I wanted to add Navigation to my NSX and wasn't sure what the best way would be. The three most important things for me were:
1.) Updated maps. Navigation systems aren't worth much if they are unable find your destination.
2.) Reversible. The goal was to try to preserve as much of the NSX styling as possible. I wanted to be able to undo it if my tastes ever change.
3.) Cost. I've got better things to spend my money on between kids / wife / more toys for the car (brake upgrade then it's time for a Turbo).
I have had a few of the 3-4" portable nav systems in there and I could never find a location I liked for them. I tried them to the left of the gage pod and it felt unnatural to look that way with the passenger / stereo to the right. Putting it to the right felt better but blocked some of your vision out the front.
My next thought was a double din system, but the angle they are at makes them almost unreadable here in Arizona. Add to that horrible user interfaces (on most) and the few if any map updates and I decided against them.
Finally I decided that a nav pod GPS would be the best. It is in the center, but just low enough that it doesn't interfere with your vision out the front windshield.
I really wanted an iPad mounted in the dash, but I could not find a way to accomplish my 3 goals.
The iPad lacked turn by turn navigation (you would need a 3rd party app). There was no easy bolt on solution due to it's size which means I would either need to cut a lot of parts, or spend a decent amount of money for some custom fiberglass / hVAC work.
During a trip to Basch Acura Service, Jon showed me the navigation on his DROID phone and I was speechless. Free turn by turn nav with up to date maps. We got to talking some more and he offered me his fabrication services if/when I came up with an idea.
Well my hamster got on his wheel, and for those of you that know me that always means trouble. I'll leave out some of the thought processes that ensued but the end result was...
A Samsung Galaxy Tab does in fact fit inside the Honda Nav Pod without any modification. However, after playing with a Galaxy Tab I would probably vote against such an install. There is no way to get to the power/volume/SD Card slot while it is installed in a Nav Pod making it difficult to update/add music/reboot etc. Not to mention it is essentially a smaller iPad and when you are not in your car it would be wasted.
After many hours playing with the Galaxy Tab and getting the software how I would like it (rooted with a custom ROM) it was ready.
$550 Galaxy Tab (I got mine for $200 off craigslist, check there first)
$55 Galaxy Tab Car Kit
$10 12v Socket
$140 USA Spec iPod adapter (I am working on a better way to interface with the factory stereo)
$TBD Mounting Bracket
$755 total
I had the USA Spec adapter and got the Tab for $200 so it cost me $265 + a favor for Jon.
I also took this time to wrap my center console in some Di-Noc as the bronze tin foil paint was starting to bubble and the plastic was actually broken in a few places.
If there is any interest, Jon said he would be willing to fabricate brackets for anyone who wants one. Although the cost would still need to be set by him. Mine is a rough prototype and gets the job done but the end result will be a much stiffer bracket.
If anyone would like more information (like the blow by blow walkthrough) just let me know and I'll post the pictures of the whole thing.
1.) Updated maps. Navigation systems aren't worth much if they are unable find your destination.
2.) Reversible. The goal was to try to preserve as much of the NSX styling as possible. I wanted to be able to undo it if my tastes ever change.
3.) Cost. I've got better things to spend my money on between kids / wife / more toys for the car (brake upgrade then it's time for a Turbo).
I have had a few of the 3-4" portable nav systems in there and I could never find a location I liked for them. I tried them to the left of the gage pod and it felt unnatural to look that way with the passenger / stereo to the right. Putting it to the right felt better but blocked some of your vision out the front.
My next thought was a double din system, but the angle they are at makes them almost unreadable here in Arizona. Add to that horrible user interfaces (on most) and the few if any map updates and I decided against them.
Finally I decided that a nav pod GPS would be the best. It is in the center, but just low enough that it doesn't interfere with your vision out the front windshield.
I really wanted an iPad mounted in the dash, but I could not find a way to accomplish my 3 goals.
The iPad lacked turn by turn navigation (you would need a 3rd party app). There was no easy bolt on solution due to it's size which means I would either need to cut a lot of parts, or spend a decent amount of money for some custom fiberglass / hVAC work.
During a trip to Basch Acura Service, Jon showed me the navigation on his DROID phone and I was speechless. Free turn by turn nav with up to date maps. We got to talking some more and he offered me his fabrication services if/when I came up with an idea.
Well my hamster got on his wheel, and for those of you that know me that always means trouble. I'll leave out some of the thought processes that ensued but the end result was...
A Samsung Galaxy Tab does in fact fit inside the Honda Nav Pod without any modification. However, after playing with a Galaxy Tab I would probably vote against such an install. There is no way to get to the power/volume/SD Card slot while it is installed in a Nav Pod making it difficult to update/add music/reboot etc. Not to mention it is essentially a smaller iPad and when you are not in your car it would be wasted.
After many hours playing with the Galaxy Tab and getting the software how I would like it (rooted with a custom ROM) it was ready.
$550 Galaxy Tab (I got mine for $200 off craigslist, check there first)
$55 Galaxy Tab Car Kit
$10 12v Socket
$140 USA Spec iPod adapter (I am working on a better way to interface with the factory stereo)
$TBD Mounting Bracket
$755 total
I had the USA Spec adapter and got the Tab for $200 so it cost me $265 + a favor for Jon.
I also took this time to wrap my center console in some Di-Noc as the bronze tin foil paint was starting to bubble and the plastic was actually broken in a few places.
If there is any interest, Jon said he would be willing to fabricate brackets for anyone who wants one. Although the cost would still need to be set by him. Mine is a rough prototype and gets the job done but the end result will be a much stiffer bracket.
If anyone would like more information (like the blow by blow walkthrough) just let me know and I'll post the pictures of the whole thing.
