Building a GPS with integrated Audio, Video, and CPU [Archive]

NoblePrawn

07-07-2004, 01:17 PM

So I'm planning on purchasing a GT wagon in the comming months, and I'm looking into GPS systems. Frankly it seems like I could do better with a portable and a PC card GPS with good software.

Now I'm wondering if it would be possible to mount a dock station in the cargo area, slap in a portable and run video/and audio to an upgraded head unit in the dash with a moderately sized touch screen... Can anyone out there help me figure out what components I'd need to get such a thing up and running? Even if someone has done a similar project in another Subaru, this could be an interesting thought exercise. I'd love to hear everyone's input.

Things I could use help with include:
1. Finding a head unit
2. Mounting a head
3. Getting Power to the CPU in the trunk
4. Getting input from head to CPU
5. How to get audio from the CPU to the head
6. Where to put all the wires so as not to disturb the interior

Which is just about everthing come to think of it. At least I can wire things.

-NP

P.S. I may know where to get a PC that fits in a DIN slot form factor as well... I wonder if that can be slotted into the little extra compartment above the stereo...

Th3Franz

07-07-2004, 06:50 PM

If you can get a DIN slot PC, why not put it in the glovebox? There's a DIN slot there.

*Jedimaster*

07-07-2004, 08:36 PM

I'm curious: are a lot of you guys getting lost or something? I really have no great desire to have a GPS or NAV or whatever. I have a computer with access to Mapquest.

NoblePrawn

07-07-2004, 09:04 PM

I'm curious: are a lot of you guys getting lost or something? I really have no great desire to have a GPS or NAV or whatever. I have a computer with access to Mapquest.

I'm one of the worst people ever for finding where I'm going, and if you will believe this my wife is worse... :D

On the other hand I can build a PC blindfolded. Seems like I should compansate for everything at once, neh? I mean I'd already be buying the mid-life crisis sports car, (well in a sensible wagon anyway) I might as well be able to find where I'm going.

Besides a properly tied in PC would bring in a lot of other features, such as MP3 & OGG playing, DVDs, make the car into a moble WiFi access point, etc. in addition to helping me find the bait store on vacation...

-NP

NoblePrawn

07-07-2004, 09:11 PM

If you can get a DIN slot PC, why not put it in the glovebox? There's a DIN slot there.

Interesting suggestion, do you know what if any porting there is in the glove box that could be used to tie into the stock stereo? I can do 5.1 output, or stereo if I have to.

Another complication, is there a power supply that will support 60W of 12V
draw in there or would I need to run a cable out down and into the lighter socket?

I could also use some sort of ignition sensor so that the battery doesn't go dead if the car is turned off... Ideally I'd want it trap starting signals, such as the one that prompts the stereo to turn on when you flip the ignition, and the symetric signal when the car was shut off. I could then feed those in a serial device and decode them into startup and shutdown hooks on the PC.

-NP

Th3Franz

07-07-2004, 10:11 PM

You'd probably need a DC to DC converter to provide power for the computer. That'd be the best option rather than using an inverter, which is noisy and inefficient. I have not looked in detail if there is any easy way to get from the glovebox to the stock stereo. So would that little computer take 60W? That'd only be about 5A, so that should be pretty easy to come by.

There should be an ignition wire that you can tap into to hook into the PC, so that it will only be on when the car is on. CD players work this way..

NoblePrawn

07-07-2004, 10:38 PM

You'd probably need a DC to DC converter to provide power for the computer. ... So would that little computer take 60W? That'd only be about 5A, so that should be pretty easy to come by.

The DC to DC converter "Morex 60W Vehicle PSU Kit" I was looking at on http://www.mini-itx.com/ was 60W, the actual draw could be much lower. It would also be nice to tie this in with a better plug than the lighter socket, that's just a recipe for a loose connection.

There should be an ignition wire that you can tap into to hook into the PC, so that it will only be on when the car is on. CD players work this way..

Do you happen to know how the override works? (ie. when you push on with the ignition off the stereo comes on. )

Also is this readily accessible such as in the pinout leading to the stock stero, or would I have to splice into a potentially important wire?

Thanks again for the speculation,
-NP

Control Freak

07-08-2004, 08:41 AM

I looked in to the option of using a touch screen with my laptop too. The problem is I can't find any place to mount it. The pocket in the dash would require some heavy modification and it looks like the trip computer would have to come out. I don't like that idea very much. I have a sunroof so I can't use a ceiling mounted LCD. The DIN in the glove box is back in so far I can't use an in dash pop out unit because it would hit the dash above the glove box.

My new plan is to get a GPS unit for my PDA. I am currently making a holder for my PDA that will sit in the cup holder. I plan on controlling my laptop remotely for the PDA also, in order to get MP3 capability. This will require a new amp in the trunk that I can feed both the head unit's speaker level output and the laptop's line level output in to.

NoblePrawn

07-08-2004, 09:22 AM

Trip computer? Where are you thinking about again? Looking at the dash it naively seems like might be possible to fit a SMALL screen in between the center vents. Is that what you mean by the "pocket?" Btw do you have the measurement on that?

-NP

Control Freak

07-08-2004, 11:40 AM

See the pictures below. The first is a standard US model and the second is a JDM model with the navigation system. The trip computer displays instantaneous mph, average mph, mile to empty, trip time, current time, and outside temperature. I would really hate to loose that. Even if you remove the door you only have about 3 inches in height to work with. That limits you to a pretty small screen that I would guess is going to be hard to run a PC with. If you were willing to get rid of the trip computer you might be able to get the dash pannel for the JDM navigation system and fit a descent size screen in at that point.

NoblePrawn

07-08-2004, 12:14 PM

You have a good point, I wonder how much of the trip computer functionality can be offloaded though. Other than that, could you give me an idea of how deep the pocket is? Is it a standard 7x2x10 if you machine off the doors? If so a slide out screen might be possible.

-NP

NoblePrawn

07-08-2004, 12:34 PM

So the touch screen I was looking at was the liliput, looking at http://digitalww.com It looks like I might be able to fit that in 3" of vertical, though it might require considerable work to get it fit in a non-din shaped hole...

-NP

GranTourer

07-08-2004, 04:02 PM

After looking at the attached picture, it seems very doable to add a decent sized lcd and keep the trip computer. Although, I doubt such a setup uses fold down lcds.

CombatCQB

07-08-2004, 04:35 PM

Can anyone out there help me figure out what components I'd need to get such a thing up and running? Even if someone has done a similar project in another Subaru, this could be an interesting thought exercise. I'd love to hear everyone's input.

Try www.mp3car.com They have a great forum with lots of info.

I tinkered with the idea of mounting the PC in the glovebox, but space is limited which is inversely proportional to price of parts. On a limited budget, I would build a PC and mount it in the trunk to keep the weight back.

But before I dive into the PC thing, replacing the stock head unit is the priority.

Control Freak

07-08-2004, 09:01 PM

You could certainly do it the way pictured above. I constrained myself to mounting it flush. Personally, I love the clean look of my car's dash and wouldn't like the setup above. This is also why I'm not interested in a new center panel for mounting an aftermarket head unit. A pop out LCD might be a problem also because the pocket isn't very deep (only about 4 inches). You might be able to go deeper if you cut the back out. Also, width is a problem. The pocket isn't a DIN wide even if you cut the door off. You would actually have to cut in to the walls themselves. If you want a setup like the one above I say go for it. It's just not my thing.

My plan is to build a custom box that will mix a 4 channel speaker level input with a 4 channel line level input and output to line level. I'll mount this in my trunk with an amp. I'll tap into the speak lines from the head unit and run them back. My laptop will be mounted in the trunk also and will be plugged into the line level inputs of the custom box. I can control my laptop remotely from my PDA. Then I'll have GPS and high quality MP3 playback without cutting my dash up. Hopefully, I'll even be able to get an adapter and software so I can plug into the ODBII port and do real time monitoring. :D

NoblePrawn

07-09-2004, 08:22 AM

In due consideration... CRAP... I really was hoping to get a hideaway head into the pocket space without undo modification. Maybe I should just go with a standard police style screen mounting off the passenger side of the console if I have to keep the screen constantly exposed... BTW that kenwood head is teh ugly neh?

-NP

CombatCQB

07-09-2004, 12:06 PM

I have thought about integrating a touch screen where the center cubby is. But the process is very involved since you'll have to relocate the clock/tripmeter somewhere else.

nicd

07-28-2004, 12:01 PM

Not so sure but in Japan in order to fit the in dash screens they need to do some work and make an adaptor kit. As detailed by this store in Japan PS they sell the adaptor ket for a 1 Din slot for 26000 JPY.

Check it out here:

http://ts-audio.main.jp/bp-bl2.html
http://ts-audio.main.jp/image/I-02.jpg

nicd

07-28-2004, 12:31 PM

The back does need to be cut which is why the adapter ket is sold so as to be able to give the same strength as the original set up check out these pics

:http://ts-audio.main.jp/torisetsu/I033s.jpg
The cut lines and indicated in yellow.

There you have the open space:
http://ts-audio.main.jp/torisetsu/I035s.jpg

Here is the new space with the new dinsized support:
http://ts-audio.main.jp/torisetsu/I037s.jpg

Your thoughts anyone?

NoblePrawn

07-28-2004, 01:15 PM

What an execedingly interesting tidbit. Any hope we can get King of Imports to look into getting that conversion kit? That might be easier to wire up too than the JDM nav screen which is the other option for that space, and frankly require less work to simulate the trip computer. BTW did you have a picture of that set up closed? Is the pocket door still intact?

-NP

nicd

07-28-2004, 02:11 PM

No the pocket door is not intact,

the other interesting thing is that Subaru in the accessories catalogue does fit a Kenwood unit in there, they also sell a support bracket, so I dod not know how they make it fit but it does fit.
Check out the Subaru catalogue accessories and you will see what I mean it is on page 6/7. BTW they are about to release a PC that will have the same size as a regular din. I will most as soon as it is released.
I have also requested infor from the Japanese manufacturer of the adaptor kit. http://ts-audio.main.jp/image/P-01.jpg

NoblePrawn

07-28-2004, 03:03 PM

Hmm... So not quite deep enough but otherwise fitting well. Definately worth a thought. Any idea about the wiring harness for getting sound out of that?

Might still look into the JDM nav display, if it can be figured out what to do its touch screen with the input and the trip computer functions. Oh and btw there is at least one DIN sided MINI-ITX case out there already. Its just that the glove box is just shy if DIN sided.

-NP

nicd

07-28-2004, 03:15 PM

Not really sure what you mean but there should still be space left to thread the wires, in my case I will defintly be just inserting the DWW-7VGT VGA video touch screen in there so basically thats it.
Still looking for a good PC unit you say that the DIN does not fit in the glove compartment holder right?
http://www.digitalww.com/images/DWW7VGT_front.jpg

NoblePrawn

07-28-2004, 03:46 PM

That is what I have been lead to believe based on measurements. Its just slightly off, if you have the vehicle can you measure the glove box for 7"(177.8mm) x 2"(50.8mm) x 10"(254.0mm)? The specs for Tavla C134 DIN sized case. Of course there is the additional problem that you will need front and rear clearence inorder to attach wires to the ports.

Lacking the car, I have not actually tried to get a DIN case in there.
BTW I'd love to see pics if you get that screen in.

-NP

NoblePrawn

07-28-2004, 03:50 PM

While I'm speculating, I wonder how hard it would be to re-model the front panel of that display so that it could be formed to match the original door...

Oh and I was commenting on the amount by which the panasonic DvD player was protruding from the dash allong the edge, I'm hoping that the display you mentioned can be set slighty farther back. But I suspect if it could have been made more flush it would have been.

-NP

NoblePrawn

07-28-2004, 04:05 PM

Continuing to reply to myself...

So the only worsesome thing with this kit is the
cutting of the main dash structural support which
is mentioned at the source site I babel fished http://ts-audio.main.jp/. It is unclear to me
level of damage that actually is.

-NP

nicd

07-28-2004, 05:28 PM

Yeah you do have to cut into the support beam but it would seem that to install the Kenwood unit that is also a requirment. I am leaning towards the pruchase of a Travla C-134.
Nothing done yet but it would be linked into a USB GPS receiver and also a ODBII sanner throu the com port DB9F. That is about it oh yeah it would also have the audio out which I have to see if the stock head unit can handle anyway it is a really interesting project lets keep on it. Do you have your car yet?

Later nicd

NoblePrawn

07-28-2004, 05:41 PM

Not yet. Infact I may be opting out of the GT, despite my intense desire
for the car. Its going to prove to be very expensive, and I may drop back
to a 2002 WRX sport wagon as a base for my carputer. I'll continue to be
interested in this project and will very likely build a system into whatever
car I end up buying.

-NP

Th3Franz

07-28-2004, 05:46 PM

Hm that is very interesting.

NoblePrawn

07-28-2004, 05:53 PM

Hm that is very interesting.
Yea think? I really don't want to drag the other threads from the main board in here. This is a completely different discussion.
-NP

agctr

07-28-2004, 08:21 PM

Have to admit the setup looks pretty good considering what you had to do to get it in there. The space isnt quite deep enough yet if the system was black you would hardly notice. For the effort you have taken to put it in, it looks great. Congrats and thanks for the pictures they certainly help and show it can be done.

brady_bunch

07-29-2004, 12:37 AM

Hey, nicd, your photos are a little small. Could you make them a bit larger so I can see them? :lol:

j/k. Thanks for the great work investigating these options. Keep it up on these kinds of things. I am interested in putting in something but I want it to look as stock as possible. The three options you listed above put the display well above the dash and that is not desirable for me. I am more interested in the stock JDM display or something similar that would be mounted entirely inside the cubby space.

Keep us up to date! :)

NoblePrawn

07-29-2004, 12:03 PM

CombatCQB

07-29-2004, 02:26 PM

I've bought a lilliput touchscreen already, just need the car to install it to. Then I gota build the system and fit it to the trunk. Looking forward to it.

nicd

07-29-2004, 04:07 PM

Very interesting, Is yours a in-dash unit ?

CombatCQB

07-29-2004, 11:21 PM

Very interesting, Is yours a in-dash unit ?No, it's the regular one with the stand. But I plan on retrofitting it to the center cubby. From all the measurements I could take, it all should fit just right once I remove the trip computer display. I plan on relocating the trip computer display elsewhere.

nicd

07-30-2004, 10:47 AM

Please keep us posted of your progress.

nicd

07-30-2004, 11:43 AM

I jsut do not get it how do they get these units to fit, can anyone explain this to me or do we just have narrower cars :roll:

http://www.navistage.jp/torituke/torituke_slegacy2.JPG
http://www.navistage.jp/torituke/torituke_slegacy1.JPG

NoblePrawn

07-30-2004, 09:16 PM

Nicd, can you post the top level site those are from? I'd love to take a look through the site even if I have to bablefish it into English.

-NP

inthedeck

07-30-2004, 09:43 PM

basically, all you have to do is right click on the picture, and check the properties of the .jpg.

The name of the site is http://www.navistage.jp/ . Once you get to the site, click on the blue button, all the way at the bottom right side of the screen. Then, click on Subaru.

Later,
i.

NoblePrawn

07-31-2004, 12:28 AM

Thanks, I just didn't get past the blue button.
-NP :oops:

agctr

07-31-2004, 12:35 AM

The above pics look great, thanks for digging them out. Thats about the best set up i have seen of an aftermarket system.

IwannaSportSedan

07-31-2004, 07:19 AM

I would think that would have to either be a complete insert to replace the door, hinge, and pocket assembly, or a whole new vent surround peice.

Looks good, tho.

nicd

07-31-2004, 10:44 AM

It would seem that once you remove the door flip holder you are left with enough room to fit a full din unit but it must be put in before the vent surround is added .

kanoswrx

08-03-2004, 02:34 PM

I use GPS with my pocket pc, small and portable (can even take it out of the car), this thing was a life saver on my trip up to michigan in July. I went up for my brothers wedding and had to do a lot of driving around, I would have gotten so lost without it. GPS really is one of the best things to have in a car these days. It was cool hearing the person in the navi software say "Left in 100" "Keep Right", felt like a rally car driver with a navigator :)

nicd

08-03-2004, 03:41 PM

Just got the information back from the cie in Japan that makes the adapter kit and they are not that keen (surprise) to sell us the adapter kit as they contend that it is for a RHD car and the kit was developed for a LHD car, they say it would be possible to make a kei but not without having the car to work on plus the inherent cost of development would make this price prohibitive.

So back to square one. I took a look at the shop manuals for the stereo unit and there does not seem to be an aux in of any kind if you are interested I canpost up the wiring diagram, also there is a second alternative unit that is set-up with a sub out connection.

For the compartment unit it seems that a din unit will fit in there but it has to go behind the frame of the compartment. If you look at the picture above you can clearly see that is why it fits.

This the babel fish translation:

This one, it is the craftsman whose English completely is useless. 1 DIN monitor installation kit for our company BP/BL is the Japanese domestic exclusive use. (The right steering wheel exclusive use) in order to make the left steering wheel use, reversing from the plan, to bend, it is necessary to process because and, until now there is no experience, there is no self-confidence. (Perhaps it is possible, but.) In addition the inquiry, we wait. Charge large

brady_bunch

08-03-2004, 11:34 PM

In addition the inquiry, we wait. Charge large
That seems to be the motto for JDM parts: we wait. Charge large.

This guy's got the right lyrics for the JDM parts tune! :lol:

MiloX

08-06-2004, 11:34 PM

This the babel fish translation:

Someone set up us the bomb.

Weasel

08-07-2004, 09:23 PM

Anyone else consider this GPS Navigation unit from Garmin? It seems it's dimensions will fit into that center bin on the dashboard.

http://www.garmin.com/products/quest/

inthedeck

08-07-2004, 09:37 PM

Weasel,

any idea what the dimensions of that cubby hole are, in the dash? Also, the size of the ashtray area?

TIA,
i.

Weasel

08-07-2004, 09:49 PM

Scroll through page 1. There is a picture with measurements posted.

stiffarmleft

01-29-2005, 09:09 AM

This is an old thread but I think it has some valuble information in it, especially if your looking to add a flip out navigation into the cubby above the stereo. I am currently looking for the DIN bezel and trying to get suggestions/ideas for running 2 separate head units.

John M

01-30-2005, 09:57 PM

This thread was done before I joined, or even considered buying a LGT.

My full carputer system is built on the bench now and will go in the car when weather permits. I need to get the windows tinted before installing (so it isn't in their way) and that'll happen this week.

I'll have an AMD Sempron 3100, M-Audio 5.1 sound card feeding three JBL 180w amps (one bridged on each front speaker, one in stereo for rear separates), and one JBL 1200w x 1 amp on the sub, a PowerAcoustik MOFO 12. (Laugh a lot here; it's a fine sub for the price). Front speakers are JBL GTi 6.5 in components. There's a 200 gig SATA HD for the music & movies, and a Xenarc 7 inch touchscreen going up front between the vents in place of the storage compartment. Everything is powered by an Opus 12v DC-to-DC power supply made specifically for carputer use. The video card, a cheapie ATi unit, has video out for 2 headrest screens to be added later.

Navigation? Yep, onscreen using USB GPS device. The factory radio will be converted with a simple LOC and will be fed into the computer's AUX IN, allowing me to still play radio & CDs though the carputer interface as simply another input choice.

There'll be a backup camera too, and the screen will automatically switch to it when I shift into reverse. It's got infrared lighting for nighttime use.

I have everything onhand already. It's just a matter of getting it into the car!

stiffarmleft

01-30-2005, 10:16 PM

axis008

01-30-2005, 10:40 PM

Wow. Good stuff John M. I'll be looking for some pictures and video when you get the chance to install everything.

John M

01-31-2005, 09:42 AM

The monitor comes with drivers for the touchscreen. Windows sees it as just a mouse.

I don't have a case at all - it's just a mobo screwed to a square of wood. I'm not 100% sure on placement in the trunk yet but it'll be in there somewhere.

If you think you got caught up in the MAME stuff (I have MAME & lots of roms but never built a cabinet), just wait till you get into the carputer stuff. It's hugely addictive and once you see what everybody else has, you've got to do it too. Just eyeball the forums at http://mp3car.com

Getting the install underway keeps getting pushed back but at least it gives me more time to rip DVDs to the HD. Most movies use between 800 meg and 2 gig, depending on size and audio quality. I'm retaining full uncompressed 6ch sound on all movies :)

stiffarmleft

01-31-2005, 10:47 AM

The monitor comes with drivers for the touchscreen. Windows sees it as just a mouse.

I don't have a case at all - it's just a mobo screwed to a square of wood. I'm not 100% sure on placement in the trunk yet but it'll be in there somewhere.

If you think you got caught up in the MAME stuff (I have MAME & lots of roms but never built a cabinet), just wait till you get into the carputer stuff. It's hugely addictive and once you see what everybody else has, you've got to do it too. Just eyeball the forums at http://mp3car.com (http://mp3car.com/)

Getting the install underway keeps getting pushed back but at least it gives me more time to rip DVDs to the HD. Most movies use between 800 meg and 2 gig, depending on size and audio quality. I'm retaining full uncompressed 6ch sound on all movies :)
I use to frequent mp3car quite often very cool stuff, that's what got me into it. Are you going to use any kind of wireless or wi-fi.

John M

01-31-2005, 12:31 PM

There's a 80211.g wireless card to connect to my home network for music/movie transfers. I'll also be able to use VNC from the house to help move the files. The carputer can be configured to run for 20 minutes after killing the ignition so you can move files without having the car on.

On the road, I'll try to use my Nextel w/ a USB cable for slower "dialup" access. It'll still be enough for a quick email or weather radar update.

driggity

01-31-2005, 03:44 PM

John M, how are you mounting the screen? Are you using a pop-out DIN sized enclosure or are you removing the trip computer to flush mount it?

John M

01-31-2005, 04:18 PM

It's a full "cut everything out, epoxy in new screen, bondo and paint" installation. The clock has to be removed and put where the ashtray is now. That doesn't bother me at all because I don't smoke. I'll flush it in and spray it black and it'll look like it's always been down there. I may also trim the woodgrain piece I have for that spot to make it blend even better.

I'm also putting a pair of 3.5in speakers inside the vents (not blocking the airflow) for a center channel.

meatwad

01-31-2005, 09:15 PM

I will be watching this one closely :)

stiffarmleft

02-01-2005, 08:23 AM

The factory radio will be converted with a simple LOC and will be fed into the computer's AUX IN, allowing me to still play radio & CDs though the carputer interface as simply another input choice.

What kind of LOC will you use to do this? I dont know anything about LOC's but this seems like the solution I am going to need for my setup. I want to keep my stock stereo funcitonal but want to install an Alpine IVA-D310 head unit in the cubby for navigation, dvd, ipod etc. The Alpine has an AUX IN so it should work for me too. Can you give a brief decription of how the stock radio connects to the LOC and converted to an AUX out. Sorry to ask so many questions but this has got me somewhat excited.

Thanks

rallispec

02-01-2005, 08:46 AM

I jsut do not get it how do they get these units to fit, can anyone explain this to me or do we just have narrower cars :roll:

the space is thier -- but you've got to heavily modify that top console to remove the cubby space and it door. You'd have to be pretty good to get it to come out looking as good as they have it.

John M

02-01-2005, 05:27 PM

There are LOC's (line output converters) ranging from $5 to $200+, depending on how fancy you want to get. They simply convert speaker level signals into line level (RCA) signals. You'd connect the front speaker outputs from your head unit into the LOC and then into the Aux-in of your Alpine using a standard RCA patch cable. Then connect the Alpine to the speakers/amps of your choice.

stiffarmleft

02-01-2005, 05:50 PM

stiffarmleft

02-04-2005, 08:47 AM

the space is thier -- but you've got to heavily modify that top console to remove the cubby space and it door. You'd have to be pretty good to get it to come out looking as good as they have it.
Actually you don't have to heavily modify the cubby, it's modular, looking in the cubby you can see where the door part separates from the cubby. All you'd have to do is pull the door part off and snap the JDM DIN bezel piece in. As far as getting the unit to fit in there, the cubby is 6 7/8" wide most all DIN units are 7" wide, it will be a tight squeeze but at least I won't have to use any mounting screws:) . I'd imagine you would have to remove any mounting sleeve and mount the unit directly into the bezel opening.

mmanus88

02-06-2005, 11:38 AM

i have posted this find in two other thread,s but no one seems to give me any input. check this unit out:

http://www.legacycaraudio.com/itempage.asp?model=LMIN56

5.6 inch foldout, never seen one like that before. well priced and TFT. colo scheem for our cars ain't so bad either. i emailed the copmany for measurements, hope they reply by tomorow. but it seems to me that the only modification u would have to make to get something like that to fit is cutting out the little bit of plastic on teh side of the cubby (and ripping the door off, of course). after that u just buy the navi computer unit from kenwood/pioneer/alpine or whatever and ur set. i will let u guys know unit measurements when they email them to me.

on the same note, out of those three electronics companies i mentioned, who makes the best GPS computer unit in your opinion?

edit - just to let u guys know, u can find this unit online for about 205-210, probabyl 220 shipped. great value in my opinion, will update when the company sends measurments.

Th3Franz

02-06-2005, 02:18 PM

I don't think I would ever buy a Legacy car audio product.

mmanus88

02-06-2005, 03:39 PM

well that just shot down my dreams :lol:

i wisha reputable electronics manufacturer made something like that

Th3Franz

02-06-2005, 04:21 PM

Eclipse makes a unit similar to that, I believe. Single DIN, flip out touch screen. DVD/NAV unit.
http://www.eclipse-web.com/

stiffarmleft

02-06-2005, 10:19 PM

mmanus88

02-06-2005, 10:24 PM

yea alpine sounds good to me. anyone know when a DIN bezel will be out in the states? i would just get the pioneer flipout unit to save installation costs in that case

Th3Franz

02-07-2005, 12:10 AM

Any single DIN unit will fit in the cubby, you just have to purchase the bezel. Based on my research Alpine makes the best aftermarket navigation, you can integrate it with XM navtraffic too. Aiight, Goodnight, I'm drunk.....go skins.
Have you looked at some of the Eclipse nav units? Top notch if you ask me.. :D Alpine is pretty good too. Basically it depends on whether you want XM radio or Sirius. Where can one purchase the bezel?

stiffarmleft

02-07-2005, 09:11 AM

Have you looked at some of the Eclipse nav units? Top notch if you ask me.. :D Alpine is pretty good too. Basically it depends on whether you want XM radio or Sirius. Where can one purchase the bezel?
With the Alpine unit you can choose either sirius or xm plus you can control your ipod with the touchscreen. Another cool thing with the alpine is it's compatable with xm navtraffic, the same system employed in the Acura RL. The bezel has to be imported and it will be around $120-150 unless we can organize some kind of group buy. Japan parts can get it and Paul from Avo can get it too.

mmanus88

02-07-2005, 01:37 PM

i will pay the 150 is nessecary, but we should really get a group buy going here.

stiffarmleft

02-07-2005, 01:55 PM

i will pay the 150 is nessecary, but we should really get a group buy going here.
Lets do it, I'm game. What would be the first step? I know Paul from Avo can get 'em.

mmanus88

02-07-2005, 04:39 PM

i've never been part of a group buy, maybe "paul" (i don't know him sorry :)) should create a special buying page for us to access and enter our info in. once a certain quota is met that will lower down the price for all of us, he informs us by email that the order has been made?

stiffarmleft

02-07-2005, 06:38 PM

mmanus88

02-07-2005, 06:53 PM

sounds good to me, i can't wait to get that pioneer avic-n1 unit in my car :)

just aon a side note, does nayone know if there are any major differences between the current n1 and the upcoming n2? as far as i can tell, the only big thing is navtraffic, which is insignificant to me. anything important like cpu speed upgrade/better gps gfx?

Th3Franz

02-07-2005, 10:13 PM

Hopefully on the AVIC N2 they'll finally increase the pre-out voltage. I think I remember reading that the AVIC N1 pre-out voltage was horrendously low... at least compared with the pre-out voltage from Eclipse head units.

Legacy05GT

02-08-2005, 05:14 AM

hope this ain't a repost but i found this.
Motorized 7" Touchscreen single din, tons of inputs $500
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-700M.htm

http://www.digitalww.com/images/Front_sml250.jpg

bambams247

02-12-2005, 02:31 PM

Does anyone have any pictures of the din sized cubby with some kind of radio in there and a flip out and other things and how it looks. And if its possible to only use the video portion and still use audio through your old stereo. if onyl the Legacy had an audio in that would rawk but it dont. Dont know if want to lose all my stereo controls form the factory unit.

Has anyone tried fitting a ALpine M580 screen in there (5.8") with the nav?

PICTURES PLEASE!

scans007

02-12-2005, 08:46 PM

Here ya go :D

bambams247

02-13-2005, 12:36 AM

Here ya go :D

WOW! Aweomse. That actually looks very clean. Cant wait till I get my Legacy GT and than start moding. Avic-n2 is touchscreen yes? Cuz then Id have everything I want in there. And also can it monitor tubro boost instead of getting a seperate boost gauge?

stiffarmleft

02-13-2005, 08:57 AM

And also can it monitor tubro boost instead of getting a seperate boost gauge?

This is what you need for that http://www.hksusa.com/categories/?id=1082&rsku=0 not very cheap.

scans007

02-13-2005, 09:29 AM

If I remember read'n correctly, the AVIC-N2 can be used to show the boost gague. And it is def Touch screen......so you can have it all.

Just got the update on the order for it...it was just processed to subaru, then will be shipped out in a couple of weeks.......NOT SOON ENOUGH

meatwad

02-13-2005, 10:43 AM

hope this ain't a repost but i found this.
Motorized 7" Touchscreen single din, tons of inputs $500
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-700M.htm

http://www.digitalww.com/images/Front_sml250.jpg

I haven't even decided if the Legacy GT is my next car yet, but I see this as the best possible option to get what I want. I just don't see the point in spending 1500-2000 on the Pioneer AVIC when I could easily put together a full carputer system that could grow as I see fit for that price point.

Of course, that will envolve some fabrication... :D

Fosgate

02-14-2005, 09:18 AM

What kind of LOC will you use to do this? I dont know anything about LOC's but this seems like the solution I am going to need for my setup. I want to keep my stock stereo funcitonal but want to install an Alpine IVA-D310 head unit in the cubby for navigation, dvd, ipod etc. The Alpine has an AUX IN so it should work for me too. Can you give a brief decription of how the stock radio connects to the LOC and converted to an AUX out. Sorry to ask so many questions but this has got me somewhat excited.

Thanks

You can keep and use your factory stereo and hook up Alpine navigation without buying a apline head unit. Follow my link below. This will intergrate factory radio, I-pod, xm/sirrus radio, and navigation, without a alpine head unit.

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7662

Fosgate

02-14-2005, 09:19 AM

Here is press release from Alpine

http://www.alpine-usa.com/company_info/press_release/010605_oem_integration.html

stiffarmleft

02-14-2005, 06:38 PM

You can keep and use your factory stereo and hook up Alpine navigation without buying a apline head unit. Follow my link below. This will intergrate factory radio, I-pod, xm/sirrus radio, and navigation, without a alpine head unit.

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7662

I would still need a monitor to display the Nav and getting an OEM monitor would be just as expensive or more than getting an Alpine head unit. Plus it seems pretty hard to integrate anything into the factory deck without splicing and hacking, there is no auxillary or changer input. Unless there is a plug and play method, I doubt a company like Alpine would develop a solution that involved splicing or hacking the legacy. Another negative to using this is you cannot use the touchscreen for nav and other functions.

Fosgate

02-15-2005, 08:29 AM

I would still need a monitor to display the Nav and getting an OEM monitor would be just as expensive or more than getting an Alpine head unit. Plus it seems pretty hard to integrate anything into the factory deck without splicing and hacking, there is no auxillary or changer input. Unless there is a plug and play method, I doubt a company like Alpine would develop a solution that involved splicing or hacking the legacy. Another negative to using this is you cannot use the touchscreen for nav and other functions.

It is a plug and play unit, accourding to the properganda in the Alpine 2005 Spring Cataloge. No splicing to my knowledge. Would suggest to talk to your local Alpine dealer for details. The car make adapter is sold seperatly.

and Yes that if your car does not come with a screen, then you will have to purchase one.

Layman

02-15-2005, 03:41 PM

Does the OEM system offer functions other than NAV? At some point I recall seeing a digital guage display on the screen.

stiffarmleft

02-15-2005, 03:57 PM

Does the OEM system offer functions other than NAV? At some point I recall seeing a digital guage display on the screen.

I think in Japan you can get some kind of digital gauge cluster on the nav, but who knows what kind of watered down version we will get.

Layman

02-15-2005, 04:03 PM

I think in Japan you can get some kind of digital gauge cluster on the nav, but who knows what kind of watered down version we will get.

HAha. True. Hell, our nav unit will probably extend an extra three inches into the cabin ala USDM bumpers! :lol:

mmanus88

02-16-2005, 01:24 PM

anyone with the pioneer avic-n1. how does the voice pack acesorry work? is it worth it? more efficient then typing in by hand?

axis008

02-17-2005, 02:17 AM

I don't think anyone here has the Pioneer AVIC-N1 unit, at least on the Legacy. :(

scans007

02-17-2005, 06:08 AM

Nope, I've used one though (my buddy has one) It's awesome in general. Word is that the vocie software is good, but can get annoying. The touch screen is fast enough to punch everything in. Sometimes it took my buddy longer to say the address, correct it...blah blah, then it would have to just punch it in.

My other buddy that works at an audio store (Pro Sound) said it's not worth the money unless you like to 'wow' people and want the status mark just to say you have it.....

Me I'm all about the wow factor.....=)

Hope that helps a lil.........this is just what I have observed from seeing it twice, and a trusted buddies words.......like everything, do as much research as you can before dish'n out the $$$