Bit the bullet - retro fit Satnav here we come

[HBall]

inspired by Martin's recent 'creative' subwoofer installation (gettit?) I bought this today (or one very like it)


and I am now going to do something like install a Garmin Nuvi 5000 into the empty pod/shell once I've ripped all the volvo OEM gubbins out of it.

Should be fun!

[V70 Graham]

Sounds like fun lol, will be interesting to see how you get on, don't forget the pics.

[HBall]

Right - so I got the unit yesterday in the post and today I started the job. Follows are some photos of me basically ripping it open (carefully of course) and removing all of the existing electronics except the electric motor to make the screen go up and down - to which I intend to fit a remote control switch that can reverse polarity - can get them on ebay for next to nothing.

I then fitted the cheap chinese satnav I bought off ebay inside it - you can see how much smaller than the original screen it is so I now think I should have got the 7" screen but I'm happy with this for now.























So by the end I have it inside the case, ranged right to allow the fitment of the cables inside the unit - mainly the mini USB which was quite bulky.

The only thing I have left to work out before I fit it in the car is how to access the hardware power button which is at the moment hidden inside the unit - I'll probably drill a small hole and use something as another button to push the button, if you see what I mean. anway - a good start and I am happy

[The Flying Moose]

Thats an outstanding effort there, whatever is fitted it cant be worse than the volvo system!

In terms of the unit could a larger screen closer to the size of the standard screen be fitted or do the other internal parts limit effectively "how much screen" you can fit in?

[HBall]

the only thing I can think that would hold you back would be a few metal 'bits' inside the case which are there for the original screen to clip onto - but these could be cut off easily enough. The other would be the cables that connect to the satnav unit - they might need some work especially if they're mini USB like mine.

then though you could remove the case from the 'new' satnav unit and that would save some space - I didn't bother doing that though obviously.

I'd be confident it could be done I think.

[HBall]

Proof of concept! Will fit it on Friday this week
clicky clicky for video

[HBall]

no idea why it's upside down - turn your laptop over and it's fine

[M-R-P]

Damn Howard, that's some great work you've done there. Looking forward to seeing it in action.

[V70 Graham]

Damn Howard, that's some great work you've done there. Looking forward to seeing it in action.

Me too, great work.

[HBall]

cheers guys - Friday (tomorrow) will be fitting day.

[Yosser]

Interesting project, thanks for sharing - and keep us posted!

[Murphwiz]

Superb, is the controller 'off the shelf' or are you electrickery wizard?

[charlesboya]

Absolutely brilliant in my humble opinion, well done mate.

[HBall]

Superb, is the controller 'off the shelf' or are you electrickery wizard?

off the shelf remote and 2-way relay off fleabay. some wire from maplin. nothing too complex

[LeeT5]

Right - so I got the unit yesterday in the post and today I started the job. Follows are some photos of me basically ripping it open (carefully of course) and removing all of the existing electronics except the electric motor to make the screen go up and down - to which I intend to fit a remote control switch that can reverse polarity - can get them on ebay for next to nothing.

I then fitted the cheap chinese satnav I bought off ebay inside it - you can see how much smaller than the original screen it is so I now think I should have got the 7" screen but I'm happy with this for now.























So by the end I have it inside the case, ranged right to allow the fitment of the cables inside the unit - mainly the mini USB which was quite bulky.

The only thing I have left to work out before I fit it in the car is how to access the hardware power button which is at the moment hidden inside the unit - I'll probably drill a small hole and use something as another button to push the button, if you see what I mean. anway - a good start and I am happy

None of your photobucket photos display on the thread mate, only the thumbnails. Whats happened? Have you moved the photos in photobucket?

[Dangerous Dave]

None of your photobucket photos display on the thread mate, only the thumbnails. Whats happened? Have you moved the photos in photobucket?

Found them

[M-R-P]

I saw this in action and it was quite impressive.
Sadly, he's sold the car and bought a beemer last I heard.

I know he was selling the ICE and RTI etc, not sure who got it all.

[The White Knight]

Nice job!

[volvokid]

I saw this in action and it was quite impressive.
Sadly, he's sold the car and bought a beemer last I heard.

I know he was selling the ICE and RTI etc, not sure who got it all.

I couldn't be bothered going to all that time and effort, then sell it so soon afterwards

[mikkymike]

Nice job, But how do you get the original sat nav out, do you have to remove the dash to get it out.