All

I have been researching an aftermarket gps for my kx-s.

I don't like the Toyota OEM version which doesn't let you use the latest maps or gps software like IGO 8.

Nav n go website - igo8 description

I also want something that is more than just a double din slot replacement i.e. a grande style gps replacement.

What do you think of this gps replacement?

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

I have more photos from the manufacturer. I can get it for $600 delivered.

Also, has anyone had experience installing this sort of gps?

Kind regards

Hado

Where do the hazard light button and indicator lights go, as the two large dial knobs will take up their positions on the KX-S dash?

Also have a look at the following threads over on the Toyota Nation forum:

OEM Navigation <-- For those who did not buy the option but want it
For Those Who Want Factory Looking Navigation System

Kesawi

It apears to use the switch bundle that is in the USA sport model highlander.

Click to view attachment

We would have to source this part and maybe asking the USA forum is one way to get the part number - this is my next bit of research.

Most of the USA discussion appears preliminary and they haven't got hold of the manufacturer - their prices are much higher for a similar unit. If you search for a highlander gps on the internet you get lots of resellers of Chinese goods with big mark ups. No one sems to have installed one.

I have got the wholesale price - direct from the manufacturer. And no need to buy 50 - just one.

There is a bit of anti-chinese sentiment in the USA forums as well - they don't seem to understand just about all consumer goods are made in China - including most of the parts of the computers we are looking at this forum with right now.

I have a 7 inch portable chinese made GPS and it works well - uses the latest maps with red light/speed cameras and speed warnings - this is why I couldn't go backwards to the Toyota version. It cost only $200.

I'm not technically skilled enough to do the install - that's why I want to see if others have done it or to try and get some support/suggestions.

I am willing to take the risk of buying he first test model.

Kind regards

Hado

Hi Hado,

That unit looks great and at a very attractive price! Thanks for posting. I too have been hunting around for a replacement but I also would prefer Grande style rather than a Double Din. I am interested to know how you go with solving the switch bundle issue. Please post your progress!

Could have a look at the Aupacks units (http://members.optusnet.com.au/auspacks/) but I don't think they do a Kluger version (only Camry).

How do you get the updated safety cameras and maps into the unit you're looking at?

At least the new in-dash units being released are starting to catch up to the features the portables have. The Eclipse AVN7262EA has TMC, speed and safety camera alerts. I'm almost tempted to finally retire my trusty old TomTom and go for one of these (almost )

The Auspacks unit looks similar and forum members who have installed them in their camrys seem satisfied with them.

The gps map and software are all run from an SD card. I don't know why most of the OEM units still use DVD maps - just so they can charge for updates I suspect.

If you have a close look at the pictures there are two SD slots shown under the screen - one for multimedia - DivX movies and MP3 etc. - and the other for the GPS map and software. Now that SD cards have much larger capacities you will be able to run a large music collection on one - no need for an Ipod connection.

On my 7 inch portable gps - a 1G SD card runs all the gps software and maps. I uses IGO 8 and v15 Australian maps - no problem with new roads like eastlink.

There are also lots of skins to download for IGO 8 which change the functions that show on screen and newer versions even have a picture of your car rather than a arrow as the position cursor. Here is an example: Skin page

I have the car cursors downloaded at home and will check to see if they have a highlander.

The system on my portable is WinCE 4.2 so you can also run other software such a Tomtom etc.

If you want to change software - you just have another SD card with it installed. For example, I have Ozexplorer on another SD card with all the HEMA 4wd maps of Australia in my glove box and if I go offroad I can just change to this software. Before the Kluger I had a Land Rover Discovery.

I have asked the manufacturer about the operating system for the highlander gps and have yet to get an answer.

Hopefully it will be WinCE 5.0 because we would be able to run newer versions of the gps software.

There always has to be a leader.....with anything like that you are playing Russian roulette if you like to gamble go for it

I got the Grande because I know it was all meant to be and work together for a long time (I hope)

You never know you could be on a little winner as it looks the part but its whats on the inside that really counts

Good luck with it

I agree it is a risk, but once one of us has sucessfully done it - others will be able make a more informed decision.

The operating system is WinCE 5.0:

GPS Specification

Operation system
WINCE 5.0 CORE

Support map
Tomtom,IGO,Route66 ect.

Processor
SAMSUNG High performance processor S3C2440A-40

EMS Memory
64MB SDRAM

Storage device
128MB

Display output
CVBS+S-VIDEO output

Audio output
stereo CD Qaulity

Main Frequency
400MHz

Support Audio Type
MP3/PCM/WMA

Support Video Type
ASF/AV/WMV/DIVX

Chipest
SiRF STARⅢ

Frequence
1.575GHZ

Channel number
20 channels

Tracking sense degree
-159dbm

Position Accuracy
10m 2D RMS 5m. 2D RMS, WAAS enabie

Velocity
0.1m/s

Data Renewal Rate
1HZ

Re-catching time
Average0.1S

Hot start time
Average 1s

Warm Start time
Average 38s

Cold start time
Average 42s

The biggest fixed height
18,000m

The biggest velocity
515m/s

Power Speci
DC12v, Current<500mA

Consumption
4.5w(12v/360mA)
Normal power consumption 3w(12v/250mA)

Hi, Hado

I would be very interested in the unit. I own a Grande and I am fed up with the lack of funcionality from the GPS. I was thinking of getting the unit which allows me to plug in an Ipod but a complete GPS replacement is the same price for more options. On the Grande the reverse camera picture appears on the main screen, I am conserned that I will loose that function. Very important because my wife has a habbit of backing into things. Also the Grande has a mic for the phone in the roof, can that still be used. If things go well with your fitting you can count me in for a unit.

Good luck

Ham

Ham

The seller claims the system has the following functions which includes rear view camera inputs:

• 7 inch TFT
• With touch screen interface
• Motorized panel with 5 angel positions
• TV TUNER BUILT-IN, NTSC/PAL/SECAM
• DVD/VCD/HDCD/SVCD/CD/MP3/MP4/DIVX compatible
• AM/FM RADIO
• SD/MMC CARD SLOT, U disc supported
• Support external hard disc player
• Rear-view parking camera input
• Subwoofer output
• 1-way radio/video input
• 2-way audio/video output
• Power out 25walts*4

Caska makes a model that can use an Intelligent Parking Assist System - but it is much more expensive - and I'm not sure if we can get it in Australia.

Caska CA3637


I am still trying to find the US part number for the 'hazard light switch assembly' I need, before I put an order in.

If anyone is a regular poster on the Toyotanation forum maybe they could ask for me? I don't really want my first post to be a request.

Kind regards

Hado

Hey, I'm also interested, I believe that switch maybe able to be purchase on NZ Klugers/highlanders

+ another one. I'm also interested!

Hado,

I was wonering if it was the same as the unit on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Toyota-KLUGER-09-Di...id=p3286.c0.m14



Rgeards

Good find Ham! It looks like it comes with the hazard light switch assembly too!!

I like how it can integrate TPMS data.

$600 delivered is a lot better than the $1099 shown on ebay.

Ham

This is the unit from FlyAudio - I have been researching this one as well:
FlyAudio highlander GPS

It was only released in August.

I was waiting on an email from the Australian distributor - but this saves us the wait - great find.

I am not sure if it includes the hazard switch because the ebay info is a copy of the above website and it is for the highlander where they have the switch.

We still need to check this out.

I like this unit - the extra silver suits the KX-S nicely - and it has similar if not the same functions of the Caska unit.

I saw on some other car forums that FlyAudio is considered reliable. They are a common replacement in Mazdas.

While more expensive than the first unit I was considering - this is a better unit and buying it from and Australian supplier and from ebay with Paypal is safer.

I emailed EasyPark about the install costs of their earlier double din replacement and they said it was $200.

Kind regards

Hado

All

A further update.

I just spoke to the owner of EasyPark - George - his supply of units are ariving in Australia next week.

He has looked at the USA version, but has yet to have a look at the Australian version.

Therefore, he doesn't know about the hazard switch issue.

He confirmed it does operate WinCE 5.0 - which means we can used most GPS software - but he will also supply Australian maps and software. He said the system is much better than the double din polaris (Caska) unit and the software was very impressive with lots of upgrade options.

I have arranged to meet with him in the next fortnight when he plans to be in Melbourne to look at the Australian version.

I will let you know when this is going to happen and the results. Hopefully I will be able to take pictures and test the unit's functions etc.

If you have any questions you think I should ask let me know?

Kind regards

Hado

Hi Hado,

If George can confirm how the hazard switch issue can be solved and guarantee correct operation in aussie Klugers then perhaps we can try and run a mini-group buy and hopefully George can sharpen the price up a bit?

If George can do this then in my mind it has eliminated the risk and the need to do a test car first, therefore, it’s a matter of who wants one! What do you think? There could be a few of us here that want one and perhaps the price could drop to under 1k?

I'd be interested to know whether the unit and GPS software will accept RDS-TMC data. Also given the introduction of digital radio, how easy it will be to upgrade the unit in the future.

jaenschw

Agree if we are not bringing in the unit from China then we don't need to do a test car. Good suggestion on the group buy to try and bring the price down.

We can always go back to the cheaper option if this looks too expensive.

Although if this solves the hazard switch issue and the install is reasonable we might be close to the same overall cost.

Kesawi

He actually mentioned RDS and digital radio upgrades and I will add this to my list of questions.

Hado

Saw Toyota in Canberra to get a price on the style hazard light switch that would be needed if it doesnt come with this unit.

They confirmed that they can get one to suit (little different to the US style one that has airbag off light, and is the wrong way around for us.)

Was only asking out of out of interest, as not looking to upgrade as yet.

They said they can order it, price $294!!! @%$# Also found a picture of one. Will post the part number for anyone who is still keen.

Those that are looking to go this way definately watch out if this is included or not.

Also another thing to watch out for from another forum, apparently many aftermarket units don't have an auto dimming screen for night, which is meant to be very annoying and a big hassle with these size lcds.


Goodluck, would love to see how things go with this.

wilsact

How can they realistically charge $300 for a switch - that is ridiculously expensive.

Yes please post the part number - this would be a great help.

Thanks I will add in the auto dimmer question as well. My current GPS software changes from day to night screen based on the time it gets from the satellites, but I realise this unit will also be using other functions not just GPS.

Kind regards


Hado

Hado,

I have a couple of questions.

1. Can the reverse camera be played through the main unit as the brochure shows the picture being shown through the trip computer screen.
2. Is there full function with the steering wheel controls, on the Grande there is the volume, mode (switching between Radio and CD), channel up and down, phone on/off and voice activation.
3. connectivity to existing plugs.
4. Does the facia come in brown to match the beige interior colour.
5. Where does the Ipod connect.
6. Are there detailed fitting instructions with the unit, for possible DIY.

I love the idea of a possible club bulk purchase and subject to a little more detailed information I would be very interested, the FLYAUDIO seems to be a better unit than the CASKA.

Regards

Ham

CSmiley

I looked into this and unfortunately the highest spec model the 'Highlander Limited' in NZ is the same spec as the KX-S.

See the NZ Highlander Brochure PDF

Much better brochure though - explains a lot of the tech features.

Kind regards

Hado

I would really like one of these. From the website http://www.flyaudio.us/for-toyota/highlander it looks like you can add a couple of display headrests to keep the kiddies happy and it will play avi files. DIVX would also be nice.

Please keep updating this thread on availabilty and compatability.

Cheers very much.

For those who are curious, the Caska IPA feature is not a self parking system like the JDM Toyota one (Fitted to some cars since 2000.). It is similar to the JDM Toyota parking line, but with, from what I can see, parking sensor integration (Not sure if it is for aftermarket or OEM sensors though.).

Would be interesting to see if the Caska IPA could be used with other brands or the OEM Toyota units.

Hi Hado,

Just wondering if you had any updates? Do you know when you will be meeting with EasyPark - George?

Thanks

jaenschw

No meeting planned just yet - I told him that I was going to be away at a conference next week and he said he would probably do it after then.

I will give him a call tomorrow.

Kind regards

Hado

All

As promised I spoke to George from EasyPark yesterday.

He is still to decide which day he is able to meet - he has other reasons to be in Melbourne he also has to arrange.

Also the units have not arrived in Australia yet - but are due very soon.

He has been in discussion with FlyAudio about some of the initial questions I raised with him.

I am going to email him to better explain the 'hazard switch' issue with pictures.

I will also pass on all of our questions.

Kind regards

Hado

Hado, I am definitely interested.

Ken.

what's the advantage of this over getting something that fits just in the double din like something from kenwood or pioneer? Get to keep the third din slot for putting your pens and stuff.

1) It's bigger and better!

2) You need to move the hazard light switch and passenger seatbelt warning indicator somewhere, that's what the 3rd slot is for!

Ken.

I have been doing some research on the availability of headrest monitors and found these:

Click to view attachment

Still finding out prices, but these are designed as a direct replacement for the factory headrest.

I just got the price, more details and a better pic of these headrest monitors.

From the manufactuter in China:

"One pair price is USD$339/pair included shipping cost.

We can do black leather (Ash coloured) monitor for you, it's Retain Factory Design,Identical Color and Pole Distance."


This is about A$388 a pair delivered - might be able to do better with a group buy. They have an US ebay store so we can use paypal etc.

Click to view attachment


Features:
7" TFT LCD MONITOR WITH PILLOW
Optimal View Angle
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Game Controller Port
Resolution: 480XRGBX234
System: PAL/NTSC
Display Mode: 16:9
Brightness: 350cd/㎡
Contrast: 350:1
Built-in IR Transmitter
2 AV Inputs
OSD Menu
Built-in Touch Button
Remote Control
S/N ≥ 90dB
Isolation ≥ 65dB
Power Supply: DC 12V
Operation Temperature: -20°C ~+ 70°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C ~ +80°C

Any more technical details such as formats and integration with dash unit? They certainly look nice but I've burnt all my dvds so I'm looking for something that will play divx or avi.

Rapper these are only monitors and have no playback functions,;however, I want DivX playback as well.

I didn't ask about headrest player/monitors.

The FlyAudio head unit has the ability to play multimedia files from a drive - from the website:

"Connects to your USB Drive using the included usb cable to browse pictures, play songs and movies.
Supports AVI, MPG and MP3."

There is no mention specifically of DivX etc. but most Chinese players have this function - even my cheap portable GPS can play DivX/Avi files.

I'm not sure if a 'USB Drive' is just a small flash memory drive or a larger portable laptop hard drive.

This will be one of the first things I check. Which reminds me I will follow-up about the meeting tomorrow.

Sorry, I didn't understand that. Thankyou for explaining. So would these be able to connect to the dash unit you are looking into? If I could control the monitors from the front that would be ideal. I've got two young kids.

What I really want is to be able to play avi or divx files straight off a portable usb drive. If that's not possible then from a usb memory stick or iPhone.

Can any of them display digital TV?

I think I might be asking for too much?

Cheers

According to this earlier post by Hado the FlyAudio unit has a TV tuner.

We're all waiting for Hado to meet with the distributor to see if he can wangle a good deal

Ken.

All

I spoke with George from EasyPark today.

Earlier I sent him a detailed email explaining the issue with the long hazard switch assembly.

He checked with FlyAudio and unfortunately the switch does not come with the head unit and, as suspected, it was designed for US models and they assume we have the switch already.

I told him the Australian version of the switch exists, but we can only source it so far from Toyota for around $300 and this would make the upgrade to head unit he is selling too expensive.

He is now going to find out if FlyAudio can source the switch in China.

George mentioned that he spoke to someone from this forum who had found a supplier of the switch in Hong Kong - if so please reply and let us know?

Someone else also mentioned that they had the part number for the switch - this would help us research a better price.

Sorry this is taking so long.

Kind regards

Hado

Still continuing the search for headrest monitors.

I wasn't entirely happy with the previous version I found - there was too much plastic surrounding the monitor.

I like this version more:

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment


They are priced at USD$336/pair including shipping costs - and $ conversion rate is good at the moment.

Are they going to look close enough to the factory headrests or out of place?

Hado

Did you discuss with George the possibility of a club purchase, I have seen the unit avertised in various place from $1099 to $1395 and everything in between. I emailed George about the TPMS option and that will cost around $300, the reverse camera on the Kluger is aparently 6v and the unit connects to 12v so to get the picture through the head unit might cost extra as well. If you include $300 for the switch bundle, it all gets a little expensive by my recokining around $2000. With the CASKA unit comming in at half that price I am begining to wonder if the extra $1000 is worth it.

Regards

Ham

Ham


Sorry for the slow response - I have been focussed on getting my HID driving lights installed.

Hopefully we will be able to get the switch for much less than $300 and I will start chasing this now. George was going to raise this issue with the manufacturer to see if they could supply the switch.

I hadn't heard about the issue about the reverse camera - this doesn't seem right to me - these units are designed for the USA model without the OEM gps and they should have the same camera input as our model. Did George tell you this?

Agree we may have to go back to the first option if this is looking too expensive all up.

Kind regards

Hado

I spoke to the local dealer parts department today and the guy sounded very knowledgeable about the Kluger stereo situation.

He said the Australian delivered KX-S/KX-R are ordered without the stereo and they install the Fujitsu 10 double din stereos in Australia.

Toyota Australia didn't think the lower variant Japanese delivered stereos had the functions required for our market - i.e. no Bluetooth or mp3.

He can source the switch we need, but because it is not on their parts database we need to provide the part number.

He looked up the Grande hazard light switch and it would cost $240. This is an option - but it has extra buttons we don't need.

Can someone who is registered on Toyota Nation ask about the part number for the Sport hazard light switch?

I am also going to try New Zealand tomorrow.

[quote name='Hado' post='360179' date='Nov 8 2009, 02:01 PM']Ham


Sorry for the slow response - I have been focussed on getting my HID driving lights installed.

Hopefully we will be able to get the switch for much less than $300 and I will start chasing this now. George was going to raise this issue with the manufacturer to see if they could supply the switch.

I hadn't heard about the issue about the reverse camera - this doesn't seem right to me - these units are designed for the USA model without the OEM gps and they should have the same camera input as our model. Did George tell you this?

Agree we may have to go back to the first option if this is looking too expensive all up.

Kind regards

Hado

I took the plunge and ordered the Easy-park system with the TPMS (my wife bought it as a Xmas present). There are a few miss matches that still need to be ironed out and of course I will let you know how things go. I will be going away for a few weeks so it might

be some time before I can report its functionality. I am still interested in the part number for the sport part, but I am down the road from Toyota so I will try to find out from them direct.

Regards

Ham

Ham

Pleased that someone has taken the plunge.

I spoke to George recently and he told me you had done so.

Hope you are more sucessful at finding out the switch part number. Wilsact - who is also in Canberra - found it from one of the local dealers there so i am sure you can as well. Let us know the number if you do and I will try to find a cheaper source?

We will all be waiting for pics of the install and an update of how it performs.

Good Luck

Hado

Hi guys,

Sorry about the slow response re the switch. I will go back in and see the guy I spoke to last time and get the switch part number.

I don't think the grande switch would suit as it would have different connectors. You will need the switch I mentioned in previous post.

cheers

Your right wilsact, the switch is an integrial part of the head unit on the Grande so I will be loking to find a replacement. As I said I will be away for a few weeks after picking up the unit so be patient


To help with the instal I have been looking for the DENSO unit wiring diagram to help with the transfer as I believe that the new unit is possibly less compatable than the advertising suggests.

Any how, I will keep you all posted, anything that you think might help with the instal please post, I will be getting technical help as I am no electriction.

Regards

Ham

Hi Ham,

First post on these forums but I've been browsing for quite some time.

Anyway, have you checked out the install document on the Flyaudio website. It's a bit slow to download but does give some reasonable detail on the install, particularly how to remove the fascia panels. Also seems to show how to splice into and connect the factory camera up to display on the headunit - although I'd approach this with a bit of caution as there is quite a bit a talk about the camera requiring a 6V supply.

I'm keen to hear how your install goes though and your thoughts on the unit.

Cheers!

Acorn

Welcome and thanks for your contribution.

The install seems fairly straight forward - mostly plug and play except for the two wires from the reverse camera.

The other part we don't know about is how the hazard light/seatbelt warning/immobiliser light wiring from our model will translate.

These three inputs have been split up on our model to the two big round buttons and the install guide shows the long switch (step 16) has a single plug.

Let's hope our model just has a splitter and the original plug is still in place.

Kind regards

Hado

Welcome acorn,

I was aware of the Flyaudio site, the problem is that I am replacing an OEM head unit for the Flyaudio unit, there are a few differences that will need to be overcome like the phone mike, extra steering wheel controls, GPS sensor, rear camera,

the list goes on. I am beginning to think I should have gone for an easier option. But the unit has been ordered and the commitment made.

Regards

Ham