Model A with a computer ?

Bob Johnson

Bob Johnson

Well-known member
I recently purchased a computer tablet. It is an Android tablet and not an I-Tablet. It has GPS capabilities. Since I use my Model A as a daily driver I figured why not mount it in my A. I made a mount that attaches to the dash rail and mounted the tablet. I placed it where it would not obstruct my vision of the road but was easy to see. Now I have GPS navigation in my Model A. It also has an application for a speedometer. What is next, backup camera, music player, trouble shooting guide ...? :D

Bob

tablet01.jpg
 
You have hit on something I think a lot of hobbyists would like to have, ...including me.

It is easy enough to camouflage good quality speakers behind door/kick panels, and if someone could make a small stand-alone amplifier (Not a radio or CD player) that could also be hidden behind a panel, then people like my kids could use their Ipod on 6v or 12v systems in their As & Ts. I'm sure your Tablet has music capabilities, so a wire going from the amp to plug into the earphone jack on your tablet would give you many hours of music options. Does anyone know of a device like I am describing that could be used in a Model A?

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Brent,

It has a music player application. In addition it has HD quality video, it can play movies. It charges from the USB connector so I can connect it to my 6V system using a cigarette adapter.

Bob
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
You have hit on something I think a lot of hobbyists would like to have, ...including me.

if someone could make a small stand-alone amplifier ... that could also be hidden behind a panel, then people like my kids could use their Ipod on 6v or 12v systems in their As & Ts. I'm sure your Tablet has music capabilities, so a wire going from the amp to plug into the earphone jack on your tablet would give you many hours of music options. Does anyone know of a device like I am describing that could be used in a Model A?

.
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This item is about 30.00. Available on line and on eBay...Here is a link.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-2CH-Ste..._Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item1c31fa5a08
 

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It does have Bluetooth capabilities. So I think it might be possible to install sensors that use Bluetooth to send readings to the tablet.

Bob
 
I've been trying to figure out a way to mount my Garmin on a more or less permanent basis. I already have the electrical done, just haven't come up with a mount that suits me.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
You have hit on something I think a lot of hobbyists would like to have, ...including me.

It is easy enough to camouflage good quality speakers behind door/kick panels, and if someone could make a small stand-alone amplifier (Not a radio or CD player) that could also be hidden behind a panel, then people like my kids could use their Ipod on 6v or 12v systems in their As & Ts. I'm sure your Tablet has music capabilities, so a wire going from the amp to plug into the earphone jack on your tablet would give you many hours of music options. Does anyone know of a device like I am describing that could be used in a Model A?

.
Click to expand...

Why hide it away ; )

I use an ipod connected to a cheap FM transmitter to play tunes through my add-on radio:
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On a sort-of related note, I've also got a working carphone in the backseat for passenger's use:
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BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
You have hit on something I think a lot of hobbyists would like to have, ...including me.

It is easy enough to camouflage good quality speakers behind door/kick panels, and if someone could make a small stand-alone amplifier (Not a radio or CD player) that could also be hidden behind a panel, then people like my kids could use their Ipod on 6v or 12v systems in their As & Ts. I'm sure your Tablet has music capabilities, so a wire going from the amp to plug into the earphone jack on your tablet would give you many hours of music options. Does anyone know of a device like I am describing that could be used in a Model A?

.
Click to expand...

Yes, I've made them many times. the two most recent are a 1964 mercury monteclair and a 1965 ford f100. It's super easy. But does take some soldering skills. there is a good article on the Hamb on doing it. But I just make my own electronics as it is far cheaper.
 
Hitchhiker said:
the problem I see with that is it needs line of sight to operate the controls. Also it's really cheap...and with electronics you get what you payed for.

I wonder if it charges your I pod too.
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It comes with a remote, so it can go out of site...and has 5V output USB for Charging...as for really cheap, yup, it is, but I am sure you an find an expensive one if you want....
 
QGolden said:
It comes with a remote, so it can go out of site...and has 5V output USB for Charging...as for really cheap, yup, it is, but I am sure you an find an expensive one if you want....
Click to expand...

Sorry, I should have been more clear.

looking at the pictures I doubt it works with out a direct line of sight between your remote. pretty common on cheaper equipment. Try using your cable box remote outside of the line of sight. Mine doesn't work. maybe yours does...

As far as the charging it has a separate usb output for charging vs. the input for sound. At least that is how it looks to me. I prefer a system that charges the ipod while it is in use.

As far as expense.. Yes, I would rather buy a more expensive quality piece than a cheaper one. I've learned that through experience having had to replace cheaper mobile audio components with alarming frequency. You are better off spending your hard earned cash on something that will last. That pretty much sums up my thoughts on purchasing any goods.. so take that for what it is worth... I also don't shop at Walmart and drive my model A EVERYDAY...;)
 
Engine diagnostics?

Does this mean if you leave the GAV too far open you'll fail the emissions test?

Joe K
 
I do side work for a guy who builds f100 steering boxes and hydraulic brakes kits for the model a, and he just sold a slant that he restored and he put a back up camera in it. I'd think they would be handy for blindbacks!
 
I converted a drive in movie speaker to make it an rechargeable amplified speaker. It hangs on the door going down the road for music.

I also have a bluetooth dongle I can connect to it to make it so the wire does not have to connect to the phone/tablet.
 
jcheshire31 said:
I do side work for a guy who builds f100 steering boxes and hydraulic brakes kits for the model a, and he just sold a slant that he restored and he put a back up camera in it. I'd think they would be handy for blindbacks!
Click to expand...

Wireless backup cameras and screens are sold for modern pickup trucks. The generally mount on the license plate or bumper. They probably can be adapted to a Model A.
 
KenCoupe said:
Wireless backup cameras and screens are sold for modern pickup trucks. The generally mount on the license plate or bumper. They probably can be adapted to a Model A.
Click to expand...
A guy in our club has one on his '31 4-door slant window.
 
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