2011 Tahoe PPV Install

[Nozzleman71]

That ain't the first time it has been dirty. I gaurantee it !!!

[MrMitch]

First post here, I have a couple of questions.

Firstly, I have to commend you on the way you've setup and outfitted this vehicle. 50/10.

Here's my questions:

1. How's the progress going?

2. I live in Australia and I would like to purchase a tahoe, I understand that your vehicle is a PPV and it was rejected due to it not being correct or whatever for the agency. Is it just a luck thing where you can only get one if it's there? I work in my fire department, and I would need to outfit it like your without the weather equipment and such; because I'm associated with the fire department would this remove this 'grey area' you talk about? Any help would be appreciated.

[WX4EMT]

Mitch, welcome to the forum and thanks for posting! We have discussed the fact that these vehicles are not available to the general public to the point that we are beating a dead horse. However, you are not in the US so that may be a plus for you! We have also discovered that there are variances from dealer to dealer concerning the titling of these vehicles. Some will allow "credentialed" people to purchase the Tahoe while others will only sell to a department or authorized entity. My suggestion is to get your finance in place (like letter of credit or, better yet "CASH") and go see your dealer face to face. Phone calls are poor but money, especially cash on hand, TALKS! Your rules may vary.

As for progress here, I have the new Lilliput 10" touchscreen for the on-board computer but I have not begun collecting parts for the ITX computer. I am in the process of starting my own ambulance service and simply do not have the time to devote to my beloved Tahoe. I have also taken on the financial, responsibility of paying off a debt incurred by my storm chase team so my money is tight right now. This too will pass, about storm season as I see it and work will resume.

Again, thanks for your post and welcome to the thread.

[KB1YLD]

Any ideas on where to get new faceplates for a Havis console? I understand they are different from Troy/Jotto faceplates. Thanks.

[03msc]

Originally Posted by WX4EMT

...I have also taken on the financial, responsibility of paying off a debt incurred by my storm chase team so my money is tight right now.

This, alone, raises my curiosity. But, as they say, curiosity killed the cat and I rather like my life. But, on that note...best wishes with this! Sounds like you're quite busy these days.

[dominator612]

Originally Posted by WX4EMT

Mitch, welcome to the forum and thanks for posting! We have discussed the fact that these vehicles are not available to the general public to the point that we are beating a dead horse. However, you are not in the US so that may be a plus for you! We have also discovered that there are variances from dealer to dealer concerning the titling of these vehicles. Some will allow "credentialed" people to purchase the Tahoe while others will only sell to a department or authorized entity. My suggestion is to get your finance in place (like letter of credit or, better yet "CASH") and go see your dealer face to face. Phone calls are poor but money, especially cash on hand, TALKS! Your rules may vary.

As for progress here, I have the new Lilliput 10" touchscreen for the on-board computer but I have not begun collecting parts for the ITX computer. I am in the process of starting my own ambulance service and simply do not have the time to devote to my beloved Tahoe. I have also taken on the financial, responsibility of paying off a debt incurred by my storm chase team so my money is tight right now. This too will pass, about storm season as I see it and work will resume.

Again, thanks for your post and welcome to the thread.

You are saying that a Tahoe PPV is not available to the public???? Since when???? I see lots of new and old PPV on the road locally that are sold to the public here in florida. Hell, 2 local agencies here now have PPV PT Cruisers unmarked

[WX4EMT]

I really don't want to hash this out again, it has already been debated in this forum ad-NAUSEUM. If you want a surplused used SSV / PPV they are available. If you want a new SSV / PPV by all means go to the dealer and get one.

[WX4EMT]

Originally Posted by KB1YLD

Any ideas on where to get new faceplates for a Havis console? I understand they are different from Troy/Jotto faceplates. Thanks.

Havis has lots of outlets for their products just be ready to wait, for some reason they don't get in ANY hurry to ship. You will wait 4 to 6 weeks for anything not in stock at a retailer. Here are a couple of my faves:

Emergency Vehicle Lights | Police Car Equipment | Whelen | FleetSafety.com

SIRENNET.COM - Emergency Vehicle Warning Lights - Police Lights

Or go to the source: Havis | Laptop and Vehicle Mounting, K9 and Prisoner Transport

[bnoland]

Originally Posted by dominator612

You are saying that a Tahoe PPV is not available to the public???? Since when???? I see lots of new and old PPV on the road locally that are sold to the public here in florida. Hell, 2 local agencies here now have PPV PT Cruisers unmarked

New police package vehicles are not normally available directly to the public. They can be bought as used/surplus vehicles when a department gets rid of them by the general public.

[WX4EMT]

Originally Posted by bnoland

New police package vehicles are not normally available directly to the public. They can be bought as used/surplus vehicles when a department gets rid of them by the general public.

Hello Blake! Miss your Tahoe yet?

[bnoland]

Originally Posted by WX4EMT

Hello Blake! Miss your Tahoe yet?

Yea, a little bit. I do like my Jeep very well though. It is a great combo for what I am using it for. Comfortable and large enough for road trips, capable enough to go off road where I want to go and has enough room for my radio gear right now. I have some new picture to put up but the family and I have been fighting the flu all week. Just starting to feel well enough to be up and getting around some.

[AggiePhil]

Originally Posted by dominator612

You are saying that a Tahoe PPV is not available to the public???? Since when???? I see lots of new and old PPV on the road locally that are sold to the public here in florida. Hell, 2 local agencies here now have PPV PT Cruisers unmarked

I got a new PPV as an individual officer but as has been mentioned, dealership policies on this seem to vary.

[WX4EMT]

Like I said, this has been debated ad-nauseum!

[MrMitch]

Thanks for the help WX - Sorry for re-igniting the talk about the PPV.

Have fun with your Ambulance service and update whenever you can.

[KarNutt]

WX,

I've been off the forums for awhile... crazy busy and trying to get my Tahoe outfitted, but just not enough time in the day. Anyway, I finally got the MW800 installed. I'm using the Havis monitor mount that you have in your ride.

My question/issue is that thing rattles like crazy. I know... turn up the stereo volume... but that is not always an option when I need to be able to hear stuff over the 'other' radios. It's not a completely awful rattle, but it is annoying. So, in the meantime while I debate changing to a pedestal or center console type mount (which of course have their own drawbacks),.. I was wondering if you'd come up with any simple and effective method of quieting the monitor mount a bit. The issue is with the pin that holds the swing arm in the closed position (i.e. so driver can view the monitor).

I'm trying plumber's putty of all things right now, but contrary to my expectations it does not help much. I've thought about foam, but have not found any thin enough to fit in the groove while still allowing the pin to seat properly.

Any suggestions?

Also, can you fit that 10" Lilliput in your dash? I didn't think the double DIN was that wide.

Best Regards,
Dave

[KarNutt]

Originally Posted by WX4EMT

These are part of the reason I am looking at the Cradlepoint failover system.

FWIW, I've been using the 1200MBR w/external antennas for a couple of years now and love it.

Have you considered the Cradlepoint COR IBR600 series? Link here: CradlePoint COR IBR600 - Now Available with 4G LTE | CradlePoint

Why? Ruggedized, smaller, built in GPS w/NMEA, WLAN as LAN option. The downside is you're locked in to one provider, and it's expensive.

I have not seen one less than $500. Make sure you get the CORRECT one if you buy since there are separate SKU's for each cell provider and WiFi versus non-WiFi. Also, if you want dual 3G/4G unit - from what I understand - you can only go with Verizon. Otherwise you have to choose 3G only or 4G only.

Honestly, the big gain from these are the fact they are ruggedized and built to withstand rougher treatment in terms of moisture, humidity, and temperature ranges. The small size is a plus as well. But I have run a 1200MBR for 2 years now (USB modem) with no issues. The big plus of the 1200 or 1400 are the fact you can choose whoever you want for the service.

[KarNutt]

Originally Posted by WX4EMT

I was thinking more like the MBR-1400.

CradlePoint MBR1400 Mission-Critical Broadband Router | CradlePoint

If you can swing the extra $, I would suggest the 1400 over the 1200. The 1400 adds WiFi as LAN, meaning you can tap into an existing (ostensibly free) WiFi when in range, then use that as your local hotspot WLAN. For example, when you pull into a Starbucks parking lot, automagically switch to their free WiFi as your LAN, instead of using your USB stick service plugged into the Cradlepoint.

I hope that makes sense. And btw, I have to admit I have not tried this myself (since I don't own one), but that is my understanding. Unfortunately for me, I had already purchased a 1200 when I found this out!

[WX4EMT]

The IBR 600 is looking better and better. This will do everything I'm wanting and very small footprint as well. Failover / Fallback and client features as well as LAN. Gotta save my pennies, this is gonna cost me!

CradlePoint COR IBR600 - Now Available with 4G LTE | CradlePoint

This way I could just leave the system on in the parking lot and it would run all the updates from my office WiFi without having to put an extra dongle on my ITX.

"Also, can you fit that 10" Lilliput in your dash? I didn't think the double DIN was that wide."

No the Lilliput is almost the same size as my Thrive tablet and it will take it's place in the dash bracket.

"I finally got the MW800 installed. I'm using the Havis monitor mount that you have in your ride. My question/issue is that thing rattles like crazy."

Your setup should have come with foam sticky pads, they are mounted to the faceplate (the part you see when the mounting bracket is open) under the gas strut. This takes the slack out of the hinge and keeps the detent pin taught in the hole. My kit came with 4 extras because they are going to wear out and will need replacing. Plus the rubber bushings that mount behind the faceplate to prevent vibration. Havis # GSM19802

The weight of the MW800 screen has a lot to do with it and another reason I have stayed with the tablet and will migrate to a much lighter touchscreen.

[KarNutt]

Originally Posted by WX4EMT

This way I could just leave the system on in the parking lot and it would run all the updates from my office WiFi without having to put an extra dongle on my ITX.

Yep. That's why I wish I'd bought a 1400, and why (since I didn't) that I am on the fence about up-converting to the IBR series. It is awesome, I agree. I know I want one, but ooohh. 500 bucks is alot. Perhaps worthwhile in the long run.

"Also, can you fit that 10" Lilliput in your dash? I didn't think the double DIN was that wide."

No the Lilliput is almost the same size as my Thrive tablet and it will take it's place in the dash bracket.

I'm confused. I thought Lilliput's touch screens were more like replacement head units. Is the screen you're looking at more like an LCD?

"I finally got the MW800 installed. I'm using the Havis monitor mount that you have in your ride. My question/issue is that thing rattles like crazy."

Your setup should have come with foam sticky pads, they are mounted to the faceplate (the part you see when the mounting bracket is open) under the gas strut. This takes the slack out of the hinge and keeps the detent pin taught in the hole. My kit came with 4 extras because they are going to wear out and will need replacing. Plus the rubber bushings that mount behind the faceplate to prevent vibration. Havis # GSM19802

The weight of the MW800 screen has a lot to do with it and another reason I have stayed with the tablet and will migrate to a much lighter touchscreen.

It's the detent pin that rattles. In my setup, I also installed an after-market head unit, because the power output from the stock GM is crap. Between that and aftermarket speakers, it sounds so much better. Anyway, as a result I cannot get the trim bezel flush after installing the Havis mount inside the dash, plus the aftermarket radio. It sticks out and the pads are not deep enough to touch the dash and put pressure on the bezel to align it flush with the dash. Not a big deal to me, tho it would be ideal if it was flush. This problem is a function of the aftermarket head unit, which is designed to protrude out from the dash a bit.

I don't have any issues with the rubber bushings. Mine only has 2 on the bottom of the frame, placed horizontally about 3cm or so from one another. I don't think there is a place to put any up top, but please tell me if yours has more than 2 of the rubber bushings installed. I looked at the part # you provided and the install instructions, and that part seems to refer to rubber bushings that go between the bezel trim around the head unit. Since mine don't touch anything (since the gap is greater than with the OEM head unit), I'll have to consider whether or not that may be a significant contributor to my problem.

The problem could be related to the monitor weight I suppose. I really like the MW800 monitor. Yes, it is big and heavy, but it's also cheap and gets the job done quite well. I strongly prefer having an actual PC in the vehicle versus a tablet. No matter what I can do on a tablet, the PC option is much more versatile and more robust. It would also take a lot of effort for someone to steal it, versus a tablet (not that this is likely to happen... you'd have to be a complete idiot - and I mean that in the truest sense of the word - to break into my vehicle). But then again, I still refuse to park it unattended in certain neighborhoods.

I'll have to give some thought to the rubber bushings. Perhaps I can jury-rig something to put pressure at the top of the mount bracket that will keep the detent pin from moving around.

[KarNutt]

Here's the COR manual: http://www.cradlepoint.com/sites/def...nual_3.6.1.pdf

Also, a few tidbits that you may or may not have picked up on regarding the COR series (and why I want one!):
- WiFi as WAN option
- Ability to load balance between multiple sources (e.g. WiFi as WAN, cellular 3G/4G, etc.)
- Data throttling. If you have a limited data plan, you can instruct the modem to shut down or slow down after X MB of data has passed through over a period of time. It is rule based.
- Guest WLAN networks. You can setup a primary and secondary WLAN, and control how each is accessed. Terrific for someone like WX who may want to offer WiFi on a scene, but also throttle his 3G/4G modem use on the guest network
- Intelligent reset. Train your router to reset itself if your Internet connection continuously FUBARs itself.
- Historical logging data
- Secure VPN capability
- Bridge capability. You can seamlessly re-broadcast someone else's WLAN. Again, terrific for large scenes where you can help out a command vehicle for example, by re-broadcasting and amplifying a WLAN signal.
- Another variation on the bridge, you can link 2 different WLAN's together, and connect users on both networks as if they were on a shared network

These things are so cool. I could go on for several pages with all the features!