The Compatibility Of Your SWC's And Your Aftermarket GPS

By Alpha-Nav

More and more automobiles are being produced with SWC's (steering wheel controls).  This functionality is a useful and convenient component in audio controls for the driver.  A re-occurring problem is when you want to install an in dash aftermarket GPS unit.   It really is a waste if your new unit isn't compatible with your OEM functionality.

So how can we make sure that the SWC's work correctly with an aftermarket GPS unit?

First, it is suggested that you refer to your favorite information site to gather the SWC wire location, color and resistance to make sure that the factory SWC will be compatible with the new aftermarket navigation system.  Most wire diagram sites will state whether the SWC in the vehicle is negative, positive or data based.

For most SWC's, the wires involved are a ground, a Wheel Input 1 wire and a Wheel Input 2
wire.  Most of the time, you will only be using the ground and the Wheel 1 input.  There are exceptions.  Some Nissan vehicles  have two trigger wires, so the Wheel Input 2 wire will connect to the second SWC wire in the factory radio harness.

Based on this information, newer single and double Din GPS units should easily integrate with your steering wheel controls.

If your aftermarket in dash unit is not compatible, you will need to purchase an SWC interface, which is a adapter that allows you to retain your OEM functions after the aftermarket stereo is installed.  This installation process is relatively simple, and with a little bit of planning and research on your car's stereo components, it should work just as well.

What's The Din Difference?!

A comparison of a single Din vs. double Din unit.

By Alpha-Nav

When researching about an aftermarket gps navigation or stereo unit, odds are you're going to come across the term Single Din vs. a Double Din.  So what is a Din, and which do you choose?

Din (Deutsches Institut für Normung) which, in English, means the German Institute for Standardization, refers to a standardized radio/stereo size for vehicles (large enough to accept a CD).

The size of car stereo or GPS navigation head unit is deemed either single DIN or double DIN. DIN units measure 2" x 7", while double DIN units measure 4" x 7". Double DIN was adopted by some car manufacturers to fit larger radios and the evolution of GPS navigation units.

Which do I select for my car?

You’re probably safer with a single Din if you have an older model automobile.   Based on age of the vehicle, the dashboard was strictly built for single Din stereos.  With today's advancements in aftermarket navigation, you can still have all the same “bells and whistles” of a double Din gps unit, but it will be tucked away within the dashboard when not used.  Stay away from fitting a double Din where a single Din unit used to exist, this may cause problems with installation.

As for newer model vehicles, depending on the make and model, it will allow you to house a double Din.  Most car manufacturers will produce cars that may not come stock with a navigation unit, but will allow for you to purchase and install an aftermarket navigation system. The dashboard comes equipped with enough space along with custom made attachments to house a double Din navigation system.

In Dash vs. Portable GPS Navigation: An Honest Comparison

By Alpha-Nav

GPS navigation has become increasingly useful and advanced over the last five years.  More and more automobiles are equipped with navigation devices to help provide drivers with step by step directions.  A big debate has been created on which is better: In dash navigation or portable?  While each in it’s own right is optimal for today, there are a few pros and cons to each.  

In Dash Navigation

In dash navigation is a built in gps navigation unit within the dashboard counsel of your automobile.  They can be pre-installed in new cars, or you can purchase an aftermarket system to be installed.  Not only does an in dash unit provide gps guidance, but most units offer a multitude of rich entertainment such as DVD/CD, Bluetooth streaming for Hands Free calling, USB and SD Card ports, and many other options depending on the brand.  

A large screen is provided with touch screen capabilities.  Because this system is an automobile's dashboard, it provides a flush and sleek appearance to the inside of your car.  Most aftermarket in dash systems work flawlessly with steering wheel functionality.  

Cons

Because an in dash unit is permanently installed, the option to use this device outside of your automobile is not possible.  

Pricing is usually significantly more for an in dash system versus a portable gps, due to the multitude of capabilities.  If purchasing an aftermarket system, there is usually an installation fee as well.

Separate fees for updating maps within the system can occur as well.

Portable GPS

Portable GPS systems have made huge advances in technology over the last few years, and are very appealing to drivers who have more than one car. A portable gps system allows you to receive directions not only from within your automobile, but if you are hiking, biking, etc.  The unit is transferable due to a rechargeable native battery.  These units are strictly for GPS and do not offer much functionality after that, although some newer models offer bluetooth streaming for hands free calling.  

Because of the limited functionality beyond the GPS and potentially Bluetooth, most portable gps systems are significantly less in price, which bodes well for owners with older model cars where an in dash unit may not be possible.

Cons

The quality of the calls may vary due to the compact speaker system and microphone, where as in dash unit uses the native car speakers.  Because this unit is portable, it can be mounted on a dashboard or windshield of a car, but does not have visual appeal of an in dash unit.  Screen size does vary, but usually is smaller than an in dash system.  

When it comes down to which option you should select for your car, the best approach is to think: what’s more adaptable to my lifestyle? In Dash is ideal for long road trips and drivers who enjoy GPS navigation mixed with rich multimedia to enhance their driving experience.  Portable is more directed towards very active, stop and go drivers who are constantly moving and switching automobiles.

California's Ban On Smartphone GPS Navigation

By Alpha-Nav
What does it mean for in-dash navigation?
It’s no secret that state and local governments are attempting to pass laws to make it illegal to text while driving; and for good reason.  Thousands of accidents occur annually due to drivers texting on their smartphone and being distracted, thus causing accidents, property damage, and even fatality.  

A recent ruling in a California court has taken it a step further: It is now illegal to use a smartphone for GPS navigation as well (the law excludes voice guided or hands-free navigation).  Although more recent smartphone navigation includes voice guided directions, if you are spotted even holding the smartphone to type in the directions, you could be ticketed.

So what does this mean for in-dash and aftermarket navigation?  As most new vehicles offer GPS navigation packages for an additional pricing, most older vehicles on the road are not equipped with them.  

Aftermarket GPS navigation is a great way to not only abide by the new law, but also increase the resale value of your automobile.  Most models come equipped with Bluetooth technology, so your smartphone can easily sync up with the device.  Even on some newer models, your steering wheel button functionality can sync up perfectly with the functionality of the GPS head unit.

With limited features of a portable GPS navigation as well as visual distractions mounting it to the inside of your windshield, aftermarket GPS navigation sits flush within your dashboard counsel.

Do you see the GPS navigation picking up after this recent ban? Time will only tell, but please make sure to not use your smartphone while driving.  It could affect lives around you as well as your own.

Driver Linsey Weenk Visits Alpha-Nav HQ

By Alpha-Nav

Driver Linsey Weenk and the Lucas OIl Crusader stopped  by the Alpha-Nav Multimedia  headquarters.  The Lucas Oil Crusader was competing the next day in the Oakland Monster Jam.

Welcomed by Alpha-Nav vice president Mel Lee, Linsey Weenk received a tour of the facilities as well as a demonstration of the  AN5650NV gps navigation unit.  Although a suggestion was made to potentially install the gps navigation unit in the Crusader,  Weenk and Lee agreed it would be better used in an automobile that wasn't jumping over buses, performing 360’s, and flipping over on it’s own roof after crushing cars.

The Crusader went on to finish first in the freestyle competition.  Below is a video of the final run that won the Oakland Monster Jam Competition.

Alpha-Navs prides itself on delivering rich entertainment with navigation technology that will improve driving efficiency.  Weenk was impressed with the easy to use features associated with the navigation unit as well as the guaranteed two year warranty.  

Look out for other sponsorships between Alpha-Nav Multimedia and touring musicians to help better serve their driving needs to music venues!