I can see it now...

Car comes with VERY rare factory nav system.

Great write gives me dreams of the stuff I will do to my car.

wow, that looks awesome. thanks for providing all the details so someone else can do this in the future. excellent work.

ddalder - you are DA MAN!!!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!

If there are any other pics or advice you would like to share concerning this project please feel free to do so!

Awesome work! Does the unit do voice prompts for navigation? How much would that run if I was going to put that in? I was just looking at a Pioneer unit that looks very similar to that priced at $995

That is awesome. Looks great! Awesome job.

I think this should be added to techinfo. It could potentially help with any dash related 00+ installs.

Yup, it does provide voice prompts. The costs (except what I paid to change the backlighting) are all in one of my posts, I believe on the first page of this thread. I'm going to post more information on the LED'* I used once I get back home again.

Don't want to dig up old threads, but this should be my final post here...

LED backlighting information as promised:



LED #1
---------
Manufactured By: Lumex
Manufacturer P/N: SML-LXR44IC-TR
Manufacturer Datasheet: http://www.lumex.com/images/pdf/SML-LXR44IC-TR.pdf
Vendor: Digi-Key http://www.digikey.com
Vendor P/N: 67-1826-1-ND
Forward Voltage: 2.0V (2.5V Max)
Wavelength: 635nm
Current: 30mA Typical (Steady)
Emitted Colour: Red
Lens: Water Clear
Usage - 2 Required - One on either side of CD/DVD slot.

LED #2
---------
Manufactured By: Avago Technologies
Manufacturer P/N: HSMZ-A100-R00J1
Manufacturer Datasheet: http://www.avagotech.com/assets/down...ent.do?id=2571
Vendor: Digi-Key http://www.digikey.com
Vendor P/N: 516-1459-1-ND
Forward Voltage: 2.2V (2.6V Max)
Wavelength: 639nm
Current: 30mA Typical (Steady)
Emitted Colour: Red
Lens: Water Clear
Usage: 15 Required - 1 Behind 'Eject' button, 14 on main control board behind controls and buttons.

I used a 25 watt soldering iron (Weller Model WP25) with a very fine tip.
Solder used was .020" diameter, flux core, Tin 63%, Lead 37%.



For anyone else considering this project, a Monsoon sound system is required as the output of this navigation unit must be amplified.

I'd like to hear from anyone else who does this, or if I can help somehow.

Holy crap how did I miss this the second time? jees. Absolutely amazing job! Also, whats your rating on ease of use as far as the navigation goes? it looked good but some of these systems are kinda misleading while on the road.

Thanks!

It isn't the easiest I've ever used but it'* not too bad. I loved my TomTom GO700 for ease of use and features but hated the thought of an extra box bolted to my dash or stuck to my windshield. I did that with my '02 SE and don't want to go down that path again. I'm really about the "Factory Look & Feel".

Performance wise, it'* great while driving. There are some brief pauses while entering destinations because I think the processor is slower than some aftermarket units. Features differ between different GPS units I've tried, and this one does lack some that others have. On the other hand, it does allow you to do things like quickly navigate to a nearby hospital or police station in an emergency. It will also provide your exact Lat/Long to assist emergency crews in getting to you if needed. Another nice feature is that it will split the display and blow up the view of interchanges as you approach your exit. After having a 6.5" screen, I'm not sure how I ever used units that were smaller.

Available maps for larger centres aren't bad, but small communities seem less detailed. There are lots of POI'*.

The biggest reasons I went this route were

A) Appearance
B) Integrates with other on-board systems (Steering Wheel Controls, OnStar, CD Changer, XM Radio)
C) Rugged / Durable - Delphi is generally really good this way
D) Provides the functionality I need.

I considered some of the other aftermarket units, but they just didn't seem to be built as solid, nor did they integrate as easily. Motorized screens that move up and down, etc. IMO, a jam waiting to happen.