How to install a head-up display even in a heavily used car
If you think that the presence of a projection display that “broadcasts” information about the current speed and other data on the windshield is a “gadget” that exists only in premium cars, then you are greatly mistaken. Today, you can install a HUD display in absolutely any car. Yes, yes, even on LADA.
Cars that are not equipped with such a useful “chip” by the manufacturer can be equipped with it yourself. If, say, the configuration of your car does not include this option, but it is present in older versions, you can contact the technical center, where they will be happy to help. True, far from all service areas take up the installation of "dopa", and the pleasure is not cheap - about 100 rubles. However, there are better options. About them, in fact, will be discussed.
Who today does not know about Chinese markets like "Aliaexpress" and "Alibaba"? So, on them such gizmos are apparently invisible. The so-called mobile HUD-display will cost customers an average of 3000 rubles. It is a miniature gadget that is fixed on the visor of the instrument panel with Velcro and connected to the vehicle's on-board system through the diagnostic connector (in most cars it is "hidden" next to the fuse box under the dashboard). "Reading" the necessary data, he reflects them on the windshield.
Of course, unlike regular devices, which often can transmit information about road signs, speed limits and the direction of the route to the windshield, portable devices for the most part show only the current speed. However, more advanced models are trained to duplicate the indicators of the navigation system and inform about the “music” playback modes.
But besides the advantages, there are obvious disadvantages in these devices. Firstly, during the day, due to direct sunlight, the image on the windshield is practically not visible. Of course, you can choose the optimal angle when installing the gadget on the dashboard, but "in the course of the play" one way or another it will have to be changed. Secondly, Chinese products, in principle, are not famous for their build quality and the absence of operational glitches. In addition, it is not uncommon for projection displays to come from China already defective.
A much more practical alternative would be your own smartphone, because there are more than enough applications that turn your “mobile phone” into a projection display today. To do this, as you might guess, you just need to download the appropriate software from PlayMarket or AppStore, and then simply fix the device on the top of the dashboard so that pop-up information is displayed on the glass in a place convenient for the driver. By the way, you can also use a tablet, but in its case, strong glare appears on the “frontal”.
Most of the programs offered are guaranteed to broadcast the current speed indicators and navigator tips. Only for the smooth operation of the application, it is necessary that the smartphone has a high-quality Internet connection, which can cause problems when traveling long distances.
Such a HUD-display also has more critical drawbacks: for example, due to the constant “connection” of the phone to the Network, its battery runs out pretty quickly, and continuously keeping the “handset” on charge is at least inconvenient, and at the maximum it is also fraught consequences for the battery itself. In addition, being under the influence of sunlight, the smartphone heats up very quickly and will turn off sooner or later. And, I must say, the image from the touchscreen on the windshield in daylight still leaves much to be desired. But at night, as is the case with portable HUD displays, the picture is great.
