So having completed the build using the Xperia Ultra, and trailing it for a few weeks I’ve come to the conclusion that it isn’t great, especially with regards the docking and charging. This is largely due to my own incompetence , but there was no easy solution to it I feel.

So when I managed to get hold of a Xperia Z3 Tablet, I couldn’t help looking at a completely different approach, along the lines of what Rumz is doing with a his Nexus 7 in place of the stereo.

However, as it’s me , I’m undecided about the location. I’ve ruled out the OEM SatNav location and am looking at either the stereo location or in a more complicated build “floating” on the edge of the SatNav surround close to where I installed the Xperia Ultra…

Here’s a picture of the on dash position:

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Looks great! Very jelous! 2006 HSE for Sale - £7,499 (Manchester)
http://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic46383.html

looks smart mate. looking forward to seeing the finished product

Looks like some great work there

Where did you connect the usb dac to?

I've taken my head unit out but what do I need to get the sound?

Good work! I look forward to seeing the finished item.  MY2007 RRS TDV8 Black - tinted glass - side steps- stormer grille - 20" diamond cut alloys - alpaca leather - TV/DVD pack - some blingy chrome bits & bob's

Thanks for the comments guys

Well after having a technical hick-up (Rumz take note ) I've got the tablet installed and running over the bluetooth for audio and it's sounding great using the EQ equaliser app.

I've decided on the position for all the additional hardware, it'll either be under the central console (gear selector) or behind the heater controls. This will once again free the top cubby box up.

I'm having a problem with the tablet closing/ disconnecting the USB hub etc, it runs one additional source like the DAC but not all 3 researching this now and hopefully get it sorted next weekend...

Rumz, back to your question. I haven't got rid of the HU. I've basically stripped it down like Burns and Roy did in this thread:

http://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic38089.html

But then went a little further to ensure I got the audio back, see page 5-6 of the thread here:

http://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic38089.html

I now have the OEM HU set behind the tablet. Therefore the DAC is plugged into the AUX IN port for the HU. However, I'd only recommend this route if you have a spare housing. Otherwise just reconnect the fascia controls circuit board using the 2 flat cables and ensure the board is suitably insulated not to fry it.

This all means that if the tablet fails I can still use the radio of the HU and also if the battery is disconnected I simply remove the tablet and can the use the HU to set the time

All in all once finsihed this should be a great set-up and I'm thinking the last thing I'll do on the Sport. Well at least for a while...

Cheers

Guy 2006 RRS S/C CONSTANTLY under modification...
1994 RRC 4.2l not LSE sadly gone but not forgotten
LR Defender 300Tdi - affectionately know as "The Black Beast"

Hey Guy,

Cheers...ive stripped it down like you guys and Bluetooth and radio works.
I can also put my nexus in front too (without putting the original HU fascia on).

What I dont know what to do is where will the RCA cable or optical out from the DAC connect to?

Do I have to splice it in the back of the HU?

Rumz,

I connected the audio out to the Aux In of the HU. This is either via the 3.5mm headphone socket at the back of the centre console in the footwell of the rear seats, or you have to wire it into the Aux In connector as per the instructions from MrFrog.

If you don't want to use the DPDT switch solution you can hardwire the RCA cables directly onto the connector losing the functionality of the rear Aux In.

Cheers

Guy 2006 RRS S/C CONSTANTLY under modification...
1994 RRC 4.2l not LSE sadly gone but not forgotten
LR Defender 300Tdi - affectionately know as "The Black Beast"

To give you all an idea of the wiring set-up here's a picture



Any questions, ask away

For MrFrog's wiring set-up check the link below:

http://www.rrsport.co.uk/forum/topic28159.html

Cheers

Guy 2006 RRS S/C CONSTANTLY under modification...
1994 RRC 4.2l not LSE sadly gone but not forgotten
LR Defender 300Tdi - affectionately know as "The Black Beast"

OK thanks Guy,

Mr Frogs efforts look quite a bit of effort.

I've never done this before so maybe I need to take if to a shop.

You'd think you could simply just plug it in!

I don't want to plug it into the rear seat aux but into the back of the HU, making it look cleaner.

There are a few empty slots at the back of the ISO loom. Can it be wired into there or only the aux (C2115)? I will have to watch a guide into 'how to splice' lol

Cheers Guy for the help!

Rumz,

I think you could simply cut the rear Aux In wires and splice the RCA connectors directly to the C2115 socket, or at least the wires coming out from it.

This means you would lose the Aux In but that's a small sacrifice, I hardly ever use it, but as I had a good auto electrician and MrFrog's diagram I decided to go with it, as it gave me 3 points for aux in. Those being hardwired tablet, BT receiver and the OEM Aux in. All controlled from the switch.

Cheers

Guy 2006 RRS S/C CONSTANTLY under modification...
1994 RRC 4.2l not LSE sadly gone but not forgotten
LR Defender 300Tdi - affectionately know as "The Black Beast"

Cheers Guy.

So basically I've stripped it down to just the metal head unit without the fascia (black control unit).

Now, radio works and it can cycle through the Mode and directional buttons on the steering but when I press mode, it goes to a blank channel. Aux doesn't seem to work.

Would I have to have the control fascia back on?

Rumz, basically yes. I posted somewhere here that the mode button doesn't select the Aux In. This is why I wanted FM radio over the tablet as I was working on the assumption that I couldn't switch to Aux In from the steering wheel. This meant either I retain the HU which I didn't want to do, or find another solution, that being a USB DAB FM radio or using the in built Sony radio.

For you I guess you'll have to go the USB route as the nexus doesn't come with an fm radio.

Good luck, and sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings

Cheers

Guy 2006 RRS S/C CONSTANTLY under modification...
1994 RRC 4.2l not LSE sadly gone but not forgotten
LR Defender 300Tdi - affectionately know as "The Black Beast"

Not at all mate. You've been a great help.

I wouldn't have got this far without you!

Right - so I'm thinking maybe I separate the PCB from the control fascia and see if that works. I would lobe to cut off the tabs like you've done but I want to retain it for when I sell.

If the PCB doesn't work then is there anyway of extending the flexi ribbon (white with blue tabs) so that I can put that into the glove box?

I will see if I can just us the aux in at the rear seat but keep it hidden inside somewhere.

Nearly getting there.

My nexus is ready to go in. Actually, I might want to steal your setup/homepage if that's cool?

Rumz,

The PCB should work on its own, at least mine did, however you need to keep it insulated so you don't short it out by mistake.

Extending the flat cables should also work you need to count the individual wires in the flat cable and then google search a retailer for extended versions. From what I've read elsewhere max cable length that works is about 6ft or 2m. You'd need less than that to reroute to the upper glove box.

Send me a PM with your email and I'll forward all the home screen files. There's lots as I've had to grab images from the net and adapt them etc to keep the Audi theme going.

Regards

Guy 2006 RRS S/C CONSTANTLY under modification...
1994 RRC 4.2l not LSE sadly gone but not forgotten
LR Defender 300Tdi - affectionately know as "The Black Beast"