Alternatives to the factory fit Sat Nav?

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RichardCWGate

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I have a 2004 Freelander Td4 HSE with the factory fit Becker Sat Nav. It seems that the Freelander 2 has a smarter system will a touch screen etc. etc. I also looks like the Freelander Td4 HSE has space for a larger unit (if you remove the storage shelf below the unit).

Does anyone know if there is a better Land Rover / Becker Sat Nav system that can just slot in and replace the original but with the full screen etc. ??

Thanks, Richard.
 
RichardCWGate said:
Oh come on people, so nobody has a clue then?
Click to expand...

As far as I'm aware the Becker unit was top of the line for the FL1. The space that you see below for coins and general crap is filled on some later models (53 plate onwards) by a double DIN size cd player available in single or multi disc options (very similar to those found in Mondeos). So I think you'll find the best alternative to the Becker is a TomTom or similar. Have you got the latest version of the map software for the Becker? I'm not sure what it is - perhaps V9 or 10?
 
I'm sure you could create the double DIN size apperture and fit a system with one of these large flip out screens. Lots of them on ebay and supprisingly little cost.

How good they are I really dont know, but the Becker unit I have is poor and there is a fault on mine meaning I dont have a working sat nav. I make do for the time being with a PDA based Tom Tom that I have had for about three years now. It does its job. And if I'm really stuck I can use my iPhone but that is the last option because its pants.
 
rainady said:
I'm sure you could create the double DIN size apperture and fit a system with one of these large flip out screens. Lots of them on ebay and supprisingly little cost.
Click to expand...
Not a bad idea! I'm sure it could be done, but there could be some pitfalls to be aware of (esp if buying off ebay).
Wiring schemes could (are likely to) be completely different and it may or may not be compatible with the existing GPS antenna. The FL1 Becker unit has a speed sense wire and directional feed from the gear position (so it knows whether you're in reverse or going forward & how fast - why it can't get this from GPS I don't know) - these may or may not be needed.
It's very unlikely that you'd get a working wiring loom conversion kit for factory fit models from other makes - suggest go with after-market ISO compliant kit such as Kenwood/JVC/Alpine etc.
Some of the double DIN multimedia systems require separate Navigation modules - be sure to check.
Some Beckers go hand in hand with the Harmon Kardon amp/sub combo - this is likely to present more problems to overcome.
You'd need to be sure of exact dimensions to ensure a neat and tidy fit - width height and depth all crucial. (I suspect there's some standardization of width & height - but perhaps not depth).
If you've got a factory fit cd changer it's unlikely to be compatible (though there may be suitable conversion leads).
You will probably lose steering wheel controls - might not be a problem and there may be conversion kits available - but be aware it all adds to the cost.
Basically what I'm saying is although not impossible - it's just not for the faint hearted.
 
I may be mistaken but I was of the understanding that the DIN or Double DIN standardised the size of the equipment. I think the Becker Uniit is a standard DIN size. Take out the cubby box below and you have Double DIN size.

DIN (I think) also relates to the connections at the back.

As you pointed out, its unlikely that you would have the correct connections at the back for the steering wheel controls or the connection to the GPS but I think the rest will be standard.

But I could be talking absolute rubbish.
 
I finally went for the easier option of getting a Garmin NUV 260W from Halfrauds for £170. Its got Full Euro mapping (should I be insane enough to risk the french blockade) and bluetooth. Its updatable via my PC for lifetime with a single cost of £99 (or £60 annually) and not needing £extortionate CD's. I can remove it (its quite slim and lightweight) and use it walking/cycling. It tells me my speed, notifies me of camera locations, can have changeable icons for vehicle (am currently a spitfire but might go for the tank next :D) gives me a good idea of fuel usage/trip cost/avg mph/avg mpg..... dont know why I didnt do it sooner!
As for the radio/CD/GPS and coin slot, I might use it for a certain advertised radio/DVD/ rear camera screen piece of car entertainment ;)
 
rainady said:
I may be mistaken but I was of the understanding that the DIN or Double DIN standardised the size of the equipment. I think the Becker Uniit is a standard DIN size. Take out the cubby box below and you have Double DIN size.
Click to expand...
Yup DIN standards apply to height & width - but not depth and it's likely that mounting points may differ across equipment. In my experience there's usually slight gaps that can look unsightly - sometimes surrounding trim kits are supplied to finish off.
rainady said:
DIN (I think) also relates to the connections at the back.
Click to expand...
I think there are ISO standards for connections and converter kits are available, but in practice these cover power and speakers and little else - so things like speed sensor, illumination aux power and amps etc are rarely covered.
rainady said:
As you pointed out, its unlikely that you would have the correct connections at the back for the steering wheel controls or the connection to the GPS but I think the rest will be standard.

But I could be talking absolute rubbish.
Click to expand...
Nope much of it makes perfect sense!:cool:
 
Hi anyone have any upgrade maps for the becker sat nav unit?
My maps are from 2003 on a freelander 2005, maps are pants, 4 digit postcode.
 
Last edited:
From what I can find out the Becker unit is a ISO standard DIN1 chassis which on the face of it means that any similar radio would fit. This includes the drawer mounted screens from Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer etc. These would include the frame which fits into the vacated slot and allows the replacement unit to lock in place. The only caveat is there seems to be some discrepancy about what is the standard depth and frequently the big problem is how to get all the cabling tucked away and still get the unit in.
According to the Becker site they use the ISO plugs as well so many third party units will plug in. Halfords and other Car Audio shops do sell adapters. As they are designed to fit in any vehicle it is very unlikely any of the other manufacturers will use speed transducers, instead they will solely use GPS data to calculate speed etc.
One thing to remember is the replacement unit will have its own (probably higher quality) amplifier, the HK system has a separate amp.
Would you want to do this? At £700+ just to have an integrated unit it seems a bit steep.:confused:
 
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