Going to mock up a dashpod for an Android head unit.

[Black]

Found an easy to use car launcher.
Android Car Launcher AG ($1.99).
Easy to use and setup. Very streamlined and responsive.

 

[LokiWolf]

Found an easy to use car launcher.
Android Car Launcher AG ($1.99).
Easy to use and setup. Very streamlined and responsive.

That looks pretty good!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Black]

Small issue with this particular model.
The description listed being SDcard compatible. With only 16gb internal storage I had planned on using an SDcard for more storage for the apps.
There is no SDcard slot. So I am guessing one must use an USB adapter for more storage.
Which then leaves you with one USB and if wanting to run a dash cam you have no USB input options.
So we’ll see how much the unit is bogged down once the GPS app is downloaded.
I had planned on getting a better unit if this works as hoped so I’ll do a little more research on the next unit.

 

[Black]

As with any job having the proper tools makes life so much easier and makes the work better.
I am not a woodworker and have very few tools. So my Rotozip, a level, Square blade, and some crappy clamps were my guide.
Screwed up the 2nd two cuts royally on my first attempt.
So went for a 2nd try and came out much better.


But of course I am a moron and did not take into account the depth of the housing where it gets wider and my 5/8” thick board is much too thick.
Not really sure if one can put MDF in a planer so I guess I’ll go get a sheet of 3/8” board so the screen is not recessed in the opening.

 

[Robert Castro]

Any updates?

 

[Black]

In regard to the pod itself no. I have not been able to source 3/8s MDF locally and any 3/8s wood I have located certainly would splinter like mad using the tools I have.
Father in law has a pretty good wood shop so he is going to make a front panel for me, eventually.

I am still tinkering and learning this Android stuff. I have it pretty much setup as I want it. I would like to tweak the boot animation to a Ford logo which is possible. It just takes rooting the device which I am still trying to figure out.

 

[Black]

I get about zero free time to work on projects so everything around here goes slow.
I much prefer spending time with my boys. They are still a bit small to help when real tools are involved. Plus pretty much any freetime I get has been spent redoing the kitchen and bathroom at our cabin. Should be done next week but then we’ll be able to use it again so much of the summer free time will be there.

But anyway finally got the front plate cut. I am certainly no woodworker nor do I have the proper tools which makes the task far more difficult.
But I am one step closer. The front plate will likely be the most difficult part. The sides and top should not be as bad as the wood can be a little thicker.


I am guessing I’ll have to make a little hood to cut the glare. One of those glare cutting screen protectors may work.

 

[Iamsam1117]

Is that's factory mirror or where did you get it??

I get about zero free time to work on projects so everything around here goes slow.
I much prefer spending time with my boys. They are still a bit small to help when real tools are involved. Plus pretty much any freetime I get has been spent redoing the kitchen and bathroom at our cabin. Should be done next week but then we’ll be able to use it again so much of the summer free time will be there.

But anyway finally got the front plate cut. I am certainly no woodworker nor do I have the proper tools which makes the task far more difficult.
But I am one step closer. The front plate will likely be the most difficult part. The sides and top should not be as bad as the wood can be a little thicker.
View attachment 30919 View attachment 30920

I am guessing I’ll have to make a little hood to cut the glare. One of those glare cutting screen protectors may work.

 

[Black]

It’s a panoramic clip on with separate adjustable mini conversation mirror for the back seat.
I got it from Amazon but says it is no longer available.

New -Blue Guardian Child Car Mirror | Anti-Glare Blue Tint Flat Rear View Mirror PLUS a Panoramic Child/Toddler Mirror | Clip-On Universal Fit | Mimics Auto-Dimming Anti-Dazzle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N051M4N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a-giDb8AXW05T

Great mirror actually. The mirrors are actually plastic so I was worried it would not be very good when it arrived.
But I have had it for well over a year and it is still very clear and holds on the mirror snugly.

The viewing angle of the main mirror is substantially more than factory and since I have a sunroof no conversation mirror I don’t have to have the main mirror at some jimmy jacked angle to see the cars behind and the kids.

 

[bobmbx]

I get about zero free time to work on projects so everything around here goes slow.
I much prefer spending time with my boys. They are still a bit small to help when real tools are involved. Plus pretty much any freetime I get has been spent redoing the kitchen and bathroom at our cabin. Should be done next week but then we’ll be able to use it again so much of the summer free time will be there.

But anyway finally got the front plate cut. I am certainly no woodworker nor do I have the proper tools which makes the task far more difficult.
But I am one step closer. The front plate will likely be the most difficult part. The sides and top should not be as bad as the wood can be a little thicker.
View attachment 30919 View attachment 30920

I am guessing I’ll have to make a little hood to cut the glare. One of those glare cutting screen protectors may work.

One way to cut the glare is to change the angle of the screen so it leans toward you instead of towards the windshield. Doesn't have to be much of an angle, just enough.

 

[Black]

One way to cut the glare is to change the angle of the screen so it leans toward you instead of towards the windshield. Doesn't have to be much of an angle, just enough.

True but tilted forward the unit looks very out of place.
Keeping to the same angle as the rest of the dash underneath it sort of looks like it is supposed to be there.

 

[Denethor]

I know this is an old thread, but the chinese knock of people have upped their game recently and now you can replace the entire center stack with a huge touch screen.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/330...chweb0_0,searchweb201602_4,searchweb201603_53

 

[Black]

Well would you look at that. Looks like someone has figured out the rear HVAC controls.
I just picked up a new dash tray this week to try to complete the Pod.
I just got zero percent CC I may just have to give this a try.
Guess the unit I bought can go in the Mustang.

Sure wish it had more cores and memory. Would be great if that was upgradable for future tech.

 

[Denethor]

yeah, my head unit is an Octa core with 8/64 runs so much faster than my first quad with 2/8.
There were a bunch on the site, i just linked to one, someone else may have a higher spec unit. They all had "tesla style" in the title.

 

[Adieu]

I know this is an old thread, but the chinese knock of people have upped their game recently and now you can replace the entire center stack with a huge touch screen.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/330...chweb0_0,searchweb201602_4,searchweb201603_53

Appears to actually only be for a specific equipment level for 15-17, which they themselves seem unaware of (encouraging, innit?)



Or wait.... that might be a competing product?

So damn hard to tell with creative chinese badging

 

[Robert Castro]

I want to try that.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Black]

yeah, my head unit is an Octa core with 8/64 runs so much faster than my first quad with 2/8.
There were a bunch on the site, i just linked to one, someone else may have a higher spec unit. They all had "tesla style" in the title.

The universal unit I have is a quad core with 4/16.
I have only played with it on my workbench and seems to do what I want just fine.
I almost pulled the trigger but am going to hold off. I would rather put the money towards UCAs.
I’ll have the extra cash for one of these in February so I’ll wait.
Maybe they’ll have an upgraded unit and or someone with US tech support will have one out.

Appears to actually only be for a specific equipment level for 15-17, which they themselves seem unaware of (encouraging, innit?)

View attachment 31551

Or wait.... that might be a competing product?

So damn hard to tell with creative chinese badging

Did you get that graphic from the link he supplied?
The link I get from him shows nothing like that graphic.
Granted it shows a different one saying it will only work with the small screen sync.
I get this graphic


Maybe you link is a competitor or a model with more power.

 

[Black]

I am going to try to get back on building my pod for the time being.
I am not ready to drop $700 on this with the specs it has. The unit I have has better specs.
I am not much for woodworking which has been slowing my progress.
I bought a Tacoma bezel and am going to trim it a bit and try to make the tops and sides of some 1/8” or 1/4” plastic.
SCOSCHE TA2053S9B in-Dash Car Stereo Double DIN Installation Kit Compatible with 2005-Up Toyota Tacoma Vehicles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GOFYLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ma0uDb6H5AE33
Amazon had a warehouse deal for like $15.

 

[Black]

Tacoma bezel trimmed.
Jury is still out on whether it takes up too much real estate on the dash.
I need to make the sides and top then attach it to the tray. This will likely be temporary since We have one Tesla style unit. Hopefully someone will be along in short order with a better spec’d unit.
Octa-Core, 4gb ram, 64gb memory and I am in.
This will do for now though I may trim a bunch off the top above the screen.

 

[Adieu]

Tacoma bezel trimmed.
Jury is still out on whether it takes up too much real estate on the dash.
I need to make the sides and top then attach it to the tray. This will likely be temporary since We have one Tesla style unit. Hopefully someone will be along in short order with a better spec’d unit.
Octa-Core, 4gb ram, 64gb memory and I am in.
This will do for now though I may trim a bunch off the top above the screen.
View attachment 31624

What's the point of that monstrosity?

If you're not replacing the low spec factory unit, why not just mount a cheapie tablet and call it done?

And why'd you keep the factory unit anyway, does it integrate some critical component the truck won't work without?