Android Auto Portable Dev-Box (DIY)
by Joel Mosquera in Workshop > Electric Vehicles
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Android Auto Portable Dev-Box (DIY)
![IMG_20150610_111039.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FAW/Q5XY/IAR35S0U/FAWQ5XYIAR35S0U.jpg&filename=IMG_20150610_111039.jpg)
Overview
The Android Auto portable head unit (HU) is a do-it-yourself project for developers wanting to test and demonstrate their Android Auto application outside of an in-vehicle implementation. Assembling the portable HU involves modifying a standard toolbox to house an Android Auto-capable head unit:
Hardware
- 26” Toolbox
- Box Divider - 2 layer acrylic plexiglass (refer to divider specs)
- Android Auto Unit - Includes Mic, USB extender and wiring adapter
- AC/DC Converter - US only 110v to 12VDC @ 5.8 Amp
- Speakers - (2 speakers, 1 pair) 5.25” or 4" depending on preference
- Screws + Nuts - (30 needed) 10-32 x 0.5"
- L-Brackets - (4 needed) 2.5” x ⅝”, for mounting head unit to box divider
- Hinges - (2 needed) 1.5” hinges
- Switches - (2 needed)
Tools:
- Double sided velcro tape (to secure AC/DC to toolbox)
- Wire stripper
- Drill with the following bits:
- 3/16 bit for Screw ports
- 11.5mm for Mic port
- 11mm for Switch ports
- Phillips #2 (star) screwdriver
- Electrical tape and/or wire crimpers
Box Divider Layout
![phu_measurements.png](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FHI/G1MH/IAR38XAL/FHIG1MHIAR38XAL.png&filename=phu_measurements.png)
Wiring
![phu_wiring.png](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FLX/RYPK/IAR38XDP/FLXRYPKIAR38XDP.png&filename=phu_wiring.png)
Assembly Tips
![IMG_20150610_111142.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F1F/Z0RK/IAR35S0V/F1FZ0RKIAR35S0V.jpg&filename=IMG_20150610_111142.jpg)
![IMG_20150610_111258.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FQ1/4Y6C/IAR35S0W/FQ14Y6CIAR35S0W.jpg&filename=IMG_20150610_111258.jpg)
![IMG_20150610_111332.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FWC/94DS/IAR35S0X/FWC94DSIAR35S0X.jpg&filename=IMG_20150610_111332.jpg)
- L-Brackets - screw brackets to closest opening holes to front display on headunit
- AC/DC Converter - after cutting cig lighter adapter, wire with white text print is usually positive charge
- please use region specific converter for countries outside US
- another alternative would be to add a universal voltage adapter
- Hinges - Align and install hinges with pivot divider midpoint to edge of toolbox opening
Wrap-Up
![Android Auto DevBox](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F36/9BCJ/J8656BPL/F369BCJJ8656BPL.jpg&filename=Android Auto DevBox)
- given all hardware and tools are set to go, assembly and wiring should take around 2-3hrs