Finally installed a REAL clock in my D3!!

[Aussie Jeepster]

I've become fed up with the stupid digital time display on the radio in my D3.
All I wanted was a clock I could look quickly at, and get the time.
Looked at a number of options, and am now happy with this VDO unit.
Now, I can see the time, even with sunglasses on (The LCD display is hopeless with polarised sunnies!)

134528

[Tombie]

I've become fed up with the stupid digital time display on the radio in my D3.
All I wanted was a clock I could look quickly at, and get the time.
Looked at a number of options, and am now happy with this VDO unit.
Now, I can see the time, even with sunglasses on (The LCD display is hopeless with polarised sunnies!)

134528

Why didn’t you just look at your dash?
Or do you have an aftermarket stereo fitted?

If not, there’s a software patch to put the clock on the dash...

[Aussie Jeepster]

Why didn’t you just look at your dash?
Or do you have an aftermarket stereo fitted?

If not, there’s a software patch to put the clock on the dash...

There is no clock on the dash - its the povery pack spec cd400.
And the poxy digital readout on the radio LCD screen is impossible to read if you are wearing polarised sun glasses.

[loanrangie]

There is no clock on the dash - its the povery pack spec cd400.
And the poxy digital readout on the radio LCD screen is impossible to read if you are wearing polarised sun glasses.
I have the cd400 and clock on the dash.

[Aussie Jeepster]

I have the cd400 and clock on the dash.
All I have is the digital readout in the upper right corner of the radio display

[Tombie]

There is no clock on the dash - its the povery pack spec cd400.
And the poxy digital readout on the radio LCD screen is impossible to read if you are wearing polarised sun glasses.

Running the patch with the IID tool will put the clock onto the instrument panel..

[shack]

What about a nanocom ?

Where do you get the patch?

[Aussie Jeepster]

Running the patch with the IID tool will put the clock onto the instrument panel..

OK. I'll be honest and say I didn't look for a patch, but that is because I didn't know there was one, nor where to look!

At risk of thread drift, what other patches are out there, and how do you know where to find them???? And yes, I do have an iiDBT tool.

[PerthDisco]

There is no clock on the dash - its the povery pack spec cd400.

I have this and same dash layout. I get the clock on dash you select with the stalk button as one of the scrolling pages along with economy, distance left, info warnings etc.

I use the same handheld UHF. The range is surprisingly good car to car from the unit for road trips. My problem is keeping it charged via the 12v stretchy cable and it then flopping around the dash area. Your setup fixes that and I’d like to know more about the mount and power supply. Have you semi permanently installed it. Does it hurt the unit to be constantly plugged in to 12v (I heard that somewhere)

[Aussie Jeepster]

I have this and same dash layout. I get the clock on dash you select with the stalk button as one of the pages along with economy, distance left, info warnings etc.

I use the same handheld UHF. The range is surprisingly good car to car from the unit for road trips. My problem is keeping it charged via the 12v stretchy cable and it then flopping around the dash area. You set fixes that and I’d like to know more about the mount and power supply. Have you semi permanently installed it. Does it hurt the unit to be constantly plugged in to 12v (I heard that somewhere)

The power cord is rolled up behind the unit and plugged into the standard charging base. The radio remains charged for so long it is a one a fortnight charge that is all thats needed. I have screwed the charging base to the rubber mat that covers the plastic trim.
And I have also screwed the new clock to the same rubber mat so nothing moves around.

I'll now go play with the indicator stalk and see if I can find the clock, but what I like about a "normal" clock (with sweep hands) is that I can glance at it and see the time, not have to look to see what time it is. If you get what I mean.

[101RRS]

If I remember correctly the very early D3s didn't have the stalk controlled command message centre but I am not sure.

[LRD414]

.... what other patches are out there, and how do you know where to find them???? And yes, I do have an iiDBT tool.
Depends on model year etc. as to what's available as a patch
Have a look on the Gap website and a search on Disco3 is a good idea too.
I also think that PowerfulUK has even covered a few in its videos etc.

Scott

[shanegtr]

I used my IID tool to add the clock to the dash on my 05 D3. Without it theres a big empty bit of LCD not being used for anything.

[101RRS]

I used my IID tool to add the clock to the dash on my 05 D3. Without it theres a big empty bit of LCD not being used for anything.

Can you add internal cabin temp? I find it annoying that outside temp is displayed but you cannot get inside temp to display - and the temp selected via the climate control bears no resemblance to the actual temp in the cabin.

Also, what gear you are in displays when you are in Command Shift but is there anyway to display the gear the car is in when in drive and sport drive.

[loanrangie]

Can you add internal cabin temp? I find it annoying that outside temp is displayed but you cannot get inside temp to display - and the temp selected via the climate control bears no resemblance to the actual temp in the cabin.

Also, what gear you are in displays when you are in Command Shift but is there anyway to display the gear the car is in when in drive and sport drive.

You can Garry, mine has the temp.

[shanegtr]

I didnt know that was possible.

[LRD414]

You can Garry, mine has the temp.
I've never seen interior temp on any D3 or D4. So can you swap between interior and exterior temps or have them both displayed somehow?

Scott

[loanrangie]

I've never seen interior temp on any D3 or D4. So can you swap between interior and exterior temps or have them both displayed somehow?

Scott
No it was my mistake, its external temp.
I haven't tried toggling to see if it is possible.

[101RRS]

Certainly not possible using the command menu but was hopeful a "tool" could do it as obviously the climate control senses it somehow.

Garry

[vee8auto]

..... but what I like about a "normal" clock (with sweep hands) is that I can glance at it and see the time, not have to look to see what time it is. If you get what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean, there is a lot to be said for analogue displays for monitoring equipment state, or even just seeing the time at a glance.

I was trying to find a 3 gauge binnacle to mount on top of the dash, and a clock was looking like being one of them. But, I haven't seen a suitable binnacle/gauge-pod yet.

still looking.

[martinardo]

A/J, I'm in the same situation: looking for an analogue clock. I looked on the VDO website but couldn't find any clocks,

do you have the part number for yours ?

[loanrangie]

On the D3 dash , I have noticed a 2 digit number just above the odo that is only visible when engine not running ?

[Classic88]

Why not just wear a watch? [bigrolf]

[Tombie]

On the D3 dash , I have noticed a 2 digit number just above the odo that is only visible when engine not running ?

On the D3 isnt that the service countdown?

I may be mistaken [emoji6]

[loanrangie]

On the D3 isnt that the service countdown?

I may be mistaken [emoji6]


Makes sense, i do have a small clock icon on the screen as well.

[Aussie Jeepster]

A/J, I'm in the same situation: looking for an analogue clock. I looked on the VDO website but couldn't find any clocks,

do you have the part number for yours ?

VDO VISION 52mm 12V or 24V ANALOGUE CLOCK with POD HOLDER BRAND NEW...! | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VDO-VISION-52mm-12V-or-24V-ANALOGUE-CLOCK-with-POD-HOLDER-BRAND-NEW/222569293365'ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649)

Not cheap, but I like VDO gauges.

[Aussie Jeepster]

On the D3 isnt that the service countdown?

I may be mistaken [emoji6]

Yes, for once, I found it in the manual. It is a service reminder, and you are supposed to be able to get a date for when the service is due, but I can't get that on mine.
It is all covered in the handbook.

[VladTepes]

Given the cost of that VDO clock I think it looks very cheap/tacky.

But then I have a number of very attractive Seikos so I have higher expectations !
Anyone know of other analogue clock options?

[VladTepes]

I was trying to find a 3 gauge binnacle to mount on top of the dash, and a clock was looking like being one of them. But, I haven't seen a suitable binnacle/gauge-pod yet.
still looking.

If you are creative with fibreglass here's a novel approach -
PPE Gauges - Triple-Gauge A - Pillar Pod - 8-Lug Magazine (http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/interior-electrical/0810-8l-ppe-a-pillar-pod-gauges-install/)

[vee8auto]

If you are creative with fibreglass here's a novel approach -


I was specifically thinking of a housing that sits in the centre of the dash.

I usually drive our cars into the ground so it doesnt matter if I drill holes in the dash, providing I keep clear of the airbags of course.

[goofyr]

Here’s my cheap approach to getting a more useful clock and improved navigation for my 2006 D3 :)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/01/843.jpg