Planet 9

**Chris135** · #1 03-28-2009, 10:52 AM

In my browsing today I came across this: SmartMirror - Navigation With A View - Escort Inc I was wondering if anyone has installed and used this or something like it.

I like that it doesn't clutter the dash or stick something to the windshield that will fall off at the most inopportune time. Now it remains to find a way to get sat radio in without all those extra wires.

Luongo · #2 03-28-2009, 11:03 AM

I've seen it at the Abt electronics showroom in Glenview, IL.

I think they should have built a radar detector into the unit.

**Chris135** · #3 03-28-2009, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Luongo

I think they should have built a radar detector into the unit.

I am glad they didn't as I mentioned in: Passport 9500ci - My Articles

Although it would be great to be able to get one with the detector as an option.

**KS-CS** · #4 03-28-2009, 12:10 PM

I saw that on the Escort site recently also - unfortunately, they don't show the dimensions, but I suspect it it pretty large, and would look somewhat out of place, or visually obtrusive, in a Cayman.

I would love to have one for my Ford Expedition tow vehicle though . . . but that $800 price tag is just a little too steep for me.

**Chris135** · #5 03-28-2009, 03:38 PM

I was looking for a way to mount my GPS next to the mirror anyway. I would prefer it to the left of the mirror more directly in front of me but the all in one is enticing.

I am considering making some form of custom mount using a ram mount set up. I want to conceal as much of it as possible. I was thinking of finding some place near the top of the windshield where I could attach a mount and then a ram mount ball so that I could mount a GPS / cell phone or whatever. As I said I can't see anywhere on the dash to set something up without damaging some portion of the interior or being in the way of all those nifty buttons (heated seats, PASM, etc.).

**KS-CS** · #6 03-28-2009, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by Chris135

I was looking for a way to mount my GPS next to the mirror anyway. I would prefer it to the left of the mirror more directly in front of me but the all in one is enticing.

I am considering making some form of custom mount using a ram mount set up. I want to conceal as much of it as possible. I was thinking of finding some place near the top of the windshield where I could attach a mount and then a ram mount ball so that I could mount a GPS / cell phone or whatever. As I said I can't see anywhere on the dash to set something up without damaging some portion of the interior or being in the way of all those nifty buttons (heated seats, PASM, etc.).

Have you looked at the ProClip mount for the Cayman? I use it to hold my iPhone, and I have no trouble picking up the GPS signal in that position. They have all kinds of device adapters/holders to go with it, though I used a RAM mount holder for my iPhone.

**Chris135** · #7 03-28-2009, 04:06 PM

I was actually just parusing proclip. It looks like a good option. I have been driving the cayman daily and staring at where to mount things like sat radio, GPS and the iphone. This may be the ticket into getting everything in a decent location.
Thanks for the input!

bcarr22 · #8 03-28-2009, 07:00 PM

This looks like a great low weight alternative to a double din aftermarket GPS install to me, as my quest for a leftover Cayman S Sport continues. Just for the sake of having accurate dimensions, I did the online chat thing with Escort yesterday to get them. I want a low cost GPS system, but find those units "glommed" onto the dash to be ugly and distracting, no matter how well they perform. I especially like how this cleans up the interior and has bluetooth function as well.

Escort SmartMirror - 11.5" x 3.5" x 1.5"

The mirror portion is supposed to be 6.5" x 2" and the GPS screen is supposed to be 3.5" x 3".

Since I don't own a Cayman yet, could someone measure the distance between both sun visors in the down position? My only concern is that the SmartMirror would be so wide it would require the sun visors be trimmed. I'm sure an upholstery shop could do this fairly easily. As long as the inner edges of the two visors are over 11.5" apart, there shouldn't be any problem.

Personally, as far back as MY 2000 when I bought my last Boxster, I found the OEM mirror from Caymans and Boxsters to be too small to be very useful.

Also, the Escort rep informed me they have no plans to offer a mirror with any radar detection. Apparently, this product is made by Azentech, using their GPS technology, and isn't an Escort product. Anyone else heard this? For the time being, Escort has no plans to market this unit via any other retailers. It's only available direct from Escort for $800.

BC

bcarr22 · #9 03-28-2009, 07:18 PM

Another thing..........

This contraption allows you to add a back-up camera, too!

A nice addition that somebody at Porsche should have thought about adding to PCM.

BC

**Chris135** · #10 03-28-2009, 07:19 PM

I may have found a source for them, although I do not know how many are available. I can inquire if there is interest. The guy I found was selling them for around $525 he tells me he gets em direct from azentech.

**Chris135** · #11 03-28-2009, 07:26 PM

Distance between the visors is around 9" and the stock mirror is about that size too.

Although with both visors down they do not touch the mirror as it is closer to the windshield then the visors reach. Adding another inch on each side shouldn't have a clearance problem and due to the angle I am not sure about a viewing issue. It may work out all the way around. Something I am concerned about is the caymans mirror mount is different than any I have seen so mounting may require some manipulation.

bcarr22 · #12 03-28-2009, 07:37 PM

The Escort rep said the SmartMirror has it's own windshield mount, which integrates the GPS antenna. So, I guess you'd have to remove the OEM mirror mount and replace it with the Escort's.

Sounds like the Smart Mirror may require a little trim on the sun visors. I was afraid of that. The upper left and right corners of the OEM mirror angle toward the center and the visors are able to avoid the mirror. I'd be interested in seeing if this mirror rubs the visors.

Yes, I'd be interested in saving a few coin on one of these. Let me know price and availability.

BC

**Chris135** · #13 03-30-2009, 06:13 PM

Ok, I have been talking with a guy who gets these units (SmartMirror - Navigation With A View - Escort Inc) direct from Azentech. He tells me the price will be about $550 for anyone interested here. I also understand they come in two varieties, one that clips over an existing mirror and one that attaches to a typical mirror mount replacing the old mirror completely).

Give him a call for details:
Phone # is 407-929-3289

I found this supplier on ebay here is his feedback:
eBay My World - globalmobilevideo2go

I am getting one and will try to fit it in the CS. I just thought I would share the info.

bcarr22 · #14 04-01-2009, 01:13 AM

A couple links:

Azentek - SmartMirror

Azentek - SmartMirror Displays at CeBIT 2009

Hmmmm. Product discontinued.
Azentek SM-450 Smart Mirror Rear-view mirror with integrated GPS navigation at Crutchfield.com

Chris, are the units your contact has access to the older version with 4.0" screen or the new version with the 4.3" screen?

Thanks,
BC

bcarr22 · #15 04-01-2009, 01:24 AM

Here's another link:

http://blog.sounddomain.com/gadget/2...k-smart-m.html

If I go this route, I may consider mounting the SmartMirror off center toward the passenger side. The mirror portion looks to be similar in size to the Porsche OEM mirror. I may center the mirror portion and leave the GPS portion hanging out a little bit to the right. May require triming the passenger sun visor. Still leave the OEM windshield mount intact so I can change back quickly if I don't like it.

BC

defconjos · #16 04-01-2009, 04:08 AM

The SmartMirror looks HUGE. In the pic it's wider than the steering wheel.

**Chris135** · #17 04-01-2009, 10:18 AM

Chris, are the units your contact has access to the older version with 4.0" screen or the new version with the 4.3" screen?

Thanks,
BC[/QUOTE]

They are 4" screens. I haven't seen anything about the 4.3 model. As long as it works as advertised I will be happy with it I think. If I decide not to use it in the CS it will go into the Expedition.