Install and integrate a tablet in the car: Instructions & tips

To install and integrate a tablet in the car, only a few simple steps are necessary. We show you exactly how to proceed and get the best out of the tablet as a board computer.

Build the tablet in the car - step 1: remove the radio

This guide is based on the Google Nexus 7 tablet. Start by removing the old car radio from the car:

1. Get the right unlocking tool for your radio so that you can remove it.
2. Then carefully pull the radio out of the slot and remove all cables.
3. If you have removed the radio, you must now remove the old cover and the center console.
4. To do this, loosen the necessary screws on the sides until you can carefully remove the center console.
5. If necessary, you will also find detailed instructions on how to remove the radio here.

Build the tablet in the car - step 2: install a suitable cover

After you have removed the old car radio and the cover, continue with the installation of the new cover:

1. First, look for the right cover for your car. You also need a larger center console.
2. Make sure that both are awarded "DIN 2" so that the tablet fits.
3. Then install the appropriate center console together with the cover in your car and fasten all the screws.
4. Cut the bezel so that it fits the tablet perfectly and put the two together.
5. Then mark the locations for audio output and charging socket and also expose them.
6. To prevent the tablet from slipping out of the holder, drill two holes on the top and bottom with a 4mm drill so that they are opposite each other.
7. Place the tablet in the bezel and run a cable tie through the holes drilled earlier. Tighten it, the tablet sits firmly in the bezel.

Build the tablet in the car - Step 3: Prepare the electronics

For these instructions you need the following components: Mini amplifier, micro USB OTG Y cable, 12 volt socket, ISO adapter for the car radio, USB Y cable, speaker cable, soldering iron, luster terminal, audio cable and solder.

1. Cut the ISO adapter with a cable clipper. You also carry out this step for the 12 volt socket.
2. Strip the two ends and tin them with solder. Then screw them together in the luster terminal.
3. Now connect the amplifier to the luster terminal using the speaker cable.
4. Now bring these cables back into the center console and connect the ISO adapter with the plug from the car. You can screw the amplifier under or next to the center console.
5. Now plug the USB plug into the 12-volt plug and connect the USB-Y cable to it. You can glue loose cables with adhesive tape.
6. Plug the other side of the USB-Y cable into the tablet so that it is permanently supplied with power. Try whether all functions run without problems.
7. If this is the case, screw the tablet to the sides and click in the bezel.
8. You now have the option of using the tablet as a navigation system or on-board computer. It also serves as a good carplay alternative.

Read on the next page to what extent the tablet is allowed in the car.