[gamesfrager]

Captain's log, star date 20180729
Captured an Android box, Minix NEO U9-H running Android 6. Since this one has a wall plug; I had to find a 5v 3amp cigarette lighter charger, and also get a USB type A to a barrel type wire.
Managed to find the two on Amazon, and I'm happy to report it worked! This Android setup in car is going to be something.

I commissioned a carpenter to do the mount from wood. It's been 3 weeks now with him.
I don't want to rush it at the last step after all this wait.
Still waiting on the carpenter to give me an update on the mount. I already ordered matt finish vinyl wrap from aliexpress. Once the mount is done, I'll start porting and finishing up the android side.
Until then, have a good weekend everyone.

[gamesfrager]

Well, it's on hold now. Carpenter is out.
Back to square -10.

[gamesfrager]

Micro update:
Going to tackle it on my own. Local craftsmen asking CAD $500+ to do the mount.

Already ordered Dremel 3000 and I just got a USB GPS receiver.
Going to do a prototype from thick cardboard and see how it goes.

[PaKii94]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

Micro update:
Going to tackle it on my own. Local craftsmen asking CAD $500+ to do the mount.

Already ordered Dremel 3000 and I just got a USB GPS receiver.
Going to do a prototype from thick cardboard and see how it goes.

Dude I like the dedication lol. I'd have it setup, hid the wires and called it a day haha

[gamesfrager]

Never give up until the last breath...hahaha.
Have it setup, hide the wires and call it a day is exactly what I'm looking for. But how do I hide them damn wires? The 7inch LCD screen is just that, a screen without a frame.
And also need to get it mounted.
So I need to make frame and route all cables to the Android box.

At this point; replacing my dash with one that has the iDrive screen hump doesn't sound too bad, eh?!

[PaKii94]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

Never give up until the last breath...hahaha.
Have it setup, hide the wires and call it a day is exactly what I'm looking for. But how do I hide them damn wires? The 7inch LCD screen is just that, a screen without a frame.
And also need to get it mounted.
So I need to make frame and route all cables to the Android box.

At this point; replacing my dash with one that has the iDrive screen hump doesn't sound too bad, eh?!

If the nonidrive AVIN units were cheaper, I would have offered you my idrive dash lol. I was considering going idrive-> non idrive -> 10.25 in Avin. I want the bigger screen!

[gamesfrager]

That's exactly why I'm glad I don't have iDrive. I don't like the whole idea of the screen being stuck inside that cave!

I remember when 2012 models came out and BMW switched to the screen looking like they currently do; I told the sales guy at the dealership "this should be a removable device that you can upgrade later", he said wouldn't make sense from marketing and sales point.

Well, the Dremel is on the way, got my cardboard from thick watermelon bins. It's going to be the iWatermelon system...hahahah

[gamesfrager]

Well, it's happening.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MkS9hyyU9Bgyt6bW8 [warning: large image]

[gamesfrager]

Update on this.
I'm waiting delivery on a sheet of gloss black plexiglass 1cm thick. It arrived in Calgary, just waiting on delivery.
I'll be using it to do the frame of the display and might use it for the mount itself.

[gamesfrager]

Still alive and bugging me.
Still researching the cleanest look.

Which got me thinking and I need your help here; what if I get the iDrive screen only from say F15, how can I turn it into accepting the HDMI signal from my Android box?

Looking into it turned those multimedia interface boxes that take RCA or HDMI and turn it into (LVDS?) signal. But those are $230+USD!

Then I would need to trim the back casing of the iDrive screen to fit the dash.

Or does anyone have a broken iDrive screen? I can try and use the casing/frame and use it for my 7 inch LCD screen.

Anyone....

[exitmood]

well!!! I have the same project on my 2017 kia sorento for extra monitor on dash
I used samsung galaxy note 8, but how can I get the i drive controller? I used a track pad on middle console, It's not bad but the i drive controller is more better... I wish I can get it.. Can you help me on some way? By the way, why you did not use a 3d printer?

[gamesfrager]

Well, for the iDrive controller see if you can get one from a junkyard or look on ebay. I would check the junkyard first.

Once you do that; contact Yuri to get the controller board.
(all details are on the first page)

As for why not 3D print the mount; well I need to design and model it in a 3D software and I don't have much time between work and family.
Then I would need to print it, and I don't have a 3D printer.
I would need to buy it (more spending) and if I use a 3D printing service then it's going to cost me to print multiple versions until I get one that I'm happy with.

In the end I would have spent way too much on this part.
I was hoping I can get someone local interested in the project and I would pay them the cost of the filament.

Then we can take some orders and sell it as a kit. But seems no interest in all this.

I'm just waiting for some vacation time next month so I can try and finish the frame.I have revised the design so much, now it's a very small mount on the front and doesn't span all the way to the back.

[gamesfrager]

Still alive and kicking..... something big is going to happen next

[gamesfrager]

Got it 98% there. All installed in the car but then the touch screen didn't work, will try to figure that out next weekend.
I'll post a video once it's working the way I want it.

[Sensible_]

Originally Posted by gamesfrager

Got it 98% there. All installed in the car but then the touch screen didn't work, will try to figure that out next weekend.
I'll post a video once it's working the way I want it.

[gamesfrager]

Haven't managed to sort out the touch issue, but here are some teaser photos.

I really need to find an audio player app that works nicely with dpad (direction pad) (arrows/remote). Nothing from the 10 or so apps I install provide easy navigation and interaction with a dpad

Also need to improve the controller profile load time. Right now it's done through tasker/autoinput. Might have to go back to External Keyboard Helper.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/n8Nx4g5ZaW6nn6pa7

[codeterrorist]

Originally Posted by johnmc21

It sounds like you've identified the source of the slowdown in your system, pointing to the conversion of serial commands into Android commands using the Serial Manager app.

The best way to avoid the delay is to be wired not wireless. And using something like https://github.com/keymapperorg/KeyMapper which is a great app accomplishes the desired functionality.