Well I’ve left the car alone for a while now, simply because the family was taking precedence what with a newborn and that...

Now that I have a bit of time on my hands I revisited my failed tablet build and discovered that there are now a couple “want to be” Android Auto copy applications on the market so thought I'd give them a try and see which is best.

Option One: The App “Automate” available through the Play Store and is basically a 3rd Party version of Android Auto allowing standalone operation without a head unit, ideal for tablets and large screen smart phones then. However, the tablet would need a SIM card to get full functionality…

Option Two: The second option is from what I understand a recoded version of Android Auto that can be installed on tablets and then using an OTG “Y” cable connected to an Android phone with Android Auto Control App installed. This product is called “Head Unit” and has to be purchased via the XDA Labs App.

I’ve currently gone with option one and have to say I like the simple interface of Android Auto and with a bit of playing around have a very usable system . Better than before to be honset. The only downside is that I have to put my phone into airplane mode every time I drive the car because I’m using “twin SIM cards” with the same number. Otherwise it’s hassle free once set up. If you're installing the tablet you will want to root the tablet and use the Tasker App with Security Settings to further automate some tasks… Oh and Battery Saver Pro to put the tablet into “deep sleep” meaning almost zero battery drain overnight.

Here are some pictures of the install and the various screens:


Nav Screen (For proper navigation you can choose what app to use Maps, Sygic, HERE, etc and set it as your default App, this is basically Googles Maps used for tracking):

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Well, over the past two weeks it very quickly showed which App I preferred. The clear winner was the “Automate” app found in the regular Google Playstore. Whilst the “Headunit” app has real promise and is basically a copy of Android Auto as found in some cars nowadays, the limitations of Android Auto and therefore Headunit compared to Automate and even Car Play by Apple is the deciding factor.

Automate can be customised a great deal and that’s its advantage. Also, it can operate as a standalone unit but works best IMHO when “tethered” to your smartphone using data via WiFi and phone/ sms via Bluetooth.

I’ve basically, finalised my build per se but still need to do the final wiring and installation of some hardware. The overall look won’t change from the outside but additional functionality will be added. Depending on how well this additional functionality works will determine if I further customize the interior from an aesthetic point of view as a separate project.

So I guess best to start with what hard- and software I’m using or will use in this Project. Currently installed and operational are:

Hardware:

1. Nexus 7 2013 model with Android 5.1.1 (Rooted)
2. OEM Touchscreen “housing” – basically the metal housing for the screen and circuit boards etc. for support, installation and holding the peripherals. Plus the OEM touch screen surround.
3. Targus 4-Port Smart USB Hub (ACH112) – for peripherals (EasyCap, SDR, FiiO, etc.) - Working
4. 2x 12VDC to 5VDC 3A power supply converters – 1 for Tablet, 1 for powered USB hub - Working
5. FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier – equalizes volume with CD/Radio of OEM stereo - Working
6. Good quality OTG Y cable - Working
7. Various other cables, connectors, etc. as required

Software (all working):

1. Timur’s Kernel for Nexus 7 2013
2. Super User (SU) by Chainfire – is installed with Timur’s kernel
3. Tasker App (on both Tablet and Phone)
4. Tasker Secure Plugin (on Tablet only)
5. Tasker Tablet Talk Plugin (on Tablet only)
6. Automate Car Dashboard (on Tablet only)
7. HERE Maps (Optional) (on Tablet only)
8. Backspin Media Player (Optional Google Play Music is default) (on Tablet only)
9. Tablet Talk (on both Tablet and Phone)
10. IID Control – For RRS vehicle diagnostics and programming (optional) (BT IID Tool required)

The current setup is as below:



I may need to do some additional wiring on the power supply front in due course to ensure I don’t get power loss on cranking however this is relatively minor and can be done later once I have all the apps and hardware working properly.

This is shown below:



* Note that the power will go directly to the tablet and a duplicate setup for the USB hub. This should prevent the EasyCAP USB having issues during cranking. However I’ll see if this is needed.

The final setup will look something like below:



The biggest change is that I’m using my Nexus 7 in lieu of the LG tablet. This has the advantage of allowing me to use car specific ROMs and kernels, but means I can’t make telephone call directly per se.

To get round this I’m using the Tablet Talk app plus the Tablet Talk Plugin for Tasker on my phone. Basically, now when the phone connects via Bluetooth to the Sport it triggers the Tablet Talk connection between phone and tablet. Job done I can make and receive calls via the tablet as well as receiving sms on the tablet

For the custom ROM I’m using the Timur Kernel designed for Fixed Installation Nexus 7. Timur’s kernel takes care of putting the Nexus 7 into deep sleep mode when power is lost and also keeping the screen on. This means I lose less than 1% battery per day off charge. It also wakes up the tablet on power connection and reinstates the pre deep sleep status.

It also has power up/ down animations. I’m currently using the jpeg below (which is also my standard boot up and Automate wallpaper), but considering adding a proper animation for power down, as per the link as I can't upload the file:

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That's SO impressive, mate. Excellent job. Regards etc.,

Wojtek

---
WAS: 2006 RRS Supercharged
IS: 2010 RRS TDV8 HSE

Thanks Wojtek

Haven't progressed much but here's a link to a video over the system run through and powerdown (If you like AC/DC turn up the volume ):



I've also now got the SDR FM Radio working but need to wire in the additional 12VDC antenna to get reception in the car and also need to install the drivers for the reversing camera. Once I have the reversing camera working then I'll wire it up with an FTDI card to trigger the camera when the reversing light is on. This will then automatically switch to camera on the tablet .

So getting there... Only issue I have right now is with the interface between Tablet Talk and Automate. They work together but I don't get either SMS notifications or recent call logs on the cards on the home screen because Automate works with the OEM dialer and SMS apps which the N& doesn't have as it doesn't support voice.

To get round this I may go with Automate for short journeys and Headunit for Android Auto for longer journeys but this is not ideal either. I'm hoping I can get RemoDroid working or Mirrorcast and run everything from the phone this would be the best solution, and use the BT connection to the Sport as the trigger for Automate.

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"

Guyzer, your determination to this project truly impresses me

I struggle to change interior bulbs so eve contemplating something like this on a car is WAY above my skill set.

Brilliant work  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

Thanks BC

I think I might be a little OCD, or just plain pigheaded, but probably a bit of both as I don't like to fail if I start something even if it takes years like this Project.

A lot of this I've taught myself by trial and error, mostly error... and hundreds of hours researching the net about other peoples builds and ideas.

Now that it's nearing completion it'll take time because of the fine tuning which is annoying as I want it done now...

However hopefully in the end it'll be worth it...

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 so a small update for what it's worth.

I've had the FM/AM radio working on the tablet but due to the poor UI found on the Apps, I've decided to use the FM radio on the OEM stereo and not waste my time with this, even though the reception is good it's just another point of failure.

The reversing camera works but is currently waiting a new camera that fits into the AB rear roof spoiler in lieu of the one located by the number plate light. Once it's installed I'll post pics to prove it works, because I know no pics means it didn't happen

I've also permanently done the power wiring, audio is still to be decided.

Just waiting for the final piano black trim pieces and then I'll tidy the dash up finally.

On the UI side here is the updated layout and screens of the tablet:

Overall view:


Main screen:

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All I can add is well done. Expertly carried out.
I wouldn't have the patience, skill or time to do something like this.
I blame it on getting old. John

RRS MY12 SDV6 HSE. Sumatra Black/Ebony & Walnut + Dynamic Pack, + Cold Climate Pack + Memory Pack, Digital TV/DVD, Premium Leather, Cornering Lights, Cooler/Fridge Box, & most Options.

A very belated Thanks for all the comments and compliments

Well I've been running the set-up for a couple months now and whilst I generally liked it a number of things grated me.

1) Even at over 6ft when seated comfortably I have to reach forward to operate the touchscreen. Audi et al have got round this by using their MMI/ iDrive interface, but this isn't an option here as there's no way to integrate that with Android easily and no ergonomic place to locate such a controller in the RRS.
2) Even with the brightness cranked right up, the screen is all but illegible around noon because of the direct sunlight through the windscreen - poor design by LR originally.
3) Because it's installed where it is both the light sensor and mic are covered rendering them useless... and unrecoverable as they are 'buried' behind the AC vent trim well back from the front of the dash.
4) I realised I prefer having telephone functions on the tablet rather than FM and Reversing camera - the former is provided by the OEM stereo, the latter by the after market rear view mirror with reversing camera function.

So how to resolve this???

Well first step was to lose the Nexus 7 and replace it with an Huawei MediaPad X2 LTE - better brightness, telephone function, rootable, faster and more compact. It doeesn't however easily allow for FM radion or reversing camera. But as I said I prefer phone function over these and can toy with these in due course. It's also a 7", but in the new location plenty big enough

Next was to consider how to resolve the other problems... and here I happened across this :

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So some small progress in the mock-ups.

Had a drive around over lunch and the display is now no longer effected by the sunlight, so a good start. I've also moved the housing marginally forward (1cm).

The tablet is temporarily secured with double sided tape, but if I decide to make it permanent then it will be held in place with screws and strips of plastic as a brace.

I've used an app called "screen shift" to change the resolution of the screen from a 7inch 1200x1920 screen to a 6.5inch screen so it fits the OEM opening. I will play around and see what looks best including trying an 8inch screen 'shrunk' to fit the original height opening but full width. Also depends if the other Apps on the tablets play nice with the revised resolutions as to whether it can work.

Here a few photos of the tablet mocked-upin the housing and working. Shows the gap at the back and the interface with the AC vents etc.

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Hi Guyzer, nice mod I installed Nexus 7 2013 into original screen position, just facing interesting issue with OEM radio after navi removal - I can turn on radio and switch functions, but no sound is coming out as well, as volume knob does nothing but switching radio on / off on push. It even doesn/'t show volume numbers on screen. Did you experienced this? I disconnected all connectors from original navi while balttery was disconnected. (I waited 10mins to discharge everything before disconnecting battery).. Thanks for hint

Forexman,

Sounds like you haven't passed through the Fibre Optic MOST cable from the back of the OEM Touchscreen.

You need to buy one of these and connect it on to the FO cable you removed from the back of the Touchscreen, its the twin orange cable with a black plug.

Once you connect this the volume control and sound should return. This is because the MOST circuit is a 'ring' and any break will prevent it functioning.

Hope this helps.

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"

Hi, that would be the case! I just ordered the loop and I'll try when it'll arrive. Thanks a lot for help!

No worries, glad o help. Good luck with finishing the build

Oh and post some pictures, always interested in other peoples solutions and ideas

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"

It helped Almost done with my build, waiting just for new rearview camera. I'll post some pics then