100 Series NAV Delete – True Standalone HVAC Solution (OEM+)

Enthusiast Level vs. OEM Level

  • Enthusiast

  • OEM

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Anarchy said:
Progress Update

Core hardware direction is now locked and we’re transitioning into schematic and PCB.
v1 uses a dual rotary setup for TEMP and FAN (with push-off on fan), supported by dedicated physical buttons for AUTO, A/C, RECIRC, MODE, and FRONT DEFROST. MODE cycles through vent positions with indicator feedback.

Feedback is kept simple and OEM-focused: a small center display for temperature only, mode indicators (Face / Bi-level / Floor / Defrost), a fan level LED bar, and active-state indication on key functions.

System behavior is designed to mirror factory AUTO climate operation, with proper integration into OEM dash illumination for dimming.

View attachment 4124022
Click to expand...
Wow! That's dirt simple-elegant.
 
Anarchy said:
I have a question and I would very much like as much input as possible from those interested in the project.

There are basically two directions this can go:
Option 1 - No display (pure physical controls)
  • Knobs (rotary dial) represent actual position (fan, temp, mode)
  • Buttons with simple LED indicators
  • No screen at all
  • More OEM/simple feel
Option 2 - Add a small display
  • Same physical controls
  • Small, subtle display showing things like temp, fan level, mode
  • More feedback / slightly more modern feel
Neither one is “right”, just different approaches.
Curious which direction people would actually prefer in the real world and why.
Click to expand...
I’d vote Option 2 but would very likely buy either way.
 
Anarchy said:
Need to sanity check something.

Right now I have a Mark Levinson (LX470) cassette-style unit in hand.
What I don’t have yet is the Land Cruiser JBL cassette version, and before I go chasing one down blindly, I want to confirm:

Are there only TWO cassette variations for 03–07 NAV trucks?
LX470 – Mark Levinson system
Land Cruiser – JBL system

Or is there anything else floating around?
Non-JBL-Non-ML LX470/Land Cruiser NAV variants?
Early/late revisions?
Market-specific differences (JDM, Middle East, etc.)?

The JBL version is physically different:
Does anyone have one they’re willing to sell? ( $300+ on eBay is insane )

OR

Can provide:
Overall dimensions (W/H/D)
Mounting points
Backside photos
3D scan (ideal)

Goal being to design one unified replacement unit that fits both options cleanly w/o swapping brackets, weird trimming, etc.


Shout-out @LJE for sending me a coffee, thanks dude!
Click to expand...
If you don’t have this solved yet, I’m happy to ship you my tape deck from my 2005 LC. I also know a local guy who parts out LCs and probably has several lying around. Send me a PM if this helps.
 
Anarchy said:
First off, thank you to everyone contributing here and through PMs. The level of engagement has been insane with the reddit/facebook traffic.

I am expanding the bench setup into a more complete OEM reference environment, so development can continue off-vehicle while also supporting prototype and product design decisions.

To support that, I’ve been building out a more complete setup:
  • LX470 Mark Levinson cassette unit (fitment)
  • Dash harness (82136-60B40) for proper prototype breakout and connector strategy
  • A/C amplifier (88650-60B60) for full bench testing
  • Land Cruiser JBL cassette unit (fitment)
A big part of this is getting the OEM connectors in hand early, so the prototype interface matches what the final install will look like, whether that ends up being a variant/universal plug-and-play harness or a clean breakout solution.

On the fitment side, the goal is to determine whether we can support both LX470 and Land Cruiser with a shared core design and minimal faceplate differences.

Up to this point, I’ve intentionally allowed the community to help shape direction but as we move into product development, decisions have to be driven primarily by engineering and manufacturing reality.

We’ve received a wide range of requests, including:
  • Screen vs. non-screen
  • Two-knob vs. three-knob (including input types: fixed-position rotary, continuous rotary/encoder, push-switch combinations, etc.)
  • Audio Knob
  • OEM-style vs. more modern UI
  • Auto Function
  • Smog Function
I’ve evaluated all of these. Some conflict with each other or add complexity without meaningful benefit.

As the project has progressed, I’ve now brought in additional support where it makes sense (firmware depth, and upcoming PCB + industrial design).
That does increase the burn rate, but it’s intentional, I’d rather move quickly and do this correctly than cut corners and have to redo things later.
Current development burn is roughly the equivalent of a 4 figure monthly car payment but on a weekly basis and will increase further as PCB design and industrial design are added.

I’ve had a few people reach out about buying one as soon as this is ready.
I’m usually not the type to support development-stage products myself. I prefer something that’s tested and ready to ship, and that’s still the standard I’m holding this to. That said, as development progresses (custom PCB, components like the MCU, supporting ICs, power regulation, communication transceivers, input handling, custom harnesses/connectors, enclosure/faceplate, etc.), costs ramp up extremely quickly.

I’m considering whether it makes sense to offer a small early batch / early access units possibly at a discount to help offset development and move faster into production, no decisions made yet just thinking out loud. If this were available today as a plug-and-play solution, how many here would realistically be interested in purchasing one? Trying to get a feel for what an initial batch might look like.


Shout-out @marshcat & @Hautsauce for the support
Click to expand...
I would absolutely buy one and am also happy to make a deposit
 
Anarchy said:
Progress Update

Core hardware direction is now locked and we’re transitioning into schematic and PCB.
v1 uses a dual rotary setup for TEMP and FAN (with push-off on fan), supported by dedicated physical buttons for AUTO, A/C, RECIRC, MODE, and FRONT DEFROST. MODE cycles through vent positions with indicator feedback.

Feedback is kept simple and OEM-focused: a small center display for temperature only, mode indicators (Face / Bi-level / Floor / Defrost), a fan level LED bar, and active-state indication on key functions.

System behavior is designed to mirror factory AUTO climate operation, with proper integration into OEM dash illumination for dimming.

View attachment 4124022

edit: this is AI generated but using our specific parameters on what a finished product would look like.
Click to expand...
I dig it!
 
Anarchy said:
Progress Update

Core hardware direction is now locked and we’re transitioning into schematic and PCB.
v1 uses a dual rotary setup for TEMP and FAN (with push-off on fan), supported by dedicated physical buttons for AUTO, A/C, RECIRC, MODE, and FRONT DEFROST. MODE cycles through vent positions with indicator feedback.

Feedback is kept simple and OEM-focused: a small center display for temperature only, mode indicators (Face / Bi-level / Floor / Defrost), a fan level LED bar, and active-state indication on key functions.

System behavior is designed to mirror factory AUTO climate operation, with proper integration into OEM dash illumination for dimming.

View attachment 4124022

edit: this is AI generated but using our specific parameters on what a finished product would look like.
Click to expand...
Looks good to me!

One request…can you make the temp selectable between Centigrade and Fahrenheit?
 
TurboJAM said:
Looks good to me!

One request…can you make the temp selectable between Centigrade and Fahrenheit?
Click to expand...
Being Canadian living in the U.S., I’m already juggling Celsius and freedom units daily.
But V1 is locked, no additional changes at this time.

@LJE - ready to chat about industrial design 👍
 
Anarchy said:
Progress Update

Core hardware direction is now locked and we’re transitioning into schematic and PCB.
v1 uses a dual rotary setup for TEMP and FAN (with push-off on fan), supported by dedicated physical buttons for AUTO, A/C, RECIRC, MODE, and FRONT DEFROST. MODE cycles through vent positions with indicator feedback.

Feedback is kept simple and OEM-focused: a small center display for temperature only, mode indicators (Face / Bi-level / Floor / Defrost), a fan level LED bar, and active-state indication on key functions.

System behavior is designed to mirror factory AUTO climate operation, with proper integration into OEM dash illumination for dimming.

View attachment 4124022

edit: this is AI generated but using our specific parameters on what a finished product would look like.
Click to expand...
This is the way! Mark me down for a version 1 if possible!
 
One question, and sorry if I’ve missed the answer, but how would an aftermarket head unit fit? Being as there are no adapters for these.
 
Anarchy said:
Being Canadian living in the U.S., I’m already juggling Celsius and freedom units daily.
But V1 is locked, no additional changes at this time.

@LJE - ready to chat about industrial design 👍
Click to expand...
I'll shoot ya a message!
 
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