In-dash NAV unit with topo's?

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There's a Kenwood NAV/audio system that uses a Garmin under the dash for the NAV. You can find someone's installation writeup in the 80's section. There's a semi-hidden support/information page on Garmin's site that has some info, so it looks like Garmin is supporting it.

YMMV - I haven't used this myself, but make a mental note when I saw it.
 
OK so these two products look to be the same:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=10573
Kenwood - KNA-G510

Kenwoods website sucks, doesn't really tell you anything. Garmin states:

"its card slot makes it easy to plug in additional map detail from optional MapSource® mapping products."

But what does that mean? I'm new to GPS products. However, this looks like its headed in the right direction.
 
The original version of their Topo software was basically the equivalent of the USGS 15 minute quads -- generally gave an overview of the topology, but not very useful for on-the-ground-details.

They have a newer version that I haven't checked out yet.

Also, there's a company that has high-resolution topos for Colorado and either Oregon or Washington. These are reported to be very good, but only cover specific areas of the US. They are the ONLY source of Garmin-downloadable topo maps (besides your link above) that I know of.

There's a link on the RisingSun board to their website -- If you can't find it, let me know and I'll take a gander again.
 
Not yet personally but plan to make my head unit purchase after the holidays. Hoping to see some sales then or close outs due to new models. Took advantage of a Black Friday deal on speakers and powered sub.

Kenwood DDX 514 and the NAV add-on is my current plan.

Couple other threads on the topic

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/286310-gps-nav-tracking-feature-top-maps.html

https://forum.ih8mud.com/electronic-toys/305789-kenwood-dnx9140-garmin-topo-display.html

If anyone has a Kenwood head unit with topo's please post up. My attempts to contact Garmin and/or Kenwood regarding this subject have not yielded much info. Some NAV screen pics would be great.
 
Corbet said:
Not yet personally but plan to make my head unit purchase after the holidays. Hoping to see some sales then or close outs due to new models. Took advantage of a Black Friday deal on speakers and powered sub.

Kenwood DDX 514 and the NAV add-on is my current plan.
Click to expand...
Corbet-

I'm planning on the same setup. I bought the KNA-G510 on sale at Best Buy for $249+TX but returned it after seeing it drop on Crutchfield for $199 no tax no shipping. It arrives on DEC 2. I've also dropped a few emails on Garmin and Kenwood about the topo compatibility so I'll keep you posted on that if I get a hit.

I've been going back and forth on the head unit but really want a rotary volume knob and that pretty much limits me to the DDX514. I'm trying to decide on whether to buy it at Sonic for $400 in a few weeks, crutchfield refurb $370 or refurb scratch and dent $315. It's going in a Tuffy console in my 40 so I'm not too worried about the pretty factor.

I do plan on going to my local Fry's Electronics to mess with the 514 before I buy.

:beer:

Dom
 
I saw the sale at Crutchfield this morning as well. Might just order it today as "Santa" has already provided a few gift cards.

Just wondering if something newer/better is around the corner? But hard to beat that price even in the grey market.

I like the Knob of the DDX 514 too. Its basically in the OEM location of my 80 series stereo.
 
CES 2010 is around the corner and Kenwood should release new stuff after that. They'll have new head units, etc. but not sure on the NAV stand alones. I get exhausted trying to wait for the next best thing every year. I've decided to just get something decent and add it to my spoiled brat (the 40).
 
Corbet said:
Bit the bullet, ordered the DDX514 and NAV unit add-on from Cruthfield. Got suckered in by the great price on the NAV. Guess I need to order a topo card now.
Click to expand...

Nice. Keep me posted on how you like it. I still have to make my Tuffy into a 2DIN but would love some feedback on the head unit.
 
Congrats on the newborn.

Just received an unconvincing email from Kenwood stating Garmin told them international maps are compatible but not topo. I think I'll wait back to hear from Garmin.

Might be a good idea to try and add some of the free maps available on the links you posted before shelling out for the Garmin ones.
 
DomSmith said:
Congrats on the newborn.

Just received an unconvincing email from Kenwood stating Garmin told them international maps are compatible but not topo. I think I'll wait back to hear from Garmin.

Might be a good idea to try and add some of the free maps available on the links you posted before shelling out for the Garmin ones.
Click to expand...

Thats pretty much the same response I've got from Kenwood in the past. Garmin probably won't help much either. Both companies seem to take the ask the other guy stance on the question. Seems like everyone here who has tried the topo software had had sucess but no one ever posts any pics? Also its normally a higher end head unit that I purchased.
 
Here's what I got from Garmin today...

"Unfortunately, we do not make TOPO mapping for our Kenwood products.
However, this is a request that is asked quite frequently. Please check back periodically."

I'm not sure if that means their maps don't work and others do or what. I'm thinking most of the people using topo maps are using handhelds?
 
I looked at the DNX9140 today... wow! That's a nice setup. The screen is really a step up from everything else out there and the voice control is quite good.

I was always under the impression that the GPS units HAD to be mounted horizontally, but everyone I've talked to says the new Garmin stuff can be mounted at an angle without issues... no gyrometer?:confused: It's painfully obvious I'm out of my expertise range here...


As far as HU's are concerned the 9140 is as good as I've seen. Maybe a bit over the top but very nice.











Not that I need to spend money like that on the 40...

:rolleyes:
 
davegonz said:
I'd ask Gary Cobberly about it. I think he runs a Kenwood nav unit and runs topo maps.
Click to expand...

Gary does run topos but I've never seen it in person. (He has a Kenwood 7100) Dom found a thread over on the FJ forum showing some pretty good detailed instructions of how to make this work. But its not as simple as just plugging in the Garmin SD card. I'll post results here or start a new thread when I get my system installed.

here is the link: http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...d-dnx7100.html

This was the first thread I've ever read showing success with a lower end Kenwood NAV unit. Generally everyone who attempted topo has had 7000 series units or higher. I went entry level with my purchase.
 
Corbet said:
This was the first thread I've ever read showing success with a lower end Kenwood NAV unit. Generally everyone who attempted topo has had 7000 series units or higher. I went entry level with my purchase.
Click to expand...

I think the DDX514 is a great unit and I'm certain it's what I'll end up with.

I'd compare my experience at the stereo shop to that of going to a car dealer for the good solid car with a few nice options and being wooed by the shiny, high end car full of more options than needed. If money was no option I'd be all over the Kenwood flagship head unit but being realistic the 514 is already a little over the top for my 36 year old FJ40.

I'm looking forward to your opinion on it.
 
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