Double DIN Navigation Installation
 

I'm preparing for my next project - installing a double DIN navigation system.

I found a Kenwood DNX 7140 on eBay and I'm planning to purchase the Euromotorsports installation kits. I've found the following "DIY" instructions:

http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/36276-dual-din-7-touch-screen-radio-install-6.html (This appears to be the most recent.)

http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutorials/article/109-porsche-boxster-avic-d3-installation-instructions/

New DVD Navigation Install - 986 Series (Boxster, Boxster S) - RennTech.org Forums

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/50034-how-relocate-climate-control-wires-bloody-hands.html

http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/36276-dual-din-7-touch-screen-radio-install.html

Any comments, tips or suggestions? Anyone in the Richmond, VA area considering the same project and want to work together?

I was heading down the same path until I saw the DIYs on installing a tablet into the dash. Take a look and see what you think, they appear to be much more capable than any double DIN I've seen.

And with the ios7 jailbreak out today, the data capable ipad mini is so much more capable than it already was. The small inconveniences it had are now solvable (like automatically locking the mini and shutting off 4g when the car turns off).

I saw the tablet install on a 996 forum and I thought it was a cool idea. Unfortunately, I can be an easily distracted driver and I think that would provide too many temptations that would lead me off the road.

Go for it. I added a pioneer to my boxster and it was my favorite upgrade. My first mod on the 996tt will be another double dinn.

I put a Kenwood DNX9980HD in mine. I wanted the Garmin GPS and touch screen. Witht he bluetooth functionaility and iPod connectivity it's been great. I also installed a camera. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

FWIW, since I also wanted to replace the factory amp and speakers, after my initial install (using the factory amp & speakers) I went back and totally removed the dash & center console to pull wires.

Don't be surprised if I take you up on that offer.

I just installed heated seats and it required removal of the center console, so I can build on that skill when I install the double DIN. I've also removed the head unit to install an iPod interface and rear speakers.

I'm planning to put the iPod in the center oddments tray and the idea of having a backup camera is tempting. The rear visibility with the top up is not great and a camera may help avoid an accident. We added one in my wife's Highlander and I find it handy.

If you leave the amp alone it's a really simple job. You will need a dremel to shave the insides of the upper center console. I skipped the camera as it added an extra complication. I chose the pioneer as everyone complained that the kenwood was slow. I agree garmin is better, but the pioneer wasn't bad. I primarily used it for the iPod connectivity. I also changed the dash speakers which slightly improved the sound.

As was I, very happy that I went with the mini.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389246119.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389246145.jpg

Very tempting, but I'm not sure I could give up the cup holders. ;)

Kevin,

Do you have a pic of your gauges?

Just for balance, I'll present a contrasting opinion: the center stack is a poor position for a nav system…too far out of line-of-sight to be useful, or safe. I have a 10+ year old Pioneer. There has not been a map upgrade for over five years now. Almost all of its functions are via the touchscreen and a multifunction knob. It takes too much attention away from the road to make the smallest adjustment. Even radio station tuning takes two operations!

However, the biggest issue for me is that, with the top down, the screen is completely illegible due to glare. When you can't see the screen, you can't do anything!

Bill

With Pandora or my local music running and the directions already loaded in, you don't have to look at the screen. The directions are spoken turn by turn.

I agree with it taking away attention from the road. With regards to driving with the top down, i hadnt done it in two years, it was fine with my hard top.

Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk

Unfortunately, the flash washes them out a bit. It makes the silver face look white and the trim rings look grey. I'll try to take some during the day.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389320234.jpg

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389320288.jpg

Night Shot

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1389322518.jpg

I have my double DIN head unit (a used Kenwood DNX7140) and the Euro Motor Speed installation kit. I'm thinking of adding a backup camera and an HD radio unit. So, my questions are:

1. How well does the Boxster radio antenna work with HD radio? Has anyone experienced a lot of lost signals? The Boxster has the worst radio reception of any of my cars, so I'm wondering whether its the "antenna in the windshield" that's causing the problem and whether that will carry over to the replacement unit.

2. Any recommendations on cameras? I found a couple of different suggestions for running the camera wiring:
http://986forum.com/forums/diy-project-guides/44006-diy-rear-camera-wiring-route.html

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/41978-how-rear-camera-install.html

I've seen Valor and Boyo cameras installed. Any preference?