Nice work. Can you make it so you still have access to the storage bin with the tablet in place? Is this something you would be willing to sell to other members?
Center Cut for the Center Console
A while back I got disgusted with a $300 contraption I'd installed for mounting my iPad. Being an on-again, off-again woodworker -- who pretty much knows his way around a router table -- I decided to make a trip to the scrap pile. Glad I did. Fits like a glove and doesn't vibrate at all. The possibilities are now endless when you think of the ports that can be added for cable management.
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You flatter me. But, yes, you just lift it out using the Ram mount as a handle. Since I seldom, if ever, have reason to access the bottom bin, the system works great. I find the hidden compartment to be like your attic; you occasionally climb up into it for something you forgot you had. The factory version is annoying; anything you place on the plastic surface, slides around and clangs mercilessly. This method lets you line the surface with whatever you like. I used a $3 vinyl, grooved stair tread from Lowe's I cut to size. Objects stay put, making for a much quieter ride. On top of that...it just looks cool. Here are more pictures showing concept to prototype.
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You start to visualize the possibilities. The key is not to overthink it, which I did at first. Just cut your bottom panels to fit. Once you get the underneath support legs right, you let the trim dress it out. Again, you can see why I had no choice.
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That Alpine CarPlay touch-screen unit, which hit the streets in early 2015, actually replaced an earlier head unit my son and I installed with a backup camera when I dumped the nav in 2013, in favor of an iPad. You'll need a pocket drawer (Honda makes it, but hard to find) to take up the space where the radio controls of the nav used to be. Couldn't live without CarPlay. Even though it has Apple maps, nothing can't touch WAZE, especially when displayed on the iPad. The WAZE app not available (yet anyway) for CarPlay so far as I know.
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The initial version came together without a center bar where Ram mount attaches. Felt it needed more height and liked the idea of another storage area. Also the added meat for for the screws and nuts didn't hurt.
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I really am confused now. Mine is an RTLNAV where I scrapped the OEM Navi to I put in the Alpine. Like I said, I had to add the pocket drawer. The RL should already have it, in which case I'm certain the CarPlay Alpine would fit an RL. Hope I haven't muddied the waters any worse.
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ISO, per Crutchfield, this Alpine HU will fit a 1G RL w/o OEM Navigation. (Enough acronyms for everyone? :act029
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Thanks for clearing that up. I obviously have some nomenclature issues ... nothing some single malt won't cure. Counting the hours.ISO, per Crutchfield, this Alpine HU will fit a 1G RL w/o OEM Navigation. (Enough acronyms for everyone? :act029
SWEET! Nice work. Love the way the best of Ram Mount was reused in a better, more creative and totally custom application.
For an off/on wood guy, you know your way around the shop.
With a personal narrow interest, my similar project focused on the Torque and spectrum analyzer apps on a rooted Kindle. And I'm an old school dedicated GPS user - mostly cuz of reusing portable electronics used elsewhere.
I'm not familiar with very many iOS apps so pardon the ignorance. What apps you running?
Looks kooky but the Magellan only gets used on road trips and the Kindle is an occasional use thing.
Nice setup. I use all the stock apps that come pre-loaded with CarPlay units. On the iPad there are any number I can to go. Mostly it stays on WAZE for all navigation.
Right now working on a design to mount my iPhone so it's not sticking out of that upper pocket all the time. Frankly, with CarPlay, your smart phone can sit or hide anywhere as long as it's attached. Found yet another use for the infamous slug between the seat heater switches...a very economic way to retract the umbilical cord -- the cost of a rubber grommet.
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