Workshop 12

MK1 Tablet Companion

Name: MK1 Tablet Companion
Brand: Workshop 12
Price: 89.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$89.00 USD

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Can I use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

YES! You will need to purchase the CarLinkIt Dongle on Amazon.

Can I use a reverse camera?

Yes! There is a product called EasyCap USB dongle, which converts RCAs to USB. You can find the EasyCap dongle here. The EasyCap dongle simply connects into one of the four USB ports on our MK1 Companion or MK1.7 Electronics. You can download the app on the Google PlayStore and view the footage.

Can I still use the steering wheel controls?

MK2 Electronics by Kenwood - Yes
The Kenwood has steering wheel support with use of an Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Controller.

MK1.7 Electronics - Yes
There's a product called the RcJoyCon CPJexc that allows you to map steering wheel controls to Android commands. These can typically be found on ebay for purchase.

Can I use aftermarket amplifiers and subwoofers?

MK2 Electronics by Kenwood - Yes

The Kenwood has a pre-out connection that can be sent to your subwoofer amplifier.

MK1.7 Electronics - Yes
We have many customers with aftermarket amplifier and subwoofer setups. For the MK1.7 Electronics you can check out our guide to see how everything connects together for an aftermarket amplifier and subwoofer setup.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. We run discounts and promotions all year, so stay tuned for exclusive deals.

The MK1 Tablet Companion is for owners who are using an aftermarket audio solution (like a Kenwood head unit) and would like to use additional USB accessories such as OBDII readers, USB Cameras, Apple CarPlay USB dongles or Brainiac USB climate control units.

This unit provides tablet charging and USB accessory at the same time in a manner that will not drain the tablet battery when the vehicle is turned off.

What's in the box:

1 X Port USB hub for accessories
1 X Tablet charge and data cable
1 X USB auxiliary charge port
1 X 12 Volt Red Accessory Wire
1 X Ground Wire

Why Do You Need It?

Tablet USB Accessories:

The Tablet Companion is typically used when the vehicle owner uses their own Audio equipment such as a Bluetooth Kenwood head unit, or some other audio external processing and still wants to use USB accessories with the tablet such as an Apple Car Play dongle, Climate Control dongle, relays, camera input etc.

Some people will ask, why can't I just use a regular USB hub and a 12v-5v power stepdown to run my accessories? The answer is because tablets work differently as a USB server than a computer does.

USB-C Tablets:

For USB-C based tablets, if a standard powered USB hub is plugged into their port, they will receive charge and can use USB accessories. However, when the power source is turned off (aka your vehicle is turned of) the tablet will then try to provide power to the USB hub to keep the accessories powered, thus draining your tablet's battery.

The Tablet Companion solves this issue with special circuitry that tells the tablet not to provide power to the USB accessories if the tablet is not currently receiving a charge. This saves the life of your tablet's battery when the vehicle's ignition is turned off.

Micro-USB Tablets:

In the case of Micro-USB there is a special cable and circuitry required to allow for charge and USB accessory at the same time. A Micro-USB OTG (on-the-go) cable just won't cut it. It will allow for USB accessory, but will not charge the tablet at the same time. A regular OTG cable will also try to power the accessories thus draining the battery.

The Tablet Companion solves this issue with special right angle Micro-USB cable and a circuit board to allow for both charge and accessory at the same time and also not allow the USB accessories to draw power when the tablet is not charging.

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