Garmin 670 'integration'

[DukeDesmo]

First time in this section (so bear with me if I'm being thick!), I've recently bought a Garmin 670, (very good it is too) and am looking to use it not only as a satnav but to replace a Roadpilot and Nokia 610 car phone kit.

The Garmin has these features so should be OK but I'm looking for a way to integrate it into the cars Head unit (Audi Concert).

At present the carphone is connected to a 'phone' input on the HU so that when in use it interrupts the HU (shows 'PHONE' on display) and uses the cars (front only) speakers for phone speaker, the HU also has a similar 'Nav' input (may use all speakers?) which I've never used but both these inputs require a signal to activate them, the Nokia has an output that switches the phone signal, presumably the Audi Nav system has similar?

Does anyone know if I can get a signal from the Garmin when the the Garmin is 'speaking' or when the phone is in use so that I can use this to switch the Nav and/or Phone inputs on the HU.

Also can anyone tell me whether the Garmin speed camera database is as good as Roadpilots?, is the one available on this site better?, is it worth having both to be certain?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[philpugh]

What sort of input is the NAV on the head unit? Is it expecting a switching voltage or is it audio input?

If it's just an audio input perhaps it will automatically mute the radio/cd etc when something is present. If so this would do the job both for the navigation commands and phone as they are combined on the nuvi.

If it's a switch (similar to the phone) then you are going to need some 3rd party hardware to fake this signal as nuvis don't provide this. I believe there are some available. (Do I recall mikealder mentioning something similar a while ago?) You tend to get the very first part of the audio cut-off - unless they have a small delay in the system. Makes it sound a bit like a walkie-talkie.
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Phil

[DukeDesmo]

Thanks for the reply, I believe the NAV input requires a switching voltage (ground), I know the PHONE input does but I am going to try it and find out.

I'm looking to fit the Garmin in (the space under) the dash and make it nice & neat so I'd like to remove the other devices (roadpilot & nokia 610) but don't want to compromise on any of the functions of either - as it is the only 'compromise' seems to be integrating the sound but I'm thinking that it must be possible to do, somehow

I'd be really interested in anything available to to do this, do you have any link to previous mentioning of it?

Thanks again.

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