In dash Navigation system for APRS.

[W4QED]

 I am looking for either a unit that will work right off the shelf or I can modify to be used with APRS that has in dash navigation and hopefully all the other bells-and-whistles. Would really like WiFi to be there also. I currently have a Garmin NUVI 350 and an argent data systems cable and no I don't want the Garmin in my dash. HIHI...

Ben ARS w4qed

[K0JEG]

I've been watching these guys for a while now, but their hardware just isn't quite there yet:

http://www.dynavin.com/android.php

Not quite what you have in mind, but most of the in-dash systems are propitiatory and I don't know of any that output NMEA sentences. With this system you could run APRS Droid and pair up a bluetooth TNC.

[N0EQ]

Not sure I understand, Ben. You looking for a transceiver with built in GPS or

Why don't you want the NUVI in/on your dash?


Craig 'Lumpy' Lemke

www.n0eq.com

[W4QED]

I am just wanting an in dash navigation system. I've been using a laptop and the nuvi for quite awhile and just don't want all the clutter and exposure when parked. I have the Transceiver TH-D700A already.

Ben

[K0SXY]

Ben all you would need then is a gps that outputs NMEA sentences and the proper cabling for the D700. Garmin has several models that will work.  Garmin street pilot III is a popular one or a gps disc from someplace like byonics.com.  If you go with a Garmin you can get the proper cabling off of ebay for $20-$25.

[AA4PB]

My understanding is that the NUVI 350, in addition to outputting your location to the radio/tnc, receives other's postions from the radio/tnc and displays them as waypoints on the NUVI 350 display. If that is what you are doing then you don't have very many other options for a GPS.

If all you are wanting is to transmit your positions then just put a "hockey puck" GPS receiver on the roof and use it for APRS. Then purchase whatever in-dash GPS receiver you like for normal vehicle navigation that fits your existing DIN mount in the dash.

[N0EQ]

I am just wanting an in dash navigation system. I've been using a laptop and the nuvi for quite awhile and just don't want all the clutter and exposure when parked. I have the Transceiver TH-D700A already.

Ben

I guess I'm still not understanding exactly what you'd like. With a Nuvi and your D700, you don't need a laptop. The Nuvi, I'm sure you know, is tiny and instantly removable to hide it from thieves. I'd think the D700 would make a more desirable thief target than some GPS.


Craig 'Lumpy' Lemke

www.n0eq.com

[AF6OF]

It appears our esteemed colleagues have failed to address your concerns. First, I understand completely that what you are looking for is a built-in, Dash installed GPS display receiver, capable of APRS operations. This is a question of form before  function, and a cobbled together system of outdated GPS receivers and radios stuck to your dash with glue, duct tape, and/or vent mounts is not desirable.

Secondly, from my research, none of the standard installable navigation systems include the NMEA communications protocols allowing you to have the unit perform as a nav/APRS system. This is frustrating. They have 90% of what we need, and if we had a talented hacker to solve this for us, we would be happy pandas indeed!

There are two options that I can suggest. The first is a "mobile computer" This takes a Double DIN car stereo slot in your dash and allows a special, SVGA touch screen monitor to be used with a "mobile computer" . These look a lot like mobile amplifiers, and are real computers that run on 12 volts and are designed for cars. They can be mounted under dash or under seat, and have all the regular ports, so you can run it as a Nav system with off-the shelf software, or as a NAV/APRS system with APRS software. You can find these on E-Bay, and besides handling Nav, they can of course act as MP3 players, FM radios, and have 3g and bluetooth connectivity. This is not turn-key or cheap, but beautiful and does not make you car look like something a crazy person drives. You will still of course need a GPS, but all you need is a cheap USB hockey puck receiver, like the type that comes with the mapping software from a variety of vendors, including Microsoft.

My personal preference is to build a Bezel to hold my Avmap G6 ( which is the only brand GPS receiver that actually supports APRS natively)  and install it in the dash where the "junk drawer" goes. This hides it a bit, so no one breaks into the car to steal your GPS. Used with either a Kenwood APRS radio or Byonics TT4 and any radio, the unit does APRS as it was intended, and allows messaging, wiping off stagnant stations, and shows actual Icons instead of a dot and a call sign.

73,

Allen AF6OF
VHS/Byonics