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Mor than one head unit?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by bobzchemist, Jun 20, 2019.

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  1. bobzchemist

    bobzchemist Active Member

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    Has anyone here installed a second head unit without removing the OEM one? Is it possible to do this and retain the ability to switch back and forth?
     
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Anything is possible, but why if I may ask? shawnb2 "replaced" his Model V HU and system with aftermarket and only lost some of the vehicle interfaces...which are still accessible with techstream. I had a Level II so when I upgrade that was not an issue because those interfaces did not exist to begin with.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    where would you mount it?
     
  4. bobzchemist

    bobzchemist Active Member

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    1) I don't want to permanently lose the diagnostics, but I hadn't considered techstream. I also don't want to lose the cd player or the nav, or the steering wheel controls.

    2) Bisco, that's an excellent question. One option would be to use the small 7" ultra-shallow Alpine ILX-W650 and just mount it in front of the OEM unit. Alpine | 7" Mech-Less Receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | iLX-W650

    The other option would be to use the 9" Alpine ILX-F259 and sacrifice the central air vent to get installation room.

    The biggest hurdle I can see is finding some way to switch between the two harnesses. I know it's doable, since KVM switches have been doing this type of thing for years, yet I doubt I have the patience or the time to wire one myself.

    Maybe this isn't as good an idea as I thought.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i wish i could point you to a thread, but i don't recall ever reading about anyone doing it.