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Has anyone mounted anything below the radio and map pocket?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by seakykr, Oct 5, 2006.

  1. seakykr

    seakykr Ugly Betty is her name.

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    Am thinking of mounting a pop-up touch-screen lcd monitor like this:

    [​IMG]

    ...to the angled plastic surface just under the map pocket (the pocket with the with the flip-open door) that is under the radio, which you can see here:

    [​IMG]

    I want to mount it hanging from directly under the radio/map pocket section, not to the plastic "hump" that rises from the floor.

    When the touch screen flips up it will be in front of the radio, coming up to somewhre below the CD slot. I will use the touch-screen to control my laptop that will be under either my seat, in the center console or glove compartment.

    Has anyone mounted anything in this location? Is there anything I should be concerned about? Any ideas on how to do it so it looks nice?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Cheap!

    Cheap! New Member

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    It has been done, but I cant find a picture now. I know I have seen it before and it should work very well.

    Maybe someone else can find it?
     
  3. eagle33199

    eagle33199 Platinum Member

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    i haven't seen ones under that pocket like you describe, but i have seen people pull the map pocket to install stuff (an additional screen like you want to do, a MAC mini, etc). The benifit of that, of course, is that you then have the flip up door to hide your improvement from snooping (and stealing) eyes. Also, whats the model info on that device you want to use? i'm getting curious now :p
     
  4. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    Heya,

    I completely removed the map pocket and placed a screen in there. I was using a Xenarc IDT-700, but further down the line, I scored a good local deal on a motorized E-Bay screen, which, in my opinon, is better than the Xenarc screen in many ways.

    Initially, I had to cut the top part of the frame that was in front of the map pocket due to fitment issues of the screen and how it was opened. Since getting this new screen, I don't believe cutting the frame would be necessary based on the way it deploys. Unlike the Xenarc, I can also mount the screen deeper in the pocket, but still not enough to leave the door attached. It is flush with the rest of the components, so it makes it less eye catching. It also looks like a cheap-nice person stereo when it's closed. :)

    My only concern is the durability of the motorized screen. It still works as well as the day I acquired it. One of my reasons for initially going with Xenarc was that it wasn't motorized. The less features it has, the less things to go wrong, but we'll see what happens. I'm confident it should, at least, last a year or 2.

    New Screen Closed:
    [​IMG]

    New Screen Opened:
    [​IMG]


    Old Screen Opened:
    [​IMG]
     
  5. Pinto Girl

    Pinto Girl New Member

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    Gee, this looks really nice! The data display on the MFD is neat, too.
     
  6. Trevor

    Trevor Member

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    Why did I have to look at this thread? My mind is racing with possibilities. Now I'm off to check out ebay.
     
  7. Ichabod

    Ichabod Artist In Residence

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    There's also the Mac Prius project http://www.kusnetz.net/prius/ with a Mac Mini in the dash, and the MFD being used for car, CAN-View and Mac screen.
     
  8. Cheap!

    Cheap! New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Oct 6 2006, 12:06 PM) [snapback]328998[/snapback]</div>
    I knew I saw it somewhere before! Thanks
     
  9. seakykr

    seakykr Ugly Betty is her name.

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    Hey Presto, that's awesome you found a screen thzt would fit in the Prius map pocket with no cutting. What is the make and model number of the Ebay screen you got? Also if you tell me it's diumensions I am going to look for a non-motorized flip up screen of the same dimensions, since that will have less to break on it. Thanks.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Oct 6 2006, 10:06 AM) [snapback]328998[/snapback]</div>
     
  10. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    Seakykr,

    Here is a link to an ebay auction that has the exact screen I purchased:

    http://cgi.ebay.ca/TFT-LCD-Touchscreen-7-I...1QQcmdZViewItem

    It amazes me that the screens cost so little compared to 5 years ago when I bought my first touchscreen for $1000. Anyways, that is that one that I'm using. One important thing to remember if getting a different screen is to make sure that the input/output connectors are seperated as much as possible. You'll notice this one has a seperate connector for VGA, video, USB, and power. The thing that bugged me most about the Xenarc was a unified connector that handled everything except the power.
     
  11. LurkAzusa

    LurkAzusa Member

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    That looks like a nice system. It seems to have a TV tuner, but does it include any radio, mp3, mp4 or any other features that can be used without a laptop or external DVD? Do the VGA, audio, USB inputs all plug into the back of the unit or are there extension cables to the glove box?
     
  12. airpolgas

    airpolgas New Member

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    Presto,

    Is it safe to say that a 1 DIN sized touchscreen will fit inside that space, without removing the cover? I basically want the same setup as yours, except I want to use a newer Mac Mini so I can have both Mac and Windows at my disposal. I am probably going to end up using Front Row a lot, and with the remote instead of the touch screen.

    I also saw this touchscreen. The one you suggested is almost the same price, but the free shipping on the firstt one will make it a better deal financially. Care to give your thoughts on the spec difference?

    Thanks.

    EDIT: What app are you running here?
     
  13. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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  14. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    A MAC mini should fit in the pocket. Do a search in this forum and you should find some pics and links.

    The first screen you posted looks like it may actually allow the cover to stay on so you can hide the screen completely when it's not in use. The way it deploys on a arm and how far it comes out may allow for it. It has nicely configured inputs as well.






    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(airpolgas @ Oct 10 2006, 12:40 PM) [snapback]330797[/snapback]</div>
     
  15. prius2go

    prius2go Member

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    I know this may sound obvious - but why do you need another screen when there is a larger screen already there?
    Is the MFD resolution unsuitable?
     
  16. seakykr

    seakykr Ugly Betty is her name.

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius2go @ Oct 11 2006, 06:31 AM) [snapback]331084[/snapback]</div>
    The purpose of istalling another touchscreen is you can attach it to a laptop or 'carputer' and access music, videos, GPS, Internet, e-mail, instant messaging Skype calls, etc. -- whatever you have on your computer. Granted many of these features should not be used by driver while driving, but they are handy to use when the car is stopped.
     
  17. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    A seperate screen is nice so you can have more info on hand. My music selection is usually what's on the touchscreen, and the MFD is responsible for the Prius' operating info.
     
  18. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Oct 11 2006, 09:45 AM) [snapback]331191[/snapback]</div>
    Same answer. My screen is used for advanced features: mp3, live traffic reports, more points of interests lay outs, and other geeky functions (acceleration g force, side g force, slope, voltage, angular velocity). Plus I can play DVD's (while parked).

    I only use the MFD from time to time to check MPG or to manually select my A/C settings. Most of the times i use the A/C buttons from the steering wheel to control the ambiance.
     
  19. airpolgas

    airpolgas New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Presto @ Oct 10 2006, 11:13 PM) [snapback]331048[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks. I don't plan to put the Mini there though. I just want the screen there, and hopefully like you said, be able to close the OEM cover to hide it. The mini is so small, finding a place for it shouldn't be a problem.

    By the way, I take it you don't have the cover on your setup? Is it because of the DIN size, or because the screen actually won't come out if installed that deep?

    ---

    silentak,

    nice avic. I do like the avics, but I won't add that to my Prius just because I already have a nav. We'll get a Sienna soon, and I won't order the factory nav so I can get the Z1 installed there.
     
  20. Presto

    Presto Has his homepage set to PC

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(airpolgas @ Oct 11 2006, 10:15 AM) [snapback]331210[/snapback]</div>
    That's right. Due to the way the screen folds out, there was not enough space for it to be installed and still be able to fold out with the cover. I'm satisfied that the screen mounts flush with the headunit, as my previous Xenarc had to stick out about 1 inch in order for the screen to fold out.

    The screen that you are showing looks like it folds out on an arm. My cousing had a non-motorized screen that used an arm as well, and he was able to install the screen deep enough into the pocket that he could close the cover.