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MickL · 11-07-2010, 11:48 PM

Re: Vms Touring

at $4k incIuding cameras and tpms

Four grand :shock: :?: :?: is that correct? seems very expensive?

Mick

pearlie · 12-07-2010, 04:19 AM

Re: Vms Touring

Hello teamdevo

I have one of these little beauties in my Pearlie and I love it! Not only does it come in a built in format, it is really easy to use and looks good. Mine didn�t cost as much as that though. I spent $2.4K and that included a different reversing camera from the one that they sell with the unit and fitting. I had a Clarion brand camera put in at the advice of the auto-elec who installed the unit. He mounted the camera head just above my towbar on the bumper. It doesn�t get in the way when loading although you would want to be mindful of it. It got covered in mud the other day just outside Thargomindah but can be easily wiped clean.
A couple of things with the GPS unit, the speedo can at times be way out. It showed me doing 138kph while speedo registered 96kph. I used to use a TomTom as a speedo as I have bigger tyres. You will quickly learn how to kill the speeding alarm � it is deafening�
I haven�t had much time to play around with the GPS maps for off road, but the street navigation is good. Occasionally I get messages �GPS signal lost� when driving straight country roads, or in the city I don�t know, or sometimes when you look at the unit, it is still moving despite the message! The touch screen is intuitive, with easy directions. It has iTopo and OziExplorer (trial) preloaded. You get a miniSD card to use for all the upgrades too.
Quote:
�Best range of preloaded accessory maps:
iTOPO 4x4 maps are ideal for most applications. However, we realise there are other maps available on the market. The Touring series offers the most flexible mapping platform. Other maps such as Rooftops, GeoScience, DSE, HEMA & Marine charts can be loaded into its memory card. No other GPS offer a wider range of accessory mapping.�
Sound wise, it is great. You can upgrade your speakers but I found mine more than adequate. I play my iPod mainly, but you can attach a mp3 player through a usb plug. All the leads for the attachments sit nicely in my glove box. The Bluetooth takes care of the phone with a microphone set in the door pillar. My only gripe is that it isn�t voice activated!! Apparently you can send SMS through it too but I won�t be doing that.. It plays mpegs, mp3 and mp4s, CD�s, and of course, you can view your photos and little videos you take during those days out through the VMS. I have tried this and I know it works.
The DVD is crystal clear HD and you can also extend the unit to play in the back for the passengers. It doesn�t come with a remote control, another gripe..
The disc player says that it is a stacker but I cannot get more than one disc in. Not going to force it and I don�t really need 6 anymore.
I found the radio a bit of a challenge to tune in. Haven�t really tried hard though.
One other gripe is that you have to go on line to use the manual. It only comes with an installation manual.
It also comes with the ability to monitor tyre pressures. I am not keen on this one because it costs another grand for the unit and the valve stem gizmos you need can come off or fall prey to unscrupulous people. They are costly to replace but on a positive note, you can use the system to monitor all the tyres on your car, your spares, your camper trailer, it�s spares! You can also rig up a battery monitor which I haven�t done as I have a piranha system already.

Anyway, if you would like any photos, just let me know. Hope this has helped you. I had mine fitted in Gladstone Queensland, and I can give you more details by PM if you need them.

Cheers
Gayle

teamdevo · 12-07-2010, 05:43 PM

Re: Vms Touring

Hi gayle

Thanks for the reply the system i am looking at is 4k unit itself is $2799 tpms is $699 dual camera kit with cameras $499 I am suprised not many people have these as i said earlier it is everything rolled into nothing on windscreen or rolling around on the floor while driving. In regards to the tpms the system can only handle the car not the van at this stage they dont sell extra units for the van and spares and yes they are only the screw on type and i am worried about people stealing them as well but i dont want all different things everywhere in the car. Can you control, your ipod from the touch screen so you dont even have to open the glove box? it is such a large investment i am keen to hear from other people who have one installed and see how they like it. thanks again

Signature035 · 12-07-2010, 06:54 PM

Re: Vms Touring

The VMS system is pretty flash, I have had a play with a demo version..... but could not justify the cost.

I have everything plus more (except for the TPMS) for less than half that figure using a Kenwood / Garmin combo unit.

There are a few posts on this (and other units)
Mine does;
Radio
CD
DVD 7 1/2" Screen (+ feed to twin screen at rear)
Street navigation
Traffic
Topo mapping (Oz Topo)
Switchable twin reversing cameras
Blutooth for iphone
ipod interface

Food for thought

teamdevo · 12-07-2010, 08:24 PM

Re: Vms Touring

Hey signature035

Thanks for the reply i thought there would be more out there but in most 4wd mags they only plug the polaris and vms and yes the vms is flash but I to cant really justify the expense either. This unit looks like it does everything I want as well if I have to get a seperate tpms I will. I googled the model number I can see on your pic but nothing comes up where abouts did you get this unit from and does it come standard with everything on it. sorry about all the questionsd but if i can save some money on this i get to buy some other new gear. thanks again for your help

Signature035 · 12-07-2010, 08:34 PM

Re: Vms Touring

Start with this thread, for some pics;

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=981&p=11322&hilit=DDX6039#p11 322

My unit is now probably 6 years old (Was in my 100 Series before the Prado)

I think the replacement unit was the DDX 7039, but even that is superseeded now

Got mine from Ryda car radio (No affiliation) http://www.ryda.com.au/Kenwood-GPS-Navigation-s/247.htm

The system is based on a Kenwood head unit and a remote (under seat) Garmin GPS unit. (equivilant of the GVN 53)

Got to say I have been very pleased with it.

teamdevo · 12-07-2010, 08:56 PM

Re: Vms Touring

Once again thanks signature
i will have to look into this more i think you have thrown a spanner in the works but i really appreciate it thanks again for your help i will look into it and let you know which way i will go.

pearlie · 12-07-2010, 09:30 PM

Re: Vms Touring

Just a quick reply. I have no regrets about handing over the money for this unit. My original Prado CD unit had never worked properly and the Kenwood I ended up putting in kept chewing up tapes and skipping dreadfully. It has disco lights that became very distracting on night and long drives. It was time for a change.
I actually went to the auto elec to get my spotties looked at!! He had the units in his vehicle and convinced me that the tpms was the only achilles heel in the unit. They are working on it, apparently but the vision is to have all round monitoring for all wheels. I read that online somewhere. I didn't want that part of it anyway..
Regarding the iPod, I just set it up to go then connect it to the lead in the glove box. I haven't tried to change it on the touch screen. It stops when the ignition is off and starts again automatically when you start up again. Will play with it and let you know.. I do remove the iPod when I arrive to take it out of temptations way for sticky fingers. (Had my car broken into about 6 months ago)
Anyway, had no hassles today going from Roma to Toowoomba with normal highway running. The speedo was accurate today. I have only had the unit for about 6 weeks so far so have much 'playing' to do.
Cheers

teamdevo · 13-07-2010, 05:47 PM

Re: Vms Touring

Thanks Pearlie

Thanks for the input if you dont mind me asking how much did it end up costing you. The prices I have quoted are direct from the vms site and havent shopped around to much yet keen to hear from others about it. The tpms is only at this stage for 4 tyres I really wanted it to monitor the caravans tyres as well. I think if they get this sorted out it would be the ultimate unit as it is all in one but i honestly thought more people would have them installed. I know they are expensive but I just cant get past the simplicty of everything in one unit. thanks again for your reply and look forward to hearing from you as you discover more features.

pearlie · 29-12-2010, 11:07 AM

Re: Vms Touring

.............and so the additional features continue.
Since the initial installation, I have gone ahead and had the TPMS and the battery monitoring system installed. EXCELLENT!! Nextly, the rear camera for the Jayco. This is hardwired into the VMS, so once the van is hooked up, aided by the reversing camera of the VMS, in goes the plug and presto, I have a rear camera available to me at the touch of the screen. A single touch takes me back to the GPS (iTopo is especially good), while listening to my iPod, while hooked up to Bluetooth for the phone, all the while enjoying the scenery. What a system - and no extra gadgets on the dash. Had a great time watching Roothie in HD while waiting for a friend at the shops the other day. Also, the photos and videos from the camera look great on the screen, also in HD format.
Yes, it has cost an arm and a leg, but it is fabulous. Can't wait until I can get the internet on it....

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