I've begun on building a tablet dock for my non-Nav equipped 2010 Mustang.

If all goes as planned I will have fully functioning Sync as well as a docking for a 7" Android Tablet. I haven't decided which one yet ... but probably Either Dell or Samsung.

The entire original sound system and inputs will work since I am removing no components. I will even have access to the CD drive behind the tablet.

I will be able to use the tablet for Navigation, Video, Music and all other Android compatible Apps. I will hardwire the power and run a Mini-Audio jack into the center console connector for the sound.

All tablet controls will be through the tablet touchscreen.

Before I go any further I am going to install the faceplate and make sure all of the controls are still working. The only major hack I had to do was de-solder the Radio volume and tuning dials from the circuit board.

Once done I just need to finish cutting the appropriate since hole for the tablet. I won't be doing that until I actually choose the device so I can make the hole exactly right.





This is a Photoshop of want I want the finished product looking like.

 

Really impressive work. That's one mod you should be proud of. Goodluck with the build

 

So how will you adjust the volume, use presets, etc?

 

Thats gana look awesome!!!

 

The Steering wheel controls can handle just about everything once sync has been been setup. Pressing the Music button cycles through AM/FM/Sirius/Bluetooth/USB/Aux Input. Volume button controls Volume. Forward and Back buttons cycle through presets.

I need to figure out a way to be able to easily remove the Tablet in I need to. All the buttons will still be available on the circuit board if I need to do any additional setup. The only thing I had to remove from the circuit board was VOLUME CONTROL and the TUNER. The ON/OFF and OK buttons are still on the board.

FYI ... I'm going with the Galaxy Tab. It appears that some folks have been able to Sync Bluetooth with the Tab and use that to stream audio so not other connection may be required. The Galaxy is also slightly smaller than the Dell so it should fit better.

Going to FRYS tomorrow to check out the Galaxy. Best Buy had them but only the 3G versions .. I am buying the WIFI only version. The good thing is the WIFI only version still has GPS chip.

 

I was thinking about a Nook myself. They are root friendly.

 

I'm geeking out on this! It's awesome!!

 

No GPS chip in a nook.

 

This..


I say android. A million times easier to modify than an apple.

 

If Apple had a 7" iPad I would use that instead. The iPad supports true sleep mode via front mounted button. None of the android tablets can do that. I am gonna need to figure out how to access the power button once installed.

 

Kool mod! Keep us updated with the progress of your modification.

 

Picked up the Galaxy Tab and been messing with it all day. Got a nice installed PowerAmp mp3 player and CoPilot Navigation software. Also installed a large icon car interface to make it look like a traditional Nav device. It charges through Sync USB port so no wires to run. I was able to pair device via Bluetooth to Sync. Sync showed up as headphones on the Tab but it would no send sound to Sync. Having to use line in. I think I figured out a clever way to mount it in the bezel. I'll be breaking out the dremel tomorrow.

 

Looking forward to end result

 

Oh yeah!!! Got it working with Bluetooth!!! So my only cable will be the USB cable for power!!

As you can see in the picture ... I bought a spare Control Bezel to hack up for this project ... not my original one! I paid $100 for the Panel + Shaker 500 module + Upper Display Module. It was hoping to get a 2011 single Disc Shaker 500 but it turned out to be a 2010 6-Disc unit. I never used CD's so it sucks looking at all the empty CD slots at the top of the display all the time.

 

Oh I like this, I like this a lot!

In for the finished product, good luck Dan!

 

OK. It's done. I decided to go for a more semi-permanent install to make it look Factory. There was going to be no good way without fabrication and fiberglass to make it easily pop in and out and look good. My NUMBER ONE goal was to make it look factory and not aftermarket.

Luckily the 2010+ Mustang upper console and dash bezel can be popped out and removed in 60 seconds. I didn't bother putting the bottom two bolts in the bezel since it clips in just fine without them.

I do need to remove it one more time so I can install a 16GB Memory card and expand the storage from 16GB to 32GB.

Also notice that since I don't want to have to remove it too often .. I used a pen button to extend down to the ON/OFF button incase I ever need to reboot. It's in front of the Sync Display Panel ...







Here is a video of it in action ....

 

Very nice man..looks really professional !


I bet if you wrote up a guide/how-to..you'd be much loved



Are you able to pop it out and take it with you or no?

 

I'll get some pic's of what I cut and trimmed to get it to work when I remove it to install the memory.

The Tab was thicker than I thought so I had to remove more plastic than I really wanted to as not to mess up the integrity of the assembly. The circtuit board has to be fastened securely to the button panel for the buttons to work properly. I ended up having to remove the entire internal structure except for the lower buttons to get the Tab to fit between the Front bezel and the Circuit board.

 

Excellent job! Looks and works awesome!

 

I assume you have a 3g version or some sort of mifi card/tether setup?