'98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Topic: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification (Read 1714 times) previous topic - next topic

'98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

January 13, 2017, 12:46:24 pm

Hello!
I'm thinking about modifying the dash so it can accomodate one of those modern double-din touchscreen radios. Now I heard that trying to cut the dash will break the backlighting. Does anyone have any experiences with that?

Thanks, Matt

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #1 – January 13, 2017, 01:00:34 pm

yes, do not cut panels !

can you get a single din that has a double din display that comes out of the face to the unit and retracts back? I had a Sony like that in my previous coach...

Try shopping http://crutchfield.com to see what is out there or give them a call

some have reported cutting panels without tuning - but more have been ruined by cutting....

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #2 – January 13, 2017, 01:26:55 pm

Matt,

Like Tim says, don't cut the dash. Ebay and Amazon for "single din android radio bluetooth gps."
Amazon.com: single din bluetooth android radio
single din radio gps bluetooth | eBay
Read the reviews on Amazon for these radios. I recommend buying one with an Android operating system. Some extend out and then go all vertical and some go 50/50. Good photos for all.

Good to make a list with columns listing everything you want in a radio. Check off each radio that you consider. Reviews are good but only if there are quite a few as dealers may submit fake reviews. After a while, you learn to read between the lines. If buying a radio with an Android operating system, try and get the latest operating system so you don't get an obsolete radio.

Pierce

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Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #3 – January 13, 2017, 02:30:43 pm

I am using a Kenwood 526 KVT...I believe to be obsolete now. Have found another Kenwood.

John
Kenwood KVT-7012BT DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #4 – January 13, 2017, 03:08:43 pm

Quote from: Matt_frbrd – January 13, 2017, 12:46:24 pm

Now I heard that trying to cut the dash will break the backlighting. Does anyone have any experiences with that?

Matt,

I have no experiences, yet; there is some anecdotal evidence that it can be done to a limited extent. I have done some research on the topic but not enough to give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

The main problem is cutting some of the wiring traces in the process. I *think* that cut traces might be repaired with some jumper wiring, but not sure. The hardest part is determining exactly where the traces are. It appears that they are around the exterior edges, giving the double row of lit lines. Some (if not all) of the dash labels are also backlit.

Places like the monitor opening are not a problem, but I have not figured how to tell FOR SURE how far I can go in each direction. I am still researching but it is on the back burner for now. If anyone has an excess panel, I would be happy to pay to get it and do some actual experiments on it.

Will report when I have more information,

Trent

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #5 – January 13, 2017, 03:17:10 pm

Example of dash cut:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5mopEEphrs

Might be worth watching the video to see if he mentions problems with backlighting. If you are feeling extra sleuthy, you may even be able to figure out who that is and ask directly.

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #6 – January 13, 2017, 03:59:47 pm

Not sure 1995 is electroluminescent panel...so he might not have anything to damage by cutting panel.
Mine is obviously a sandwich of materials

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #7 – January 13, 2017, 05:33:27 pm

Hm okay, thank you all for the warnings! I took a closer look at it and well, probably I'll return ship the 2-din radio...
However I'd be highly interested in how the backlight works from an engineering kind of perspective. To me it looks like some kind of a transparent, plastic plate that has been glued to sheet metal. The top of the light guiding plate seems to have been ink-jet painted. Only where there's no paint, the light shines through. Now, if it really was a construction like that, cutting the dash should not be a problem as long as the plate does not break...

Thanks, Matt

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #8 – January 13, 2017, 06:20:20 pm

I think the power to drive that panel is driven from 110 VAC, so be careful. I've got some scrap pieces from another application that is powered by 12 VDC, which is much safer to work around.

In my earlier research, I came across a reference to wiring around a hole that cut through the electrical connection section. Another reference talked of sealing the cut edge of a cutout, but did not describe with what to seal it.

If I am right, it is similar to cutting a circuit board. If you cut a trace, especially all the way through, you will have to provide a path for those electrons to keep them happy. If you do not interrupt the electron path, you are okay; no harm, no foul.

More (maybe much) later,

Trent

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #9 – January 13, 2017, 06:44:29 pm

This talks about it a little: (go down to the "Switch Panel" paragraph)
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #10 – January 14, 2017, 01:08:57 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – January 13, 2017, 03:59:47 pm

Not sure 1995 is electroluminescent panel...so he might not have anything to damage by cutting panel.
Mine is obviously a sandwich of materials

As the Happy owner of a 95' and having spent a great deal of time playing with/in (the idea..) of updating my dash,
I'd suggest that you stay away from modifying anything in the dash.

Other than replacing whatever item that will go bad (air valves, tach, electrical relays, air horn relay etc,) leave the area alone.
With the voltage going thru that rats nest of wiring, it takes very little to short out (re: burn up) the area if not burning the entire coach to the ground.

If you need an improved CRT (I'll suggest) locating your new monitor in a mobile configuration so you can move it when
needed, rather than having to live with it in a single fixed location.. pc

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #11 – January 15, 2017, 07:06:36 am

Mine isn't

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #12 – January 15, 2017, 08:59:12 am

Quote from: Dave Head – January 15, 2017, 07:06:36 am

Mine isn't

Dave,

Would you please clarify your statement?

Thank you,

Trent

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #13 – January 15, 2017, 10:08:38 am

Dave does not have the luminescent dash.

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #14 – January 15, 2017, 12:44:39 pm

Quote from: TulsaTrent – January 13, 2017, 06:20:20 pm

I think the power to drive that panel is driven from 110 VAC, so be careful. I've got some scrap pieces from another application that is powered by 12 VDC, which is much safer to work around.

Actually, I believe it's in the neighborhood of 80 volts AC. It is converted from 12 volts at the dash.

Chris

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #15 – January 15, 2017, 01:06:33 pm

It is powered from the dash inverter, input 12vdc output 100vac,and it will knock you on your butt.

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #16 – January 15, 2017, 01:31:40 pm

My 1995 has the old fashioned bunch of bulbs in holders at the back. When I moved my backup monitor I just stuck it over the old screen with 3M tape. Does not look too bad. Took all of 5 min.

Keith

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #17 – January 15, 2017, 01:44:00 pm

Your prayers have been answered!

For Sale Pioneer AVH-X6500DVD

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #18 – January 16, 2017, 11:24:36 am

Quote from: Bill Willett – January 15, 2017, 01:06:33 pm

It is powered from the dash inverter, input 12vdc output 100vac,and it will knock you on your butt.

Yes it will, been there, done that!...LOL

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #19 – February 07, 2017, 12:49:26 pm

well, I followed your advise and stayed away from cutting anything, returned the two-din radio. I don't really like the devices that have the screen pop out, they all appear flimsy to me and I also don't like to something that looks obviously not original.
My plans are now to install a very basic, mech-less 1 din radio and build a touchscreen-Android PC combination myself that'll be mounted over the hole in the dash. Well, the PC will be behind the dash, the touchscreen shall be on the dash in its own custom frame that'll hopefully seemlessly integrate it.
I'll post updates once I am making progress!

Thanks all for your input!

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #20 – February 07, 2017, 01:25:14 pm

Here is a link to a thread that I posted my in dash VMSPC project in sometime ago, you may find some useful bit of information there. The aluminum tray that is left once you remove the CRT monitor makes a nice place to mount a small form factor device for running the VMSPC software.
VMSpc on your iPad or iPhone or Android Tablet
Don

Quote from: Matt_frbrd – February 07, 2017, 12:49:26 pm

well, I followed your advise and stayed away from cutting anything, returned the two-din radio. I don't really like the devices that have the screen pop out, they all appear flimsy to me and I also don't like to something that looks obviously not original.
My plans are now to install a very basic, mech-less 1 din radio and build a touchscreen-Android PC combination myself that'll be mounted over the hole in the dash. Well, the PC will be behind the dash, the touchscreen shall be on the dash in its own custom frame that'll hopefully seemlessly integrate it.
I'll post updates once I am making progress!

Thanks all for your input!

Re: '98 Unicoach Dashpanel modification

Reply #21 – February 07, 2017, 01:27:19 pm

Quote from: Matt_frbrd – February 07, 2017, 12:49:26 pm

well, I followed your advise and stayed away from cutting anything, returned the two-din radio. I don't really like the devices that have the screen pop out, they all appear flimsy to me and I also don't like to something that looks obviously not original.
My plans are now to install a very basic, mech-less 1 din radio and build a touchscreen-Android PC combination myself that'll be mounted over the hole in the dash. Well, the PC will be behind the dash, the touchscreen shall be on the dash in its own custom frame that'll hopefully seemlessly integrate it.
I'll post updates once I am making progress!

Thanks all for your input!

Cool!
I like the OEM look too, that's why I have that Pioneer for sale. Be sure to post up pix when you complete the upgrade.

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