Just wanted to let everyone know I will be using my 8 as a protype to create a kit to facilitate putting in any after market head units for your audio pleasure. I will be using it as a show car, so I will keep you informed on future mod's.

 

Please do a double DIN unit, please, please please!

 

the days of double din are over... most automanufacturers are offering non-standard form factor stereo systems integrated into overall dashboard design.

Personally, I think it's very much a good thing, because car interiors will be looking better and better without any lame design constraints such as din-shaped boxes..

unfortunately it means reduced ability to swap out the stereo system, but if you really wanted it can still be done.

Auto manufacturers are offering better sound options than in the past, so there's really little need to swap out, unless of course you're an audiophile.

 

The stereo in the 8 (and other Mazda's that have the same style stereo) is a double DIN it just has the DIN sized components housed behind a custom face plate. DIN is an international standard that will be here to stay.

I want to install one of these



And can be seen here!

 

A double DIN would be helpful for some people who are thinking to put a touchscreen computer (with mp3 HDD, DVD, DVIX, radio, etc.) in place of the HU... so pleae keep us posted. Also if you can release any info on "hacking" the steering wheel controls and the LED display it'd be great! having the computer display song/track info like the stock HU does and being able to control is from the steering wheel would be great.

 

I bulid custom computers for cars and homes. We are mounting the touch screen in a custom box cut out on the dash. Almost like the stock NAV, but I will be using carbon fiber for my car.

As for the steering wheel controls; I will let you know what I come up with.

I am hoping to have my product on the market in a few months, ( waiting on funding). If you are intertested I will send you info when it is ready for prime time. I will have 160 Gig of storage spce accessable from the dash.

 

As much as I've enjoyed researching this myself, and the hobbyist in me would like to build my own... I'm at least curious as to what yours will look like. I can imagine that there are others on the board whom will be too... so let us all know when you finish up your dev.

 

BTW this install in a BMW M3 is kind what I had in mind... looks clean enough that someone might think it is factory.

 

Hey Japan8 - If MSD can get that kinda pro look - I mean WOW! I'll ditch my dash plate faster than you can say 'whoohoo!' and install a Kenwood.

 

Yeah I agree... that is one clean install. Damn thing looks so factory! I won't settle for anything less (so no CF/CF looking dashes... sorry).

I'd install that kenwood someone posted, but unlike units in Japan...

No HDD navi (acutally none at all... not even support for add-on kenwood unit)

No HDD Mp3 and videos

Cost $1,300. I can build a PC for the car for same or less and have even more features... the above plus...

bluetooth phone for wireless phone and internet

email... sync with mail server at home

Wireless LAN... connect to places in-town and connect at home to load mp3, etc. from home server

keep steering wheel controls

probably keep LED display for stereo section

can add-in CAN/OBDII interface...maybe interface into CZ or Ric Shaw's unit and create your own maps...

expandability to add whatever else strikes my fancy

So... why would I want the Kenwood unit again?

 

depends on a few factors....

1. Do you want the PC to mount int he 2DIN space in the dash?
2. Do you want the touchscreen to mount like the one in my link or would rather have the 1DIN "in-dash" popout type (i.e. Pioneer and Alpine)
3. Do you want a VIA C3 1Ghz processor, Intel PIII, or Intel P4?
4. DIY or everything from hardware to software is all setup for you?
5. How big of an amp do you want to drive your speakers?

Those are the big ones which will help to define your costs... i.e. form factor (in-dash CPU or larger trunk/underseat/glove box CPU will affect compotmemt soze, heat and cost...smalller costs more...

 

Have you guys noticed this? XP Pro 10GB HD 256MB 1GHz CPU in a 5" x 3" x 3/4" pkg (the gold brick)! See the link and ckeck out the specs .pdfs.

Or include the PDF module w/6.3" touchscreen and you're up to all of 4.7" x 8.5" x 2" form factor.

http://www.antelopetech.com/en/index...ktopCradle.htm

With the cradle and unit somewhere, this could power a nice touch screen don't you think? All the hard work of miniturizing a PC inards is all done!

From their web site and if you want the full monty with all assessories choices to play with:

Pricing:

The Modular Computing Core Evaluation Kit is available for $3,970.00 USD. This includes the following items:

Modular Computing Core
Modular Computing Rugged Handheld
Modular Computing Desktop Docking Station
External AC Power Adapter
Handheld Battery Pack (preinstalled)
Carrying Case
Screen Protector Pack (preinstalled)
Windows XP Professional (preinstalled)
Windows XP MCC HH Software Pack (preinstalled)
10/100 Ethernet PC Card
802.11g PC Card
Mouse
Keyboard
Executive Pen-Stylus Combo
Documentation Pack

 

could you have a 1din motorized touch screen installed where the factory nav screen would be? But have the touch screen run off of a pc (in trunk/glovebox/underseat) for nav/dvd/mp3 play back through a fm modulator. While keeping your factory radio for cd's and fm/am? Or would that be kinda stupid?
I would love to have the screen where the factory head unit is...but what would happen to the environmental controls?
Also i'm sure the price would be a lill' higher....which is bad b/c i'm poor lol.

 

And that's the problem as I see it...

A couple guys on the Mazda 6 forum can build you a custom faceplate and wire up a "remote box" for the PCB behind the stock faceplate so you can mount it elsewhere, but... without the stock stereo or an electronic placebo, the red LED display stops working. And that's a foul for me. NG.

So the indash touchscreen is out. BUT... what about mounting something in the stock Nav space. That could work, but I don't like the 1DIN motorized or manual units like eXentric is planning on using (described in another thread). I'm in favor of an aftermarket manual version of the stock nav assembly... instead of paying $1,500 for Mazda for one including a useless screen, get an aftermarket one for < $500 (preferrably around $200-300) and I'd be sold. This plus OverLOAD's AUX module... I think we just might have a viable replacement for the stock Nav unit....

 

Japan8 that is exactly what i am looking for. I am going to a store today so see the possibilites. Hopefully we can come up with something i will let you know. I will goto couple of stores