DIY Navi Install w/ Japanparts OEM dashbox

[Fobio]

Check out my DIY install of the Coolnavi 700 7" nav unit with Japanparts OEM dash box.

Recently took a drive to Sauble Beach...woohoo!...

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591284_9548.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591285_9964.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591286_601.jpg

[Fobio]

More pics

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591288_2865.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591289_3336.jpg

I also integrated a USB plub into the glovebox so I can plug in a 40gb HD that the Coolnavi can read from for MP3 and all sorta video playback.

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591291_9472.jpg

[Fobio]

Best view

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591294_4960.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591295_6229.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591296_7663.jpg

And a parting shot of Sauble Beach

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591297_9788.jpg

[Unoriginalusername]

how much $?

[Kevin@nextmod]

That looks freakin awesome i saw a few civic guys use the cool navi and got lots of good reviews about it. Except that we do'nt have that option to mount it up here

[Cardinal Fang]

Love it.

[Wild Weasel]

I like it, but it looks to me like it's missing a trim piece or something. Can you take a pic of it folded down?

[Skarbro]

I like it.

But I would always be afraid of it getting stolen.

[theurgy]

The retractable box from Japan Parts is part# 143-110-003 and is CA $304.61

I've been strongly considering getting this and it's nice to see it installed.
I have access to integrated computer parts from Taiwan (through Asus) and have been thinking of creating a carputer and using StreetDeck or something similar.

[Fobio]

I like it.

But I would always be afraid of it getting stolen.

I saved all the model numbers of crap I picked up online to make this install work...I will post those along with pics of the sliding cover in action to alleviate any fears...

I bought this so that I can hide it when I park at work...

In the meantime, chk out this thread:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=95933.0

[Wild Weasel]

The retractable box from Japan Parts is part# 143-110-003 and is CA $304.61

I've been strongly considering getting this and it's nice to see it installed.
I have access to integrated computer parts from Taiwan (through Asus) and have been thinking of creating a carputer and using StreetDeck or something similar.


Yeah? So if I need a deal on Asus gear, you're my man??

[theurgy]

LOL... well not exactly. I work for Xandros, which made the Linux OS for the Asus EeePC.
But I have access to alot of cool spec hardware that Asus would like us to get working in Linux for them.
Also a prototype desktop system which could be the new EeePC Desktop (which is what I have thinking of integrating into my car).

[Fobio]

LOL... well not exactly. I work for Xandros, which made the Linux OS for the Asus EeePC.
But I have access to alot of cool spec hardware that Asus would like us to get working in Linux for them.
Also a prototype desktop system which could be the new EeePC Desktop (which is what I have thinking of integrating into my car).

dude...great minds think alike! the new asus desktop that's like 9" wide, right?

I also wired the composite-in for the Coolnavi into the dash, just in case I try out one of those mini-pc's or a dvd player. coupled with the di-novo mini, you could do your taxes and steal your neighbour's pron at the same time!

Let us (more importantly me!) know if you have hookups to those mini desktop PC!

[theurgy]

Well, the desktop unit is this:
http://tw.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=20&l2=115&l3=0&l4=0&model=1982&modelmenu=1

For the moment it comes with Vista to which I would switch over to either Linux or XP (I'm thinking XP cause then I could load proper GPS navigation and OBDII readings).

I would also get a 9" touch screen.

[Fobio]

Well, the desktop unit is this:
http://tw.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=20&l2=115&l3=0&l4=0&model=1982&modelmenu=1

For the moment it comes with Vista to which I would switch over to either Linux or XP (I'm thinking XP cause then I could load proper GPS navigation and OBDII readings).

I would also get a 9" touch screen.

I was thinking more like this one:

http://gizmodo.com/370023/rare-inner-beauty-the-asus-nova-lite-2l-mini-pc-hides-stereo-under-its-grill

Not trying to knock anyone's CarPc plans, but the Coolnavi does everything that *I* want it to do. Yeah, it doesn't read OBDII data logs or let me do any word processing, but all I needed is a GPS, mp3 player, and video player (nothing beats watching Top Gear while you're in top gear... ;-) and a touch screen with decent resolution.

Also, price: I got it for ~$475 CDN @ Canada Computers BEFORE x'mas. there are MUCHO better prices out there right now! And yeah, I can turn the USB plug into a hub and link a mouse, keyboard and HD to it. More to come!

[Fobio]

More pics, from my the iPhone's crappy cam:

Lid closed
http://photos-530.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2599933_3120.jpg

Lid opened
http://photos-530.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2599934_3513.jpg

Navi in
http://photos-530.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2599935_3882.jpg

Navi out
http://photos-530.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2599936_4258.jpg

[sicsol]

Wow. thats sweet. where do I order a retractable box

[Fobio]

Wow. thats sweet. where do I order a retractable box

Go to www.japanparts.com for some general JDM ass rapage...on top of the $306 CDN, there was also ~$63 CDN in duty...good luck!

[theurgy]

Fobio: I am totally not knocking your choice.. I really like it.
I too have a CBM Speed3 so I think it's good to see it installed like this.

That Asus PC you linked is exactly what I have on my desk at the moment... so I'm hoping to convert one of those.
A member of our club in Ottawa bought the motorized display for him Speed6 and built his own MiniITX Carputer completely with wifi, bluetooth, GPS and everything, had the StreetDeck software on it and I was hooked on trying to set something like this up for me as well.
I was stuck between this pocket like you have (from Japan-Parts) and the full motorized one from places like XenonStore.
The advantage to the one you have is I can just drop in a touch screen, where as the motorized one, I would have to replace the built-in screen with one that has a digitizer.

Still I like your setup and if possible can you post pics of the mounting brackets for the screen? I'm curious as to how you attach a screen to the flip out display.
Also your impressions of it overall and finally how much did it cost you to get this part?

[Fobio]

Fobio: I am totally not knocking your choice.. I really like it.
I too have a CBM Speed3 so I think it's good to see it installed like this.

That Asus PC you linked is exactly what I have on my desk at the moment... so I'm hoping to convert one of those.
A member of our club in Ottawa bought the motorized display for him Speed6 and built his own MiniITX Carputer completely with wifi, bluetooth, GPS and everything, had the StreetDeck software on it and I was hooked on trying to set something like this up for me as well.
I was stuck between this pocket like you have (from Japan-Parts) and the full motorized one from places like XenonStore.
The advantage to the one you have is I can just drop in a touch screen, where as the motorized one, I would have to replace the built-in screen with one that has a digitizer.

Still I like your setup and if possible can you post pics of the mounting brackets for the screen? I'm curious as to how you attach a screen to the flip out display.
Also your impressions of it overall and finally how much did it cost you to get this part?

Hey man...it's all good...with shitty weather and general economic conditions, I always like to add disclaimers just in case ppl aren't having the best of day or are easily offended...not that that would happen to anyone of us here with a MS3!

Pics?...all you have to do is ask: :)

http://photos-530.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2429898_5525.jpg

http://photos-530.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2429897_5242.jpg

http://photos-530.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2429896_4956.jpg

The black plastic double-T mount is a donor I picked up off eBay for like $10, as I didn't want to butcher the OEM mount...I drilled 3 holes in it and 1 hole in the dash box mount to accept it. I believe it's the same mounting points as a Magellan 3100, which I chopped up to fit into the dash box.

[theurgy]

Thank you!
This has helped me alot.

[Wild Weasel]

Ah. Nice. I like it better now that I've seen the pics of it closed. :)

[x_o_k_x]

Looks freaking awesome!! Im getting that installed!

[x_o_k_x]

Good news! There is like 4-5 dealers in Toronto Area that sells CoolNavi 700 for $430. http://www.pcvonline.com/locations.aspx no need to wait lol.. Except that I live in Ottawa ugh

Also JapanParts sells OEM Retractable Navi for Mazda3 for about $1650 and its fully automatic i think..Plus you need a screen with that

[EvilEric]

Good news! There is like 4-5 dealers in Toronto Area that sells CoolNavi 700 for $430. http://www.pcvonline.com/locations.aspx no need to wait lol.. Except that I live in Ottawa ugh

Also JapanParts sells OEM Retractable Navi for Mazda3 for about $1650 and its fully automatic i think..Plus you need a screen with that


$1650 just to get something motorized seems really expensive when comparing it to other decks. When you start adding in a screen price your almost better off trying to buying anything else.

[x_o_k_x]

The one for $1650 looks more like the US Models with Nav system
http://www.japanparts.com/images/ImageFromDB.php?base=1&no=2782

[Fobio]

I'll compose a comprehensive list of parts I bought (wires, clips, splices, audio adpators, etc.), but in total I would say the install costs about ~$1200 CDN, excluding the hard drive and other flash media I already have around...and the sweet-ass time I took to install it...

The pluses, other than price is that the coolnavi is more than just that, it plays mp3 and all sorts of video, and if you're keen, you can install other progs into the WinCE environment, so it's a cheap-cheap-ass carputer or think pimping PMP (portable multimedia player) w/ GPS...did I mention touch screen?

Also, I can take the coolnavi with me to another car if I wanted to...not that I'd ever wanna drive another car other than the MS3... :bana

[Wild Weasel]

The one for $1650 looks more like the US Models with Nav system
http://www.japanparts.com/images/ImageFromDB.php?base=1&no=2782

Devon sells that screen for under $800. If ever I get around to doing this, that's what I'll use.

The Garmin box to feed it is under $500.

[x_o_k_x]

I'll compose a comprehensive list of parts I bought (wires, clips, splices, audio adpators, etc.), but in total I would say the install costs about ~$1200 CDN, excluding the hard drive and other flash media I already have around...and the sweet-ass time I took to install it...

The pluses, other than price is that the coolnavi is more than just that, it plays mp3 and all sorts of video, and if you're keen, you can install other progs into the WinCE environment, so it's a cheap-cheap-ass carputer or think pimping PMP (portable multimedia player) w/ GPS...did I mention touch screen?

Also, I can take the coolnavi with me to another car if I wanted to...not that I'd ever wanna drive another car other than the MS3... :bana

If I get CoolNavi and theretractable nav for $360. What else do I need?

[Skarbro]

Looks good closed.

I wish our cars came with a compartment there.

[Fobio]

If I get CoolNavi and theretractable nav for $360. What else do I need?

I integrated mine so I can still use the AUX-IN, 2nd 12V plug in armrest AND cig lighter.

To keep your AUX-IN, you need to get the Mazda OEM Switching Box (ask Joe about it!) and to get the 3.5mm signal to the switching box, I used Grom Audio's adpator. To keep the signal nice, clean and static free, I also picked up a ground loop isolator.

Seriously, read this thread:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=95933.0

[x_o_k_x]

Im reading as we speak:) last question.. This may sound stupid, but how do you take out the old piece of dashboard?

[Wild Weasel]

Sawzall? :bana

[3GFX]

Hmmm this might just be back on my list of things to do list. Could have navy and video playback for under $1000!!!

[Fobio]

Im reading as we speak:) last question.. This may sound stupid, but how do you take out the old piece of dashboard?

Datta boy! All you have to do is ask:

Invaluable info on integration options:

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=62624.0

Great article of the GROM Audio adaptor with nice pretty pics that helps w/ 50% of my install:

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=101973.0

Specifically (after you've had a read of the GROM tthread) for the dash piece: take out 2 screws and yank gently but firmly, remove the 2 vents and hazard button, and reinstall.

If I can do it, anyone can...I'm a banker. :bana2

[x_o_k_x]

thanks for the answers!

[theurgy]

If you're looking for that motorized screen you'll get ripped off from Japan Parts.
Check out here: http://www.thexenonstore.com/mazda3_screen.php

Then you can integrate a car puter into that.
I like it but sadly I would want to replace the screen for a touchscreen

[Fobio]

Also...when you do this install along with the TWM SS/bushing, like I did,

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=23494

the TWM install instructions will help you remove the armrest along with cupholder and shiftboot. In hindsight, if I was just doing the navi install, I wouldn't have to but it sure made getting to the back of the cig lighter alot easier.

These things are photocopied black and white, so not very scannable...but for $37 bucks shipped, it was well worth it...

[m3m]

Looks great,,,
I been wanting to do this. Where can I pick up this part in Toronto and how much

[Fobio]

Looks great,,,
I been wanting to do this. Where can I pick up this part in Toronto and how much

All the info you're looking for is in THIS therad...have a good read through again...you might enjoy it more and it will definitely help you with your install once you decide...good luck!:gone

[Fobio]

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v192/167/79/756965530/n756965530_2591286_601.jpg

A member has been asking me whether the Japenparts OEM dashbox will fit a 9" screen. I'm sure the box is 9" WIDE, but due to the nature of the closing mechanism, I'm almost 100% sure that it WILL NOT fit a 9" screen.

I'd like to ask to see if anyone else has tried a bigger screen than the 7" Coolnavi?