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[Dave I]

I have this head unit (Panasonic AVH-P6400CD) it has a 6.5" wide screen monitor which allows you to run several items off of it. It is XM radio ready as well. Right now I have it installed with A/V cables running down the back to the bottom back of the dash. I just plug in a portable dvd player and watch video through the monitor. It works great and I figured it would be a good way to watch DVD video without having to hard install a DVD player. It has inputs for audio/video, navigation, rear camera and video output (to run to a seperate rear monitor). It has a built in mosfet 50w internal amp. I have been really happy with it and want to install around it.



Several questions (sorry for all of them).

1. Is there a way to simply view the Garmin etrex screen shot on the video setting of the monitor. I would plug my Etrex GPS and view it on the monitor. Do they make a cable for that?)

2. I want to install XM radio onto the system (simply requires the Panasonic adaptor and antenna).

3. I've decided I want to run a 12disk CD changer onto the system.

4. I might install a hardwired DVD player onto the system (make more sense to buy dvd changer? Can I play cds off of it as well?).

5. If I can't run the Etrex screen off the monitor, recommend a good aftermarket GPS system I can install on this unit?

6. I also want to install at least two hardwired 12v adaptors to the system for peripherals. This question pertains to the increased power demands for the system, how do I make sure I have enough power.



Any and all suggestions appreciated. My imagination is only limited by my inability and lack of funds.



Thanks,



Scrubb

 

[Dale Carter]

Get a DVD changer, it wil play DVD and CD audio, probably MP3 discs, as well.



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[Mike Franklin]

1. Is there a way to simply view the Garmin etrex screen shot on the video setting of the monitor. I would plug my Etrex GPS and view it on the monitor. Do they make a cable for that?)



Garmin makes an serial cable for etrex. It should have come with your unit. Utilizing a program like MS Streets and Trips on a laptop I have been able to drive about with the unit functioning in my car. If you can find yourself an old pentium 2 laptop say for instance a dell latitude they usually have a rca video out. Or you could fiddle around with an auto pc which in my opinion would be cool as hell but the wife isn't as willing to committ the financial backing at this time. She muttered on about eventually needing diapers and formula ect ect. Go figure. What is super slick about a car pc is that it simplifies everything on your dash. IE, you only have to worry about getting video and audio out to the dash, a wireless keyboard mouse combo or touch screen if you have the cash and then switched power back to the pc. No need for a cd changer, just use mp3/itunes no need for a dvd player (although I would still put one in) just pull your car up within range of your home wifi and transfer your tivo'ed tv shows or movies to your car pc. Actually, I would commit to using a non MS operating system like FREEVO or MYTH for stability and OS shaving for faster boot times but I'm unaware of any mapping applications for nix. But if you get lost just go driving into a neighborhood and find your nearest wap and pull up mapquest. ;-) (just kidding, I do not advocate or practice war driving or any other unauthorized use of unsecured equipment)



2. I want to install XM radio onto the system (simply requires the Panasonic adaptor and antenna).



Sounds like you've already answered your own question.



3. I've decided I want to run a 12disk CD changer onto the system.



Groovy. Again, whats the question?



4. I might install a hardwired DVD player onto the system (make more sense to buy dvd changer? Can I play cds off of it as well?).



You should be able to play standard cd's off it. Pretty much all of them read regular music cd, just hook up the audio out as you normally would. Just read the box on the dvd player you get. EUREKA!, I just bought one of those under cabinet space saver radio dvd player with a flip down screen for the kitchen. The power supply is external to the unit which means that in theory, I could just cut the cord and feed 12 volts to it and mount it to the ceiling in ST. Humm..



5. If I can't run the Etrex screen off the monitor, recommend a good aftermarket GPS system I can install on this unit?



I can tell you what not to buy. Stay away from navman products, especially the navman PIN. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE UNIT. When my wife hops into the trac and sees it sitting there in the window she cries, the dog starts to wimper. The features are nice, it tells you when to turn, 3d mapping, windows pocket pc device so I can play video clips, establish connectivity to outlook, pump out mp3's and have a running copy of my banking software as I roll down the road. (You know it's important to balance your check book at 70 mph) I have put every single firmware software update on this pos yet it still sends me an hour out of my way or it has me turning onto roads that just don't exist. The worst is if you miss a turn. It gets confused and starts remapping all the while telling you to "PREFORM AND ILLEGAL UTURN". I wonder if I could use that as a defense if I get a ticket. The gps told me to do it.



6. I also want to install at least two hardwired 12v adaptors to the system for peripherals. This question pertains to the increased power demands for the system, how do I make sure I have enough power.



Well what are you planning on running on these adapters? If were talking just the dvd players I think your safe. Just make sure that you have<