So, here in Washington (Seattle specificly), they are enacting a strong law to curb distracted driving. The law will allow cops to pull you over for holding your phone at anytime even when at a stop light. It will also come with a steep fine and insurance/driving record consequences. Despite being a regular offender, I feel it is a good idea. The cell phone has been proven to be worse than being intoxicated. It starts here in early July so now it is time to make a change so I don't get busted!
I had/have a plan to integrate a nexus 7 into a nav hood (have the nav hood from England that fits my 2004 radio with a working led screen as well as a nexus 7... now I just need more time). The plan was to just make that run android auto (bought the app) and leave the phone in the center consol. Well, I ran out of time, so I had to do the dash mount solution with Bluetooth integration as the cops won't wait for me to get a "round tuit".
I looked at parrot devices but they are a complete amplifier that uses your stock wiring to reach the speakers. Thus the head unit becomes window dressing completely. It has the advantage to always answer the phone no matter what, but I decided it was not the right solution for me.
The GROMM units were a very attractive solution but with my 04 there was the issue of the L716 jumper. I decided that the options offered by the GROMM unit (steering wheel control integration, USB and aux in options) out weighed its detractions (having to be in the right source to answer the phone).
Now I also didn't want my phone flopping around or falling off when sitting on a mount so the next challenge was to find a solid mount and holder. I went with a panavise mount and a Pro clip holder. The Pro clip holder is adjustable and bespoke for the s7 edge with a cover. You adjust it once and lock down the ears and it's set from there. It's on a ball mount so you can adjust it's orientation to suit your needs. You can even rotate it for landscape viewing!
Here's the pile of gear to install all laid out:
Here is the car in it's before state:
I had/have a plan to integrate a nexus 7 into a nav hood (have the nav hood from England that fits my 2004 radio with a working led screen as well as a nexus 7... now I just need more time). The plan was to just make that run android auto (bought the app) and leave the phone in the center consol. Well, I ran out of time, so I had to do the dash mount solution with Bluetooth integration as the cops won't wait for me to get a "round tuit".
I looked at parrot devices but they are a complete amplifier that uses your stock wiring to reach the speakers. Thus the head unit becomes window dressing completely. It has the advantage to always answer the phone no matter what, but I decided it was not the right solution for me.
The GROMM units were a very attractive solution but with my 04 there was the issue of the L716 jumper. I decided that the options offered by the GROMM unit (steering wheel control integration, USB and aux in options) out weighed its detractions (having to be in the right source to answer the phone).
Now I also didn't want my phone flopping around or falling off when sitting on a mount so the next challenge was to find a solid mount and holder. I went with a panavise mount and a Pro clip holder. The Pro clip holder is adjustable and bespoke for the s7 edge with a cover. You adjust it once and lock down the ears and it's set from there. It's on a ball mount so you can adjust it's orientation to suit your needs. You can even rotate it for landscape viewing!
Here's the pile of gear to install all laid out:
Here is the car in it's before state: