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Subaru B9 Tribeca Navigation System Questions

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Comments

  • lmn908lmn908 Member Posts: 34
    Yeah, I agree - pretty pricey. Garmin is much better with updates, and I think will even provide them for free if the GPS is a relatively recent purchase. Considering how out of date the database is on the Subaru NAV system, it would be a nice gesture on the part of Subaru to provide the update at a more reasonable price, or at least prorate the cost depending upon how recently one purchased the vehicle.

    I've followed your comments on your Garmin 320 and agree that that their 300 series provides great value and utility. In fact, it was my wife's liking and constant borrowing of my Garmin Quest that led us to get the NAV system in our Outback.

    Larry
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Officially, the way Garmin does it is that if the update existed when you bought the unit. But even then there is a catch - they want you to call and get the update before you load the original maps.

    Unofficially, I called them because the v7 maps were available when I got mine (I had v6). I pleaded for a free upgrade because I wasn't aware at the time.

    They were very nice, in fact since they didn't have v7 laying around any more, they gave me the v8 maps at no charge.

    I'd suggest that anyone with a good relationship with his/her dealership that bought their Tribeca this year request the update for free.

    If you're buying new now, ask for the updated maps before you sign on the dotted line, in fact get it in writing. They shouldn't sell you a brand-new model with old maps given the new ones are now available.

    -juice
  • tupintupin Member Posts: 71
    Well, It arrived today just in time for our big road trip south next Thursday...great timing.

    It comes in a standard DVD case (that holds 2 dvds).

    You load it in and the screen says "loading software, don't turn off power". Then it is good to go. Under the info screen it says Ver. 2 2006.

    It has quite a bit more information for our little town of Summerside, PEI Canada pop 18,000. Much better roads, restaurants everything.

    I can't see that the operation has changed in the little bit I played with it but I just did a quick look around on the map....dragging my finger on the touch screen. Some subtle changes may be there. I'll post if I see any when using it.

    The old DVD ver 1.1 said (c) 2004 Denso Corporation data by infoUSA(c) 2003

    The new DVD ver 2.0 says (c) 2006 Denso Corporation data by infoUSA(c) 2005

    Not sure which date is more important but we seem to have moved up 2 years from ver 1.1.

    I put a quick picture here at the bottom of this page
    picture

    Notice how the west coast dvd covers a whole lot more area....just missing a few states right on the east coast...while the east coast DVD just goes about halfway over. Are there that many more roads on the east coast?

    I'll keep everyone posted and I'll post this message on a couple of Forums.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think some of the bigger states in the north west are a lot more sparse, i.e. less density of roads.

    -juice
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    plus you have New York City , Boston, Atlanta, and Washington DC with tons of POI on the east coast.

    I hope there is some firmware updates in the 2.0 DVD as well when it loaded. I know the Pacifica I had when they did the updated they enabled entry into NaV destination if you were driving less then 5 mph. before the car had to be stoppped
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I say they should use the sensors in the seat used to determine whether to deploy the passenger air bag to allow NAV functions to work. What's a co-pilot there for in the first place?

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The problem is it's fairly easy to overide that similar to the parking brake thing.

    -mike
  • nhstevenhsteve Member Posts: 79
    Has anyone purchased the V2.0 update from Kenwood yet? Would you be willing to list a few differences in the update?
    Steve in NH
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Karen ordered one, I think a couple of others have, too.

    Check the other Tribeca threads, they were discussing it.

    -juice
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    I haven't had much chance this week to play with the new DVDs. I can tell that there are numerous more POIs, and that many of the new areas around me have been updated, but there seem to be some inconsistencies (newer restaurants and gas stations updated but not older ones, or older ones are now missing???). The streets and freeways in the area have definitely been updated/corrected.

    The interface is basically unchanged as far as I can tell. I was hoping for a temperature reading in the display (the '07's have it) but it seems this is a MFD (display) characteristic rather than a software update issue.

    I will look more closely at it next week, as I am on spring break then :-)

    -Karen in AZ-
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    AZ has a spring? I thought it was summer, then summer, followed by summer. :shades:

    -juice
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    Sure we have spring...it starts in November and lasts until February!

    We have some nice amenities, too, like hot and warm running water :-)

    -Karen-
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But it's a dry heat. :shades:

    Does the factory tint come in handy?

    -juice
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    Does the factory tint come in handy?

    -juice


    Yes, the back seats are well blocked out even in the brightest sun, but it's still hotter than Hades inside no matter what :sick:

    -Karen-
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Just a FYI for those of you don't already know it. The new version of the map dvd are copyable and the drive can read them as well. :) I tried it and it work without any problem. I made a copy and put use that instead of the original. :D
  • subiedudesubiedude Member Posts: 7
    very interesting. copyable, eh? would anyone *cough*megreyhair*cough* be interested in say a paypal payment in a reasonable amount for a copy of this disc??? :blush:
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    Anyone have any experience with wireless back up camera sold by Pep Boys, $99 and they will install (not sure what that would cost) I believe called "Commander". I assume, unlike the build in ones with/nav on the 07's this one would be on all of the time as opposed to only one when in reverse as with 07's?

    As we know, back up lights not the greatest on the Tribeca's so not sure how well this would work at nighttime (or, for that matter in the day time) I suppose I would get what I pay for?
  • caliberchiccaliberchic Member Posts: 402
    I possibly use a file sharing site?
  • subiedudesubiedude Member Posts: 7
    great idea! that would work too. does the data come over in an iso file? well yes, that would be great. i have accounts on a few fs sites. tell me what you would be willing to do. :D
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    the NAV update does add one button on the screen selection choice (unless I never saw it) ;)

    anyway that button puts a small window in the bottom right of the screen with the current NAV coordinates (long/lat)...

    Also noticed that the two window view (where you have a zoomed out view on the right and the nav view on the left has changed. the zoomed out view now comes just to the top of the row of info on the bottom (ie. its slightly larger).

    There are new icons in the system for a few of the points of interest (just seem clearer). a few other subtle changes in the way it shows a route preview of the turns... and I did notice that one of the incorrect routings onto a small side street no longer occurred :)

    Put the updated DVD ROM in and it seem to install something and the system came up with all my previous saved mem points but all the NAV menu preferences were set to default.

    The files are dated 10/2006.
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Hmm.... The disc are over 7 gb each. :sick: :sick: It would take forever with my lousy dsl link.... I am open to good ideas.....
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Even though it is wireless, it will still need a wire or 2 for power. Never heard of Commander before... I know they used to sell the VR3 wireless license plate cam for like $120. BJ sells the same for $80...

    I still having find time yet to play with the camera input on back of the touch screen dvd. IF that works, I rather get a wired cam and use that instead....
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    umm guys the NAV DVD ROM is copywrited. I don't think its a good idea to talk about file sharing on here.
  • caliberchiccaliberchic Member Posts: 402
    Oh it is? Well I retract my suggestion then. lol ;)
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    I thoght this might interest some of you guys... I have 06 with Nav System and have come to conclusion that many owners have already come to -- the rear vision for this vehicle is terrible. Worse vehicle I have ever had, in that respect.

    I have been trying to figure out a way of getting a rear view camera installed. Looked at the cheap ones that you casn get for around $100 at Pep Boys, even BJ's & ruled them out. Screen too small & I suspect they don't work that well. Now have found there are relatively decent Audiovox units that use a larger rearl-view mirror that places over existing one & the left hand side, about 4" wide can serve as a screen. Almost bought one of those yesterday -- prices seem to be around $500 installed.

    Still, however I was not thrilled about having a rear view mirror much larger than the present one (although that would have been an "auto-dimming one" which it itself would be an upgrade and, theoreticaly it could be left on all the time while driving (although that is supposedly illegal)

    Now today, I found at Auto Sound, Plainville, MA (I have had SM radio's and sunroof's installed at their place before) that they can order a part that will enable me to use my existing Nav System, they will install a camera withi the bumper and it will be just like the factory option.

    I am areally pleased as until this morning, everyone kept telling me that was impossible to "retro" the 06 to be able to do this with existing Nav system. Cost is $700, so $200 more than the alternatives, but this will give a nice big screen & operate exactly as the one in the 07 would.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think Peaty and the guys on ScoobyMods have found a way to patch in to the video input on the NAV screen on the 06 models. I searched and could not find specifics, but I do believe it's possible.

    I don't have one so I didn't push too hard. Karen is also researching these options.
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    yepp someone posted about a year ago on using a part that monitors when you go into reverse and you have to tap some wires so it will sense the reverse and switch the screen automatically.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Consumer Reports just tested the cheapie VR3 model, which sells for under $100. They though it was OK, actually, the screen is small and it didn't see as wide an area, but for the price they found it useful.

    The cool thing is that it taps only the rear backup light. The unit sends a wireless signal to the screen to kick on and so there's no wiring up front. Clever. :shades:
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yup I picked up a camera for my carputer that get's it's power lead from the backup lights, and then an RCA cable runs up to the LCD touchscreen and flips it over to the RCA input. Haven't actually hooked it up yet but it's in the works.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool, take some pics when it's done. I'm curious to see the image quality.
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    I will take some pictures but not sure how to get them as part of a message to this board. Can you tell me how? Having the work done on my car next Monday.
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Whoever told you it is impossible to hook a camera up to the nav screen doesn't know what they are talking about. The nav screen has a rear camera input. I got the instruction off another subaru forum but waiting for the weather to get a little warmer before trying it out.

    Camera alone cost about $200. You will need a square 4 pin Molex connector at the back of the screen. That's all the parts require.....

    BTW, some dealers are selling the oem camera for like $150. But for some strange reason, there is another control unit for $300. Strange because camera should only be needing a 12V input and RCA for output. don't know why it need a 'control' unit......
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Maybe to turn it off when you're not in reverse? Though I doubt it would use up much power.
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    $700 is probably too much for what I am doing, but it seems like a decent camera with rear view mirrow as a screen is going to cost $400 - $500; I would just as soon pay a few hundred more & have it done right utilizing existing nave system screen. I would like to be able to have it set up "on" whenever I want but I assume that is not legal? That would certainly help reduce the blind spots particularly while on the highway. Not like I am going to stare at it all the time while driving, no more than I would check rear view mirror while driving.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I test drove a CX9 with this features and it's very nice. You still have to look back, and it felt unnatural to me, but I'm sure you'd get used to it.

    Mazda's screen is up close but in night mode it's very dim. I prefered the NAV system in the Tribeca.
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Well, someone tried it... What need to be done is to take 12V power, have it goes through a toggle switch and wire it into the end of the screen for the reverse senor of the backup camera input. It will fool the nav screen that you are in backup and thus image from cam on the screen. SOme1 did it to keep an eye on the kids in the back..
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    rearview baby monitor... thats an inventive idea.

    officer I was NOT watching a movie while driving... I was watching the baby :shades:
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    I wish someone has figured out a simple way to toggle the Entertainment movies screen to play (ahhm) for the passenger to view up front the movie. ;)

    other then tricking the emergency brake switch under the dash to look like the parking brake is on...
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    There is an outfit that does this to put the DVD on the front screen, not sure if they have it for the Subies though. Very common for other makes. Also if it only uses the +12v for the parking brake, just wire that into a 12v+ and you are good to go. The newer aftermarket ones actually use the GPS speed to turn off the DVD player.

    -mike
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    yes it only uses the +12V or I think the little switch closes the ground to the circuit. but I am unable to find the EXACT wire I need to connect to behind the NAV unit to trigger that circuit. I have some schematics that were sent by -Karen in AZ- but couldn't figure which wire I needed to connect to complete the circuit without making the Emergency Brake Lite activate.

    When I push the brake light switch in and tape it closed the emergency brake light comes on (even though physically its not on). and the video plays even when moving forward.
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    If I remember correctly, there is a brake input on the nav unit... U neeed 12V into that terminal...
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    Do you know EXACTLY which wire it is and on which plug? or where to find that info? I have had the unit out and schematic and cant figure out which wire is needed to be tapped to 12V.
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    On my diagram, connector J803, pin 7. The connector should be a 16 pin connector. so try putting 12v to it and see if it works or not before making any permanent changes to the wire....
  • cluelesspacluelesspa Member Posts: 648
    thanks do you know where the connector J803 is located? I pulled the NAV screen unit out and did not find it. is it located someplace behind the dash? :confuse:
  • megreyhairmegreyhair Member Posts: 154
    Sorry don't know... But there are only 3 possible place....
    1 is the screen
    2 is the radio/head end unit
    3 is the dvd drive under the seat...

    Mine bet would be #2 if it is not on screen.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For those who have it, how do you like it?

    I imagine the 08's will be similar and this feature is pushing me towards getting a factory screen.
  • dbr3nnandbr3nnan Member Posts: 14
    I consider it a necessary feature in this vehicle... I know the 08's are supposed to have more rear visibility, but I still think you'd want it. As a matter of fact, I would pretty much insist on having this as a feature on all my future vehicles. Too many horror stories about parents backing up over their own kids.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For me it would help line up a utility trailer with the hitch, too. Big plus. :shades:
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Yep. I had to do that this morning with our Forester. A backup camera would have made it a whole lot easier.

    Bob
  • x5killerx5killer Member Posts: 368
    Where can one purchase this for the best price and if its the same price from dealer or online then what is easiest. There was a link to it on the subaru site or something at one point in one of the threads and i'm hoping we can repost this for myself and the many others who haven't updated yet from 2006 model and may still want to.
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