yes, it does

I found that the ETA is located on the bottom of the screen, but if I get stuck in traffic the ETA will not change accordingly.

Or am I doing this wrong?

Doug

I want to say that it compensates as you drive, but if you're sitting there it it doesn't increment the time. I'll watch for that the next time I'm out.

What I want to know, is what that little IR-Receiver window does on the front of the display. It would be great if I could save my waypoints through that port, to my PDA or something.

Thanks guys.

That's great, at least with this feature I can give a more accurate estimate on how I will have to budget for each trip.

I've never seen it update for change in speed. If I go faster or stay in traffic the time doesn't seem to update. I hope that this will change in the next revision.

I agree... this should get its own thread.

I was going to start it but decided to do a search on infrared. It doesn't appear that anyone has found "the" solution but the logical deduction is that it's for a non-wired remote control.

If you look at the following Panasonic site you'll see what appears to be a handheld remote control after you pick the appropriate language. In my case (english) I see it located next to the CN-DV2300.

www.panasonic-europe.com/dvdnavigation/

Hmmm. If we could get a remote, I think it likely that it would be pretty easy to reverse program it... no more difficult than using a remote control programmer for a T.V. I should think. I suspect that once that is done, someone could capture the signals and off we go... I'm going to post a thread if you don't... I really want an answer and totally agree... inputing addresses is a total pain with the joystick. I recently went on a road trip for my job and had to make 25 or so stops in one day. It would have been a great help to have the ability to input them at the keyboard, then remote them into the NAV.

I do not believe that the IR Receiver does anything. I think that this part that holds the screen could also be used for a DVD movie if equiped. In otherwords, other models (GM, FORD) etc may use this same part for a DVD movie.

I have noticed that my Navi often starts up rather dark and then adjusts its brightness. Could that possibly be a light sensor? Any thoughts?

It's possible but unlikely. I think you're just seeing the flourescent lamp warming up. I think almost every techie friend that gets in my car and sees the navigation system for the first time puts a finger or thumb over the port to see if it is exactly what you suggest. Each and every time there's no visible change in the brightness of the display.

Flourescent lamp as in the back light? Oh yeah. I forgot about that. So then, what the heck is it? An IR port for future Navi upgrades? Uggghh. Enough thinking - I'm goin' for a drive! :D

It seems to be a mystery wrapped in an enigma. I put my PocketPC in front of my Nav unit last night and tried to outpulse IR signals to the unit but it didn't respond at all.

The link below is for a different unit, but I suppose the premise is the same. Who makes our unit again? Panasonic? I'll try to call into their support dept and find out what it is use for.

http://www.twice.com/article/CA37073...le+Electronics

Ya I tried placing my thumb over the spot as well, nothing happened.

It is probably for an option that is not equiped for the Nav system, standard box to hold a screen.

thanks
doug

Regarding the IR window: The UK version of this system has a handheld remote which uses the IR port. Probably due to lawsuits they don't offer it in the US.

Regarding ETA calculation: It seems to compute ETA based solely on the expected speed of the roads you will travel: 65-70 mph on freeways; 35 or so on city streets, etc. It does not factor in how fast you are presently going.

On reflection, I have to agree with their algorithm. If they base it on your present speed, then your ETA will take wild swings up and down due to present conditions. I drive fast (90 on freeways when I can) and I have found the ETA to be remarkably accurate around town. Less so on long open-road trips, but I can deal with that.

Even though it doesn't adjust ETA for speed, it does adjust ETA for your current position. So, if you get way ahead of its calculation it will decrement ETA. Not because you're going faster, but because you have less distance to travel. I have found it to be so accurate, that I wonder if it adjusts expected highway speeds to factor in rush hour because whether in rush hour or dead of night, it tends to be correct ETA to within a minute or so.

We need to get a working UK Panasonic NAV system and capture the IR commands to see if they work. If they don't work, I bet there is a toggle inside the system somewhere to turn the thing on.

@tripwire:

Here in Europe, the navsystem comes with a remote control. That's what the small window is for...

Would the remote work in the U.S. version? How much is a replacement remote from an EU Mazda dealer?

Yes, The remote for the EU market does work on US version, All the features are the same. The remote is for the Mazda6, silver in color, and takes AA batteries. the cradle for the remote is also wired so your not using internal battery or IR signal when inserted.

Looks like you can order for delivery in England and Ireland here.

The control Im refering to is Mazda GK3A 66 9L0.

here they are side by side.. i am looking for them.. give me some time.. So far Japan Does not know how to croxx ref that UK part number to a Japan number.. So i am looking in OZ, and UK

Hi Thew - any update on this remote?

I just talked to him about the remote...thew has a new contact and we should hear word about it soon :) :) since I really really want to remove the factory controls since there was someone on crack when they were designing the location

hey arufell I just noticed your car is very similar to mine :) :) :)