Date:         Tue, 9 Sep 2008 08:21:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Stereo
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

One thing to consider when choosing a stereo for vanagon use.  If you put it
into the normal space, it's 'face' will point below horizontal.  Your
eye-level, as you sit in the driving position, it far above it.  With the
mostly LCD/LED readouts now, it can be impossible to read your stereo's
settings without bending way over to get a more direct sight-angle at the
faceplate.  I have a Sony in my 84 that I simply can't read, safely, while
driving.  When you glance down from a safe driving position, all you see is
a mirror-like face until you lean way over and get a direct look into the
window.  In direct sunlight, it's almost impossible to see unless you get
right down there.
  So, when you shop, keep that in mind.  Oh yeah...Mine loses it's settings
and returns to 'default' settings when you withdraw the power.  It also
draws enough electricity, just sitting there off so that my aux battery will
go flat in about 4 days without me turning on the stereo.  So I've installed
a switch, rather than removing the plate every time(that is a pain, and you
have to 'store' that face if you do it like that)  So whenever I want
sounds, I flip the switch to power up the unit, but it's then back to
default settings so I have to re-program it, which entails about a minute of
poking fussy little teenie buttons and peering into the face plate trying to
read minute LED lights to get the sounds I want..
  Wonderful stuff, progress.  I much prefer the stereo in my Ford truck to
that fancy modern Sony...
  Don Hanson