Monday, April 02, 2007 - 09:19 pm, by: Chris Moore(Chris_moore)
Hey, I just want to know if anyone has installed a GPS system below an aftermarket head unit. I have a single din head unit and wonder if I could fit a decent GPS below in the 1.5 din space. Any ideas?
Are you referring to a head unit that has GPS or one of those removable GPS units?
I got a portable one (installed on my windscreen though) and I had a look with Will Adams whether it would be possible to fix it into the dash, it seemed to fit it perfectly. Although he had a 2DIN stereo fitted already, the GPS sort of would have covered the .5 DIN gap, and the ash tray, but would have left the ciggarette lighter exposed. Since you just got a 1DIN stereo it would look better I suppose. My unit for example is 12.5cm wide, and 7cm high, so height wise almost perfect for 1.5DIN, though you'd have a gap on the side. I suppose you can mount it in the middle, and put something to cover the gaps on the side. Reception wasn't a problem in normal circumstances. Areas with crap reception it might work less effectively, but you can always buy an external antenna and plug it in.
Also, buying one like this over a head unit would work out almost 10 times cheaper!
Chris Moore Tinkerer Queensland Toyota Soarer GT-TL
Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 07:14 pm, by: Chris Moore(Chris_moore)
Yeah I was thinking of one of the removable ones. If i could get one to fit, I would have it sitting in the middle under my head unit with some black plastic on either side. No Shaun, I don't, I was just thinking of putting in a removable one.
Chris, you'll have more than enough space to fit one in for sure. Just shop around. I suggest you get one with an embedded, not folding out antenna. Also it would be a good idea to have an option in it to plug in an external antenna as well. Not sure how well it will receive the GPS signal when it is in the dash, since you'd probably want it flush with the rest of your dash, the antenna will be covered up. I think it will still work fine, mine picks up the signal even if it just lies on the passenger seat, but you never know.
Also, not sure what you do for a living, but if your employer lets you, you can save heaps on the purchase if you salary sacrifice a PDA with full GPS function in it. I personally saved 50% on it by doing it. There's Quite a few around nowadays, I got one (check my profile). Just stay clear of those bullsh|t GSM ones which download maps over the mobile phone network, rather than having them stored in the unit. They will be useless if you're ever driving out in the woop woop. Oh, and the PDA screen can be rotated horizontally or vertically, so whichever way it suits you.
Chris Moore Tinkerer Queensland Toyota Soarer GT-TL
Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 02:20 pm, by: Chris Moore(Chris_moore)
Yeah I am only working casually while I finish my Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Law joint degree. I was thinking of having an external antenna mounted on the windscreen or somewhere nearby. Thanks for the help, I will start looking for a decent system. I think it will look good if i can manage to find a decent system and someone capable of creating a frame for it.
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