Tablet as radio?

[JSH]

I've looked into doing something similar. My 2004 Astro is in-between technologies. It is too new to have a tape deck but too old to have AUX in. So it has AM/FM and a CD player which is pretty useless. I've looked at adapting a tablet to have navigation and music but I will most likely just buy a $250-$300 head unit with Android Auto / CarPlay.

[Fat Charlie]

Of course, you could do what I do- get a dash vent phone holder for $8-$10 and a bluetooth phone speaker on the visor. Use Waze or Google Maps and you're done.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

Of course, you could do what I do- get a dash vent phone holder for $8-$10 and a bluetooth phone speaker on the visor. Use Waze or Google Maps and you're done.

I could. I have two Sony Bluetooth speakers that pair for stereo sound. They fit nicely on the dash but the issue is keeping them charged for long trips. They also are a bit of a hassle to keep paired to the phone when making frequent stops.

[Fat Charlie]

Yeah, constantly connecting bluetooth sucks. I only bother with mine when I'm making or expecting a call.

[hat_man]

It looks like I may go with an Android tablet and the Android version of VLC. I can burn CD's from my collection (yes I'm old) and then move them to the tablet. I also can download an audio bible and listen while driving. I'm sure I can find some type of plug in speaker that isn't an ear bud. Doesn't have to be very loud, just enough to hear over the road noise in the truck.

[NoD~]

So I bought this one...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

to replace my tablet setup in my Subaru. It seems to be very responsive with some decent audio features. I ran Torque, poweramp, google maps, etc. and it worked fine with minimal lag. I threw in my data-only Google Fi sim and it connected w/o issue. Audio outputs seem typical of any receiver I've used. The subwoofer output gives you some decent options for crossover. Can turn the power off on the amps, which is kind of a unique feature (the REM wire on/off that is).

The 2 negatives I'll say is that 1. I had to trim my housing to make the faceplate fit (seems they all have different sizes and corner radius anymore) and 2. the left buttons aren't very sensitive; they are a bit numb.

Anywho, definitely recommend going this route if you have the money.

[ASV]

yeah all that fancy stuff you can get this
put your it on your phone or your tablet or your laptop or a freaking walkman it will work with anything that can take headphones

https://www.amazon.com/TECKNET-Unive...ix=fm+&sr=8-15

[teoman]

Some bt connections are fairly good.

Inhave a sena headset for my motorbike and the moment i turn it on, the phone connects.

[redpoint5]

I discovered I don't have the mental bandwidth to hold a conversation and ride a motorcycle at the same time. A quick confirmation of plans is fine, but anything requiring a thoughtful response either makes riding more dangerous, or results in a suboptimal conversation, and usually a combination of both.

That's what I don't get about cell phone laws. It's not the attention to the phone that is dangerous, it's the conversation itself. I can dial a number without taking my eyes from the road, but it's the distraction away from the task of driving that reduces my ability to drive. For that matter, a screaming child should certainly be illegal in a vehicle. I can't think of much more distracting than nonstop blood curdling screams. I was thinking the best vehicle for a parent would be a limo with privacy glass.

[teoman]

I agree with you about the distraction.

But if the phone is buzzing in your pocket it is much more of a distraction for me.

Its nice to listen to music, and talk with your ride buddies.


My point was, the bt connection is perfect. Switch the device on, “bunk” it is connected. No fumbling.