Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2002 19:21:47 EDT
Reply-To: KimBrennan@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim Brennan <KimBrennan@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: iWesty
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
In a message dated 9/30/02 5:58:48 PM, belanger@FLUID.COM writes:
> Greetings all,
>
> Current thinking:
> -----------------
> - Panasonic In-dash DVD/TV/CD/MP3/Tuner
> and/or
> - PC: Either Cappuchino, Panasonic Toughbook 07, or custom PC/104
> - Internet: TracNet is far too expensive, so slow CDPD or GPRS it is
> - Navigation software: CoPilot
> - Speakers: not investigated
> - Alarm: not investigated, but one that can page my cell phone
>
> ---------------
> 1. Has anyone installed an in-dash monitor in their van? Any problems?
>
> 2. Anyone hook up a PC to one of these small LCD panels? From what I
> can tell, the only options are RCA Composite video and RGB(what kind
> of connector is this?)
>
> 3. Has anyone successfully installed a PC in their van? Any issues
> with dust, heat or vibration?
>
> 4. Is anyone aware of any other mobile internet options. I think 28.8K
> access is the minimum I want to consider. Too bad I'm not in Europe
> or I could just go for HSCSD.
>
> 5. Is there anyplace near the front of the van, other than under the
> driver's set to install various behind the scenes components?
>
> 6. Are there any FAQs out there on regular stereo installation tips for
> the vans? For example, where to run wires, troublespots, etc.?
>
> 7. What's the story with Westys and theft? I assume they're not a
> highly stolen item, since they're so conspicuous. What about alarm
> system installs? Any suggestions around effective alarm use?
>
> 8. Lastly, anyone foolish enough to try to do something like this
> themselves?
>
>
I went as far as asking a high end shop to spec things out. Their quote came
in at $12000, which convinced me to rethink my plans.
Considerations. According to the stereo shop (with some very knowledgable
folks familar with Vanagons) there is not enough depth in the DIN opening to
accomodate in dash video screens (which are deeper than most standard DIN
units.)
Power. If you are planning on using the system with the engine not running,
you'll find a dead battery pretty quickly.
Remote lock/alarm system is possible (but remote ignition starting is
apparently not) at least for Vanagons which already have power locks.
The video screens also can support S-Video connections in addition to the
others. For DVD this should be good enough (especially at the size screens
you are probably going to be using). Some laptops (Macintosh Powerbooks for
example) have S-video as standard. )
In the end, I figured that a laptop capable of playing DVD was my best choice
(except for the lack of a navigation system) as it has it's own battery, is
already designed for low power consumption. Also, theft isn't much of an
issue as I can take it with me. You can even get add on navigation systems
for them (Delorme made one which I tried out, but wasn't impressed with).
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