In-Dash DVD/Nav Brainstorming

Mak001 · Mar 21, 2008

So I like a great deal of others on this site, didnt have the $2300 to shell out for the Nav unit in the Pat, and sticking with the 1 disk cd player. However, this does not rule out getting on for my new ride. I have several scenarios that I would like to run past everyone, and the second one of them sounds outlandish or impossible...Let me know please!

So overall im looking to get a nice touch screen monitor in my car. Of course the in dash ones (specificly the ones like the OEM Nav that comes as an option) look much better then the flip up in dash monitors. However the in dash ones usually take up 2 DIN slots. The flip up models allow you to have a screen in a 1 DIN slot.

Which option would be better:

1. Get an In Dash 2 DIN touch screen with dvd and possible nav (or without nav and add the hardware for that later)

2. Get the Flip Up 1 DIN touch screen and add the nav hardware later, thus keeping the stock radio (if that is even possible)

I also have a few questions about the slot below the stock radio. Is it possible to install a 1 DIN head unit in there? Ive seen the brackets around on the internet but I wasnt too sure.

Sorry for all the questions, and if I asked a question which has been answered already, steer me to that thread!

jettore · Mar 21, 2008

I'm going with option 1 in a couple months. You will have to buy the 2 DIN dash kit, but it will look like a factory install. There's a good deal going now at Crutchfield on the AVIC-D3 . You will also need the can-bus adapter if you want to keep steering wheel controls.

Option 2 would work also. You would still have to buy the 2 DIN dash kit, the stock opening is only 1.5 din. The slot below the radio is not 1 din either so that won't work. You could probably mod it to make it work if you really wanted. Using the stock radio and adding a screen and nav could be done, but it would not be as nice as an all in one unit. You would need to somehow have the NAV audio input to the headunit, so you could use the aux in or a rf modulator but then you would only have nav audio when that source is selected.

Mak001 · Mar 21, 2008

I do like the look of an in dash screen. Heres another question:

Would it be smarter to buy an all in one dvd/nav? Or can I do this project in steps, getting the touch screen first, then adding on a dvd player (most touch screen in dash monitors come with dvd anyways) and add the navigation after.

Is that even an option. A lot of the add on navigation hardware packages usually say they work for certain head units only.

Jettore:

I dont have the steering wheel controls so thats not a problem. If I were to get the double din kit, do they make a double din bezel?

jettore · Mar 21, 2008

Yes, you can buy the bezel and other parts used with the factory nav option which is 2 din size. You lose the little pocket, but it will all look factory. A few people have done this already on the site, so hopefully they can chime in here.

You can do it in pieces also and add the NAV later, but I think the NAV and DVD/Headunit must be the same brand.

Check on the options at Crutchfield.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Group/ProductMenu.aspx?g=182350&tp=144

The Pioneer deal is very good at the moment if you want Bluetooth and IPod connectivity.

jettore · Mar 21, 2008

Here's a good post on someone looking to do the same.
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4802

stockblackxj · Mar 23, 2008

There is always the in car computer as well. It would then be possible to have gigs of mp3's,dvd video,avi etc video,navigation,wireless internet , obdII connection,etc,ect,ect.

keeping stock radio with uconnect and factory looks with the connector that attaches in the back as aux. just a thought. check out mp3car.com lots of info. build your own or buy pre built. I already built a pentM mini/micro atx one a few years ago but you can probably build a low power core2 now fairly cheap just get a good (expensive) touch screen.

Mak001 · Mar 25, 2008

That works well with me because I build computers a lot. Now im not too familiar with navigation programs on computers. Can you buy a GPS reciever for the computer and find a program that is touch screen compatible, and not too much to update the maps?

With the prices of making a mini/micro atx system being much lower then buying pre built systems, its an economically sound idea. Do you think it would be much of a hassle to store the case in the back (maybe in that cubby in the back for those of us who dont have the BA sound system)?

Ill head over to the mp3car forums and do some research. All input is welcome! Will have to do a write up with system specs and the such.

chokies · Mar 26, 2008

avic d3x is the way to go as long as you have an old school ipod 5.5g or ealier. there are compatibility issues with newer ones. i did it all for about 1k. plus i got dvd player, gps, bluetooth, backup camera, touch screen ipod controls w/video playback. itll be more if you have to pay for install but its not that bad. it looks stock. out the ipod cable in the glove box and no one will ever know its there.

side note i have no pics cause the gf broke our camera in aruba... and becuase of aruba and d3x and pat i have no money for new camera

stockblackxj · Mar 26, 2008

makrinos001 I have been using the microsoft map program--not the Streets and Trips
but the other one which is basically the same (can not remember the name sorry) more business version i think. It is compatible with the Streetdeck program which you can download a trial of. You could maybe find a version of the map program pirated on the internet (not that I would do that ..). It gives you a nav option in the streetdeck program (i assume ) similar to a factory setup.
the streetdeck trial is good for a month to try out but if you need to try it a little more just delete the reg. stuff and reinstall. It is customizable so you can change stuff. I added a jeep logo for the frontend. It is a touch screen compatible program, actually that is what it is made for. It uses gestures as well, so you can stroke the screen to change tracks etc.
A while ago I built a pentiumM mini system only 1.7 ghz . It consumes 90watts at full load (on board video,120gig 7200rpm laptop sata HD,1 gig ram,no optical drive built in case,cpu fan[intake],HD,ram fan [intake],small shuttle powersupply fan [out of case]). The new c2duals mobiles might be able to drop the wattage even more. It is about 3" tall and about 10" by 10". I planned to put under my seat but I guess where ever it will fit.
With the little dc-dc power supplys you can probably make a stupidly small case now. I built mine before I realized there were sites devoted to carputers and parts to do so. Although I have bench tested mine, it has never actually been installed so I dont know how the finished product would turn out. oh well maybe in the patriot if I can find one. I will see if I can find a pic of mine to post.

stockblackxj · Mar 26, 2008

Mak001 · Mar 27, 2008

Ok, i've decided to go the carputer direction for the simple fact that I have more knowledge in computers than in in-car audio.
After scouring the internet for 1 din, 2 din, and molded lcd screens, ive come up with a question.

Does anyone have the size specs for the Nav bezel? specifically the size of the opening for the HU. Im fairly versed in fiberglass fabrication so i think that if i can get my hands on a nav bezel, i can cleanly mold a screen into that bezel. If it doesnt work...Im out 60 bucks for a bezel. If it does, i can finish the build by adding the computer.

Ive seen some very well priced package systems over at mp3.com. Btw anyone who needs any info on any car electronics, head over to that site, it is a wealth of knowledge.

That program you use stockblackxj, do you use a usb gps device?

stockblackxj · Mar 27, 2008

thats the plan but i have not had it out of the house yet. however my buddy hooked up a gps to his laptop and drove around to see how accurate the real time was and he was impressed. it did place him wrong a few times but only by a few meters. i am waiting on a new car now before installing.

In-Dash DVD/Nav Brainstorming

Mak001

jettore

Mak001

jettore

jettore

stockblackxj

Mak001

chokies

stockblackxj

stockblackxj

Mak001

stockblackxj

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities