Date:         Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:49:15 -0500
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Wireless parking sensors in a Vanagon?
In-Reply-To:  <607406.82007.qm@web83203.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

On 2 of my Vanagons, I have the Pioneer AVIC-N4 navigation unit, with
a flip up screen. I called it a head unit, because, it consists of 2
parts. The unit which sits in the DIN opening (aka radio opening).
E.G. the head unit. And a separate box that sits elsewhere. The
separate box has to be oriented in a specific way as it contains the
GPS unit. This is also the place that most cables (except for audio
and power) connect. I.E antenna and gps antenna cables, And any
expansion units, such as the rear view screen, satellite radio, ipod
interfaces etc.

This is a very nice combination in a Vanagon. It gives you a modern
navigation system, with a good sized screen (bigger than portable
ones.)  When the flip out screen comes up, it is fairly easy to
reference (as it sticks out above the radio unit.)

It's pricey but works very well. Current Pioneer model is the AVIC-N5,
but you can probably find the N4 in the discount/clearance aisle on
the internet.

On Dec 20, 2008, at 12:25 PM, chris and/or ruth wrote:

> Subject: Re: Wireless parking sensors in a Vanagon?
>
> I never knew what a "HEAD UNIT" was so I looked it up, guess I had
> one all along.  If I start calling my radio a "HEAD UNIT", no one
> over 30 will know what I'm talking about...
>
> From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
>
> "A head unit is a component of a stereo system either in a vehicle
> or home cinema system which provides a unified hardware interface
> for the various components of an electronic media system. An
> antiquated name for a head unit is a receiver; this article focuses
> on vehicular applications.
> The head unit is the centerpiece of the car's sound system.
> Typically located in the center of the dashboard, modern head units
> are densely integrated electronic packages housed in detachable face
> plates. As high-end head units are not uncommon targets for theft,
> many head units are typically integrated into the vehicle's alarm
> system.
> Head units give the user control over the vehicle's entertainment
> media: AM/FM radio, satellite radio, CDs, cassette tapes (although
> these are now uncommon), MP3, GPS navigation, Bluetooth, etc. Many
> audio-only head units afford the user precise control over detailed
> audio functions such as volume, band, frequency, speaker balance,
> speaker fade, bass, treble, EQ and so on."
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> No, but I do have a rear view camera on my Westy. Displays on my
> Pioneer Nav head unit. Works nicely during the daytime.
>
> On Dec 19, 2008, at 6:13 PM, Robert Keezer wrote:
>
>> Has anyone used a Bluetooth wireless parking sensor in their
>> Vanagon? it looks like a good idea considering how difficult it can
>> be to see behind the Vanagon, especially the Westfalia.
>> I saw a rear view mirror that also is a transmitter that handles
>> your cell phone calls and alerts you when you are getting too close
>> to another car or object.
>>
>> Robert
>> 1982 Westfalia
>>