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JBL47 Occasional Visitor

Joined: May 25, 2006 Posts: 49
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 11:17 pm Post subject: Is this possible - just a fitted satnav and radio ? |
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I don't know if this is possible or not but here goes ...
Is is possible to get just a satnav unit that can be built-in to a D/D unit to replace the existing oem radio and somehow still keep a radio capability ?
My new(ish) car has a dashtop radio in a changeable surround, the top market model has a full entertainment system here.
I do not want an entertainment system, no dvd player or cd required, I would just like to have a fitted satnav (do not like things stuck on the windscreen) and still have a radio to listen to, both in the same unit. Does such a thing exist ?
Hope this makes sense.
Cheers
Brian. |
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JockTamsonsBairn Lifetime Member

Joined: Jan 10, 2004 Posts: 2777 Location: Bonnie Scotland (West Central)
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Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:12 am Post subject: Re: Is this possible - just a fitted satnav and radio ? |
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JBL47 wrote: | Is is possible to get just a satnav unit that can be built-in to a D/D unit to replace the existing oem radio and somehow still keep a radio capability ? | Yes.
JBL47 wrote: | I do not want an entertainment system, no dvd player or cd required, I would just like to have a fitted satnav (do not like things stuck on the windscreen) and still have a radio to listen to, both in the same unit. Does such a thing exist ? | Not so sure about that, many of these units use DVD drives to load new maps, so the capability to play CD/DVD tends to be standard.
I haven't used any of the units, but recomendations would be based on whether you have a single or double DIN unit, and what functions you require, e.g. ability to load custom POIs, e.g. speed cameras, and whether you want audible warnings.
Double DIN unit built into dash.
Single DIN unit where the screen slides out from the unit and tilts. _________________ Jock
TomTom Go 940 LIVE (9.510, Europe v915.5074 on SD & 8.371, WCE v875.3613 on board) |
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JBL47 Occasional Visitor

Joined: May 25, 2006 Posts: 49
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Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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Super answer, thanks. It tells me exactly what I didn't know and really helps.
Incar technology is just not me
Cheers
Brian |
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mikealder Pocket GPS Moderator


Joined: Jan 14, 2005 Posts: 19638 Location: Blackpool , Lancs
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Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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Have a look at something like This it's probably cheaper than you were thinking about and to be honest they work reasonably well, I have had one in my Volvo for over three years with no issues.
GPS software is generally either iGO, Sygic or Route 66 but if supplied with the unit it will be a hacked copy so budget for a proper licensed version over and above the cost of the unit. Any GPS software you install to it must be capable of running from just the SD card - Mike |
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JBL47 Occasional Visitor

Joined: May 25, 2006 Posts: 49
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Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:51 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Mike, that is certainly something to give serious thought to.
Might I plague you with questions ?
Did you buy the unit direct from Chinavision ?
Was the audio direction on the satnav clear and gave good warning of required turns etc ? ( wife depends on audio direction more than visual).
Would it be possible to download the Camera database onto this unit ?
Your comments on the sd card leave me puzzled. How would I go about keeping the maps uptodate and what license do you mean ? (my old Garmin had a code when I bought it, is this it ?)
Would any SD card fit such a unit ?
Sorry about all the questions but my knowledge in this area is virtually nil and hence the reliance on good advice from forums like this.
Cheers and thanks
Brian |
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mikealder Pocket GPS Moderator


Joined: Jan 14, 2005 Posts: 19638 Location: Blackpool , Lancs
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 8:54 am Post subject: |
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JBL47 wrote: | Did you buy the unit direct from Chinavision ? |
Yes, although I used their E-Bay shop.
JBL47 wrote: | Was the audio direction on the satnav clear and gave good warning of required turns etc ? |
It's fine with the audio going through all the cars speaker system, timing issues will be more down to the actual software in use rather than the device, I find Sygic more than good enough on the China unit.
JBL47 wrote: | Would it be possible to download the Camera database onto this unit ? |
Again depends upon the software installed for the GPS navigation, Sygic, Route 66 or iGo will all support the use of third party speed camera files.
JBL47 wrote: | Your comments on the sd card leave me puzzled. How would I go about keeping the maps uptodate and what license do you mean ? (my old Garmin had a code when I bought it, is this it ?) |
When you purchase the unit it comes "GPS enabled" it might not have any navigation software pre-installed, if does have it will probably be hacked software.
JBL47 wrote: | Would any SD card fit such a unit ? |
SD up to 2GB in capacity unless it states SDHC compliant in which case it will work with cards up to and including 32GB in capacity - Mike |
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JBL47 Occasional Visitor

Joined: May 25, 2006 Posts: 49
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Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2012 9:41 am Post subject: |
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Thank you Mike for the patience and complete answers.
Cheers
Brian |
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Andy_P Pocket GPS Moderator


Joined: Jun 04, 2005 Posts: 19991 Location: West and Southwest London
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Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2012 8:44 pm Post subject: |
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If you decidde to buy one, do please keep us up to date with how you get on  _________________ "Settling in nicely" ;-) |
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JBL47 Occasional Visitor

Joined: May 25, 2006 Posts: 49
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Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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Andy_P wrote: | If you decidde to buy one, do please keep us up to date with how you get on  |
Will do.
Seriously thinking about one of these but now have a couple more questions after reading the Chinavasion page on them.
1. The GPS antenna is mentioned, is this the only way for the unit to get a GPS signal ? Don't really fancy an antenna stuck to the roof and cable coming in through the window.
2 SD enabled and Garmin might not work with it so what would be a legitimate alternative SD card ?
Thanks
Brian |
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Duddy Lifetime Member

Joined: Dec 09, 2006 Posts: 219 Location: Manchester UK
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 1:00 am Post subject: |
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JBL47 wrote: | Andy_P wrote: | If you decidde to buy one, do please keep us up to date with how you get on  |
Will do.
Seriously thinking about one of these but now have a couple more questions after reading the Chinavasion page on them.
1. The GPS antenna is mentioned, is this the only way for the unit to get a GPS signal ? Don't really fancy an antenna stuck to the roof and cable coming in through the window.
2 SD enabled and Garmin might not work with it so what would be a legitimate alternative SD card ?
Thanks
Brian |
With regards point 1.
The GPS antenna doesn't need to be on the roof (although this is the ideal place) anywhere where there is a reasonable wide, clear view of the sky (not thru metal) can be used.
When I was using GPS enabled data loggers I stuck them on my dashboard without a problem and they even kept position logging when I forgot to turn them off and put them in the glovebox _________________ HUAWEI P30 Pro (new edition) with Speedtrap Alert & alcatel1 for SatNav
CoPilot 10 with CamerAlert
RoadHawk in-car video
Reading glasses getting thicker as is my waist
Retired but want to go back to work for a rest. |
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mikealder Pocket GPS Moderator


Joined: Jan 14, 2005 Posts: 19638 Location: Blackpool , Lancs
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Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 7:22 am Post subject: |
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JBL47 wrote: | 1. The GPS antenna is mentioned, is this the only way for the unit to get a GPS signal ? Don't really fancy an antenna stuck to the roof and cable coming in through the window. |
The GPS aerial for my unit is magnetic so I stuck it to some steel work under the dash on the passenger side of the car, no issue with reception at all.
JBL47 wrote: | 2 SD enabled and Garmin might not work with it so what would be a legitimate alternative SD card ? |
I know TomTom Navigator doesn't work with the Chinese units as there isn't enough memory to run the application, never tried the Garmin software, Sygic runs OK as does Co-Pilot, the software you use needs to be for the PDA hardware - Mike |
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