My thoughts exactly JP!!! Maybe I should consider moving in it. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Hermes
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My thoughts exactly JP!!! Maybe I should consider moving in it. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Hermes
Giya! I want some more pics of SGM...It's been a while since I've seen your car.
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by Pip
Been too quite around here... :foottap
All right, it's been too long and it ain't right nono . A few updates here. I've finally graduated and improved my job situation so I'm feeling more confident about moving forward with the project. All the while, I've been enjoying the zhp as a DD, which has been absolutely flawless. So the next step is something I've had my eye on for quite some time now. The AVIN II android-based OEM-form factor deck has been getting great reviews--especially since it has gone up to Android version 4.1.1 (from 2.3.something). The unit was on sale and included free shipping so I pulled the trigger. In addition, I've ordered the HVAC relocation bracket from ECS so it all should be here next week. I will put up some pics and some feedback once it's up and running. Must say, I'm quite excited about this bit. That said, I'm scared to think what it will to do my 4G data plan. Does anyone have any idea about how I can get on Verizon Unlimited Data Plan I used to have? I will buy you beer! :cheers
After that, I'm nearing 100k so will have to start planning on replacing the brakes with BMW performance version (already waiting in my garage), oil pan gasket, VANOS, and DISA. Already have most of the parts, except the head and oil pan gaskets. While I'm at it, I'll also replace the motor mounts with ///M alternatives. Oh ya, and I think I'll install the new OEM end links I bought a while back.
For those who forgot how my ride looks like, here's a pic of both of my vehicles. The red sedan in the background is a very nice e46 with something like 50k miles and it belongs to my neighbor, who also has a e46 sport touring. Ya, I like my neighbor :)
PS. Pardon that my SGM is dirty, California is having water issues so I'm being a good Samaritan.
Attachment 15528
Great update Giya. Congrats!
Congrats Giya! Good to see you around.
Look who it is!
You can get your data plan back, actually. You'd have to buy a number from someone who has the plan. It'll say you back a few hundred, though.
Looking good. Keep us updated on progress.
This is possible???Quote:
Originally Posted by Avetiso
I don't imagine it would be feasable for those interested in doing it though, considering you'll have a "new" number.
Well that's the question. Can you somehow then swap the numbers over so you can keep your old one?
Sent from outer space...
What is your ACTUAL usage? Most people don't come anywhere close to their data limit...Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanister
I'm sure if you bumped your plan up a bit then you'd have enough data. In reality, just how much data do you think your car will need? You're really ever in it when you're driving, right? When driving, all I can see data being used for would be navigation and Pandora (or similar app), neither of which take up extreme amounts of data.
Hey Giya, the ZHP is looking good! Looking forward to hearing how you like the AVIN II.
It is possible, but yeah, need to take their number. My dad has the line and could sell it, for example.Quote:
Originally Posted by az3579
Actually, the scenario you've described is realistic only for average users. I have a 5Gb plan and I almost always use it up completely. That includes being on wifi at home and work.Quote:
Originally Posted by az3579
My issue is that I watch a fair amount of YouTube and listen to sound cloud. Facebook and Instagram also take a toll. I'm always trying to find hot spots, it sucks.
Derek has an unlimited plan with vzw and he blows through nearly 20Gb per month, which is probably where I would be.
The reason I bring this up is because my soon to be new avin android deck will have a wifi feature so I could use my smart phone as a hot spot while I'm driving. This is a good option for using Google maps and listening to new tracks on soundcloud.
Alternatively, I just had this idea, I could potentially take over someone's unlimited plan and attach it to a USB wireless dingle from Verizon. Then I will have a hot spot for my smartphone phone and the deck.
Hmmmmm :-)
Sent from outer space...
The users on the unlimited data plan on Verizon are being watched at this point. I remember seeing something somewhere (I don't remember where) stating that Verizon will slow down the speeds of users on the unlimited plan that use more than a certain amount of data a month. That's not worth it to me; the speed is one of the reasons I love Verizon.
I have unlimited but watch my usage because of this.
That's a valid point. It's a safe assumption that Verizon is looking to squash all unlimited plans out of existence. One for network performance and two to make more money. I'm thinking of going to 10Gb plan but damn, $80 per month is a ton of money, even with a 20% discount I get through work.
Sent from outer space...
One for more money and two to make more money. FTFY*Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanister
I already pay that; thought that was normal! :dunnoQuote:
Originally Posted by Lanister
That's only data though, there's also voice. Ultimately, I'd really like to keep my bill at or under $100/mo.
Sent from outer space...
True Story!Quote:
Originally Posted by NoVAphotog
Sent from outer space...
It is my understanding that all of the data plans now include voice... Last time I was there inquiring about switching to a tiered data plan, they said that the tiered data plans include unlimited voice. My unlimited plan right now only has 450 minutes because I'm still on the old structure where voice and data were separate.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I pay for the 20 GB plan. More than enough for my 10 smart phones.
The friendliest forum on the planet!
Who offers a 20Gb plan? I can only see 12Gb as a maximum option on Verizon.
Sent from outer space...
I'm unlimited on TMobile. Used 22gb this month.
Im also unlimited using T-Mobile.Quote:
Originally Posted by Avetiso
Last month I used 40GB..LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Avetiso
Derek, don't take this the wrong way, but... do you have a life? lolQuote:
Originally Posted by derbo
We should probably get back to the car... this is after all a project thread. Sorry for derailing it! :biggrin
VerizonQuote:
Originally Posted by Lanister
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/...erizonPlan.png
Gnarly
Sent from outer space...
you going to get the 20GB plan Giya?
Well, I have the box with the name AVIN on it. I guess that's a good thing :D
Derek, I got the 8Gb plan for now. Let's hope that's enough! If not, I'll up it to 10Gb.
Finally, I was able to set some time aside to get my AVIN Avant 2 Android-based oem-form-factor deck installed. Surprisingly, it didn't end up being very challenging or too time consuming. All in all, it took me about 4 hours and I really took my time with making sure all the cables are tidy and well organized, as there isn't a whole lot of room back there. Also, I decided to order an aux/usb cable along with the deck in hopes of putting it in place of the cigarette lighter. To do that, the HVAC relocation bracket had to be modified a bit with a dremel tool to make enough room. This was probably the most worrying part as I didn't know how it would turn out but the result was absolutely worthwhile. See pics below. Overall, very pleased with the product and quality. It's just what the car was missing.
The unit cost $750, which included free shipping from Hong Kong (they will refund me any brokerage fees if they turn up), two screen protectors, and an ELM 237 ODBII Bluetooth dongle. I didn't ask for the latter two so it's a nice touch on AVIN's part.
The next step is to wire in the back-up camera. I was running out of daylight so I figured I'd save it for another day. I knew that I wouldn't want to be opening the whole thing up again just to plug in a couple of wires for the camera (which I already have) so I plugged them in and routed the rest behind the glove box and neatly tucked it away there. This will make the rest of the job much easier.
That looks wicked awesome!
Nice work Giya.
That's great ! I love the fresh look.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avetiso
Quote:
Originally Posted by ELCID86
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by fredo
Thanks guys!
I'm still playing with the thing and I can already tell that it is a very we'll thought out product. Installation was basically plug and play. Interestingly, the GPS antennae is so good that, per DIY tutorial, it didn't have to be routed anywhere. Instead, it is magnetically attached to the metal bar under the dash, right above the deck. Total stealth mode. It has to be facing up though. Putting it vertically didn't allow for google maps to find the location.
Controlling my phone via Bluetooth from the steering wheel buttons is oh so nice and I'd say its a considerable safety improvement. I don't text and drive but to even flip through songs on my phone while driving was a slight distraction.
The wifi feature is pretty sweet too. I flip on the wifi hot spot on my gs3 and the deck connects to it instantly and I'm online. Might consider a USB 3G or 4G modem if I find it necessary.
The next step I want to figure out is security. I'm very tempted to sign on with my google account and sync all my multimedia stuff, as well as install full version of torque and a few other apps. But, unlike a smart phone, I don't see any useful security features to lock the screen and preferably encrypt the data. I know I'm probably asking a lot but if the deck were to end up in the wrong hands, it's not a stretch to imagine the undesired consequences. I suppose the safe step would be to sign on and only install apps that don't hold any critical data and sign out of the google account. It would be nice to stay signed in though so that google maps is synced but that might have to wait until I find a security solution. Ideally, I'd like the same feature as my android phone, which would wipe the data contents after maximum number of unlock attempts is reached.
EDIT: 4G modem is not yet supported. Somehow I feel it won't be but there's always the wifi hotspot option.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Great job!
Giya how is the Avant-2? Can you use a iphone with this unit?