Serious post: Off-road and expodition type products

[usmcdoc14]

seeing as your company might actually read this, there are a couple products that no one makes that need to be made that fit our needs. And we are a very large market, then you add on boaters and other outdoor sports people and you get a VERY large market..

1) A simple plug in to iPod to amplifier connector for us in buggies who do not want to run a head unit. WITH a simple waterproof/resistant volume and maybe a control. Simple rubber buttons, volume up/down, next/previous song and the like big enough to press the buttons wearing driving gloves. Maybe some mounting tabs on it.
This way we can run out ipod/whatever in a waterproof box and mount the control box on the dash without worry of anything with easy control.

2) an iPad and Droid tablet plug in that has RCA out but also has inputs for video in (backup cam) audio in, aux in and the like. This way your tablet can become your headunit with the ability to play regular FM, sat radio and all the other normal crap a headunit does.
My kenwood with NAV, bluetooth, camera in, vid in/out, sat in and all the bells and whistles costs like $900. You could get a tablet and then your adapter for HALF that and whoop its butt. Maybe even bundle it with a generic AM/FM reciever that can be controlled via an ap.
Ya lots of guys are doing custom installs but they still have no AM/FM unless you run another headunit, no sat radio unless the same, no backup cam unless you get another monitor...get the idea?

iPod may be a pain due to its proprietary plug but a driod based with it using a micro USB should be easy.

just need someone to package it.



Anyone else have any ideas or input?

[makya]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

seeing as your company might actually read this, there are a couple products that no one makes that need to be made that fit our needs. And we are a very large market, then you add on boaters and other outdoor sports people and you get a VERY large market..

1) A simple plug in to iPod to amplifier connector for us in buggies who do not want to run a head unit. WITH a simple waterproof/resistant volume and maybe a control. Simple rubber buttons, volume up/down, next/previous song and the like big enough to press the buttons wearing driving gloves. Maybe some mounting tabs on it.
This way we can run out ipod/whatever in a waterproof box and mount the control box on the dash without worry of anything with easy control.

2) an iPad and Droid tablet plug in that has RCA out but also has inputs for video in (backup cam) audio in, aux in and the like. This way your tablet can become your headunit with the ability to play regular FM, sat radio and all the other normal crap a headunit does.
My kenwood with NAV, bluetooth, camera in, vid in/out, sat in and all the bells and whistles costs like $900. You could get a tablet and then your adapter for HALF that and whoop its butt. Maybe even bundle it with a generic AM/FM reciever that can be controlled via an ap.
Ya lots of guys are doing custom installs but they still have no AM/FM unless you run another headunit, no sat radio unless the same, no backup cam unless you get another monitor...get the idea?

iPod may be a pain due to its proprietary plug but a driod based with it using a micro USB should be easy.

just need someone to package it.



Anyone else have any ideas or input?

really beyond that it just becomes all about integration and marketing. there are a million things that can grow from there, if the marketing can sell it.

[98blacktj]

I remember reading somewhere that in the EU Apple ships all their iDevices with a dock to Micro USB. I'd love to use my Ipad in the Bronco to do everything Doc mentioned.

[66Halfcab]

PerformanceElectronics.com is where i would start looking and if they dont have it they can probably point you in the direction to go.

[Todd W]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

seeing as your company might actually read this, there are a couple products that no one makes that need to be made that fit our needs. And we are a very large market, then you add on boaters and other outdoor sports people and you get a VERY large market..

1) A simple plug in to iPod to amplifier connector for us in buggies who do not want to run a head unit. WITH a simple waterproof/resistant volume and maybe a control. Simple rubber buttons, volume up/down, next/previous song and the like big enough to press the buttons wearing driving gloves. Maybe some mounting tabs on it.
This way we can run out ipod/whatever in a waterproof box and mount the control box on the dash without worry of anything with easy control.

2) an iPad and Droid tablet plug in that has RCA out but also has inputs for video in (backup cam) audio in, aux in and the like. This way your tablet can become your headunit with the ability to play regular FM, sat radio and all the other normal crap a headunit does.
My kenwood with NAV, bluetooth, camera in, vid in/out, sat in and all the bells and whistles costs like $900. You could get a tablet and then your adapter for HALF that and whoop its butt. Maybe even bundle it with a generic AM/FM reciever that can be controlled via an ap.
Ya lots of guys are doing custom installs but they still have no AM/FM unless you run another headunit, no sat radio unless the same, no backup cam unless you get another monitor...get the idea?

iPod may be a pain due to its proprietary plug but a driod based with it using a micro USB should be easy.

just need someone to package it.



Anyone else have any ideas or input?

I second those ideas Sure would save time, money, and space!

[MrSammi]

Originally Posted by 98blacktj

I remember reading somewhere that in the EU Apple ships all their iDevices with a dock to Micro USB. I'd love to use my Ipad in the Bronco to do everything Doc mentioned.

Europe is crazy about things that make sense... like making all mfr's have ONE standard for cell phone chargers..Micro-USB. Folks don't have to throw a bunch of chargers away every time they get a new phone. Apple supplies these with every phone:



They're for charging only, no docking abilities. the actual device may be more of a dongle than an adapter; still charging only, no audio or video or IO.

[usmcdoc14]

Originally Posted by Todd W

I second those ideas Sure would save time, money, and space!

I mean shit as it is with my Xoom:
Very good GPS and maping abilities.
Internet access.
Engine display and diagnostics.
Engine mapping.
HUGE display.


You combine that with the ability to play AM/FM, backup camera, Sat radio and if you realy realy want to kick ass a powered USB to run portable hard drives (ok, I am pushing it here ) and all the "normal" crap a good head unit does and you will screw up the market nicely
that and who leaves thier tablet in the car? Theft proof


Don't worry about mounts as there are alreay a bunch of very good mounts out there, just no one makes the connectors.

[NorCal_Dakota]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

1) A simple plug in to iPod to amplifier connector for us in buggies who do not want to run a head unit. WITH a simple waterproof/resistant volume and maybe a control. Simple rubber buttons, volume up/down, next/previous song and the like big enough to press the buttons wearing driving gloves. Maybe some mounting tabs on it.
This way we can run out ipod/whatever in a waterproof box and mount the control box on the dash without worry of anything with easy control.


Anyone else have any ideas or input?

What about something like this for control? It is meant for snowboarding so gloves aren't a issue. -> http://www.amazon.com/Monster-iEZCli...ref=pd_sim_e_8

Stream to the amp using a bluetooth receiver or run a wired connection to the waterproof container you are going to use. For volume, set the ipod at 90% max and use a remote gain for the amp.

[usmcdoc14]

something like this but not $200 and no amp, just the controller and out puts for 2-4 channels.
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_...ker_11+PXI50.2
http://www.kicker.com/pxi502

[camo]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

something like this but not $200 and no amp, just the controller and out puts for 2-4 channels.
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_...ker_11+PXI50.2
http://www.kicker.com/pxi502

What a stroke of luck. Exactly the item I was looking for last week without success to add tunes to my golf cart

[1st Recline Bn]

Originally Posted by camo

What a stroke of luck. Exactly the item I was looking for last week without success to add tunes to my golf cart

So something good did come from having them as a sponsor

[TBItoy]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

something like this but not $200 and no amp, just the controller and out puts for 2-4 channels.
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_...ker_11+PXI50.2
http://www.kicker.com/pxi502

You wouldn't need output to more than one channel. Just an input and a "pre-out" (2.5v RMS output to feed an amp). Then you would use an amp with as many channels as you want (2/4 for mids) (3/5/7 for mids + sub).

Or you would use RCA splitters to send the 2.5v output from the controller to a dedicated mid amp and seperate sub amp.


The controller you are describing would function exactly like I am using the head unit in my boat.

I plug in the Ipod and set it at max volume, then throw it in the dry storage. I use the volume/skip control on the head unit, but I don't use any speaker output, just send the "pre-out" to a 3 channel amp, which I have 2 6.5" front channel, 2 6.5" rear channel, and 1 12" sub.

[apeters89]

Originally Posted by TBItoy

You wouldn't need output to more than one channel. Just an input and a "pre-out" (2.5v RMS output to feed an amp). Then you would use an amp with as many channels as you want (2/4 for mids) (3/5/7 for mids + sub).

Or you would use RCA splitters to send the 2.5v output from the controller to a dedicated mid amp and seperate sub amp.


The controller you are describing would function exactly like I am using the head unit in my boat.

I plug in the Ipod and set it at max volume, then throw it in the dry storage. I use the volume/skip control on the head unit, but I don't use any speaker output, just send the "pre-out" to a 3 channel amp, which I have 2 6.5" front channel, 2 6.5" rear channel, and 1 12" sub.

I do like having at least 4 channel outputs so that you're not having to cut the power output of your line-in before you ever get it into your amp. Also, up the output RMS to at least 4v.

[Chili Palmer]

Although it's not weather proof, and there is only volume control, this is the route I've always looked at:

Volume controller
http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=8951

RCA Cable
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Accell-7-3...-iPod/12531490

This will allow me to use the factory ipod connector to always keep it plugged in and then I'll plug the RCA cables directly to an amp and call it good.

But now I'll have to look into that wireless device. It would be nice to change tracks, etc...

[cj7sswampers]

Annnnnnd nothing from Scosche yet?