FordTruckNewton ?

They're making a comeback...

 

Here are the dah photos so people can see ahead of time what it looks like






Radio appears to rest on the metal plate in the middle

 

RigCity, thank you very much for your contribution to the thread. You have provided a lot of pictures of the dash and bezel from several different angles. The images will give future readers a much better idea of what they are getting into.

 

Any guesses if something like this would fit?

 

@blaczero , based on the measurements listed on Amazon, the following is what we know to be true...

ATOTO A6 Pro:
5.9"D x 4.1"H x 8.1"W

SYGAV:
5.7"D x 2" x 7"W

Technically the back portion of the SYGAV stereo will fit. The height measurement on the listing claims it is 2", but that looks off proportion with the screen which is listed as 6.1". Even if it were 2", you might be able to make it work but I suspect the height of the case is 4" and the listing is wrong. Another clue that the 2" measurement is wrong is the title of the listing stating it is a "2 Din" and "Double Din", which would indicate it is not 2" in height.

All that said, it does not say much for the front display fitting in a way that would be pleasing to the owner. One thing you have going for you is that it has a "rotatable screen" as seen in the image below.



I suspect the device would fit as long as the middle left screen configuration was used. This would not hinder the use of the HVAC controls and would protrude a bit above the back of the stereo. It appears that the screen would clear the pronounced bezel, but I cannot be sure. Although, the back of the stereo could be brought forward a bit toward the seats in order to allow for a bit more clearance if needed.

 

I kind of like the side to side motion of the Sygav unit. That would be nice for reducing glare and such. Looks like it is available with a single or double din chassis. Pics of the orientation with a single din chassis would be nice to see.

 

I agree that tilting the screen is a nice feature. Admittedly I only did a very basic amount of research on the SYGAV unit and more should be conducted before a purchase is made regarding the size of the cases available. If a single DIN were purchased, this would present a bit of a challenge and require some custom work to the dashboard or bezel. The OEM unit is just shy of double DIN. Not impossible by any means, just be aware of that.

The tilting of the screen is appealing and I considered a unit like this one, but not the same exact unit. I decided against it as I did not want anything protruding from the dashboard if I could help it. I even went as far as to replace my center console single cubby with a dual cup holder as seen below.



I believe it was FTE'r Brian Hanks that brought this piece to my attention and I quickly snagged one up. Now, I no longer need to use the cup holder that retracts into the dash. I bought and installed the newer and better version of the "cup launcher" and it does not or has not launched a cup or beverage container, but I don't like the beverage being just out of my field of view.

I have also been running a Jensen VX7020 as seen below. It has a flat display and I have had no issues with glare or reflections and I hope that continues with the ATOTO unit. I did tint my windshield with UV blocking nearly clear tint, so maybe that helps with glare as well, it certainly helps with heat radiation.



The reason for the update to the ATOTO unit is in order to hit several points of interest.

• Last year on an emergency sprint/run out to ID from GA in our 2008 Subaru during winter, we were stopped in WY for fuel and coffee. A truck driver asked if we were headed west and nodded, he said "not today your not..." We spoke for a moment and the interstate was closed due to ice and snow. We were using the somewhat archaic GPS from Kenwood who was Subaru's choice of provider in 2008. It was great for it's time, but 11 years later it lacked a lot. We bought a Scosche fast charging cradle and used live Google Maps from there on out. We stayed in Jackson and saw the Grand Tetons the next morning and life was good.

This was our first taste of what we could have if we desired and saved enough pennies.

I have since learned that at the "My Maps Google site" I can create custom routes, note points of interest, etc... Below is a small snip for our out west stomping ground.



I can now easily get on Google Maps from the ATOTO, select My Maps and go to a set location that we have already scouted and planned out. I can also load up a custom route say if we want to go through LoLo MT or Ouray CO on the Million Dollar Highway (beautiful drive) instead of Jackson WY. We are spoiled by Google Maps so much that we are planning to purchase a Scosche fast charging cradle for the 2016 Ford Escape we inherited last year. Even though it has Ford Sync 3, we prefer the live Google Maps. The Escape has Android Auto, but I don't prefer that interface.

Another advantage to the ATOTO is I don't have to use my tablet to view or run FORScan. I simply push the second soft button from the right and FORScan is up and running in literally 1 second.

Pandora if I want to listen to Hank, Merle or Waylon, done!

YouTube if I want to listen to an audio book or a podcast like Joe Rogan or Diesel Podcast, done!

This is a no brainer for us and our application. I have looked at ways of removing the 2008 GPS unit from the Subaru in order to install an ATOTO A6 Pro, but that is a much bigger project that installing one in the truck. This is not right for everyone and I respect that and am in no way saying everyone NEEDS to do this. I only wish to share what I have learned from personal experience, trial and error and reading with the FTE as I know for a fact there are others thinking of doing similar things. I have received numerous PM's asking for details about the devices I have chosen. I am always sure to let them know this is right for me, but may not be right for you.

I am looking forward to getting the truck in the garage this winter and installing the ATOTO head unit. I think it will be a nice addition that will allow for me to have less. So, less is more I guess... Hopefully I can find a good deal on an OBDLink MX or MX+ as we near Christmas.

 

Great info in this thread, so thanks to everyone. I will save up some cash and make a decision about the android head unit. What I find interesting is the massive price swing, from ~$150-$500 for an "android tablet". I would love a 10"+ screen.

As I read some of the reviews, the cheaper ones can be flat out fraudulent about the version of android it's running and the RAM in it. Like anything else, you get what you pay for I suppose.

 

I'm not that into head units (I even removed the stock radio in my truck, it is just an empty hole, so move along thieves, nothing of value in here, and yes, you already found out that the truck won't start after you broke in the last time) but if I were, then I would likely consider relocating the HVAC controls to either the cubby hole position, the indash cup holder position, or in an F-650 manual transmission lower dash position.

With the HVAC control unit thus dispatched, I'd have a contiguous triple DIN space to work with (perhaps 3.4 DIN), into which I would position a 10" or larger diagonal screen oriented vertically, with the end result appearing as if the instrument panel cover was originally designed that way, due to bar between the factory head unit and the oem HVAC control pocket being recessed from the final textured surface of the IP panel, making it a snap to cut away that dividing bar for a combined cavern to accommodate a larger vertically oriented screen.

The more significant cutting would be all the plastic structure behind the IP cover. But since those cuts would be entirely hidden, there would be no fiberglass work involved with trying to make the appearance seem more finished.

 

Hardeeharhar. That would still be an improvement on what I currently have though.

 

Ok, am a little late to the party as usual.

Thoughts as I read through:

- Rear camera zoom feature. Just got rid of an Expedition which had a zoom feature for the rear camera. That was truly a sweet option. After I mentioned this to a buddy whom also had the same year Expedition, he came back the next morning and told me that hitching his trailer "... was almost like cheating..." after he hit the zoom icon.

- Rear camera trigger. For a reverse signal triggering the rear camera and a manual transmission, can use a delay-off relay for backing. Sure, a little more work. I set the Expedition to a delayed-off for the rear camera and actually found it useful. I do like the idea of an always hot camera for DVR use.

- Love that the ATOTO integrates DVR capability and that the external camera option has its own memory storage. Bonus is if the system records telemetry and GPS data in addition to the imagery.

- Not mentioned (or perhaps I missed) in the list of desirable capabilities is for the head unit to read FM traffic data. I have a stand-alone GPS which does this and it works just as good as Expedition's nav system which pulls data from Sirius. From the descriptions so far, it does not look like the ATOTO gets the free OTA traffic alerts. Aside, Sous, your experience with wanting to remove the Subaru's nav system is one of the reasons I prefer to go with stand-alone GPS units.


Unless I am missing something, dirty power should not directly affect a laptop. They use a converter to take the 110v AC to XXv DC to both supply the laptop and charge the battery (which can also act as a buffer). Dirty power definitely would effect 110v electronics that do not rely on a converter.


Oh, and as usual Sous, GREAT JOB!

 

Y2KW57, I actually had a passing thought about doing this. There are devices out there that will fit this space quite well with just the display mounting in there and the "brain or box" being remotely located. Although, a bigger screen is not always better in homes or in vehicles. For example, we decided on a 55" TV for our wall even though it can easily accommodate a much larger screen. It fits and looks better in my opinion.

We have a 2008 Subuaru Tribeca with a center console identical to the one below in color, shape and size. Going from the shift lever up to the windshield you can see split HVAC controls, 6 disc changer in dash with the stereo including rear seat screen controls, dash screen quick buttons and then the soft touch display with GPS, mechanical information, weather, etc...



Recently we went to look at the new 2019 Subaru Outback and 2019 Subaru Ascent. The Ascent is the new 7 seater that replaced the Tribeca which failed in the US market for the most part. We have the 3.6 liter engine, but most came equipped with an underpowered 4 cylinder engine. Although the vehicle itself is nice and refined, the 4 cylinder engine could not make up for the shortfalls. This is the Subaru we have been cross country in many times and we still trust it to go right now, today if needed.

The new Outback has an "ALL NEW" infotainment system and I was excited to see it in person and see what we liked or didn't like about the Outback as our next Subaru when it was time for the Tribeca to go. Not that we are looking to get rid of it, but it will have it's day and will need to be replaced. It still looks and runs like new even though it is from 2008. This is a recent picture I took of the engine bay in August of 2020 if that gives you any indication of the condition. Before you ask, yes! It is exactly the same color code as my truck, which is odd...



Is that 10 paragraphs yet?

Anyway, the image below is the infotainment center of the new Outback.



The HVAC controls are on the screen, but this section does NOT change. There are also hard buttons for setting the temperature and the soft buttons work with gloves on. This screen size and layout was not appealing to me or my wife as an upgrade. I was excited to mess with it and see what it was like to use the new infotainment center, and even though I was impressed at the functionality and appearance, it was not what we preferred.

The image below is the infotainment center of the new Ascent.



Despite the Ascent having many more features, technological advancements and gadgets, the infotainment area is more of what we are accustomed to and prefer. Again, sometimes a bigger screen is not better. Quality vs. quantity...

There is a small screen on the dashboard for miscellaneous information like weather, front camera, etc, but most things are done through the lower screen that resembles a large double din size. We are happy about this preference and design in the Ascent as the 7 passenger seating has come in handy for us in the past and the Subaru is by far the best vehicle we have ever owned. The AWD system is second to none, even when considering the Audi we owned. We have had our Subaru in situations in which most vehicles would have failed and it has never let us down (knock on wood).

This is my opinion on your method of updating the head unit if you choose to fill the void in your dashboard. I have said it before and I will say it again, your application and use may be completely different than mine and that is OK and I am OK with that.

Apple is not my preference on anything related to IT. Having an IT background, I realize it is good for multimedia and users that prefer something different, but there is nothing about iOS or their line of products that draws me to them. The hardware is all the same as the other manufacturers.

Fashionably late sir and your comments are welcome and appreciated regarding any thread or post I create. We don't always see eye to eye, but that is OK with me because I still have much to learn.

Since selling our travel trailer and moving to a 5th wheel, I don't use the rear facing camera much at all anymore. It is nice when I am backing my truck into its parking spot along the tree line on our property because it backs up to our firewood storage location. I use the camera to ensure there is enough room to move between the firewood and the truck. I use it to back up to the garage door from time to time. I have used it to hook up to a large tandem axle trailer to tow a tractor around, but rarely does that happen. Since I have the rear camera installed from our travel trailer days, I don't plan to remove it and will ensure that it still works with the ATOTO A6 Pro simply as a nicety instead of a must, like it was when we had the travel trailer.

It seems zoom would be nice to have though if I ever used a cargo trailer or the tractor trailer more in the future. Thanks for the tip!

So, when I initially installed the Jensen VX-7020 it was for the offline GPS, DVD and rear view camera. Again, we had a travel trailer at the time and having the camera was like cheating, using your words... I wired the rear view camera power into the accessory on, which is the same wire that turns the head unit on. This way, the camera was always on and I could select the rear view camera anytime I wanted. Going down the road at 65 MPH, sitting still in reverse or sitting still in neutral. This was very beneficial as my wife is the one who would lead me to the travel trailer and I didn't always want to be in reverse, on the clutch and on the brake waiting for her to give me instructions. It was nice to sit in neutral and use the camera and having the power for the camera wired into accessory solved all of the power trigger problems.

I have a 60 second delayed relayed for my current dashcam in the truck right now, but that whole system will be moving to the Subaru soon enough. The dashcam did not like the GP cycle times and would sometimes come on and sometimes shut off because when going to start from ignition on, there is a loss of power to the dashcam. A custom time set (60 seconds was my selection) fixed that minor issue.

I am not certain, but I think that information is available through the onboard app. I will have to look into that. I am looking forward to this ATOTO dashcam as well since I had the notion of installing one in the Subaru. Money saved on the sales and money saved because I don't need to buy one for the Subaru now. Good day!

The ATOTO does have the ability to read traffic and weather data over the FM band. I have enjoyed the stand alone GPS in our other vehicles, but have grown accustomed to Google Maps. We do and have traveled the country many, many, many times and we find ourselves with enough signal (Verizon) to sustain a GPS route using live Google Maps. Even way out in MT or WY, the map will be cached and the GPS antenna will keep us on course. If we need to reroute and are out of signal, then I will do what I can with what I have until we are back in signal. The data transfer rate of a map while traveling is miniscule and is capable of working even on 1x strength signal. I have contemplated the live Google Maps vs. offline GPS for quite a while and our last 2 trips out to ID from GA last year with the Scosche phone cradle in the Subaru was the final discussion point that resolved that choice in my mind.

I do not intend to install an inverter in the truck as stated earlier I have unlimited power production and resources in the camper, which is in tow 90% of the time the truck is moving. Especially when it is traveling cross country. A pure sine wave inverter is a good idea, but not required for a laptop. Some modified sine wave inverters will allow a device such as a laptop to recharge, but not function properly because the power supply is having trouble with the AC it is receiving. Other electronics "might" act strange on a modified sine wave inverter as well. This is not an common as it used to be 10 years ago, but it is still a concern. The problem with a modified sign wave inverter is not always with the laptop or battery itself, it is with the power supply (brick) that the laptop and battery are hooked up to.

I have a pure sine wave 2000w inverter in the camper and plenty of battery power with 400w of solar. I don't see the benefit to install an inverter in the truck, for my application. We have 120v power in two of other vehicles and rarely use it. Again, this is my application and I respect that my application may not be like others.

I appreciate your comments as always and look forward to many more discussions with you on the FTE sir.

 

Fun update!

More gadgets came in the mail today. I was originally going to put these on my wish list to Santa, but decided not to wait that long. Also, as seen in the spreadsheet above, I got great deals on the prices! So much so, that some of this stuff ends up being free.

GFML!

USPS dropped off the following items.

• 256GB microSD card
• ATOTO dashcam
• Choetech wireless charger

Turns out the wireless charger does not quick charge from the head unit like I had hoped, but it charges at normal rate so I am OK with that. This is hooked up to the USB line in the back labeled "quick charge". The "Quick Charge" app seen below should be used to select "standard charge".



I setup my test bench on the table again in order to test the dashcam and wireless charger. This way I would know what to tweak/adjust before having everything in the dashboard of the truck.



Test bench complete with hot chocolate!

I need to format the microSD card and fire up the dashcam.

More updates to follow.

 

@JayTheCPA , turns out there is telemetry information on the screen and recording. The image below is a screenshot of the data which is in red at the bottom of the screen.

 

I ran into a bit if a snag while getting the dashcam setup, but I believe this was self inflicted.

On my other Android devices I use "File Manager+" to maintain and administer to images, documents and files within the operating system. The ATOTO A6 Pro comes with "File Manager" loaded by the Android 6.0 launch software.

I think having both of these file managers was causing a software conflict. The conflict only presented itself since installing the dashcam and the 256GB microSD card. The file managers were attempting to access the microSD card at the same time, which mad it throw a fit.

I have since removed the "File Manager+" app and all is well. Both of the apps work the same, they simply have a different interface.

The dashcam seems to work well and I believe it will be good for my application.

More to follow as the project progresses.