just saw the coolest dvd/navigation system at an alpine dealer in NYC. This system is perfect for CLK cause it fits right into cubby and has foldable screen. just press button and boom it unfolds. . . .

 

that's what i've been telling these people. but everyone in here thinks the command system is like running water. pioneer actually has a new unit coming out with updated traffic/weather every 30 secs and it will calculate the shortest route with traffic accounted for.

B

 

That Pioneer unit is already out. It's called the AVIC-9DVD. You have to purchase the CUE (which provides traffic and weather information) receiver box separate and plug it into the AVIC-9DVD. CUE is giving away 1 year free subscription (normally $60/year) to Pioneer navigation owners.

 

...and the nice thing about the pioneer NAV unit is that it also plays DVD's so it's like a two-in-a-box unit.

 

Im sure the Alpine and Pioneer navigation is nice but most people like the integration of the command system with the phone, steering wheel control, indash information display, voice control, and SOS. Those are the things that the Alpine and Pioneer system can't do. Alpine does have a Mayday system which is similiar to the SOS though.

 

KevinV,

When you say SOS, are you referring to Teleaid? How is the SOS integrated with the command unit?

Thanks...

 

Doesn't the SOS uses the GPS information from the command system to identify the location your vehicle. I could be wrong unless it has its own GPS unit.

 

Yes, it is separate. I have the Pioneer Navigation and Teleaid works just fine.

Teleaid comes standard on all 2001+ (or is it 2000?+, I can't remember) CLKs whether or not you have the Command unit.

The teleaid module uses your car’s built-in GPS antenna to calculate latitude/longitude information. When you push the teleaid button or your car activates the system (because you've been in a crash), this data along with your car’s built in cell phone number (in case you didn’t know, your car has a built in analog cell phone that runs on AT&T’s analog network) is transmitted to the Teleaid dispatch headquarters via satellite. That information is then interpreted by the Teleaid dispatch center and they figure out what street you are on. They decide if emergency crew should be dispatched and call your car’s cell phone. The teleaid unit picks up the incoming call and you are able to speak to a teleaid service representative (if you aren’t incapacitated).

Similarly, when you push the roadside assistance button (the one with the “spanner” on it), your car’s diagnostic information is sent to the Teleaid dispatch center via satellite and someone from the dispatch center calls your car and voila! you have a live person on the phone.

Here is the communications flow:
GPS information -> gets collected by the Teleaid unit inside your car -> that sends position information + car’s cell phone # + car diagnostic (if you pushed the “spanner” button) -> via a Teleaid satellite -> to Teleaid Dispatch Center -> which calls your car’s number -> via AT&T’s analog network -> and you are put in a two way call with a live person.

As you can see, the last half of the communications loop is dependent on you being within AT&T’s analog coverage area (which is most of the united sates).