Heads Up Dispaly - Aftermarket Dash Mounted Device

[DETON8R]

Saw this product on line. Thought about it a bit, and while it is more in the "Consumer Electronics" side of the automotive perspective, looks like it may have some potential for a custom car. Especially when a car has a custom dash already.

First thing, I have no interest in the company. I've just thought that having a heads up display would be cool, and this is an interesting option if I might want to integrate something like this into my project vehicle. Here's the link.

www.navdy.com

What made me take notice was the fact that it talked to the OBD ii port on the vehicle, and displayed certain engine operating data. And it appears to already be communicating with other mobile devices that are commonly used.

From the FAQ page on NAVDY:

How does Navdy communicate with my car?

Navdy is powered by your car’s on-board diagnostics (OBD II) port, but that’s also how it communicates with your car! The OBD II port can output information like your car’s speed, RPM, mileage, fuel, check engine status, etc. Navdy is developing multiple “dashboards” that display your car’s internal statistics in real time. You can choose different dashboards that prioritize speed, fuel economy, or maintenance, so that the information that is the most important to you is available at all times. Your driving experience will no longer be limited by the manufacturer’s preferences!

- See more at: https://www.navdy.com/#sthash.9jDZGM7z.dpuf

I have not seen any other consumer oriented HUD devices that were nearly as functional as the HUD that the OEMs have been installing. And while I've seen a few projects with OEM based HUDs installed, there was a CONSIDERABLE amount of wiring and modifications that needed to happen to do that kind of HUD in a project vehicle. I'm not inclined to become that smart about HUDs just so that I can say I have one in my car. This kind of device might change my mind if the hard work of making the HUD more user friendly, integrated with other mobile devices and more programmable is already taken care of. Price point is around $500.

WARNING !! The video that is on the navdy.com site is clearly not targeted at the pro-touring, custom car crowd. So don't be surprised if the info you might want isn't in the video.

[214Chevy]

I don't like the way it sits on top of the dash like some sort of laptop. But, I understand it's an aftermarket piece and it doesn't cater to the muscle car era. It's probably made for the average guy with a Toyota, Nissan, or any late model car so that they can just sit it on the dash and have at it. But, it would be nice if for some reason there was a way to recess it into a custom dash like the Corvette's and Caddy XLR's had. Although, I know it could be done that way, but I don't think that's the intended way to install it.

[Sparks67]

Originally Posted by 214Chevelle

I don't like the way it sits on top of the dash like some sort of laptop. But, I understand it's an aftermarket piece and it doesn't cater to the muscle car era. It's probably made for the average guy with a Toyota, Nissan, or any late model car so that they can just sit it on the dash and have at it. But, it would be nice if for some reason there was a way to recess it into a custom dash like the Corvette's and Caddy XLR's had. Although, I know it could be done that way, but I don't think that's the intended way to install it.

I wouldn't want it. If you watch the video, and watch the driver's eyes. His eyes are focusing in on the hud. So, he is not focusing his eyes on the road at all. The photos show that there is some blocking of a his view as he is looking at the hud near the crosswalk. What if a young child ran into the street, but he couldn't see because of this hud. I doubt if the company has applied for DOT approval, while the automotive manufacturers are required to have a hud approved by DOT. C-7 Hud looks much better than Navdy video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8yWSEfI3So