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"The Radio Doctor" is a Hybridfest vendor that is an aftermarket installer. They are wondering what kinds of products to bring as well what kinds of services to highlight at Hybridfest. Any ideas?
Here's a small sample of some stuff they do:
ipod integration
car stereo install
car alarms
remote start
cruise control

You get the idea. Anyway, please post your ideas and I'll pass them on.

auto-tilt and fold-in side mirrors
sub-woofer
back-up camera for '04/'05
ceiling mounted or head-rest mounted DVD entertainment system
Electric driver's seat

Hi Eric:

___I purchased a power supply product from Radio Shak that I absolutely love called the iGo with the iGo Power Tip.

http://www.igo.com/buymobility_assets/product_images/2545768.jpg
iGO 12V power adapter

This universal DC adapter powers/charges mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones/PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players and more.
DC powering/charging functionality
15 Watt continuous output
Utilizes rapid charge technology for the fastest charge
Compact and lightweight
Status light - indicates unit is functioning properly
Use with A-series or B-series power tips
Replaces iGo AutoPower 3000 Series- same power, new name
http://www.igo.com/buymobility_assets/product_images/2701873.jpg
One of many types of iGo Power Tip’s

Deliver the right amount of power to your mobile device using this interchangeable tip with iTips Technology.
Compatible with the latest models - no need to buy a new adapter when you upgrade
Automatically configure to ensure each device gets the precise amount of power
Portable and lightweight - eliminates the need to carry multiple adapters
___I love these things and if a vendor were to display a particular accessory, this would be at or near the top of my list as an inexpensive must have piece of gear ;)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I'd like to see:

- info on amplifiers that have demonstrably lower current demands relative to their peers delivering the same RMS wattage. I believe Alpine had / has a series out like this. If possible, I'd like to see a multi-channel solution so that I could run mains + sub from one amp

- info on steath installs, quickly removable for trips to the dealer. Obviously, these would keep the stock head unit; we're talking about quick removal / concealment of amp / sub / wiring.

- info on speakers that will retrofit into the stock locations on our hybrids, specific to application - for example, the Civics use 6.5" rounds, f&r (there's also a dash-mount tweeter assy to consider).

- info on subs (either powered or in a custom box) that would fit well in hybrids with fixed rear seats (Honda), that preserved maximum cargo space. Possible fitment under driver / passenger seats ?

- info on auxillary charging systems for hybrids that supply power independently of the main charging systems built into the cars; alternately, supplemental devices that augment current drain / replacement, for those who wish to run high-powered systems

- monitoring devices (voltmeters, etc) that can be installed in the pass. compartment

- retrofit kits that allow replacement of a stock head unit (car-specific, obviously, I'm interested in the HCH2, with its contoured dash cover ;). I'd like to see these in both dual- and single-DIN replacement kits (the stock unit is a dual-DIN form factor, once you get it out of the dash cavity; however, there are many good single-DIN units out there, and the space should be covered up / reclaimed for storage ?)

- devices that allow retention of steering wheel-mounted radio controls, in instances where the stock head unit is replaced.

- displays / albums of some hybrid-specific installs they've done ('prior experience') ?

In return, I can supply detailed info via the HCH2 service manual on the wiring diagrams, current resistances, etc, relative to the current-model Civic Hybrid.

I can also steer my business toward the vendor, depending on their ability to design a system that meets my needs, and they're a fairly reasonable distance away (although at 60+ mpg on the highway, 'reasonable distance' is relative) :D

Tell them NOT to bring remote start stuff. Wayne might do the Jesus in the Temple thing and start flipping over tables.

Actually at first they were worried about offending people by bringing the remote start.

I assured them that there are owners who want them, but I advised that they probably wouldn't want to make that the main focus of their display.

Hi Tom:
Tell them NOT to bring remote start stuff. Wayne might do the Jesus in the Temple thing and start flipping over tables.___Can I bring my torch :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

remote start isn't a great sell in the summer though. Not many people use it to turn on the ac in their car. Not even me ;)

Tell them NOT to bring remote start stuff. Wayne might do the Jesus in the Temple thing and start flipping over tables.
Seems to me, we should have a new glossary term - 'WWWD ?' :p

Heh. Maybe we should ;)

WWWD. I like it! for example...
Situation: I'm running 15 minutes late for work, but I also am just putting the finishing touches on a record tank. WWWD?

:) Sorry for taking this thread even farther off topic.

Hi All:

___Hey :D :D :D

___I cannot wait to see this one posted around the net ;)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

To answer your question eric. Wayne would put the pedal to the metal. ;) The guys he works for are strict about being late.

remote start isn't a great sell in the summer though. Not many people use it to turn on the ac in their car. Not even me ;)

Now oddly enough, THAT is an almost-sensible application, compared to the usual argument about heating up the car in winter. AC will start to cool immediately, unlike heating. Assuming on eis determined to have remote start, anyway. grrrrrrr.

Might want to put all those personal expressions in the Glossary. :D

Listen to sportscaster Randy Galloway and he has a lot of personal expressions:

"Bad Cow Disease" - when the Dallas Cowboys lose
"BAD Bob" (my favorite) - a reference to college basketball coach Bob Knight, notorious for his anger
"Zero U" - What Oklahoma University's logo - OU looks like
"The Great Satan" - Baseball agent Scott Boras, who among other things, got A-Rod a $252 million contract
"geekwire" - Internet
KP - Can't Play (for the team)

What they should bring is good whitepapers on exactly how they
integrate with the various stereo and control LANs in newer cars,
such that one can gain a good understanding of the actual protocols
in use and how the units are controlled to switch to different
inputs and such. For example, how about a little "network firewall"
for the Prius to go between the MFD buttons and the stereo to
turn off the "make that obnoxious beep" command, but let everything
else through? Writing up the development of such a device would
be a great thing to present to the techies.
.
_H*