Volvo Sat Nav........

[Paralight]

I may be barking mad, but here goes.........


There has been one or two mentions of the failings of the earlier Volvo based Sat Nav systems on various forums over the years.....

With this in mind and the map updates either rather expensive or unobtainable, I would like to float an idea to the assembled Brethren and Sistren.

I have an idea to replace the Nav computer with something more up to date. However I want to keep the original screen for aesthetics and also camera use if required. Use an aftermarket Nav computer and bastardise the wiring to feed into the original screen. That's the (relatively) easy bit! So I would then need to incorporate the voice guidance commands and also devise some way of lifting the screen. I don't really want the screen to be controlled from the ignition, because there are times when Nav isn't required. The original computer would be removed and shelved and a MOST bypass lead fitted in it's place. This may cause issues when at dealers because AMDS (Aston Martin Diagnostics System) would flag up a fault, 'unable to communicate with module', not the end of the world though.

The audio could be fed from a separate loudspeaker or use one of the door speakers with a changeover relay. The screen lift could be on a separate switch (messy) or what I would like to do is to try and use the 'back' button or joystick to elevate or close.

So the question is.... Would I have any interested customers? Or, do we think that the Volvo Nav is perfect and doesn't need to be improved?

Thank you for your attendance,

All the best,

James

Or shall I...........

[RIB27]

Would be interesting to see something like this coming as a package with front & rear reversing cameras/sensors. Ultimately it'll come down to how much it costs.

[Beardog]

I've updated the disc in my early DB9 and I'm happy with it, but if something more 'Garminish' with reverse camera function could be available - and utilise standard dash fittings without looking modified - then count me in.

[divetheworld]

An easier and reversible option.
You can get a video input interface just like fitting a camera input that can display nav from a third party unit. The display switch over happens just like putting your car in reverse, a simple switch will suffice.
Audio can be interrupted just like in a phone car kit.
So essentially, a parallel installation using auxiliary video I out and audio bypass.
If you really want to go flash, replace the monitor with a touchscreen unit.
Peice of piss.

[Ice27]

I think the ultimate solution was discovered here...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[James B]

Paralight said:

I may be barking mad, but here goes.........


There has been one or two mentions of the failings of the earlier Volvo based Sat Nav systems on various forums over the years.....

With this in mind and the map updates either rather expensive or unobtainable, I would like to float an idea to the assembled Brethren and Sistren.

I have an idea to replace the Nav computer with something more up to date. However I want to keep the original screen for aesthetics and also camera use if required. Use an aftermarket Nav computer and bastardise the wiring to feed into the original screen. That's the (relatively) easy bit! So I would then need to incorporate the voice guidance commands and also devise some way of lifting the screen. I don't really want the screen to be controlled from the ignition, because there are times when Nav isn't required. The original computer would be removed and shelved and a MOST bypass lead fitted in it's place. This may cause issues when at dealers because AMDS (Aston Martin Diagnostics System) would flag up a fault, 'unable to communicate with module', not the end of the world though.

The audio could be fed from a separate loudspeaker or use one of the door speakers with a changeover relay. The screen lift could be on a separate switch (messy) or what I would like to do is to try and use the 'back' button or joystick to elevate or close.

So the question is.... Would I have any interested customers? Or, do we think that the Volvo Nav is perfect and doesn't need to be improved?

Thank you for your attendance,

All the best,

James

Or shall I...........

James,

As you and I have discussed recently I feel the Vanq is let down by the nav unit. Thankfully the screen is fixed in place in the Vanq so no need to motorise but I would be interested to hear some more about the Nav unit being upgraded. A better screen would always be appreciated too!

[Jon1967x]

When searching for how to upgrade the garmin maps I came across what looked like an aftermarket upgrade - even had some other displays which looked like g-force dials and so on.. can I find the site..? No.. but I'm going to keep looking!

[notsaV8V]

I have the HDD version. On the downside, it is a bit basic in terms of display, both in the information it provides and the depiction, and the interface is clunky. On the upside though, it has almost everything I want, including postcode search and, especially TMC for which I don't have to pay. The only real gripe is the ability to update the database at a reasonable cost and regularly. To be interested in a replacement, it would have to include TMC and be easily removable so that I can update it easily. Oh, and not touchscreen as it is a bit of a stretch from the drivers seat.

To be honest, the fitted unit is a perfectly serviceable satnav with some good points. All of them have their downsides - I have a TomTom for our other car and getting that to give me a route to St Anton in Austria that avoided Switzerland was nowhere near as easy as it should have been.

I doubt the cost/benefit would make it worthwhile for me.

[graham 500]

Hi James, If the map was better format and cameras front & rear could be fitted, I may be interested. Again price would need to be considered first.

[jamesc12]

I would love to hear your ideas of what system could be put in the place of my ancient feeling DVD based '05 DB9s satnav.

I use my phone as a sat nav (Waze or Google Maps) all the time, inconveniently propped up against my A/C controls - falls flat on it's screen whenever I use my right foot properly

[Bravo73]

jamesc12 said:

I use my phone as a sat nav (Waze or Google Maps) all the time, inconveniently propped up against my A/C controls - falls flat on it's screen whenever I use my right foot properly

I use one of these in my car for Waze:



It also charges the 'phone.

[divetheworld]

jamesc12 said:

I would love to hear your ideas of what system could be put in the place of my ancient feeling DVD based '05 DB9s satnav.

A composite line in like a reverse camera hooked up to this:
http://www.alpine-europe.com/index.php?id=1339&amp...

Switch between nav units at any time, no major mods to the car.

[Impasse]

I think I'd like to lose the factory screen and replace it with a usable touch screen. Couldn't the lift/close action be accessed by the remaining buttons on the dash?