How to install an iPad mini head unit in an Audi A8/D2 dash
 

How to install an iPad mini in an Audi A8/D2 as a head unit

A followup to my original post "how to install a double DIN head unit in an A8 D2 dash" from long ago:

(https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...1-a8l-2773028/)

• Uses an iPad mini 2 (64 bit) as the head unit. Only 16G, but using Apple Music or Pandora so it's enough) ($100 on craigslist)
• Output is wireless
  • Either a good bluetooth unit with AAC and MP3 codecs (not lossless, but very good. IOS and Android)
    (
    Amazon
    Amazon
    ) $35 OR
  • Airplay wireless into a converted Apple TV gen 3 (lossless audio, but IOS only) ($50 craigslist)
    (converted an Apple TV gen 3 from 120v AC to 12V DC) (easy) ($25)
    (USB Power Module for Apple TV (Generation 3) - GLOBAL SHIPPING eBay)
    then optical out to analog RCA) ($25 BestBuy, USB powered

• Charging is via a 90 degree USB cable with a magsafe connector. Reconnects when you get close.
  (Mcdodo 3 in 1 Metal Magnetic Nylon Cable Lightning/Micro USB/Type C Sync charge eBay) $18
• iPad held on by magnets, so you can hand it to someone (cough, cough, wifey, cough) to select music.
• 4G LTE from AT&T (Mobley in diagnostic port), unlimited, $22 a month including all taxes, etc. Unplugs and moves to my big RV for trips.
• Can also use your phone as a WiFi hot spot instead. Or use an Apple TV gen 3 v2. No WiFi needed to connect to that version.
• BTW, tried wireless charging ("Qi"), but not enough power, and the iPad gets too hot.
• Uses existing sound processor (Alpine PXE-H660) and amps, speakers and subs (removed original Bose stuff 10 years ago)

• "Hey Siri" works well, even with road noise because dual noise cancelling microphones in iPad.
• Hands free with a small bluetooth button for volume, pause, fwd, rev, Siri. Will eventually connect to existing steering wheel controls.
• Works and sounds amazing. iPad is removable and easily stashed if needed.
• Waze, Google maps, any app you like.

I'll write more tomorrow, but here are the teaser pictures:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...e5ca48ab6e.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...18596e6adf.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...e242493c92.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...45244958a0.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...021884b8f1.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...c536b50ba2.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...d50cf7f0be.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...202f3aec22.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...9e98f671aa.jpgBackground screen
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...b9b1b8a6aa.jpgBackground screen
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...3a70b66a57.jpgTest fitting.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...760d8dc750.jpgBestBuy $25
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...fe4398d70d.jpgOpening up an Apple TV gen 3 to convert from 120V AC to 12V DC
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...3d7dec7e51.jpgtesting.

Nice
 

Very nice, I've wanted to do this for a while. I'd love to figure out how to get the iPad to pop up a video of the backup camera automatically without me having to touch the screen, that would be great.

I'm chasing the same problem.

some interesting kickstarter solutions, but a lot of vapor.

i purchased a Pearl Automotive RearView for my son's car. He uses an iPhone 6S+ for his main screen (mag mount). Their solution is awesome, but $499 was pricy. Unfortunately they blew through $50m in VC funding, but sales were too low. They closed up a month or so ago.


the app used NFC to needle a push notification, but is still a hack.

jialbreaking opens up lots of possibilities. Arduino with a canbus OBD-II shield and a few triggers. Might be an interesting project.

i'll keep you all updated.

- John