gt3

iTrader: (10)

After slaving away for the past several nights after work, I finally manage to install the new kenwood DDX-6019 with the non-dvd based KNA-G510 Nav system. In addition, I also included something nifty (more on this later).

First of all, here are some teaser pix:

gt3

iTrader: (10)

Wait a minute...didn't I just say I installed a new HU? Isn't that a stock HU?? Here are some clues:

gt3

iTrader: (10)

Get it??? No??? Then check this out...Voila!!! Can u say STEALTH???

gt3

iTrader: (10)

Here are some more pix of the actual unit in action:

gt3

iTrader: (10)

I always wanted a double DIN unit with a LCD, but I was worried that my car would be broken into. Therefore I decided to make a radio faceplate cover using the crappy Nissan OEM radio. This took many hours of dremeling, sanding and gluing. I also did not want to use any double sided tape or velco to mount the faceplate because the tape would be visible. So I came up with the idea of using very small but strong magnet discs. This way the faceplate can be attached/removed easily. I am pretty satified with my first try even though I messed a bit. Then I thought to myself, why do I have make this perfect...for whom...the potential thieves??? Here are some pix of the stealth radio cover and the Metra faceplace. You can see the little magents glued in the corners.

mahont

You're a tricky guy.

changsw

iTrader: (2)

Very nice dude. How is the sound. Did you get an amp or is the internal amp on the unit make it sound good? How did you get your cubby door to swing back like a stock nav system does?

Very very nice, you can put your stock face plate on top like your picture when you leave your car alone so people won't jack you because they think you have a rockin' system. Nice pics too. Way to go!

gt3

iTrader: (10)

Here is the actual Nav unit. I couldn't believe how small and light it is. It can be updated via a SD card. It is made by Garmin. I believe it uses similar software as in their portable units. The interface is not bad, but I wished it had connections for a speeding sensing wire and a reverse wire for more accurate GPS positioning.

zman1910

iTrader: (3)

Dude..looks great. I have the exact same thing going into my 06 next week..navi as well. Thanks for sharing and how do you like the nav?

gt3

iTrader: (10)

Tricky is my middle name

gt3

iTrader: (10)

The HU is connected to 2 Phoenix Gold Tantrum amps (600.4 and 1200.1). I was a little worried about the 2v preouts, but it actually sounds comparable to my old single din Kenwood MP922 HU with 5v preouts. However, I haven't really had time to tweak the system yet.

As for the cubby, it is an 03 cubby in my 04 center console. Search the forum and you will find lots threads on the topic.

The nav system is not bad, but definitely can be better. It is basically like the Garmin portable system made for a car. I think they skimped on the amount of memory so the maps are not as detailed or good looking as the pioneer system. I placed the nav antenna in the OEM spot. I think it works fine based on my limited experience with its use. It is however, a little slow (e.g. 20-30 seconds) before it picks up the sat signal when I come out of the parking garage. Also, I think using a speed sensing wire would be better when the signal is poor/blocked. The advantage of this system is its compact size, easy to upgrade, and no moving parts!!

zman1910

iTrader: (3)

Thats a bit disappointing. I'm tempted to return it now....

zman1910

iTrader: (3)

Is the auto re-route fairly quick? I had no clue it doesn't have a speed sensing wire. Does the unit play dvd's while moving? Is it a simple grounding of the wire? Thanks and overall do you think the navi will be useful? I am concerned bc this was my main reason for getting it. Thanks again for your help..

gt3

iTrader: (10)

Autorerouting and other calculation are very quick...only take a few seconds. I still think the unit will be useful...esp since I have no sense of direction The unit and the nav both have a ebrake sensing wire which I just grounded to allow me to watch dvd and input the nav on the go!

mandm177

iTrader: (21)

youve done exactly what i wanted to do...what screen do you havein the navi, and is it possible for you to draw up the schematics for your system? thanks

drumminguy81

iTrader: (19)

i love that faceplate cover.. very cool i was thinking of a way for cover up the screen.. here people break into cars and steal radios all the time.. i might have to attempt to make one of those.. great idea!

Nexx

iTrader: (41)

only if the 6019 came with 5v preouts.

gt3

iTrader: (10)

It's a Farenheit..not the best, but easy to install. I simpley connected the video out from the headunit to the video input on the Farenheit screen.

35oZephyR

iTrader: (4)

Love the faux-face plate. You definitely took it a step further with the magnets.

How well does that stick?

Oh and the trim around the HU.... is that the same part number as the one for the DDx7015?

LSUturbotiger

All that great work and you still have the mismatched cubby door. I switched my door skin from the 03 to my 05 and it came out perfect. Took me about 2 hours. I will post some pics later, but if you are interested I can give you the highlights. its pretty straightforward.

I am not meaning to criticize, as your install looks really outstanding, but I could not live with that off color doorskin.