New Head Unit (with some mods)

[Alan in AZ]

Installed a new head unit recently - wanted to get a more integrated look - so adapted it with a Porsche style (but heavily modified knob).



Android based, GPS unit with internet enabled location based apps. Great hand free phone, SDCard, USB Stick, iPod control, internet radio, bluetooth streaming, voice music search

Parrot Asteroid Classic. Decent audio quality, some quirks and does require an internet connection (e.g. tethered Phone) for many location based apps and maps.

Alan

[harborman]

Nice features. I put one of those in spare tire Bose sub woofers with Boss amp and it made a real improvement, yet out of sight.

[MPDano]

Glad your playing good tunes in that new set up as well.

[garylewa]

The knob rework integrates very nicely

[Danglerb]

Very slick Alan, makes a big difference to how well it integrates with the factory look. Any pictures of the knob mod process? It looks a bit like you added the Porsche knob over the Parrot?

Nice choice on the CCR I have been listening to the remastered SACD box set, Absolute Originals, and they are.

[medipedicman]

That is awesome Alan! Can I borrow your idea?

I have this one on the way.

[AirtekHVAC]

What is that Brian?? Pioneer?

This is the one I bought to put into #30....that's the plan anywho...subject to change if I find one I like better before I start fabbing on the spare console I got....



It's a little older Pioneer Avic-X710BT...got it for a steal on th' bay, got the most recent firmware and 2012 maps too...

[medipedicman]

Yes, it is a
PIONEER DEH-X9500BHS CAR CD/MP3 USB RECEIVER PANDORA MIXTRAX HD RADIO BLUETOOTH

It has all the bells and whistles that suited me. I LOVE what Alan has done with his. You know I have lots of extra knobs to choose from. I will just need to be mindful of diameter and attachment.

Alan do you have any tips. I am trying to decide from your picture if you modified the stem or just shaved of the top 1/2" off of the P knob and adhered it.

Regardless, nicely done. Nicely done indeed.

[Alan in AZ]

The knob is removable (pulls off) and the stock Asteroid knob is still there underneath unmodified.

The knob is of course heavily modified (a blower knob base)... Its function is also changed. On the Asteroid knob - the ring rotates (volume and selections) while the center stays put and is a select push-button.

I decided to have the center rotate with the knob (although stationary is also possible), it of course must also push-in to operate the select mode.

The knob is filed down in height, the center is largely removed, it is supported around the lower ring with a plastic bushing, the center is from a pod switch, the center is supported with a floating nylon ring and the whole knob is separated from the parrot inner button with an acetate friction relief ring. Not complicated in construction - just extremely tight tolerances. Its all in having the right tools to incrementally fine tune until its just right. Doing it all manually would be challenging - but likely doable. BTW this was designed to still illuminate from the Parrot logo.

Brian - you may find that adapting a low profile rear AC knob top will be easiest, you can modify the insert and flatten the back and adhere it - these are not normally illuminated - but could be if your knob face is... Have at it!

I have modified other 928 knobs for alternate uses, its not so hard to do and its nice to have that grippy rubber everywhere - it really does look and feel right in the car.

Alan

[Mrmerlin]

nice mods Alan,
it looks really clean

[medipedicman]

Stan
I had considered using a rear fqder knob, but a have two complete sets of pod switches just sitting around. Thanks for the design idea and the techniques to do it right.

[Alan in AZ]

Brian - I think you will find the fader knob to be too small. The pod knobs are bigger (deeper) and harder to modify than a blower knob or rear AC knob... (possible just harder...).

928 Intl has all these used... or buy on eBay.

Alan