The forum only allows for five pix per post.
Challenging for pix-verbose types like me.
I had the unit professionally installed. More or less. It came with no mounting hardware and the install tech didn't have anything that matched both the unit and Frito, so we just left it sitting in the 1 DIN bay until I could figure something out myself. It turned out to be a good idea. Rotating the display towards me improved visibility and operability significantly. Screen reflections that were problematic when mounted "normally" are now a non-issue and I can much more easily see and reach the touchscreen.
A block of semi-rigid foam underneath and a wedging block on the RHS combine to jam the unit securely in place. I'm convinced it would survive the Eureka Dunes access road. Vic will approve of my low $ approach, at least until I fabricate a bracket to attach the unit permanently.
Or not. Depending.
Media input is via either the dangling USB cable routed next-but-one to the ASR button or via Bluetooth. The USB extension cable is prevented from disappearing into the dash by another block of foam until I can re-manufacture the cover plate that we removed to accommodate the cable.
Radio reception is WAY better than the single-line display Sony unit it replaces. It also dims the display at night. (with my Sony, it was either three levels of menu-diving or hang my jacket over the screen when driving dark roads at night.)
The Sony inhaled music via a 128GB USB stick on the front panel. Trouble is, with that much music there's no way to find stuff. I resorted to a 8X10 printed card (that I could never find in the cockpit) to link the Sony's indication of, say "ALBUM 137" to "Ry Cooder". Tiny font, can't read at night, impossible to update. Fuck.
Now, I have search.
And, of course now I have a ten inch display of where I am and where I'm going. SAT NAV! Way better than viewing my phone.
The install tech told me that the day before, he'd done an Alpine install into a recent model pickup. Same size screen. "The interface is identical", he said. "And so is the screen performance. Very impressive." It cost that guy $1700 and change. Perhaps the Alpine sounds better, I dunno. My four inch dash speakers will never know. It does sound superb through my Bose NC headphones. I used the in-unit graphical equalizer to reduce the overstated bass, for which the Bosies are notorious.
I may replace the gearshift knob. It's not a problem when in Drive, but it blocks some of the screen in Park. Replacement recommendations welcome.
It's very slightly awkward to access the already stupidly clumsy fan speed switch. I can live with that. It also makes turning AC on and off a little more difficult and completely blocks seeing the AC LED indicator. I can live with that, too.
I very very seldom carry pax. If they don't like the askew mounting job, tough. At least they can find music. With the Sony, it was nearly impossible.
I do wish it had the Sony's wireless remote. It was much easier to change volume. Now, it's a touch screen op. Remote good. Knobs good. Touch screen so-so. I can live with that, too, too.
Oh, and a backup camera is included. I didn't get the installer go go beyond connecting it for proof that it works. Some other day, I'll get to it.
So, all in all a successful gamble of time and money. Highly recommended for those still stuck with last-century's units. Or, gawd forbid, a Becker Sound 5.
vic
