Off and on at my fire station we've discussed getting a nav system for one or more of our vehicles - never done it because we can't figure out one that will be of much use for what we need it to do. If anyone can figure out one that will meet the criteria listed here it would be much appreciated.
1. There absolutely has to be a good voice recognition interface. The driver is often the only one in the vehicle and doesn't have time to type in an address.
2. A video output would be nice, but not required, so that external displays could be connected for the passengers(the driver's display would not be visible from any other position).
3. Voice directions would be nice too, preferably with an audio output so that the sound could be amplified (sirens and a Cat diesel engine can get awfully loud).
4. There are laptops mounted in the vehicles(though not accessible to the driver and hence not usable as a primary interface) that could be used for the data/updates, etc. if need be.
5. Cost is not really an object.
6. A single or double DIN in-dash unit isn't a good choice because of mounting issues - the display would be getting mounted on top of the dash, not in it.
Is this unreasonable or does anyone know of a unit that will work?
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C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two
This looked like a pretty nice unit that you could mount maybe under a seat or something?
Alpine Navi
I think you could add a touchscreen to this and you could mount it anywhere.
I had trouble looking for a unit that had the option of adding several screens, but this looked pretty cool.
In the picture it also had a little microphone and a SPEAK button. Looks like a good unit for GOOD voice recognition.
Ok i keep editing because this thing has pretty much everthing you need. On Alpines website they have a cable where you can hook up external monitors...perfect! lol...
good luck with this man
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Sasquatch...
We know your legend's real...