Gen6 Navigation upgrade possible?

[gforce]

Hello All,
New the Mud and a first time LC owner. I have been a 4Funner guy for a long time and always secretly wanted a Cruiser. Finally got a golden opportunity a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier, or could I?

Being located in Alaska, the nav system has left me a little let down. Nothing but a blank screen and a "you are here" icon in the center. I purchased the most recent v15.1 DVD, but still no Alaska maps. DVD system just doesn't have the capacity to be all inclusive.

I have now been pondering if there is any way to upgrade the system to either an HDD or SD based? The 2011 LC is a "Gen6" system that has DVD nav. A 2011 LX is also a "Gen6" but rather a HDD system. The most recent 15.1 maps for the Lexus system supposedly include Alaska maps. Would that system be compatible with the LC head unit?

Any other possibilities outside of sticking a Garmin to the windshield? Nav isn't big necessity in Alaska, there are only a few roads and I pretty much always know where I'm going, but we measure distance in hours not miles up here.

Thanks for any responses.

 

[Markuson]

Hello All,
New the Mud and a first time LC owner. I have been a 4Funner guy for a long time and always secretly wanted a Cruiser. Finally got a golden opportunity a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier, or could I?

Being located in Alaska, the nav system has left me a little let down. Nothing but a blank screen and a "you are here" icon in the center. I purchased the most recent v15.1 DVD, but still no Alaska maps. DVD system just doesn't have the capacity to be all inclusive.

I have now been pondering if there is any way to upgrade the system to either an HDD or SD based? The 2011 LC is a "Gen6" system that has DVD nav. A 2011 LX is also a "Gen6" but rather a HDD system. The most recent 15.1 maps for the Lexus system supposedly include Alaska maps. Would that system be compatible with the LC head unit?

Any other possibilities outside of sticking a Garmin to the windshield? Nav isn't big necessity in Alaska, there are only a few roads and I pretty much always know where I'm going, but we measure distance in hours not miles up here.

Thanks for any responses.

I'd suggest a cellular iPad with fully downloaded maps for your area.

**Not for its cellular capability though!

It's just that the iPad only comes with a GPS sensor if you buy the cellular capable version.

Then...you download your maps, and are good to go.

I made a simple iPad mount that goes right over my LC screen...and flips up and out of the way if I need access to other functions. Works a charm. In my opinion, the Nav on my 2008 is so outdated...it's not worth turning on. So Amy screen defaults to "screen off," which means it only pops on when I use other functions like air, radio, etc.

 

[Island1064]

Or you could use my favorite GPS nav app Navigon that stores the maps on your phone, no need for cell signal, they also upgrade their maps regularly.

 

[thzpcs]

Just get a cheap Android smartphone and download all of the maps.

 

[uncbsba]

So has anyone actually swapped out the newer Navi on a US model (I have a 2009)? Curious if its an easy swap or if the harnesses are different. I know there is better mobile tech, but I like clean and integrated. Specifically looking for better BT phone and audio integration and upgraded Nav. Let me know if anyone has done anything to improve either.

 

[Narkhelek]

I've been researching this. I suspect that you could swap out the head unit for a 2010 but it would be insanely expensive... INSANELY. I'm planning on trying out this in the near future: Lexus Toyota 2006-2009 GROM VLine Infotainment System Upgrade Video Interface. It's the only solution I've found so far if you want to upgrade using the stock display in a US spec LC. You can read about it some here: anyone getting the grom vline? - Club Lexus Forums and here: GROM VLine - Google apps/Android&iPhone integration .

I'm not aware of anyone who has installed this in a 200 LC although there has been a few installed in a LX570 (Lexus 200).

 

[Markuson]

Hello All,
New the Mud and a first time LC owner. I have been a 4Funner guy for a long time and always secretly wanted a Cruiser. Finally got a golden opportunity a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier, or could I?

Being located in Alaska, the nav system has left me a little let down. Nothing but a blank screen and a "you are here" icon in the center. I purchased the most recent v15.1 DVD, but still no Alaska maps. DVD system just doesn't have the capacity to be all inclusive.

I have now been pondering if there is any way to upgrade the system to either an HDD or SD based? The 2011 LC is a "Gen6" system that has DVD nav. A 2011 LX is also a "Gen6" but rather a HDD system. The most recent 15.1 maps for the Lexus system supposedly include Alaska maps. Would that system be compatible with the LC head unit?

Any other possibilities outside of sticking a Garmin to the windshield? Nav isn't big necessity in Alaska, there are only a few roads and I pretty much always know where I'm going, but we measure distance in hours not miles up here.

Thanks for any responses.

Use an iPad or phone, and download the area you need Google maps to your device on Wi-Fi for offline use. You will then have all the detail you need, and will not have to rely on cellular for map data. NOTE: I mention iPad...but ONLY CELLULAR-EQUIPPED iPads have a GPS receiver. All iPhones have one, though, and it will work without the cellular connection. Maps and map data will only show off-grid IF YOU DOWNLOAD that map section, however.

To do this on your iPhone in googll map app:
(Update to latest version first)

NOTE: To save map data, you must be on wi-if

-Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines)
-Click "Offline Areas"
-Click "Custom Area"
-Pinch and Zoom to set the box outline around the area you want to save for off-cellular use
-Tap Download
-Let it complete

 

[Sinister]

Use an iPad or phone, and download the Google maps to your device on Wi-Fi. You will then have all the detail you need, and will not have to rely on cellular for map data.

This and or the Waze app...kicks the crap out of our ridiculous nav system.

 

[LX5708]

Don't mean to thread jack..... sorry.... is there anything like Grom Vline that mirrors the IPhone/IPad...

O.P. But maybe it can help you as well............ thanks

 

[gaijin]

NOTE: I mention iPad...but ONLY CELLULAR-EQUIPPED iPads have a GPS receiver.

My iPad AirII has GPS and NO CELLULAR. I use Garmin USA Nav App on it all the time

 

[Markuson]

My iPad AirII has GPS and NO CELLULAR. I use Garmin USA Nav App on it all the time

Hmmm... Maybe that changed with iPad Air 2? Great!

(I'm on a cellular iPad Air. Used to be that only cellular iPads got GPS. You could use maps, but it was wildly inaccurate and useless without wi-fi)

 

[Narkhelek]

Don't mean to thread jack..... sorry.... is there anything like Grom Vline that mirrors the IPhone/IPad...

O.P. But maybe it can help you as well............ thanks

The GROM does support IOS CarPlay: iOS - CarPlay . It is the only in dash solution for a US spec 200.

 

[GordJ]

My iPad AirII has GPS and NO CELLULAR. I use Garmin USA Nav App on it all the time

I am not sure that this is true. All the info on Apple.com says that only cellular iPads have gps. The non-cellular iPads do triangulate cell sites and wi-fi networks but they don't work out of cell/wi-fi range. At least this was the case and from all I could find on the apple site it is still true. I use my iPad out of cell range quite often and the gps and maps available are excellent.

 

[gaijin]

I am not sure that this is true. All the info on Apple.com says that only cellular iPads have gps. The non-cellular iPads do triangulate cell sites and wi-fi networks but they don't work out of cell/wi-fi range. At least this was the case and from all I could find on the apple site it is still true. I use my iPad out of cell range quite often and the gps and maps available are excellent.

I think you're right, but I also think I described my iPad Air II incorrectly.

I have the iPad AirII Wi-Fi + Cellular model, but I have not enabled Cellular service. There is a SIM card in the iPad, but it will not connect to any cellular service.

This does allow GPS reception. When I am away from all Wi-Fi and Cellular service, I get a GPS signal and my position is accurately plotted in the Garmin USA App.

Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Markuson]

I think you're right, but I also think I described my iPad Air II incorrectly.

I have the iPad AirII Wi-Fi + Cellular model, but I have not enabled Cellular service. There is a SIM card in the iPad, but it will not connect to any cellular service.

This does allow GPS reception. When I am away from all Wi-Fi and Cellular service, I get a GPS signal and my position is accurately plotted in the Garmin USA App.

Sorry for any confusion.

I figured I shouldn't assume they didn't change in that iteration...but that would be in line with every iPad before... And ya, you needn't activate cellular service to use the GPS receiver. It's just that without data, you don't get map updates unless you've saved while online.

I was lucky. When the very first iPad came out in 2010, I signed up for unlimited data from AT&T for $29.99 a month...and because I never switched, I've been able to grandfather that deal in all these years. That was in 2010...and I've kept that deal ever since. I have downloaded the HECK out of it. I can even stream full HD movies over cellular while traveling. That original iPad still works, and runs as a display in my office.

But anyway... That's what I was saying before re GPS on cell models only, but figured I'd keep an open mind...

 

[TonyP]

You can also use an app called "HERE WeGo" You can download the map to use offline. When I say "the map" I mean entire continents or the entire globe if you have the memory space.

 

[Celt Horseman]

Google makes an in-dash double din set up to replace the stock system. From what I have read it syncs to your phone and will give you real time traffic just like in google maps. Having an 09 I am thinking about doing that with mine. For some reason factory set up SUCK

 

[GordJ]

I think you're right, but I also think I described my iPad Air II incorrectly.

I have the iPad AirII Wi-Fi + Cellular model, but I have not enabled Cellular service. There is a SIM card in the iPad, but it will not connect to any cellular service.

This does allow GPS reception. When I am away from all Wi-Fi and Cellular service, I get a GPS signal and my position is accurately plotted in the Garmin USA App.

Sorry for any confusion.

Still the best gps option I have used.

 

[40Man]

Google makes an in-dash double din set up to replace the stock system. From what I have read it syncs to your phone and will give you real time traffic just like in google maps. Having an 09 I am thinking about doing that with mine. For some reason factory set up SUCK

All of the double din replacements I have seen require removal of the HVAC buttons. I had the Pioneer 4100-NEX in my 4Runner with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. It was AWESOME. Google maps right on my screen, with Pandora, Spotify, iheartradio and many others at my fingertips on the dash.

I will literally never use the in dash navi on my 11. I just use waze or google maps on my phone. When I had a 2004 Accord, there was an aftermarket kit with aftermarket hvac built into the dash kit. Metra® 99-7612B - Single / Double DIN Black Stereo Dash Kit
In our case, the hvac coordinates/works through the on screen menu too. I don't see how an aftermarket double din would work in our rigs. If it could, I'd be all for upgrading. But I am fine using a vent or cd mount holder with my Galaxy Edge.

 

[Markuson]

All of the double din replacements I have seen require removal of the HVAC buttons. I had the Pioneer 4100-NEX in my 4Runner with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. It was AWESOME. Google maps right on my screen, with Pandora, Spotify, iheartradio and many others at my fingertips on the dash.

I will literally never use the in dash navi on my 11. I just use waze or google maps on my phone. When I had a 2004 Accord, there was an aftermarket kit with aftermarket hvac built into the dash kit. Metra® 99-7612B - Single / Double DIN Black Stereo Dash Kit
In our case, the hvac coordinates/works through the on screen menu too. I don't see how an aftermarket double din would work in our rigs. If it could, I'd be all for upgrading. But I am fine using a vent or cd mount holder with my Galaxy Edge.

This comes up a lot, and short of a unit I've seen for Australian rigs from Alpine...I've neither seen nor heard of a US spec solution. If somebody finds one? That would be big news.

My personal solution is a home-made iPad holder that goes over the top of the screen...which I keep turned off, save for adjustments like climate, etc. I only do the iPad solution on long trips though. iPhone for other nav... No built-in solution will ever be as up-to-date & live as Google...