Xanda

Hi, guys!

I'm following this video-input-stuff for quite some time now. I don't actually have an 8, but the 6, but as far as I know, both audio and navigationsystem are pretty much the same.

So I could offer the mazda6 service-manual, which shows most of the connectors that are of interest here.... If you are interested - I just need some webspace, since the chapter is approximately 12mb large (pdf).

As for the panasonic navigation systems I've read about, somewhere in this thread.

DV-2300 and DV-2000, i think...

First of all, these two systems have one big difference, since the DV-2000 is definitely capable of playing DVD-movies and VCD, and the DV-2300 is not. I far as I know, the DV-2300 is the system, our navigation module is based on. So if it's of any use, the installation manual of both units can be downloaded from the official panasonic website. I've downloaded it several months ago and as far as I remember, the connectors on the back of these units could be seen there.

In Germany we don't have a tv-option either, so we would also need any additional solution to the connector, thew has ordered.

But just for info:
This particular connector has 8 pins, which are supposed to be plugged into the oem tv-module, available in Japan, is that correct?
If so... thew were you able to figure out, which pin does what? I mean there are probably two pins for each audio channel and two pins for the video signal. What are the other two pins good for?

'though I doubt it, we could check out, if there's another connector in the european 6, which is missing in your 8....

I'm really looking forward to any kind of solution to this!

We really need something beside the avelectronics-stuff, for it's not available over here in Europe....

bobclevenger

I'm using the Nav-Vision converter. I think they will ship to Europe, but a PAL unit is expensive, according to Thommino in Italy.

This still requires cutting and soldering some wires. The "how-to" is on my website (see sig).
If someone could locate a source for the connectors on the rear of the nav unit we could make up a plug-and-play kit.

truemagellen

That is what I have been desperately looking for...I don't want to void the warranty...yet

truemagellen

Hey guys what about this device...
http://www.kramerelectronics.com/por...c.asp?p=FC-12E

I believe SCART is RGBS...who would of thunk it? (who knows if it works either) you think this would allow me to hookup an XBOX component (NOT composite) video out if I figure out what wires do what on the SCART?

oh also if you notice there is a pass through button on this device...hmm you think there would be a scart to nav or nav to scart plug?

I'm just brainstorming here (oh the switch could be hooked up remotely to switch between Nav and Component in...here is the pic from their site:



Oh this think handles an audio switch too...but that is just because it is part of the SCART plug system (popular outside the US)

OH WAIT...add these to the list to look over as well:
http://www.kramerelectronics.com/ind...asp?p=FC-4041C
http://www.kramerelectronics.com/ind....asp?p=FC-4042
One of them handles RGBs to YUV (component) and YUV to RGBs transcoding!

HMMMMMMMM...is this a much higher quality video conversion system? search their website...maybe we can find a high quality VGA to RGBs as well

thew

I am still looking into this. I have a few sources but there not responding atm .

wsbtaylor

Hi Guys, I have been lurking and keeping an eye on this post as am interested in doing the same. I have come across this which may help.
Link
its 12v and converts composite video to RGBS both PAL and NSTC.
I havent got one but am thinking about taking the gamble and going for it.

bobclevenger

That looks very good. It does what the Nav-Vision unit does, but with NTSC/PAL capability! And it costs less too.
Now, you will also need a switching relay or some such to switch between nav and aux video, but that shouldn't add much cost to the project.
Put the converter and the relay in a plastic project box and you'd be ready to go.

Thommino

Yes this product is good but you must add on a switch.
Too complicated

truemagellen

not too complicated to add a switch..you will want to anyway...besides check out the Blankput (spelling) ME3 it provides DVD/MP3 and TV tuner PLUS best part is it has an internal switch to take an outside video source (such as xbox) and an override outside video source (backup cam) and it only costs around $125!

I'll find the link for you

bobclevenger

Thommino, if you know anyone who is knowledgeable about electronics at all, they can do the soldering. It's not difficult, but it's not a job for a beginner. It's a very basic switching circuit. And yes, the Blaupunkt DVD-ME3 is a good source for your TV and DVD (and back-up camera too) and it is NTSC/PAL capable.

I hope you know someone who can help you with this. I know you have been looking for this for a long time now. Hey, a lot of us here who have done the mod would be glad to do it for you if you got us a plane ticket to Italy! :D

truemagellen

alright...lets put together a plan to find a plug for the Nav unit...if we do...no voided warranty and LOTS of customers

bobclevenger

Precisely!!!

Making the adapters to go with the Nav-Vision units would be a piece of cake if we can find the correct connectors to mate with the nav unit. The 24-pin connector is critical; the 16-pin connector would make it REALLY nice since that's a good place to pick up power and ground (and the parking brake switch).

We could also make them up using the Highway Entertainment converter from Australia, but we'd have to add in a switching relay -- a bit more work, but that would make a plug and play unit that would work world-wide!

So the big question is: "Does anyone know where we can get these connectors?"

truemagellen

hmm...I never thought about looking at the adapters very closely...see if it is part of the molded plastic or even stamped on it

anyone have their nav unit out to look at it?...I should really contact panasonic and stay on the phone till I get some answers (see you next week guys)

thew

that will make a bunch of the PAL guys happy. Good find.

truemagellen

that is a nice find...I will look into it...but just to clarify...I am looking for a Component Video in (3 rcas Y Pr Pb) not Composite Video in (one yellow rca connector)

truemagellen

holy **** wsbtaylor that site is a goldmine

http://www.highway.net.au/parts/converters/2012.html
YUV to RGB Converter

I've got to find out more about the SCART specs

oh here it is: http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/f...rgb/scart.html

component video to RGBs is that really possible?

truemagellen

ok ignore my other posts...yuv I believe is different then Y,Pb,Pr but check this out:

serious HDTV to RGBs conversion...it is probabbly REALLY expensive but it means it is possible...so lets find or make a cheap one!
http://www.extron.com/product/product.asp?id=cvc200

plus here is the manual and this thing is EXACTLY what we want...NTSC/PAL HDTV 480i/p 720i/p 1080i inputing...RGBs outputing
http://www.extron.com/download/files...an/CVC_200.pdf

here is a closeup from their website...lets figure this out people



also what about this one: http://www.digitalconnection.com/Pro...Video/9a65.asp
it is MUCH cheaper and seems like it could do the job...it also comes with a 15pin to bnc cable setup

Oh and don't forget this vga to rgbs that could be used for our computer setups


from http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=159641&is=REG

Xanda

Just wondering if there's need for a switch at all, regarding the thread about the PIE-adapter... As far as I know, using the 16-pin connector, the screen only switches to TV-Mode when there's an input signal, whether it's audio or video, right? In this case, it overrides the NAV-signal anyways... An when you turn of, it switches back to NAV. I'm not sure about that, but it's what I guess...

truemagellen

how about the 'RBG cord' an accesory or an accesory replacemnet for the nav system:

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/ashop/pro...sp?i=CNDV2300N

could this be the beginings of a plug and play solution for getting video in?

thew

i dont seem to get it ? True what am i missing here ?

rshan

bobclevenger, what do you need to make this basic switching circuit/relay you speak of ? I would like something that is just a manual switch, so I can listen to DVDs while my Nav screen is on.

Thommino

I used www.converters.tv component.
Look http://www.rx8tribe.com/modules.php?...viewtopic&t=84

Xanda

Just wondering.... Did anyone ever try to use the 16-pin connector on the back of the headunit as a video-input? Afak older firmware versions use to switch the screen to "tv mode" when the pie-connector is activated by pressing cd-button twice...

bobclevenger

It's just a 4-pole 12 volt relay that switches the R,G,B, and Sync lines from the screen to either the nav system (in the relaxed position) or to the video converter (in the energized position). The Nav-Vision converter has one built-in if you get the kit rather than the bare board. Just use your manual switch to apply 12 volts to the relay coil, or apply 12 volts to the coil from the ACC line and switch the ground side of the relay coil with the parking brake switch -- that's what I did.

rshan

Thanks bobclevenger. I am waiting for the bare board right now. It was only $90 off ebay. I figure I can wire it myself. 12 volt relay should be pretty simple. Thanks !