[rogue]

This FAQ is currently in Development. If you have any suggestions or corrections please reply to this post. Thanks!

General Description:
Navigation Radio (model designation REC) combines a 5.8-inch full-color display, AM/FM stereo, 6 disc CD/MP3 Player and Navigation System that utilizes DVD technology, all in one handy unit. This sophisticated, yet simple-to-use navigation system guides you to your precise destination through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology and an onboard computer. The system offers turn-by-turn route guidance with voice instruction, automatic re-route calculation, unique smart-spelling feature, extensive listings for point of interests and enough memory to store 100 personal addresses. Unit includes a geographic DVD with routing directions for the entire mapped United States and parts of Canada. The radio features 12 AM, 12 FM, and 12 Sirius Satellite Radio pre-sets. This system is Sirius Satellite Radio capable and displays station names, song title and artist. To obtain Sirius Satellite Radio, a satellite receiver/antenna kit and subscription to the Sirius service is required. See Sirius FAQ. It uses the new CAN bus system and CANNOT be adapted to older vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the navigation system play movie dvds?

No. The system is designed to accept MOPAR DVD navigation disks exclusively. There are currently no modifications to allow this.

Can the Navigation unit be hacked to allow an external video input so I can use a TV Tuner, Backup Camera, DVD player, or Gaming Console?

Yes. AVelectronic.com has developed a way to tap into the RGB signal on the LCD screen to allow video input. You must ship them your Navigation unit for the hack, and call them to prearrange. Cost is $575 for the Video Switching unit, and $100 for the Modification itself. Turn around time is about a week. The system supports up to 4 Audio/Video inputs. AVelectronic has become a common provider of Navigation system modifications and currently supports many other vehicles. You will void your Navigation Warranty by having any modifications performed so be aware.

Can I add the Navigation system to my 300c myself?

Absolutely. The installation process involves swapping the Silver Center console bezel with the Navigation Bezel, and swapping out the AC Vents, AC Controls, ESP/Airbag module, and Analog Clock. 4 Screws hold the Radio in, Navigation or not. Its quite a simple modification. A phillips head screwdriver and 4mm socket are all that is required.

What parts do I need to purchase to convert my car to Navigation?

1. A REC Navigation Part#P56038646AJ system from a Dodge Durango, Chrysler 300c, Dodge Magnum, or Jeep Grand Cherokee. You should be able to find a used one for $800 on up off ebay or the forums. Be Sure that the unit you purchase comes with the Antenna and Navigation DVD because the dealer charges a lot for them. New the units will cost around $1500 on up. The cheapest new ones I have seen are on ebay for $1350.
2. The Center console bezel with the larger opening for the NAV Unit for your model 300.The Bezel costs anywhere from $75 to $100 depending on where you decide to purchase. Part Numbers:
Model: 300 Base - WX57DX9AA
Model: 300 Touring/Limited 1AQ46AAAAA
Model: 300C - XB311ZBAA
Model: SRT-8 1AP611D1AA
3. Navigation Antenna (I'm unable to find MOPAR part number on this item)
4. Navigation DVD "AC" Part # 05064033AC $50-100 off ebay

Where exactly am i supposed to mount the NAV antenna?

Anywhere under the dash. Mine is located on the metal bar behind the AC vents in the center of the console. Works great. Never any drop outs.

How are you prompted for turns? Voice, visual?

The nav has sound and visual alerts (on both the screen and on the evic) and it gives a realtime distance to turn on the screen.

How often do you get updates to the DVD? Do they send you DVD's annually?

Updates are issued every so often and we have to purchase them seperately from the dealer.

Does it mute the radio / CD volume to speak, or does it talk over it?

The voice over coveniently turns down the stereo volume when she has something to say. The voice can be changed to an audible chime in the settings.

Every time I start the car, there's an annoying warning on the nav screen, and I have to hit Enter to clear it. Is there any way to disable this "feature"? Thanks!

Nope and hacking it isn't going to be easy. Thats the lawyer screen!

During the setup of my 300C/Nav, it was defaulted on "automatic" setting for day/night. However, when driving at night time, the navigation does not dim itself. Is there another setting that I should have chosen? It's somewhat annoying at night.

Check your gauge cluster brightness setting on the knob next to the headlight knob. It is most likely set to "Full Brightness" which means the navigation unit is always bright.

Is there a way to disable the safety feature that does not allow in motion use of some functions over 10 mph?

Nope. Talk to the lawyers.

Is the unit touch screen? How is it controlled?

No touch screen on this unit, but it is easy to use. The little knob can be used as a joystick (rocked up/down or left/right) to select items, or rotated to zoom on the map.

 

[Black Hemi]

If I already have Sirius installed in my 300C, and I take out my stereo to swap for the Nav Unit, does Sirius stay in the car (i.e. is it in the stereo or car?) If no, do I have to subscribe to Sirius again? Is everything from the stock SGII system plug and play to switch to Nav, or do I have to get a new harness, or splice any wires/connectors?

-Chris

 

[dreadful]

While I do not know how much is plug and play, I do know the sirius reciever and antenna are seperate items that attatch to the radio.

 

[JustForFun]

Thanks for this FAQ!

Hello,

First time poster here. I just got my Brilliant Black 300C on 1/27/05 and am also interested in adding the NAV. I think these are important questions, and I would like the answers to them as well.

I think the FAQ is a great idea.

JFF

 

[rogue]

If I already have Sirius installed in my 300C, and I take out my stereo to swap for the Nav Unit, does Sirius stay in the car (i.e. is it in the stereo or car?) If no, do I have to subscribe to Sirius again? Is everything from the stock SGII system plug and play to switch to Nav, or do I have to get a new harness, or splice any wires/connectors?

-Chris

The entire process is plug and play. Your sirius functionality will be greatly improved with the NAV unit also. You will be able to see the Artist Song title every time a new song is played fulltime.

 

[jamoleh]

Are there maps for the Nav unit of the Middle East?
Garmin, Mercedes & BMW has their own software and works great and gives everything in detail.
Could we use the one that is being used by Mercedes considering that both cars come from the same Mother company and that both cars have lots of part common?

 

[II kings 9:20]

My guess is that the DVD map disc is not interchangeable though you would have to wonder why not. You might run down to the local MB dealer and give thier disc a try, I am sure they have extra demo discs in a car or two you could try on thier lot. That is the only way to know for sure. You might then see if you can get a burned copy off an MB forum or ebay, I would guess it would be $500 or so for the disc from the dealer assuming it works.

 

[jamoleh]

My guess is that the DVD map disc is not interchangeable though you would have to wonder why not. You might run down to the local MB dealer and give thier disc a try, I am sure they have extra demo discs in a car or two you could try on thier lot. That is the only way to know for sure. You might then see if you can get a burned copy off an MB forum or ebay, I would guess it would be $500 or so for the disc from the dealer assuming it works.

The problem is that I am considering buying the Nav. unit if the MB disk works on it.BTW I have a burned disc of the MB and it works on all MB 2001+ models so I need some one to try it in the 300C & the big problem is that the C's that we have over here don't come with a Nav. unit (or I would have tried it), the top of the range 300C like mine comes with only 6 disc changer that plays mp3 so if some of you guys who own a MB and a 300C (like E55 Kev) would try this thing out I would really be greatful of what you would find out and share this info. with us.

 

[II kings 9:20]

I SEE, INTERESTING (IT'S NEVER GOOD TO BE INTERESTING.) Since no nav is available can we assume your multiplex connectors will interface with a US or Euro Nav unit. They are easy to install. What about the GPS signal in your region, how would that work with the new unit's GPS antenna.

 

[jamoleh]

I SEE, INTERESTING (IT'S NEVER GOOD TO BE INTERESTING.) Since no nav is available can we assume your multiplex connectors will interface with a US or Euro Nav unit. They are easy to install. What about the GPS signal in your region, how would that work with the new unit's GPS antenna.

Well as you already know GPS is based on sattelite and here we aready have the GPS working on MB's , BMW, Garmin & some other cars with OEM Nav. Units so I don't think that it would be a problem about the signal & as from what I have read in this forum you just have to remove your old unit and install the Nav. Unit so it is a plug & play proccess.

 

[Hoosier_300C]

Great info man. This is one option I'm definetly getting (Sound Group II with Nav).

One question, does the Nav system come on if the key is turned to ACC? I go to the drive-in theatre a lot, and keep the key on ACC so I can hear the movie over the car stereo, and am hoping the Nav screen doesn't come on, or can be turned way down so it's not bright.

 

[rogue]

Great info man. This is one option I'm definetly getting (Sound Group II with Nav).

One question, does the Nav system come on if the key is turned to ACC? I go to the drive-in theatre a lot, and keep the key on ACC so I can hear the movie over the car stereo, and am hoping the Nav screen doesn't come on, or can be turned way down so it's not bright.

Wow a drive in. Those are rare in these parts. You're going to have to dim the unit the darkest you can using the Dimming attenuator next to your headlight switch. Unfortunately the screen will be on as long as it is in FM mode. Perhaps cut out some black poster board to fit the screen to keep in the glovebox for the drive in?

 

[HEMEEE]

A piece of black felt would work - roll up easily and no risk of scratching the screen.

I miss drive-ins, definitely a symbol of a by-gone era here in California!

 

[Hoosier_300C]

A piece of black felt would work - roll up easily and no risk of scratching the screen.

I miss drive-ins, definitely a symbol of a by-gone era here in California!

Yea, thats one good thing about living in a small town in the midwest....it may only be 1963 here, but thats not necessarily a BAD thing.

Thanks for the tip on felt, sounds like the way to go for me.

 

[First300COwner]

LOL, we have drive ins in cali guys! Theres one in the city of industry, I go there sometimes! People still go there and they show new movies, it just like you remembered. Let me know if you wan't more info! Pizza, Popcorn, Drinks, sneaking in beer and wine. Just like the good ol day even though im only 22, might not know much about the good ol days. LOL

 

[kidcoastal]

LOL, we have drive ins in cali guys! Theres one in the city of industry, I go there sometimes! People still go there and they show new movies, it just like you remembered. Let me know if you wan't more info! Pizza, Popcorn, Drinks, sneaking in beer and wine. Just like the good ol day even though im only 22, might not know much about the good ol days. LOL

WHOOOOOO hey First, I was just there today golfing at Industry Hills, where is the drive in? My wife would get a kick outta that!
KC

 

[First300COwner]

http://www.driveinmovie.com/CA.htm

It's under Vineland drive in the City of Industry (1/4 way down the page). Plus alot of good drive in locations at this site. I would try to go during the week when its more quiet.

Keep me updated on the fun times KC! Cheers, oh ya and see you Feb. 19th at Fudds!

 

[GaryCampbell]

What a deal: The return of the Great American Sedan .... in a Drive in Theater!

 

[frank29]

Didn't order nav & trying to make up for it.

Rather than retrofitting the factory nav into my C, I am considering a portable Garmin 2620. I like the idea of portability. I'm not impressed with the screen size (I'm pretty sure its right at 3.75"). It seems to be loaded with features. Anybody used one?

 

[Simon Templar]

Frank....

Prior to buying my C-AWD (with Nav), I had a Garmin StreetPilot and a StreetPilotIII. The difference is generational. The SP was a simple black and white and the SPIII is colour with routing and voice capabilities. For all intents and purposes the 2620 is yet 2 generations newer than the SPIII.

The screen of the 2620 is slightly smaller than the SPIII.....and MUCH smaller than the Chrysler nav system. But, you will get used to the available screen size quicker than you think.

I have not had a lot of opportunity to play with the Chrysler Nav as yet. However, I can compare the two fairly well. As for accuracy....it is pretty much a wash. Both are the same...within reason, anyway.

One of the thngs I immediately missed when I moved to the ChryslerNav was the Garmin's page of statistical information such as present speed, average speed, average total speed, time since start, time not in motion, etc. This is handier than you might think. I was surprised to find it missing from ChryslerNav.

Another plus to the Garmin units, for those like me who tend to the techie/geeky sides of things, is the Garmin page of present satellite information. It shows which birds are presently in the LOS, which ones the system has locked to, the relative position of all presently viewable birds, strength of signal, present level of positional accuracy, etc. Also something I was surprised to find MIA in ChryslerNav.

The Garmin units have the ability to lock up to 12 birds simultaneously. I believe the ChryslerNav system is only capable of either 8 or 10 (manual is not in front of me at present.) I suspect that theprice paid for this may be 3 or 4 feet in positional accuracy. In other words.....we are talking about noise-level differences.

Now...are all of the above items significant??? In the grand scheme of things....no, not really. But, are they important to you? Well, that is a question that only you can answer. I've no doubt that, after a period of adjustment, I will not miss the Garmin units.

The Garmin units will need to be strung out each time you wish to use them. The ChryslerNav is always there and ready to go. A plus for Chrysler.

The Chrysler system has its brains on an internal DVD. The Garmin units, depending upon which ones, require downloading from a mapping CD to a memory chip. This chip wont come close to holding the entire country as the DVD does. However, I understand that the 2620 may have solved this problem. Tentative point to Chrysler here.

Bottom line. Each have their pluses and minuses. There is no right and wrong to it. Myself, when the dust settles, I will probably be quite happy with the Chrysler system and may only dig out the Garmin from time to time to test the continued accuracy of the vehicle speedometer. Otherwise, I suspect it will gather dust in the drawer here next to me.

Keep us up to date on which way you decide to go.



.....sT