Can One Read Touchscreen Radio in Sunlight

[thom4782]

Hi all:

I'm looking to install a touchscreen stereo head unit in my 944 turbo. I've visited a number of local car audio shops and haven't gotten a clear answer.

Here's my question: given the slope of the center console and the rake of the windshield, can one read the head unit's screen when sunlight falls on it? If the answer is yes, what unit have you installed.

Thanks

Thom

[Swennydawg]

Do a quick search here or on rennlist.Someone posted photos of his install.

[kdjones2000]

I have an older version of this one in my car:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-AVH-X7800BT-Single-DIN-In-Dash-DVD-Receiver-Flip-Out-Display-BT-Siri-7/49115451?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=414&adid=22222222227036742930&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=72949065529&wl4=pla-162719490049&wl5=9029997&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=111839995&wl11=online&wl12=49115451&wl13=&veh=sem

The screen's angle can be adjusted, as well as the its position in/out in relation to the dashboard.

No issues with visibility, or fit, although it is pretty tight fitting in the single DIN slot.

It really makes the car feel much more modern.

[thom4782]

Thanks KD

I've been looking at a similar option, the Pioneer 3400NEX. I'm betting the screen operates similarly to yours.

My follow-up question is this. How far forward does the screen move? I'm asking because I'm trying to figure out if the screen can tilt past vertical and still clear the protruding lip at the bottom of the dashboard. If the screen tilts down (that is less than vertical), it would seem hard to read.

BTW: the other option I'm looking at is the Sony XAV-AX5000. While the screen is capacitive so it's low glare, it isn't adjustable and sometimes it will see direct sunlight given the rake of the windshield. Hence, the possibility of washout making it impossible to read.

I have a 7200NEX in my Boxster. It's a great unit, but the Sony offers a cleaner look than the 3400NEX. The Sony is, however, far less adjustable in lots of ways.

Again, thanks.

Thom

[kdjones2000]

You won't want it to be less than vertical - in fact you will likely adjust it to be as close to the dashboard as possible without touching it. That gives you the best viewing angle.

To answer your question however, yes it can be adjusted that way. However, you will start to have interference with 3rd and 5th gear hand positions.

One thing to consider is that your HVAC controls will be covered by the screen, so you adjust the fan speed or top/bottom controls you either need to slip your fingers in behind the screen, or manually lower it.

Another thing is that you'll need to get a defeat box for the "Movie prevent" interlock if you want to play DVD's. Those are available on Fleabay if you so desire.

I have no experience with these other models / brands...

[djnolan]

What if you put the radio in the bottom slot where the cubby is now?

[thom4782]

Hi

There is one clear issue with the bottom slot and possibly a second one.

There is less than 5" of clearance from the front of the console to the transmission tunnel. So unless one can find a shallow depth unit, like the Alpine ILX007, there isn't enough room. The second possible issue is the console may be too narrow at the bottom.

The Sony unit fits because the electronics are at the top leaving the bottom with enough clearance to fit. Given the slope of the unit when installed, however, sunlight may washout the screen.

[kdjones2000]

Here are 3000 words on this subject