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Coastal Alternative?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by greensparks, Aug 10, 2008.

  1. greensparks

    greensparks New Member

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    Location:
    Sydney Australia
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Can anyone recommend an alternative AV input device for Prius?
    My problem, as with quite a few others I have read in this forum, is that Coastal does not export their products abroad.
    So far I have found:
    The Dice, which looks like a very sweet unit, however is only for audio.
    The Gnet system, not much to look at but with good features. Sadly video only :confused:
    The Cardemand system, also a sweet looking product, but again Video input only.
    The Vaistech, offers audio and video, however the video source has to be an iPod :rant:
    The Sirius, seems to be more targeted toward Satellite Radio integration.
    So far the coastal system is the only product that offers both A and V, my problem being that I am in Australia and I don't really want to buy two separate gadgets to provide AV.
    My aim is to eventually connect an old Mac (video out) to the MFD and the audio out through the stereo system, interfaced with a bluetooth mouse and keyboard allowing in car iTunes and possible web browsing care of the occasional WiFi hotspot :p
    Thanks in advance for any tips.
     
  2. eclipse3g

    eclipse3g Junior Member

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    Do you know someone in the states that will middleman the order for you.
     
  3. Jack66

    Jack66 Kinda Jovial Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Welcome, Greensparks! Here is a link to a MacPrius: http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-modifications/33046-simple-2006-macprius.html

    You have a lot of options for what equipment to buy and how to hook it up, but each choice narrows your options for what you do next. Choosing to use the MFD to display MAC video can be done but you have to work through the AVCLAN/IEBus. Removing the OEM head unit (If you decide to do that) also presents AVCLAN/IEBus challenges for using your original speakers and the A/C. Using another touchscreen avoids most of the AVCLAN/IEBus challenges but takes you down another path entirely.

    I guess what I am trying to say is take your time and plan it out. Another site like MP3car.com can help but it doen't have much coverage of the Prius. I am trying to make some of the same decisions as yourself and waiting for money to become available.

    Good Luck! :)
     
  4. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Hi there, the reason that Coastal does not export is the devices that they make are for the American NTSC standard. Down under, you use the PAL standard which is 626 lines Video at 50 Hz refresh rate. American NTSC is 525 Lines at 60 Hz refresh.

    Now if the device that you want to use has a NTSC output it will work. If you really want a Coastal product, an arraingment could be made, I.E. Paypal Xfer, and I would buy and ship to you.

    It all depends on the output standard you are using!!!

    Good Luck Pat KK6PD
     
  5. jayo

    jayo Irish member

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    would it work if say for a reverse camera and im here in ireland with pal resolution if the camera was ntsc..i have the sl2vi which displays the video great but am looking for a reverse camera only
     
  6. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Ay long lost Irish kin, part of the O'Sullivan clan myself, great grand parents dropped the O, oh well!

    Anyway YES if the camera has a NTSC out, it should work with the Coastal tech unit! 525 Line/ 6o Hz.

    Good luck on the install! When it works out for you have a pint for me!!

    73 de Pat KK6PD (ex O, Sullivan)
     
  7. jayo

    jayo Irish member

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    you are a legend thank you man i will let you know just have to wait for the wife to e mail her friend in seattle some small talk needed first but hopefully i can order it trough the web and send it to her place then get it shipped over here.once again thank you fair play to ya man
     
  8. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Hey Jayo, You understand that if you go this route you will manually have to punch up the cam for reverse? I am not familiar with how cars across the pond are set up. Is the back up cam even a option for you? If it is, you might be able just to buy a camera and plug it into the back of your MFD. I noticed you do not have a package listed. I am wondering if maybe you could get by easier....Think about it!

    Later Dude

    73 de Pat KK6PD
     
  9. jayo

    jayo Irish member

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    would you know if the lockpicks cable plugs into the M13/14 OR 15 on the back of the MFD i assume it plugs into one of these the sl2vi plugs into the M15 but they gave me a Y cable so i still have a free port in case the lockpick plugs in there
     
  10. jayo

    jayo Irish member

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    thought about that one myself.i have package 2 there are only 3 the first is base model the second gives you jbl /cruise/and fog lights the third package is satnav/phone/camera/IPA/leather seats but that cost 6000 euro extra more than package 2.might just try plug one in for the crack
     
  11. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Jayo, to get you started, read this excellent articles on XM Sirius installation. I used this guide, and they are invaluable in getting into your dash!!!


    https://www.metrotpn.com/documents/PDF%20Files/Prius/Eddie's%20XMRadio%20Install/PriusXMradio3.2.pdf

    If your steering wheel is on the right side just follow same procedure but go left to right instead of right to left!

    When you go into reverse does your MFD display black out??? if it does, I bet you have a jack on the back of your system you can plug in to.

    I am looking up my Coastal Tech installation instructions, as I type, and of course I can not find them. If I recall you just unplugged 1 cable and dropped the Coastal unit in line.

    If you pull apart your dash and look behind the MFD you should see a yellow RCA plug. That would be where the camera plugs in!

    Pat KK6PD
     
  12. jayo

    jayo Irish member

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    will take apart on monday and look for that yellow RCA jack.my screen stays active when i reverse.let us know if ye find the instructions that would be great.i have thr RHD instructions for taking the dash apart it was on www.techdoc.toyota-europe.com there free downloadable PDF it has LHD also i currently use chris dragons PDF for taking the dash apart i think its more or less the same as eddies.
     
  13. jayo

    jayo Irish member

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    As a alternative to coastal i bought the SL2VI.i have only installed it and am loving it.Vias were an absolute plesure to deal with also there tech support was brilliant.
     
  14. SillyBilly

    SillyBilly New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Moscow
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Heya! Let me lift the topic.

    As of now, Coastal's camera lockpick looks like the only solution for me on backup camera. A Russian analogue of it (the device that opens the NTSC input for USA market cars) costs around $250 here, but does not deal with bluetooth greyout and navi input disability in motion. Yes, I've bought the OEM cam already.

    Could anyone be a kind middleman to buy it for me and resend to Russia? I'm totally confused with the fact that coastal is not dealing with international shipments, creditcards and even Paypal! Why the heck, could anyone answer?!

    So. I'd love to reimburse you, dear friend, with a paypal/card transfer for a camera lockpick bought in USA and re-shipped to Moscow (~$35-50 for USPS package). Please PM me or (better) email to [email protected]

    Thank you!