No factory navigation? - Here's a Navi alternative
I have done the by-pass (have never ever watched a video while driving). I would ask how the PAC unit over rides the Speed Sensor and E-Brake wires which are directly connected to the back of the OEM head unit. I am curious.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: NY
I don't know... while cleaner look of internally installed GPS is very desirable, I stuck it out with portables for the touch-screen interface, being able to listen to radio/CD/satellite while using GPS (without having to switch) and having the added luxury of using my portables overseas and in rental cars. Since buying my G in 2007, I switched from Nuvi 680 to nuvi 760 to nuvi 855. Each upgrade allowed new features (ie. the 855 has voice commands and lane assist). The older units were sold on eBay.
I don't know... while cleaner look of internally installed GPS is very desirable, I stuck it out with portables for the touch-screen interface, being able to listen to radio/CD/satellite while using GPS (without having to switch) and having the added luxury of using my portables overseas and in rental cars. Since buying my G in 2007, I switched from Nuvi 680 to nuvi 760 to nuvi 855. Each upgrade allowed new features (ie. the 855 has voice commands and lane assist). The older units were sold on eBay.
I decided to use the TeleNav GPS on my Blackberry. For < $10/mo you get auto updated maps, free traffic alerts, 2D or 3D map display, add/edit favorites online and spoken street names. Basically it has better features than the medium priced Garmin I have.
Honestly though, if an affordable way to get an integrated touch screen ever becomes available, for the 2nd gen, then I would consider it. I just don't use GPS more than a few times a year to have spent a couple grand on it.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 8
From: NY
Me too. Even though I did the bypass with the intention of installing a Garmin GVN unit, I never did.
I decided to use the TeleNav GPS on my Blackberry. For < $10/mo you get auto updated maps, free traffic alerts, 2D or 3D map display, add/edit favorites online and spoken street names. Basically it has better features than the medium priced Garmin I have.
Honestly though, if an affordable way to get an integrated touch screen ever becomes available, for the 2nd gen, then I would consider it. I just don't use GPS more than a few times a year to have spent a couple grand on it.
I decided to use the TeleNav GPS on my Blackberry. For < $10/mo you get auto updated maps, free traffic alerts, 2D or 3D map display, add/edit favorites online and spoken street names. Basically it has better features than the medium priced Garmin I have.
Honestly though, if an affordable way to get an integrated touch screen ever becomes available, for the 2nd gen, then I would consider it. I just don't use GPS more than a few times a year to have spent a couple grand on it.
Telenav is great, has traffic updates too and you even have voice activated menus. But I prefer the Nuvi, so I can use my phone. I used to think that MSNDirect traffic updates would be a big help (traffic is hell on my commute) but found it was next to useless and Sirius updates + LCD road signs were much better indicators of traffic conditions.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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Ok so here is the update. I bought the garmin gvn53 from gpscentral (cheap) and then the PAC VCI-X adapter. NO navi hack or bypass was required what so ever.
They mounted the black box under passenger dash, ran antenna up to sit under inspection sticker wired everything to the headunit, and mounted the external speaker under drivers dash. I also have a switch to toggle between radio display and gps display.
This also allows passengers to program locations while the car is in motion. The display, sound and accuracy is incredible. I am 100% happy with this mod and it's up there with one of my favs so far
Here are some pics. Sorry for crappy blackberry quality...\
Daytime display
Nighttime display
let me know if you have any questions
They mounted the black box under passenger dash, ran antenna up to sit under inspection sticker wired everything to the headunit, and mounted the external speaker under drivers dash. I also have a switch to toggle between radio display and gps display.
This also allows passengers to program locations while the car is in motion. The display, sound and accuracy is incredible. I am 100% happy with this mod and it's up there with one of my favs so far
Here are some pics. Sorry for crappy blackberry quality...\
Daytime display
Nighttime display
let me know if you have any questions
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 33
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Ok so here is the update. I bought the garmin gvn53 from gpscentral (cheap) and then the PAC VCI-X adapter. NO navi hack or bypass was required what so ever.
They mounted the black box under passenger dash, ran antenna up to sit under inspection sticker wired everything to the headunit, and mounted the external speaker under drivers dash. I also have a switch to toggle between radio display and gps display.
This also allows passengers to program locations while the car is in motion. The display, sound and accuracy is incredible. I am 100% happy with this mod and it's up there with one of my favs so far
Here are some pics. Sorry for crappy blackberry quality...\
Daytime display
Nighttime display
let me know if you have any questions
They mounted the black box under passenger dash, ran antenna up to sit under inspection sticker wired everything to the headunit, and mounted the external speaker under drivers dash. I also have a switch to toggle between radio display and gps display.
This also allows passengers to program locations while the car is in motion. The display, sound and accuracy is incredible. I am 100% happy with this mod and it's up there with one of my favs so far
Here are some pics. Sorry for crappy blackberry quality...\
Daytime display
Nighttime display
let me know if you have any questions
So the map does show while driving?
Can you listen to your ipod with this?
Does red, white, and yellow hookups in the armrest still work?
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 26
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Ok just had a few more questions:
So the map does show while driving?
yes and can also be programmed while driving. There is no safety feature where the car must be stopped.
Can you listen to your ipod with this?
yes. there is nothing plugged into the AUX. Essentially the gps turns on and displays when the car is started, I have a switch to toggle between display of the radio/cd/ipod and the gps display. The music or whatever is still audible through the speaker and the gps navigates over it since it's a completely seperate external speaker mounted under dash.
Does red, white, and yellow hookups in the armrest still work?
I have a g37x coupe, not quite sure what you mean but I would assume so since everything functions normally and nothing at all is visible besides the switch. No wires, plugs, etc
So the map does show while driving?
yes and can also be programmed while driving. There is no safety feature where the car must be stopped.
Can you listen to your ipod with this?
yes. there is nothing plugged into the AUX. Essentially the gps turns on and displays when the car is started, I have a switch to toggle between display of the radio/cd/ipod and the gps display. The music or whatever is still audible through the speaker and the gps navigates over it since it's a completely seperate external speaker mounted under dash.
Does red, white, and yellow hookups in the armrest still work?
I have a g37x coupe, not quite sure what you mean but I would assume so since everything functions normally and nothing at all is visible besides the switch. No wires, plugs, etc
oh not sure what kind of car you have so might want to double check what adapter is needed. I used the VCI-X and another used the VCI-NIS1, but both are g37's. If you have g35, it may be different, I'm not positive.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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got it on ebay. I may have gotten lucky though... I can get you the seller if interested