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Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 5:56 am
by Bob
Hi,

This might be an old chestnut, I am looking for a Sat Nav solution for a +2 I really dont want a stick on the screen one Tom Tom style. but a proper in dash without thing stuck in the cigar lighter.

I think I have solved the problem with the S4 and for anybody interested I have a Becker Indianapolis Pro 7925 this has navigation on it however, it does not work without a speed input impulse. The 7953 model does work without an impulse and also has bluetooth for a phone etc. But they seem to be about ?450 on ebay where as the less 7925 model can be picked up considerebly cheaper. I am having a speedo cable made up by "Speedy Cables" they fit a transducer into the cable that provides the speed pulse required by the Becker 8 pulse square wave. Once its in and running I will post an update. I have checked this with Becker support

In the meantime if anybody can solve the +2 problem I would be grateful.
Bob

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:28 pm
by vernon.taylor
Salut Bob

Sounds like the solution you need is the Parrot Asteroid. It's cheaper than the Becker you mention, length is very short, sound is said to be good and it looks reasonably sober. You'll need to attach the GPS aerial thingy somewhere, but as Elans are made of plastic maybe it would work inside the glove box or maybe behind the dash. It has bluetooth, hands free and runs Android. I've been considering it but I haven't worked out if it needs a GSM/Wi-Fi connection, too.

parrot.JPG and


@+

Vernon

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 8:26 pm
by Bob
Hi,

Thanks for the reply, on first sight looks just the thing but I have already dismissed it. The map app is absolutre rubbish it does not even give you a route. The best it can do is find you a garage with some petrol and tell you how much it is.
I have contacted Parrot and there are no plans yet to upgrade it. I agree it looks just the ticket, but on closer inspection does not cut the mustard.

Bob

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 5:55 am
by vernon.taylor
Hello Bob

It's an Android device so can't you download and install Google Free GPS (not bad) or a paid (or unpaid ;-) app? Both can download maps for offline use.

@+

Vernon

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 6:46 am
by simonknee
That Parrot looks interesting but I imagine they have used a custom version of android so it will be locked down - preventing access to the google Play Store and also preventing install of third-party (non-Parrot) apps. Most android devices can be "rooted" but as the Parrot has a bunch of custom controls you'd probably loose essential functionality. That said http://asteroid-blog.blogspot.co.uk/201 ... eroid.html seem to be attempting this.

They probably have not licensed google apps from google. Google gives Android OS away for free but charges phone makers if they wish to bundle Googles own apps. This pack of apps includes Google Talk, Car Home, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Search, Google Music, and Google Docs. Some of these are not so useful in-car but Maps is what you are after.

But, Google Maps (and Navigation) relies on an internet connection to download the maps. Not sure how this unit would achieve this as there is no mention of 3G or wifi. Perhaps it can tether through bluetooth to a 3G phone. How much info on this kind of thing did you find out Bob?

Hmm all this has spiked my interest since I use my Android Nexus One in-car for sat-nav (when needed), music through Spotify, Traffic reports with Maps and RAC Trafficmaster & SpeedView to test my 0-60 time and 1/4 mile drag!

Simon

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 6:55 am
by vernon.taylor
Salut Simon

Ah, I didn't realise it was locked - but the site you found appears to have the answer. I've messed with iPhones and PSPs, so I guess it's not that difficult - just worrying.

EDIT: Doesn't appear that simple - Apps have to use the Asteroid interface (screen, controls, etc.) so most Apps from Google Market/Play won't work; and there doesn't seem to be much underground development or porting of apps.

I made a mistake with the GPS app - I meant Mappy GPS Free - you can download maps onto the SD card so you only need a GPS connection; and if you go to the trouble of cracking your Parrot, you could find other apps to 'try'.

WiFi is through a 3G dongle; or maybe you can use your smartphone as a modem.

@+

Vernon

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 1:20 pm
by vernon.taylor
EDIT 2: Apparently one can install Navigon:

http://www.mon-asteroid.fr/tuto/install ... t-asteroid

@+

Vernon

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:26 pm
by simonknee
xda have a thead

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920240

and it is cheap here (as long as they are legit??):

http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php/41 ... fAod4VgALQ

Simon

PS I am tempted by this thing, very tempted....

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 3:28 pm
by Bob
Hi All,
I dont know if this will work, I have cut and pasted the email from Parrot Support.

Hello Bob,



You wouldn?t see an app that is on your phone displayed on the screen of the Asteroid.

There is currently only one Parrot Asteroid in our range of products.



Kind Regards



Carl BRIDGWOOD
Technical & User Support Officer

UK & Ireland

Email: [email protected]



?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????-------?????
PARROT
The iBIC Building, Jennens Road, Aston Science Park,

Birmingham, B7 4EJ. UK

Tel +44 (0) 844 472 2360 - Fax +44 (0) 121 250 3572

www.parrot.com



"Register now to receive E mail notification on software updates for your Parrot products



?Register today to receive information and updates on Parrot products via our official Parrot Newsletter.?



This technical information applies only to UK & Ireland based customers and for products destined for these regions. If you are making an enquiry from outside of the UK or Ireland please make us aware and we shall forward your enquiry to the applicable PARROT group company or your regional technical support service.



This e-mail message and any attached document(s) are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)and may contain confidential and legally privileged information. Any unauthorised review, copy, use and/or disclosure is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original."Consider the environment before printing this mail. Print it only if necessary.



Registered Office: PARROT UK LIMITED The iBIC Building Holt Court Jennens Road Aston Science Park BIRMINGHAM B7 4EJ. UK

Registered Company Number: 5480392. Registered in England & Wales





From: Robert Banks [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 15 May 2012 11:23
To: technical uk
Cc: Blacklands
Subject: RE: Re Parrot Asteroid



Hi,

Tks for this, bit more please

If the app is running on an iphone, would you see it on the screen of the Astroid, I suspect not. Again are there versions of the Astroid there seems to be a whole range of prices, from 219 to over 300 ?



Bob




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: technical uk [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 15 May 2012 11:12
To: Robert Banks
Subject: RE: Re Parrot Asteroid



Hello Bob,



The apps load on the Asteroid are specific to the Asteroid, it is not possible to install apps intended for smart phones or tablets on to the Asteroid. Any new apps that are proposed by developers are submitted to Parrot which are then validated, these are then added via a software update for the Asteroid.

There are no new apps in the pipeline for the UK that I?m aware of at the moment. Also there are no plans for a full Sat Nav app at the moment but after numerous requests the team are looking into the possibility for the future.



Kind Regards



Carl BRIDGWOOD
Technical & User Support Officer

UK & Ireland

Email: [email protected]



?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????-------?????
PARROT
The iBIC Building, Jennens Road, Aston Science Park,

Birmingham, B7 4EJ. UK

Tel +44 (0) 844 472 2360 - Fax +44 (0) 121 250 3572

www.parrot.com



"Register now to receive E mail notification on software updates for your Parrot products



?Register today to receive information and updates on Parrot products via our official Parrot Newsletter.?



This technical information applies only to UK & Ireland based customers and for products destined for these regions. If you are making an enquiry from outside of the UK or Ireland please make us aware and we shall forward your enquiry to the applicable PARROT group company or your regional technical support service.



This e-mail message and any attached document(s) are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)and may contain confidential and legally privileged information. Any unauthorised review, copy, use and/or disclosure is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original."Consider the environment before printing this mail. Print it only if necessary.



Registered Office: PARROT UK LIMITED The iBIC Building Holt Court Jennens Road Aston Science Park BIRMINGHAM B7 4EJ. UK

Registered Company Number: 5480392. Registered in England & Wales





From: Robert Banks [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 14 May 2012 17:13
To: technical uk
Cc: Blacklands
Subject: RE: Re Parrot Asteroid



Hi,

Many thanks for the information,

I will stick to email I don?t like 0844 numbers.

Will this run other apps beside the apps supplied with it, and are there plans to add further apps.

There are several Sat Nav apps for the Android OS would these work on this device? Garmi produce one that runs on Android OS

http://mobile.jack-frost.co.uk/android_sat_nav_apps.php

See link.

Bob




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: technical uk [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 11 May 2012 12:09
To: Robert Banks
Subject: RE: Re Parrot Asteroid



Hello Bob,



Thank you for your enquiry at Parrot.



The Parrot Asteroid is a standard single din car radio but with half the depth, please find the dimensions below as requested.



















The Map application is standard on the Asteroid, this will require an active data connection to work.

This is not a full sat Nav so it will not give you turn by turn vocal instructions, this app is similar to the Maps app you will find on a Smart phone.



There is only one telephone number to contact us unfortunately and that is the 0844 number. You are welcome to email me with any questions that you have.



Kind Regards



Carl BRIDGWOOD
Technical & User Support Officer

UK & Ireland

Email: [email protected]



?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????-------?????
PARROT
The iBIC Building, Jennens Road, Aston Science Park,

Birmingham, B7 4EJ. UK

Tel +44 (0) 844 472 2360 - Fax +44 (0) 121 250 3572

www.parrot.com



"Register now to receive E mail notification on software updates for your Parrot products



?Register today to receive information and updates on Parrot products via our official Parrot Newsletter.?



This technical information applies only to UK & Ireland based customers and for products destined for these regions. If you are making an enquiry from outside of the UK or Ireland please make us aware and we shall forward your enquiry to the applicable PARROT group company or your regional technical support service.



This e-mail message and any attached document(s) are for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)and may contain confidential and legally privileged information. Any unauthorised review, copy, use and/or disclosure is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original."Consider the environment before printing this mail. Print it only if necessary.



Registered Office: PARROT UK LIMITED The iBIC Building Holt Court Jennens Road Aston Science Park BIRMINGHAM B7 4EJ. UK

Registered Company Number: 5480392. Registered in England & Wales





From: Robert Banks [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 10 May 2012 10:45
To: technical uk
Subject: Re Parrot Asteroid



Hi,

Can you please answer the following question not on your web site:-



1/ Can you please advise me of the dimensions particularly the depth I want to find a device for a Lotus Elan +2 these are older vehicles that have limited room at the back of the dash board.



2/ The Map application does this come as part of the system as standard and does it provide facilities SAT NAV



Can you also advise of a telephone number to contact you that is NOT an 0844 number



Rgds

Bob Banks


Hope this helps, I am tempted by the Navigon and Parrot but not sure I am clever enough to install it.
Bob

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 8:22 pm
by vernon.taylor
Salut Bob

Just to be clear the iPhone runs iOS and the Parrot Android - these are competing systems and are compatible only for things like playing the music on your iphone or using it's data connection.

However it does seem that a full SatNav app, Navigon, can be made to work. However it is not supported by Parrot and you need to be at least confident to mess around. There are ungaranteed instructions available on the net.

Like Simon I'm interested, but I would like to see a more active underground with ported apps. Having said that a radio, multimedia player and SatNav seems a pretty complete package - and they are often offered second-hand.

@+

Vernon

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:15 pm
by Bob
I have to say I am very tempted, I have been looking at the youtube vids I can understand a bit of the German, French and Italian but not a lot of it. Seems you install it onto an SD card and run it off there using you iphone as a modem
Might be expensive in Europe
Bob

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:04 am
by vernon.taylor
Salut again Bob

That's not what I'm 100% sure of. If one installs Navigon and Euro maps at home, then I don't see why a data connection is needed - the Parrot has a GPS aerial.

Simon?

@+

Vernon

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:52 am
by Bob
Vernon,
I am not sure myself, I have watched video of the Android on you tube, to work properly the device has to have an internet connection I beleive, as for Navigon I dont really know. Does anybody run Navigon that can let us know how much internet is needed?

http://www.parrot.com/uk/products/hands ... t-asteroid

I think even to listen to the radio you need the internet since its internet radio.

All I need is the Cricket and Radio 3 and 4.

Its a bit like Brian Redhead, "There is Radio 4 and then radio for the under fives"

Bob

Re: Sat Nav +2

PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:14 am
by simonknee
Done some reading of the threads...

It's a 400MHz cpu (not sure of memory) and won't support Donut even - implies the 3D Google Navigation won't work.

USB tethering does not seem to work. To connect to the internet via an Android phone and 3G you need to root your phone so you can get bluetooth tethering. (I have an unlimited phone data plan through giffgaff for ?10 per month!).

Only a moderate amount of development activity and given the hardware limits perhaps it won't get much interest as the hard core devs tend to busy themselves porting Ice Cream Sandwich or whatever the latest pudding is.

However it seems to be the only 1 DIN Android unit that exists - so the gamble is whether Parrot might make a 1 DIN shallow head with decent hardware spec. That said for a plus2 this looks perfect anyway given how shallow it is. I just need to buy a plus2 to wrap around it :D

Simon

PS I don't think anybody does a CV conversion for Donut on an Android.