[ale] need 5" android tablet / phone for obd car instrumentation

[Ron Frazier (ALE)]

Hi all,

I'm trying to find a good way to add obd based instrumentation to my 
car.  The scangauge product is an obvious choice, but they want $ 160 
for the 4 sensor display model.  I thought I was going to use a 7" 
tablet, but that's just a bit too big, and I really have no good place 
to mount it.  I'm thinking I could get away with a 5" tablet and mount 
it under my gps (also 5") in the center of the windshield.  However, 5" 
tablets are almost impossible to find.  So, I wanted to see what you 
think.  A phone could work if and only if it can operate without a cell 
phone contract or account.  If the total parts count ends up over about 
$ 130, I'll just go with a scangauge.  I know I'll have to add an obd-II 
- USB cable from amazon for $ 20 - 30.  I want a wired solution rather 
than a wireless solution for security reasons, since the obd-II adapter 
will be permanently in place.

I've tried the following websites searching for tablets: TigerDirect, 
NewEgg, Micro Center, DealExtreme, ChinaVasion.

Here's what I need:

Required Items:

* 4" - 5" tablet / phone - required
* OS: Android 4 or better - required
* Google Apps, Play, etc. - required
* Screen: capacitive multi touch - required
* USB: with OTG Capability - required
* USB Adapter: Micro to Standard - probably required
* Memory Card Slot - required
* WiFi Radio - required
* Lack of Memory Flaw - required - All of internal flash memory after OS 
must be available for user apps and data.  Not partitioned as in 1 GB / 
3 GB.
* 512 MB RAM or Better, 4 GB Flash or Better - required
* Windshield Mounting System - required
* External Power Adapter & Port - required
      Powering through usb would be a problem unless the obd port can 
provide enough power, which I doubt.  The obd-II - USB cable may not 
provide any power to the tablet at all.  Also, the obd port remains 
powered after the car is turned off, which could drain the car's battery 
if powering the tablet.

Optional Items:

* Bluetooth - desired
* Gravity Sensor - desired
* Accelerometer - desired
* GPS - desired
* 3G / 4G / Cellular Radio - optional - If present, must be compatible 
with Verizon and the rest of tablet / phone must be able to work without 
a cellular account or contract via wifi only.

Any thoughts?  On the chance any of you wanted to sell me used 
equipment, I would have to get the obd-II adapter and confirm successful 
operation before finalizing a purchase.  I would also have to find 
viable solutions for providing power in the car and mounting the device 
on the windshield.

Any help is always appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ron


-- 

(PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might want to
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Ron Frazier
770-205-9422 (O)   Leave a message.
linuxdude AT techstarship.com
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