Android Auto Portable Dev-Box (DIY)

Overview

The Android Auto portable head unit (HU) is a do-it-yourself project for developers wanting to test and demonstrate their Android Auto application outside of an in-vehicle implementation. Assembling the portable HU involves modifying a standard toolbox to house an Android Auto-capable head unit:

Hardware

• 26” Toolbox
• Box Divider - 2 layer acrylic plexiglass (refer to divider specs)
• Android Auto Unit - Includes Mic, USB extender and wiring adapter
• AC/DC Converter - US only 110v to 12VDC @ 5.8 Amp
• Speakers - (2 speakers, 1 pair) 5.25” or 4" depending on preference
• Screws + Nuts - (30 needed) 10-32 x 0.5"
• L-Brackets - (4 needed) 2.5” x ⅝”, for mounting head unit to box divider
• Hinges - (2 needed) 1.5” hinges
• Switches - (2 needed)

Tools:

• Double sided velcro tape (to secure AC/DC to toolbox)
• Wire stripper
• Drill with the following bits:
  
  • 3/16 bit for Screw ports
  • 11.5mm for Mic port
  • 11mm for Switch ports
• Phillips #2 (star) screwdriver
• Electrical tape and/or wire crimpers

Step 1: Box Divider Layout

Step 2: Wiring

Step 3: Assembly Tips

• L-Brackets - screw brackets to closest opening holes to front display on headunit
• AC/DC Converter - after cutting cig lighter adapter, wire with white text print is usually positive charge
  • please use region specific converter for countries outside US
  • another alternative would be to add a universal voltage adapter
• Hinges - Align and install hinges with pivot divider midpoint to edge of toolbox opening

Step 4: Wrap-Up

• given all hardware and tools are set to go, assembly and wiring should take around 2-3hrs

Comments

[LarryA53]

I plan on building one of these for my back yard entertainment system, but I can see no way of maintaining the unit memory when it's unplugged for relocation. Any suggestions for some kind of battery backup? I just want it to maintain settings from the time I put it away till I use it again.
Thanks

[Joel Mosquera]

The only way I can think of, its to buy a portable batteries and splice the in/out cable and connect them between the unit and the converter. This will give you a temporary source for storing setting while also. Running the unit for maybe a couple of hours until you plug it back in

[MikeR21]

Looks nice ! :) I was looking to make one out of wood for my development/testing Pioneer 4100NEX, currently just sitting on a stand and it's shipping box.

I guess we'd need an iDatalink or similar to create steering wheel controls ?

If you can't afford a hardware headunit, or want more without spending too much, see my Headunit app for Android Auto which runs nicely on tablets: forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/android-4-1-headunit-android-auto-t3125252/

[tomatoskins]

Really cool project!