In dash GPS

No, this isn't a retread of the "retrofit it in" thread. I already read that one, and wasn't pleased with the conclusions. Instead, I've got what might prove to be a workable idea.

There exists in the GenII Prius a single DIN slot below the radio. Since the radio unit is mostly useless space on the dashboard, since it's easily controlled by the MFD, I figure a solution like this might just work.

Mount a "flip out" GPS unit in the bottom slot, and let it flip up over the radio when in use. This would not impair the radio functions, since they're on the steering wheel and MFD, but would give me that wonderful giant touch screen that we all seem to want.

The problem is, I can't find a flip out GPS unit. I've found lots that are amazingly integrated (read super-expensive)...but none that are just GPS, and I have a major problem paying $900 or more for what will end up being just a GPS unit.

I certainly don't need the extra functionality, beyond the stock system...I listen to AM talk radio!

First...has anyone done something like this? And, second, does anyone know of "just a GPS" in this form factor?

Thanks!

Chuck

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I found it on Google images...it's a generic Chinese one, I think. Good looking, though.

My thought was that it could easily fit in the DIN slot below the radio.

WalMart has a similar one for $400...but would I really want to "upgrade" to a WalMart unit?

Chuck

 

Hence, the quotation marks.

Clarion or Kenwood would be one thing...Dual (WM store brand) is quite another.

Chuck

 

Single DIN slot...it would retract behind the translucent door. (Any way to make that door more opaque?) And, besides, I live in a small country town...not much crime.

Does this seem a logical approach to the problem of "integrating" GPS into the dash, without the Toyota NAV system?

Chuck

 

The Prius MAC was one of my inspirations...in fact, I talked to a MAC guru friend, today, who actually *has* an old MAC mini just lying around. After he was done calling me a rich spoiled tree hugger, we got down to business.

I'd prefer Windows, though...or maybe LINUX. Yeah...there are some super-low-power LINUX boxes on the market. That could be a great approach.

Or, I could just pick up a netbook on Black Friday. The passenger seat is usually empty. It could probably even fit in the glove box, if I used a shoehorn.

I know, also, of an OBDII interface that outputs data via bluetooth, to anything including Windows Mobile and even something as primitive as an iPhone. The bluetooth interface might be ideal, since it would output data for a logging project. Lots of phones, etc, have GPS these days, anyway.

Hmmm...too many ideas.

Boy, this just got way more complicated. And way more fun! Never thought I'd be hacking my car!

Chuck

 

Look what I found! It's an inexpensive ($200) Windows Mini. Gee, I wonder if it'd fit in that slot?

Chuck

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Well, I'm going to be looking for one of those flip out units next Friday...Black Friday. It's one of the most heavily discounted sale days of the calendar year, in the USA.

Long term, I definitely want an auto-PC, but short term I'd prefer the nicely integrated in-dash unit.

Who knows? I may find something on sale so cheaply that I won't be able to resist.

Chuck

 

Check the original post...the motorized flip-out stereo with the integrated GPS unit.

I'd prefer one that was only GPS...but I'll see if a friend can wire it to the AUX input on the existing stereo, and that way I maintain MFD and steering wheel control (at least of volume and basic functions) while still getting the more sophisticated head unit.

It's a compromise, and if I find an inexpensive netbook I may choose to go another direction, like a docking cradle in the armrest or upper glove compartment...but for now, the in-dash unit seems the preferable solution. I'd prefer not to do hardware hacking on my car, if I can avoid it...at least within my first month of ownership!

Chuck

 

I, on the other hand, operate a business that makes house calls...I'm in my car a LOT, so I'm not averse to some high tech hijinks.

And, thank you for that link...it's quite informative, especially about the 1.5" required offset for the screen. Definitely something to watch for.

I'm thinking, especially as cheap as netbooks are, that a docking cradle in the armrest, connected to a GPS dongle and displayed through the video on the MFD, might be the preferred method. Something similar to the MAC, but with standard (and inexpensive) hardware. I could even make a custom docking cradle from something as universal as LEGO bricks. And, as for software, the Dell and Acer come with Windows, but if I felt like it they even have Mac OS/X86 ports made specifically for them.

Wonder if the aftermarket USB touchscreens for the netbooks would work with the MFD, as well? An interesting idea, and definitely cost effective.

Heck, I could just sit it, open, on the passenger seat...but then I wouldn't get to do any hardware hacking!

3 hours till the first Black Friday sales!!!

Chuck