Don't want to clober the sticky as this is a thread where computer people can reveal the secrets of the navi.

Using the new Dump_Navi (Look it up), I was able to browse the insides of the binaries. Keep in mind that I have a '04 TL sold in Canada and thus has bilingual menus etc.

A few secrets I've found:

Back.bmp = the background bitmap when booting up. This is well known by now and several people have sucessfully changed the bitmap already.

AVUNIT.exe = The "Audio" menu (Radio, CD, DVD etc.)

TripComputer.exe = Yes boys and girls, there's a trip computer program in there. It's not linked to any menu but the program is there! Here's another tidbit: The "Info" button, which has the calculator and calendar is also supposed to show the Trip computer. From the looks of things it's ready to go but it's deactivated. By this I mean it looks like all the .exe files have "Trip computer" on the info menu but none of them actually show it, thus it must be deactivated on purpose.

AirCon.exe = Not sure what this one is for yet. I did find something interesting though: "Rear Camera". Maybe the software already has the code, though inactive, to show video input from an Acura rear view camera (a la MDX)

PIM.exe = This is the Calendar program. The one accessed vi the info menu.

cls_init.exe = Not sure yet. Seems to be a shared program that loads graphics

device.exe =Not sure yet. Seems to be a system program that accesses devices like the DVD disc and card reader.

Filesys.exe = To access the filesystem just like a pocket PC (folders, files etc.)Interesting, I see stuff that accesses the windows registry. Just like a plain jane Windows CE program.

Diag.exe = This is the diagnostic mode

gwes.exe = Not sure yet. Seems to be the GUI interface.

HMIManager.exe = Not sure yet. Seems to have something to do with the phone.

JitDbgr.exe = Not sure yet. Seems to be some type of system program

Navi.exe = You guessed it, this is the navigation system

nk.exe = Navigation Kernel. This is the base program that runs all the navigation stuff

Opening.exe = This is the startup program. It runs some diagnostics, acquires the GPS satelite signals etc.

Shell.exe = This is the shell program. This handles all the buttons, inputs, popup texts etc.

Other interesting files:

*.PCM = Audio files

1khz.pcm , Beep.pcm , mute.pcm , pipi_pon.pcm, vc_pon.pcm, TSW_Beep.pcm

Interestingly enough, mute.pcm is nothing but nulls.

*.DLL = Direct Link Libraries , just like any other Windows application

*.SYN = Synthisizer files. i.e.: The "silicon sally" voice library which is used for voice control and voice navigation. No, these are not sound files. These seem to be a set of commands for the voice chip. You won't be able to change the voice to your girlfriend's voice but if you can figure out the file, you could make the voice say something else. So instead of having the voice say "Do a u-turn when possible", you could have her say something like "turn around dumbass!" etc.

I'll be working on figuring out how to doa few more things, most notably trying to get the trip computer app to work via the menu, and another project I have in mind, but first things first. First I'll be changing the bitmap but i'll also be changing the sounds. I'll post more info as I progress.

 

Beep.pcm is 8Khz, 8-bit PCM, unsigned mono raw file.

If you use soundforge, you can import that sound using those settings. When you test it you'll reconnize the familiar beep you get whenyou press your voice command button.

I've now replaced it with a star-trek sound. I'll burn a CD and see if it works in my TL.

I'm having a hard time with some of the other sound files though.

 

About tripcomputer.exe, I remembered someone ever "convert" his Acura screen into Honda screen after the reboot, where showed the Honda version's welcome message and trip computer. I guess Acura forms its Navi DVD by Honda's, and set default to what we have seen here, but this DVD still contains most of stuff Honda version would have... ??


Good job to find out more details about this DVD stuff.

 

This is the screen for the climate control on the Honda Accords.
When I had my Accord Coupe, the navi has a screen where you can adjust the climate control.

 

Just guessing here, JitDbgr.exe = Just-In-Time Debugger.

 

Many people say the navigation is the same on all the Hondas. Not entirely true. They're very similar so changing things like the background image and the sounds is easy enough. But when it comes to the applications (Navi, trip computer, audio, climate control etc.) the actual compiled applications (.exe) are slightly different.

The TSX's Navi.exe is much different than the TL's. For starters, the file sizes are different and then when running a compare there are lots of differences.

 

That was me Rets, when the Navi system went kafloowee.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112576

For that brief time, I had the trip computer on the menu with the Calculator and Voice Help. Unfortunately, the dealer had to reload the Acura version of the Nav system as I had frequent mis-positioning of where I was including directions that took me in circles, my on-screen audio controls were missing subwoofer-center-bass-treble, AND the clock on the top of the dash would not adjust for daylight savings. Now, if I could just reactivate tripcomputer.exe without messing anything else up, I'll be a very happy camper. If there's someone in the NY area who could do this, I'll gladly make it worth their while.The Accord version of the trip computer was something I got HIGHLY used to and now miss greatly....ESPECALLY THE INSTANTANEOUS MPG GUAGE!!!




.
.
.

 

Zeuser,
Is there any way we can use this information to be able to break out of the navigation kernal, and run regular windows CE on the navigation system?? As stated, it appears to run Win CE, it just boots straight into the Navigation program instantly. The stuff we could do with the system would be endless if we could get it to into some sort of operating system....

 

Very cool... I never experienced Honda Navi or Trip Computer in the past. Since TL has no such feature, this "option" seems very cool.




Btw, it's you. Thanks.

 

i want that so badly now.....SO BADLY!!!!

 

I'm tagging this thread for later

 

how did you do that?

 

Trip history would be sweet

 

I tried to add the MDX trip computer using bysins posted information. Unfortunatley I could not add the (HONDA) TripComputer.exe back into my Bin file because of the size difference. 187 vs 183 kb. So I added the MDX file which was the same size. I was under the impression the MDX had a Navi trip computer.

The other alternative is to use the HONDA setup like in other posts BN2HH120.BIN for BN2HH12c.bin , however i guess since mine uses BNHH401A.BIN (2005tl ) i dont know how i could adapt this. substitute the honda file for the 401a or 12c.bin?

I also changed my back.bmp screen and it worked, only in my 401a.bin as the directions say to, holding down the menu button in diagnostic/version area.

if we work together we can lick this. I want that screen

 

i would LOVE to have some sort of PHONE navi based thing with a key pad..i don't care how shitty it might look i just wanna be able to type in numbers and press send cause that would be BEYOND gorgeous

 

I've been using the Calendar app as a notepad, myself. When someone gives me a phone number, or something I need to write down, I just pick the current day in the calendar and type it in. Problem is I can only type 2 lines per day ;( Would be nicer if there was a "notepad" app as well. Somebody will figure this out. I'm a programmer, but am afraid of messing up my navi and having to bring it to the dealer. I would've already started messing with it if I didn't hear of others having problems in this thread.

 

Excellent work so far, and an excellent post

I guess this begs the question though, why didn't Acura include this to begin with?? I mean the software already contains these components!?

Why would additional software be offered to lower end Honda vehicles, and blatantly omitted from an Acura????

Makes no sense WHATSOEVER!!

 

im sure with market research a majority liked the feature on the dash which makes sense. Another small LCD in that area with a little more info would make sense. im sure you will see that in future models.
I did some market research once for another car company they had about 10 cars with different intereriors they ask for feedback and also observe how u use the stuff.

 

RL has the instant MGP meter now. (As for the trip computer, I dunno...)

Hopefully Acura would realize some demands here and there and come out the new model with more appropriate features in the future.

 

Fyi... My wife's TSX has Navi also, and SHE gets the trip computer! So, tripcomputer.exe is for _some_ Acuras, as well as Hondas.

 

That would make sense, since nulls produce silence (mute).

This is some terrific info, Zeuser. As a sound designer, I think I'm going to start hitting some of those PCM files.

 

He said that tongue in cheek, you know.

 

D'oh! I got ZOOMED!

 

transplanting TripComputer.exe and re making the bin doesnt seem to work.
Likely there is a config file somewhere that enables things. I looked at a neighbors 2005 accord hybrid w navi ( what a ripoff) it has the TripComputer. I realized that this program likely was designed for the hybrid.

 

i tried that last night, renamed BNHH401A.BIN to BN2HH120.BIN and renamed BN2HH120.BIN to BNHH401A.BIN, it loaded with no problem, but did not add the trip computer, must be another file

if anyone knows which file it is let me know and i'll try it out

 

Highly doubtful. The program was designed for our Navi system, but is probably something that the mfg charges Honda/Acura for. In an effort to save money once again Acura take the low road. Why in the world would you offer more features in a lower level accord?? Last time I checked the Camry didn't offer features that weren't available on the ES330!??

Oh yeah thats because Toyota understands product positioning! Honda has no CLUE!! How is the integrated key fob working out for Acura....oh wait that is only available on the Accord!!! How is that MP3 player working in the TL.....OH WAIT that feature is not available (only the TSX gets that option)!!

Honda/Acura = ZERO product consistency!!!

Wait I just remembered....Acura did offer one feature that is not available on the Accord.....a freaking TAPE DECK!!! Lucky US!!!

 

I guess if your paranoid you can just say ACURA/HONDA did it on purpose
just to piss you off

A item like a car is going to entail alot of market reasearch. Since I have participated in one of those sessions for $ it was interesting to learn about the process. It was for Honda America, maybe it ended up refining 3g TL. At 28( at the time) late 2002. I was the youngest in the room. Why? Older adults have more $. Honda since the early 80's did well because they gave people what they wanted inside the car. Not what Detroit thought the car should have.

1) the tape player likely has a point, if it costs them 10 bucks and they sell an extra 50 cars /year for that unusual old guy who has tapes. If you didnt notice most of the 2g TL owners are older individuals. This forum is an unusual niche( a small portion of younger people who mod there cars). Acura is going to make a car for people who are going to buy them. Not a minority that gets annoyed by the site of a tape player or may RIP out the stock radio for something else. Not uncommon for a 20/30 something agegroup. (think about the flower vase in the VW bug) people actually bought it for that

2) You may like the integrated Keyfob, must be the 'grass is always greene' issue. I have heard a few friends once in a while complain about them not fitting well in a tight pocket. a minor annoyance , unless you fondle the keyfob all day long.

 

YOU'RE 100% RIGHT ON TARGET !!!!!!!

The cheaper TSX also gets turn signal side mirrors.

Toyota's UNDERSTANDING of product positioning is also putting them on the road to surpass GM as the world's largest automaker within the next few years.

 

My point is that if Acura is the high line of Honda vehicles, there should never be options offered to lower level Hondas. The problem here is that Honda is run by bean counters. They look only at the bottom line, and in turn lose sight of the potential of the Acura moniker. It doesn't help that Acura is primarily a North American brand name, and that the company is in Japan. Acura needs to better seperate the product offerings. Look at Lexus, they are a company who understands that the 'luxury' buyer expects more and wants all the options made available to them. While I do think there are a large number of positives in the TL, there are a few areas they missed out on (i.e. there are NO options aside from Navi).

In regards to the tape player, since you feel it may sell cars (which I doubt but I will humor you) why not do what BMW does by offering it as a zero dollar option in ALL models. Aer you saying that only the TL buyers want tape decks (The TSX, MDX, and RL do NOT have one). I find it offensive to even have that dated POS slot staring at me when I get in. The funny part is that people ask me if that is 'really' a tape deck in the car.

Perhaps you are in the minority group of buyers who prefers the antiquated, seperate keyfob. My fob is scrathed to sheet (from simply being in my pocket) and looks like it belongs to a car with 80,000 not 8,000 miles. The accord integrated key is VERY nice, and at the VERY least should be an option for Acura buyers. Don't you kind of see the paradigm shift there (i.e. offer an Accord buyer 20k a feature that a TL buyer CANNOT get 35k) if not perhaps you are simply not accepting reality!

---END OF THREAD HIJACK---

 

RIGHT AGAIN Nodoze2004 !!!

 

so why did they leave the tape player in.

 

I'm no sound guy but I have to warn you of something: the files you create have to be of identical length (bytes) than the original. This is a limitaton of bysin's import/export.

You should put together a small collection of .PCM files that we can download.

 

The TL's .BIN already has the tripcomputer.exe in it. The trick is to enable it. This is either done via a config file or has to be enabled in the navi.exe program.

Progress report:

Done:

- Swap the back.bmp (loader screen)... done by bysin
- Change the .PCM sounds, done by me.

Things to do:

- Remove the nav nag screen (for TL navis)
- Enable the trip computer on the TL
- Change button appearances (skins) on all screens
- Add a new app: phone dialer
- Find a way to backup personal addresses onto PCMCIA card
- Add ability to run other auto-PC apps (WinCE)

 

Possibly for books on tape or the tape adapter for an Ipod or other device that can use a cassette adapter.

 

Wow, if the presence of a tape player is the thing that gets you all worked up, then you must lead a pretty interesting life.

As tommyz points out, this forum seems to be populated by a lot of young folks. The calls on this forum for MP3 compatibility in the TL's stereo are further evidence of that. It's reasonable to assume that much of the MP3 crowd would not use a tape player to play tapes. What is not reasonable is to assume that the small percentage of TL owners who visit this forum represent the larger whole. I'd wager that assumption is wrong. (Some of us on the forum like having the tape option and have no use for MP3 capability, so there you go.)

The real question on the tape deck is--what does it hurt, aside from the pride of a few kids who seem to think that compressed audio is the greatest thing since sliced bread? Or, to paraphrase Sam Gamgee--if you have it, you don't have to use it, but if you don't have it and find you want it, you're out of luck.

 

I agree w/ 1995hoo.. I've never had anyone look at my new 05 TL Navi or 01 3.2CL Type S non-navi and say anything negative about the tape player. It came in very handy in the CL, and even now temporarily in my TL to listen to my iPOD until I get a better integration completed. The cars have too many other "wow" factors that nobody in their right mind would look at the interior and negatively say "you have a TAPE deck?" lol. Just my opinion, though. Not saying it's fact.

 

So I can play the app. 5000 tapes of live concerts & bootleg stuff in my collection (zero MP3s). My brother just bought a Prius & boy, is he pissed that it DOESN'T have a cassette deck! Let's face it, I'M the TLs target market, not some 20 year-old, who's only hope to get one is to drive dad's!

 

Hear hear. I have a Pioneer CD recorder, but mixed tapes don't fit because a CD is limited to 80 minutes and all my tapes were 90, 100, or 110 minutes.

 

I agree w/ your stance about leaving the tape player in, but there's no need to knock anyone in the 20-30 age group that also happens to enjoy their TL. I happen to be 24 years old and just purchased my second brand new acura, this time with it being the 05 TL Navi. I bust my ass and work hard at what I do, which is why I am able to afford this car, and many other luxuries that some other people in the 20-30 year age group cannot, and I am grateful for that. I do feel, however, that Acura doesn't specifically target a certain age group. I think they target a niche group of people who appreciate technologically advanced cars such as the TL, as well as luxury. People looking to buy cadillac's, lincoln's, etc. would never be happy w/ the TL, so it's not just an older generation they are targeting. They indeed target the younger generation (including the 20-30 age group) as well. Not many people over 60+ would care about all the technological features of the TL as most would never want to begin to learn how to use it. On the other hand, people in the 20-30 age group embrace it with open arms as it is these technological features that they are looking for and want in a car.

As an owner of the TL, you fall into their "market" by default, but are not necessarily their "target market". Chances are that you do fit their "target market", but nobody can state that for a fact. This is just opinion, just as is what I have just wrote.

 

I may be able to help out here as well. I have some experience reverse engineering various softwares, so I'll take a look at this stuff when I remember to actually bring my dvd in from my car