noticed if I don't turn it off, it stays on 24/7. I'm worried if I don't use my car for 2-3 days over the weekend it'll kill my battery, or do you think it's drawing too little of power to worry about?

Thanks Diablo2424!

Yes I leave the ELM327 connected and on all the time, since it has no power switch and, even if it has, I can't reach it inside the dash. I don't mind of power consumption, it's a small device and I think it uses very low power to worry about. I have it installed since my project started (march if I remeber correctly) and have not had any problem so far.

I am also interested in Hexxamillion comment in your thread, where he writes about connecting the tab to permanent +12. I will be good for using my data connection even when I left the tab in car, and since the tab stops charging when battery it's 100%, don't think there is battery problem. But how about sensig car power on to wake up the tab, and put it to sleep when car is powering off?

Originally Posted by papinist

But how about sensig car power on to wake up the tab, and put it to sleep when car is powering off?

Tasker?

yes, but monitoring what parameters? Now I'm already using Tasker, monitoring power coming from car charger connected to switched +12v. When I start the car, charger goes on and tab receives power, so Tasker can start a task.
But if I put the cargher on permanent +12v, how can I monitor car power on?

i don't think it's possible with permanent 12v

You would have to figure out something else to monitor. for example, if you connect your phone to the tablet through BT, use that sensor instead of power to start your apps... or maybe you can use the accelerometer to sense the car being moved? (like opening a door would probably set it off, if not, as soon as you put the car in drive and move it will sense motion)

Just throwing idea's out here for you, lol... I have mine on IGN +12v, and just do the normal sense of charging...

If I understand well Hexxamillion use his tab with permanent +12v, I PM him to ask details..