Android Tablet as Car PC

Step 16: Mistakes I Made for You to Learn From

I did not like the idea of having to plug the headphone cord into the top of the tablet.  I knew that the dock connector had pin outs for analog audio.  I bought a cable that allowed me to charge the tablet as well as to play audio through the same cord.  However when testing this in the car, I was unable to get rid of the noise when charging the dock and powering the amplifier at the same time.  There may be an electrical hobbyist on here who could tell me why or help figure out a solution, but I was unable to figure out a solution. 

After this didn't work I bought a bluetooth audio receiver that I plugged into the amplifier.  This device worked and I was able to use the audio without attaching a second cable.  However, I the sound isn't as clear as with an audio cable.  I also run it to issues where the bluetooth has trouble connecting.  For the time and effort, I would highly reccomend just using the headphone cable.  It is the best option I was able to come up with at this time.

Comments

[Sassah122]

This is good for people who have a lot of time and money on their hands. I did a very simple thing.
1. Get iPhone of android windscreen mount.

2. Use a standard audio cable to transfer audio signals from phone to car. I used aux port but you could also use a special cassette tape that provides a 3.5 mm jack.

3. Connect the phone's usb car charger to my 12 volt output.

4. Download apps and enjoy!

[baldmosher]

If by 'noise' you mean electrical interference, have you tried a ferrite loop in the cable to see if that helps? (It might not)

[lloydrmc]

Good idea.

[Shadow351]

You could also try a ground loop isolator.

http://www.amazon.com/Stinger-SGN20-Ground-Loop-Isolator/dp/B002ZRQ3PW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1330990473&sr=8-2

[dweith]

Great job, the Double DIN opening is just the perfect size for a tablet solution. I have considered something similar and I know now it is possible. As a Mustang owner also, and considering an upgrade of the Shaker500. During my research via Crutchfield there is a PAC Ford Radio Replacement Interface the will allow aftermarket equipment to use the stock amp. Just curious if you started with a Shaker500 or better before switching to your tablet solution and tried the factory amp before using a aftermarket solution?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127C2RFRD1/PAC-Ford-Radio-Replacement-Interface.html

[willyam111]

I did have a Shaker 500 but I didn't realize that the Shaker 500 had external amps. I just assumed the amps were in the Shaker 500 unit. I could have saved myself some trouble and used the cable you have shown. I actually have that cable from when I had previously installed a different aftermarket CD player.