aftermarket NAV systems?

[danew]

I didn't opt for the package with Nav system because of the cost and added options that were not useful to me, but it would sure be nice to have GPS display.
It appears that people have hacked into the dishboard display so one option might be to attach an external GPS unit such as the new Pharos-based microsoft pc product and show on screen. An alternate means might be to install a gps (Pharos?) module directly to the Prius system--I can't imagine that the factory install is all that complex.
Any thoughts/observations?

[hdrygas]

I would get a look at a service manual and see if the wiring harness is the same in the Nav vrs non Nav models. If you have a third party do it make sure they know what they are doing. The other option is a dash top or portable unit. I have used a iQue and others have used other units. It would be another solution.

[DanMan32]

Currently, the video hack is to intercept the RGBS video signal from the NAV to the MFD

Wiring diagram will show the wires, with a * indicating with NAV option. Usually the wires won't be there for missing options. The other problem is that the NAV communicates its presence on the AVC (audio-visual network), and so the MFD won't go into the NAV mode and accept input from the RGBS even if you did tap into it. And even if it would, there are no buttons to go there, though I suppose you could add them.

Just looked at the wiring diagrams, apparently the bezel buttons are part of the MFD, as there is no mention of them.

[fcrimifd]

8) Costco has a dash mounted GPS system that can be transferred from car to car. Bought one for my son-in-law. He loves it. $999.
I had an Alpine GPS transferrred from my Honda to my Prius. It has a removeable dash mounted screen. Internal installed system. Covers entire USA and parts of Canada. $2500 plus installation. Voice guided turn by turn instructions.

[hdrygas]

Where does it install. In the cubby below the stereo? I have seen Alpines with a swing out screen is it that type? Do you have a picture?

[fcrimifd]

It doesn't have a swing out screen. Circuit City installs this type. A small permanent bracket is attahed to the dash. The screen slides onto the bracket and you connect a cable to the screen. I remove he screen when not in use to prevent theft. It stores in the glovebox or console. See attached photo.

[downeast]

If you are ok with a Nav product that is stand alone try the TomTom product. http://www.tomtom.com/, it is getting good reviews and the price isn't too bad.

[javester]

You may want to check out the Garmin Quest (http://www.garmin.com/products/quest/). My GF got me one for Xmas and its great!!!

I have it mounted beside the Digital Dashboard and it nicely blends in. Its also much cheaper ($500) and you can move it from car to car.

I even mount it on my Segway with the optional bike mount periodically and have it run in Pedestrian mode. Really kewl!!!

[SyZyGy]

Now whats the point of having a segway? Can't ride a bike?

[hdrygas]

I have a Garmin iQue a Palm PDA and Nav system that I used for a year or so, and I now use it when I Travel. The screen is much smaller but it is very portable and has all the usual PDA functions. The car plug in has a speaker but used a ProClip to mount it and a simple car charger they have in my old car. The built in speaker was adequate for the voice direction. It is fun to run the built in Nav and the iQue together. They are comparable but different. Routs vary a bit so you get one "turn right" and the other go straight. Both get you there. The iQue is a real time saver in a strange town. I see two major down sides. First it really needs to be plugged in to be used for very long. The built in battery does not last long in Nav mode. If you are just using it as a PDA the battery life is typical but flip up the antenna and you have 15 - 20 Min. So if you want to take it on a walk about get a GPS designed for hiking. The second problem is that it is not Mac friendly. It can be done with Virtual PC or other emulators and third party sync programs but it is a kluge and requires a bit of computer experience. Defiantly not the usual plug and go Mac experience. You have to want to make it work to spite Garmin.