Thoughts on the Nav System

[Greenie]

I never heard of such an antiquated system! What a joke if its true.

 

[LongTimer]

I don't care how "neat" it is, if the sound system operates only by touch screen, it sucks. When I'm driving and want to make some change to the sounds, I hve no desire to take my eyes off the road and operate a touch screen. Does no one else see the irony of offering one of the best HUD systems available and then installing a touch screen sound system? Mr Hill blew it on this one. Although I hate adding weight, redundant sound system steering wheel controls were absolutly called for here. If HVAC is touch screen too, then my point is further emphasized.

 

[Lanzz]

Nav

I am thinking the single disc transport in the unit itself is intended for the NAV DVD. It also happens to play CDs, but the intent would be to use it for NAV. That said, isn't there still a remote 6 CD changer option, and the changer is controlled by the same NAV/AM/FM head unit?

If this is the same system that is used on the Cadillac, then that is the configuration - 6 CD changer in the glove box, and the DVD transport behind the flip-down LCD screen.

I have the NAV in my Infiniti, and it really is hard to live without once you start using it. The GM system is superior to the Nissan (made by Zenrin) system in my car.

Worth the cash any day...

e

 

[LongTimer]

Now that we've seen the way the radio on the NAV works - touch screen with no SW controls - count me out for NAV. I'll take the 6 cd indash physical buttons I can select while keeping my eyes on the road. Anyone besides me see the irony of offering the best HUD in production, but forcing the driver to look at a screen to make radio adjustments?

 

[C5Pilot]

What I find surprising--and very disappointing if true--is that the CD player cannot be used while using the Nav system. I've never heard of such a limitation. With the price of memory as low as it is, I'd have thought any need to update nav data bases could be done by loading a DVD and updating memory, and then removing the DVD. This would allow Nav to operate more quickly off of a memory chip while allowing the player to play music (and not necessitating a second CD player). Hopefully I am missing something here, because I don't understand why this wouldn't be far preferable to having to chose between CD music and using a nav system.

Doug

 

[shopman1]

Now that we've seen the way the radio on the NAV works - touch screen with no SW controls - count me out for NAV. I'll take the 6 cd indash physical buttons I can select while keeping my eyes on the road. Anyone besides me see the irony of offering the best HUD in production, but forcing the driver to look at a screen to make radio adjustments?

I'm with you, no NAV for me. I will not be taking any long trips or going places that I don't now with the C6 anyway!

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Directly from GM service information for the 05 Navagation section......
To use the player as a single music CD player, you must first remove the Navigation map DVD. While playing a CD in the CD/DVD Player, the navigation system is not available. The message "The disc installed is not a map DVD" will appear on the display if any of the Navigation hard keys are pressed.

Allthebest, c4c5

Well, I looked for an "Im with stupid" icon, but couldnt find one.
While I was in BG, I was completely educated on the NAV system and function.
There are 2 slots in the NAV unit, one for the DVD and one for the CD. You CAN play the CD while the NAV is working, however, it will be muted when using the VR or voice recognition system for commands. This will enable handsfree usage of the system.
Now, also, the NAV will be displayed, for the most part in the HUD. I saw this first hand, and all I can say is that it enabled you to NOT take your eyes off the road, and drive confidently.
Sorry for the inaccuracy here, my bad.
Now, as for the indash 6 disc changer, it will not be available with the NAV unit, however, CGA(Corvette Genuine Accessories) is working on engineering a 6 disc changer that will be mounted in the right rear storage compartment to work with the NAV unit.

c4c5specialist

 

[Lil' Red]

I was riding in a friends Merc S430 with a Nav System and we were listening to a CD while the system was providing directions and when it came time for VR promts it just muted the music to a certain degree and gave the direction. Just as a lot of aftermarket systems use memory they could have chose a more efficient unit in this respect.

HI there,
First, lets start with this. While the single DVD is inside the player and functioning, you cannot listen to a CD. There is only 1 DVD.
The reason for this is the voice recognition(VR) system within the navigation unit. Obviously, if there is background noise like from music, it will not work correctly. You do NOT have to use the touch screen, voice prompts will work better for the safety of you and your occupant.
The system use a GPS transponder to access your position, and references vehicle speed from the PCM to also track location progress.
In order to use the navigation voice recognition, you must install the DVD and press the AGREE button to start the VR session.
Once this done, most prompts to the entire system can be used, without taking your hands off the wheel.

I hope this quells the debate.
Allthebest, c4c5 :eek

 

[Lil' Red]

NEVERMIND!

Well, I looked for an "Im with stupid" icon, but couldnt find one.
While I was in BG, I was completely educated on the NAV system and function.
There are 2 slots in the NAV unit, one for the DVD and one for the CD. You CAN play the CD while the NAV is working, however, it will be muted when using the VR or voice recognition system for commands. This will enable handsfree usage of the system.
Now, also, the NAV will be displayed, for the most part in the HUD. I saw this first hand, and all I can say is that it enabled you to NOT take your eyes off the road, and drive confidently.
Sorry for the inaccuracy here, my bad.
Now, as for the indash 6 disc changer, it will not be available with the NAV unit, however, CGA(Corvette Genuine Accessories) is working on engineering a 6 disc changer that will be mounted in the right rear storage compartment to work with the NAV unit.

c4c5specialist

 

[Lil' Red]

Here's my question do you think you can upgrade to the Nav System in a C5 or is Aftermarket the only alternative?

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
After major in depth with c6, no, it will not be possible to retrofit the c6 navigation unit to c5. Electronics integration does not allow it. Aftermarket is the only option here.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[WhalePirot]

FWIW-

The BMW 7s changed in mid-02 to DVD. The DVD format has database room for the whole US, not just a couple of states (CA+NV). It operates better than the MB system (which allows you to drive off the edge) described above. There are times when (just as in the airplane) I can do more with the organic computer atop my neck, than with the NAV system, due to complexity, lack of currency with the inputs or other factors. The DVD drive is not back-compatible to the CD unit.
Seems it's time to visit Caddy to see how the system works, before bemoaning or ordering it. Voice recognition is much better in the 745 than it was in my 740. Hopefully GM is in the 'new' league, where 'other' noises and different voices still allow operation of the box.
I've still have not learned all the 'right words' to voice command the 745 to do as I wish. I hear that those who get more time with it, use it that way, while others need to use the screen. I am glad that GM learned from the glass Buick touchscreen failure, but am wary of how well it all works, for now.

 

[Z51 Coupe]

My CTS-V has a navigation system and I love it. One CD loads it and stays in the unit all the time and covers the whole US. Radio, XM, CD, anything works at the same time. Only thing that wont work is a DVD movie but you have to be stopped anyway to view a movie, which you can.

Only negative thing is the dealer told me the disc costs $750.00 so dont lose it or damage it. Plus its a double-sided DVD so you cant copy it on a regular DVD. I tried to copy it on the 9.4mb DVD's they sell for about $13.00 each but so far I have not been able to copy it.

When I get a C6, probably late in 2005 model year, I will definetly get the navigation system regardless of the cost.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I've driven the car.
As is often the cae, c4c5 is right. Maybe he needs to become "c4c5c6".

What you can't get is the CD changer with the DVD nav. because the nav. and the changer use the same space. So, if you order the nav. you get a CD player but it's only capible of taking one disc. If you order the CD changer, the nav. is not available.

As for how the nav system works, it's just like what's on many Cadillacs. There's a screen that's 4x5 or so. In the center is a little icon thingy that changes directions as the car rotates around the yaw axis. The "map" moves under the icon to simulate movement over a road.

Is this device useful? Well...yes, if you're the type who hates or maps or finds working with them difficult or you're the type who's often driving in unfamilar areas and you must often find destinations by address or GPS coordinates.

Personally, I've always been good with maps and even enjoy the experience of orientation, so I'm not sure I'd buy the nav. sys. on a C6 although...I can appreciate the technology.

 

[Z51 Coupe]

Too bad the C6 wont have two slots cause the Cadillac has a slot for the Nav/DVD disk and another slot for the 6-disc CD changer so you can play both at the same time.

I like the nav system for times when I'm in an area I dont know the streets well it can tell me alternative routes (say around a traffic jam, constructuction ahead, etc). An example is I was on my way to Vegas from Calif and, as usual there was a huge wreck on I15 north of Baker with traffic backup up 10-15 miles and the temp over 100. I asked a local guy in Baker if any way around it and he directed me to a paved road east of Baker that took me around the jam. With the nav system I was able to see exactly where I was going, what roads were options, etc and I didn't have to fumble with a map while driving along at 80-90 miles per hour in my CTS-V. I came out near Nipton, CA and took road to Searchlight and missed the whole jam up. If you're like me I'd rather drive a few miles out of my way than sit in a traffic jam in 100 degree weather (or any temperature).

In Nevada the nav system is a life saver at times. I find the roads are all current, etc.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Also, CGA is working on a six disc changer that you can install as a dealer option for those who might want a CD changer with the NAV system.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[fdxpilot]

HI there,
Also, CGA is working on a six disc changer that you can install as a dealer option for those who might want a CD changer with the NAV system.
Allthebest, c4c5

This is an exerpt from a dealer post on another forum:

The following accessories are scheduled to be available 12/04

Tech pattern interior trim package (center console and I/P cluster pods)
6 disc CD changer for rear boot pocket (for vehicles w/ nav.system)
Decklid liner w/ embroidered logo
Mesh screen slide cove inserts
Chrome door handles
Manual shift knob and boot color keyed to match interior (red, cashmere, steel gray)
Park brake handle and boot color keyed to match interior (red, cashmere, steel gray)
Front end cover

 

[Lil' Red]

I believe that the NAV system is a $1400 option and I am still of the mind that an aftermarket unit is the way to go then you can have the option of watching DVD movies when you are parked by the beach or at lookout point which is not an option on the factory system and gererally it is around the same price.:cool

 

[Tyson]

NAV MP3 Software Update

I ordered the 2 Disk software update for tha NAV/Radio in my 2005 C6 to add MP3 functionality. The disks were $20 and my local dealer did the install (non warranty charge of $99.00, oh well) Worth while for the amount of songs you can keep on a CD with folders etc, but a radio in this day and age with no MP3 ability is silly, specially when lower end Chevy's last year had this option, and I had to pay extra.

Anyway, it was worth it, so if you are intersted, the part number for the software is P/N 15853651. It will only upgrade NAV System P/N 15263014. I had a late model 2005 C6.

Anyone interested in buying a software upgrade CD, cheap $15
used once...:L

 

[Tuna]

For cross country drives, I find the NAV system in my '06 very useful - once I figured out all the navigation modes and got the one I really wanted.

For Open Road races, it came in real handy as far as keeping the driver (me) aware of which way the next turn is - nice to know at 110+ into a blind turn.

On the '06, you can play a CD while watching the Nav system work.