[CaryCatcher]

I have been thinking about purchasing NavTool but came across this portable unit this weekend. Did anyone have this unit already and installed especially on a trim with a navigation screen? I almost ordered the 103 model which is 4.3" high and 11" wide but went to check the van for the area where I could possibly install it and found that the navigation screen sits high on the dash. and installing this portable unit will block road visibility. The feedback in the internet / YouTube about the audio quality from this unit (speaker or via other methods such as aux, bluetooth, FM) is not that great. My son said that no point in getting the unit if we are going to use it just for maps on a larger display.

The price on Amazon is like 25% higher (plus tax) than direct purchase from their web site which is China based.

Looking for feedback on this unit from anyone who is currently using it before I drop $225 to $300 (depending on where I buy from). Or should I just use the dash mounted phone and be happy with it?

 

[CaryCatcher]

Update: Bought the W103 Pro model from Amazon yesterday and installed it today. Used the swivel dash mount instead of the fixed mount. Tried different positions, places on the dash (Touring model) but the best place I could end up is at the center of the dash just above the Information display area. This provided required reach and less blocking of the road view.

Pro model provides bluetooth audio connection to the car stereo . The audio quality is not as good as connecting the phone to stereo via BT but yet to tinker with EQ option in the unit to tune further. Able to use Hey Siri, phone pickup/hangup via steering controls. Changing song is not working through steering control - have sent a note to support and will post when I hear back.

You can connect a wire as well to have CarPlay (or Android Auto). To connect wirelessly, need to connect to the WiFi from the unit. Connected cigarette lighter cable (output 5V 3A) that came with the box, and ran a USB to lightning frown the unit to iPhone for charging. The charging seems to slow when I tested for few minutes.

You can change the boot up logo by sending a request to support but I have not done it. It has auto brightness, play through unit's speaker or connect to car stereo via FM/3.5mm/BT. So far it seems to be a good unit.

Unit's Home Screen:

Car Play Screen:

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

hopefully no kids crossing the intersection, or cars are hiding behind that massive blind spot you just created.

 

[DanaH]

Why not mount it on a hinged horizontal mount in front of at same level as the oem top screen. You could either include in the new unit a backup camera or just pull new unit downward on its hinge to see oem top screen for backup view….or for car info/settings.

DanaH
2014LX

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

This ^^^ or a swivel arm or bracket mount somewhere lower on the dash or off the passenger seat frame.

these folks make good quality mounts.

Arkon® Mounts - High Quality Car Phone Holders, Tablet Mounts, & More

Headquartered in Southern California, ARKON® Mounts is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality, professional-grade mounts and holders for tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Since 1988 our commitment to quality and customer service has made us the go-to choice for keeping your...

arkon.com

out of the line of sight is the best you can do.

In our area if a cop saw that, you would get a ticket.

 

[CaryCatcher]

I realized it created a major blind spot through windshield when I took for a drive in the street. I think it is the design of the odyssey dashboard that makes it hard to be in front of the driver and reachable without losing visibility. so finally decided to return it.

 

[2011.2017.odyssey]

Too bad, it looked promising...those Arkon mounts are really good for this kind of thing.

 

[DanaH]

Did you think about placing it in front of the top screen? The width of the unit would fit there.

DanaH

 

[CaryCatcher]

I did not want to block any of the screens or controls but still reachable. Family plays a game of who is the most efficiency driver within city so not an option to install it by blocking that screen. On to evaluating NavTool again but the cost!!

 

[pablo300]

I bought one and returned it last year. It blocked my view of the road too much, there were too many screens (i did not want to block LaneWatch by placing it infront of the top screen) and the music used a radio frequency and it was terrible.