FYI, there is a company in the UK which has just finished developing a gauge for VW diesel using the 1.5" OLED, can be mounted in the cluster. This is where I got the idea for a camera display but I asked the developer and he said the camera input is not doable, sorry.

Here is his gauge if you're interested in seeing it.

1.5" OLED Golf MK4 Final Gauge - YouTube

 

GPS is an add-on, as it is with many of these units, but it really bumps the price. I have a dongle on the netbook that converts it into a GPS unit - it cost me something like 50 bucks a few years back and it came with the mapping software. The unit has Ipod interface, the ability to add satellite radio, USB ports, more camera ports (imagine one on your trailer), . SD card, radio, B/U cam, and Bluetooth are what I use - but everybody's different.

 

Im running a clarion it has GPS and two AV inputs as well as a usb connector and ipod hook up.

 

4 inch!! How does the GPS work for you? What software does the GPS use? Thanks


Smokie

 

I have a Pioneer AVIC-X930BT, with built-in DVD, CD & Nav. For 2012, Pioneer now has the new X940BT out, but it's basically identical to the 930 with a little tighter Android app integration. It can be had for a little over $600, which is pretty reasonable considering all the built-in features.

To that, I added the iPod cable, which is about $40, which was routed to my glovebox, so I can leave my flash-based Ipod permanently plugged in & charging, and control it from the head unit. Since my iPod is in the glovebox, it is out of sight of prying eyes, so I don't have to unplug it & plug it back in again every time I park.

I also added the Pioneer GEX-P920XM XM tuner (~ $90), which was mounted behind the glovebox, so I can listen to XM satellite radio on long trips without getting bored.

There is one higher end model that has a 7" screen vs. a 6.1 screen, but the screen is motorized to access the DVD slot, and my thought is that's just one more thing to break, and besides it's more expensive & I feel 6.1" is big enough.

As Tudly said, one has to grind the top lip & the bottom lip of the double DIN opening to get it to fit. When mine was done, it took a while as we didn't want to trim too much as I wanted a tight fit, so it doesn't rattle when going offroad, and also it's worth taking one's time in order to prevent accidentally slipping & marring the surrounding finish.

Anyway, with DVD, Nav, iPod control & XM for around $750 & about a day's worth of time installing (I am sure it would go much quicker if you're used to doing installs), I now look forward to long trips. I find most of the time I just listen to XM radio, occasionally my Ipod, and use the Nav to route & monitor one's progress on longer trips. Around town I often don't even use the Nav, since I know where I am going, and just leave it on the AV screen so I can see which song is playing. I did purchase a cheap universal backup cam from Amazon, which I plan to get installed some time, but haven't got around to doing it yet. It makes such a difference having a variety of music, I now want one in my other car, lol.

 

I like it. I am OCD when going places i have never been and generally print directions anyway (mainly because when i go to new places its with a horse trailer) but it is nice to have and has saved my butt a few times. It has also pi$$ed me off a couple of times hahaha. The biggest problem with nav. in general in my opinion is there is no setting to tell it to avoid U-turns haha. The should make an update or packet you can install telling it your pulling a trailer. But all and all its a good unit.

 

My in dash unit uses IGO8 software which seems pretty good lots of details and able to program SD card ! Problem is and yesteday was a example it could not find the street so I could program address. I use a Magellen Mastreo as a backup and it is very reliable ! Now I just have to learn to believe what Bitchin Betty tells me!! She also has the uturn syndrome till she figuires where shes at!!

Smokie