Using an OEM vehicle navigation screen

Mr Castulucci · 01-25-2004, 08:19 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2003 Toyota 4Runner with Navigation. I have been thinking of making a CarPC for some time now, and I was quite surprised to even find a website about it!

I've decided to hack the "problem" of getting a PC into my truck one step at a time. The most obvious first step for me was the LCD/Display problem.

My truck already has an LCD touchscreen built in, and I am wondering if anyone knows of a way for me to interface it with a PC. Has anyone ever done this with an OEM screen? I figure that if this is possible, it will save me a ton of money.

Obviously the screen is already connected to an OEM "PC" that is driving its navigation, but I don't want to rip the whole interior apart to figure out how the navigation computer interfaces with the screen, if someone already might know!

I would definitely appreciate any suggestions/advice you guys might have. If I can't go this route, I'm not yet sure how I am going to approach the problem. But, it seems a bit redundant to have 2 touchscreen LCDs in my dash!

Oh, and I do not have a replaceable stereo head unit, if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

-Frank

deadweasel · 01-25-2004, 09:10 PM

Welcome to the scene Frank!

I have to say that I am not familiar with the screens they use in those vehicles, but I will bet that they use a LOT of surfacemount technology, including those damned embedded conductor ribbons to get the display info to the screen, which makes your hack job that much more of a pain, and could prevent you from using it altogether.

Don't quote me on that, but there's a little voice in my head clamoring about it.

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to obey the voice and retrieve some more pizza.

Mr Castulucci · 01-25-2004, 11:15 PM

Thanks for the input deadweasel...

I was actually thinking of asking the dealership if they have any info on it. I don't know if they'll be cooperative, but I guess we'll see. Maybe I can at least find out who manufactured the screen!

-Frank

Vladig · 01-25-2004, 11:26 PM

Hey Mr Castulucci, I know of a lot of factory nav screens being converted to use a composite connection but I dont know how

unfortunately, however call up these guy's they have done several of these type of convertions.

ShowTime Audio
773.973.7469
Just tell em Vladi told u to talk to them.

Vladig · 01-25-2004, 11:35 PM

By the way here are some pics of a DVD/TV tuner into a Range Rover using the factory GPS screen :

WARNING Huge pics

pic 1

pic 2

pic 3

pic 4

Mr Castulucci · 01-26-2004, 12:41 AM

Wow thanks Vladi! 773 area code, huh? Not far from me, sounds like

I'll definitely give them a call - I appreciate the info!

-Frank

Vladig · 01-26-2004, 01:26 AM

I know I saw your location and sad humm instead of me trying to explain this why not send him to the people that actualy do this stuff

Mr Castulucci · 01-27-2004, 07:29 PM

Just an update - I haven't had a chance to call yet (because I've had class late all week), but I am hoping to be able to call tomorrow night, if not definitely on thursday afternoon.

Vladig · 01-27-2004, 09:08 PM

I know

I was there today getting some more pictures from them ( working on some VCd's for them so I also let em know that u might be calling and what basicly you are looking for.

Mr Castulucci · 01-30-2004, 04:50 PM

Quick update - I discovered that the screen is manufactured by Fujitsu. I called Denso (the company whom I thought manufactured the screen), and they told me they don't make it, and in fact Fujitsu makes it.

Doesn't seem like much of an accomplishment, but that took some digging! I'm going to try to find out more information.

I just phoned Showtime Audio - I need to call back on Monday and talk to Jerry about the conversion. The woman on the phone said that offhand such a conversion would cost $2000 - wow that's a lot of money! But, I am going to call Monday and see what they say. I'm a electrical/computer engineering major, so maybe I can work something out myself? LOL, who knows.

Vladig · 01-30-2004, 05:14 PM

2000 Wholy CHIT that's a lot of money

Wonder what's involved in a conversion like that ????

P.S. Keep us posted maybe after he gives you a price I can talk to him and try to lower it

for ya.

UncleGeek · 01-30-2004, 05:49 PM

I know this is not a Toyota 4Runner but this thread has an example of someone using a factory NAV screen from a Nissan 350Z. This is the link to his web site giving a description on how he did it. Maybe you can glean some ideas from this. Hope this helps.

Mr Castulucci · 01-30-2004, 05:55 PM

Another update -
I just phoned the USA division of Fujitsu Ten (manufacturer of the screen - their number is 310-327-2151). I got the confirmation that my screen is in fact one of their products - model number 17006 (this model number is in tiny print on the bottom of the frame of my screen) from the person who answered the phone in their OEM navigation division. He transferred me to a guy named Miguel, but he wasn't in, so I left him a voicemail. Hopefully I'll hear back from him on Monday!

Mr Castulucci · 01-30-2004, 06:10 PM

UncleGeek - I definitely appreciate the link! I'm sure it'll be useful. I'm thinking of getting a 350Z as possibly my next vehicle, actually :-P

Mr Castulucci · 02-05-2004, 06:18 PM

Brief update-
Just spoke with Miguel over at Fujitsu Ten - he is supposed to send me the pinout diagram for the screen within the next hour or so. I'll post it as soon as I get it.

I haven't had time to call back Showtime Audio yet. I think that they are a bit out of my price range right now anyway... Depending on how things go, I might give them a call back though. We'll see.