Oh, they're a protected species nowadays....
Nashville TJ's Build - Continued
- Thread starter NashvilleTJ
- Start date
Oh, they're a protected species nowadays....
After a few days of playing with the new Minno tablet, and using it with OnX, I'm very happy with how it is working. My only remaining issue is that I am having some problem getting it provisioned on AT&T's network. I have a case open with Minno, so hopefully that gets resolved soon. For now, I can run if off the hotspot on my iPhone. I've spent a good bit of time running it in off-line mode relying on easily downloaded maps. That works very well. I was also able to add an additional 512G of storage to the internal 128G. That will hold A LOT of offline maps.
I also really, really like how .gpx and map data automatically replicate between the tablet, my iPhone, and my desktop. I can create a trail, route or other map on the desktop, and it shows up on the tablet. The reverse happens as well. That is very cool, and much more convenient than my old setup.
So, it's time to build a mount and get this thing installed in the rig.
The Minno Tablet is about as tall as the Lowrance overall, but about 3/4" wider. You can also see the difference in the screen sizes here:
To keep the Lowrance as low as possible, it was mounted recessed into the top of the dash, and I wanted the same for the Minno. With the dash panel removed, you can see that it sits directly on top of the center vent.
Because of the extra width of the Minno, the first thing I had to do was trim the center dash panel just a bit:
With the trimming complete, you can see that the unit can mount so that the bottom of the screen aligns with the top of the dash panel - so that worked out well.
The additional width of the tablet interfered with my AFR gauge. So I pulled it off of its mount, and I'll find a solution for that later:
I also really, really like how .gpx and map data automatically replicate between the tablet, my iPhone, and my desktop. I can create a trail, route or other map on the desktop, and it shows up on the tablet. The reverse happens as well. That is very cool, and much more convenient than my old setup.
So, it's time to build a mount and get this thing installed in the rig.
The Minno Tablet is about as tall as the Lowrance overall, but about 3/4" wider. You can also see the difference in the screen sizes here:
To keep the Lowrance as low as possible, it was mounted recessed into the top of the dash, and I wanted the same for the Minno. With the dash panel removed, you can see that it sits directly on top of the center vent.
Because of the extra width of the Minno, the first thing I had to do was trim the center dash panel just a bit:
With the trimming complete, you can see that the unit can mount so that the bottom of the screen aligns with the top of the dash panel - so that worked out well.
The additional width of the tablet interfered with my AFR gauge. So I pulled it off of its mount, and I'll find a solution for that later:
The mount that I built for the Lowrance bolted directly to the dash bar, and was crazy strong. This approach was driven in part by the shape of the unit, and I could push in this thing as hard as I wanted, and it would not move. I want the same for the tablet, but the mount will be a bit simpler.
You may recall that I also bought a mount for the tablet which screws to the back. That's the part that will make fabbing up this bracket a bit easier. So after a bit of 'cyphrin and figurin', and getting out the heavy duty power tools...
...I came up with this:
It bolts to the dash bar using the same hole as the Lowrance. Although it is secured by the nut, it is positioned behind the bar and the windshield in such a way that it is very difficult to get to, and in fact I had to build a special tool to get at it. So, some security there.
And the wiring was crazy simple. It is powered by a USB chord, and I have a USB connector under the dash with a few open plugs. It took me about 30 seconds to complete that.
And with that, it is in. The mount is quite sturdy, and I can push on this one as hard as I want as well.
The AFR Gauge will get zip-tied in there for now, but I'll work on a better solution.
You may recall that I also bought a mount for the tablet which screws to the back. That's the part that will make fabbing up this bracket a bit easier. So after a bit of 'cyphrin and figurin', and getting out the heavy duty power tools...
...I came up with this:
It bolts to the dash bar using the same hole as the Lowrance. Although it is secured by the nut, it is positioned behind the bar and the windshield in such a way that it is very difficult to get to, and in fact I had to build a special tool to get at it. So, some security there.
And the wiring was crazy simple. It is powered by a USB chord, and I have a USB connector under the dash with a few open plugs. It took me about 30 seconds to complete that.
And with that, it is in. The mount is quite sturdy, and I can push on this one as hard as I want as well.
The AFR Gauge will get zip-tied in there for now, but I'll work on a better solution.
An XMaxx, but yes it is. That thing is a blast.
Is an XMaxx just a bigger, badder TMaxx? I used to have some nitro toys when I was young, but sold them off when I got into actual cars. I loved those things, and my TMaxx was one of my favorites. My kids are still too young right now, but I'm guessing RC toys are in my future.
My boys had a couple of T-Maxx's growing up, which were Nitro Methane. The XMaxx is electric, and much bigger than the T-Maxx. Also, much, much faster, more reliable, and much easier to get out and run. I'd never go back to Nitro.
A buddy of mine told me the same thing. I used to enjoy tuning and rebuilding those little nitro setups. When the time comes, the kids will probably wind up with electric and a nitro for me.
A buddy of mine told me the same thing. I used to enjoy tuning and rebuilding those little nitro setups. When the time comes, the kids will wind up with electric and a nitro for me.
Much easier to enjoy, but they certainly don't sound as cool...
But they take the abuse, mine's been beat to death and keeps on going.
Not my channel
Impeccable work as usual, Jeff! One thing I don't like about the proliferation of USB ports on everything is that they are not very robust when subject to vibration, even just from cord weight. I've had several devices where the USB port failed from prolonged use in/on a vehicle, rendering them useless. Since yours is a permanent installation, you could address that by somehow securing the cord to the unit close to the plug to put the strain on just the cord, which is much more robust...
The fitment of the bezel into the dash tray is *chefs kiss*
That is one thing I don't like about the unit. The plug is actually on the right short side. I picked up a u-shaped adapter that fits snug around the side, and redirects the cord to the back, where I've secured it to the mount. The "plug" end, is behind the access panel under the steering wheel, and I've secured that end of the cord as well.
Not than I am aware of - nothing like a docking station.
No, just reviewed what they have available on the site. But, I'm happy with the plug solution I came up with for now.
Jeff, for some reason this shirt reminded me of you
https://www.offroad-outfitter.com/collections/t-shirts/products/40s-tons-t-shirt
https://www.offroad-outfitter.com/collections/t-shirts/products/40s-tons-t-shirt
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