Alpine’s ‘Hovering’ 9-Inch Dash System Fits Many Vehicles

Alpine Electronics while at CES in Vegas this week launched the iLX-F309, an in-dash system that brings the 9-inch screen size to a variety of vehicles. The 2018 CES Show is taking place Jan. 9-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The iLX-F309 will be available at authorized Alpine retailers in February.

“Alpine blazed the trail with the first vehicle-specific 9-inch systems back in 2014, targeted to trucks and SUVs, but consumers have continued to request a model that will fit into a variety of vehicles,” said Mike Anderson, vice president and general manager of the aftermarket business unit for Alpine Electronics of America Inc. “The iLX-F309 represents a new step as it brings the 9-inch screen into a number of vehicles without the need for custom installation.”

The iLX-F309 is an AM/FM/audio/video receiver with a 9-inch WVGA touch screen and mech-less design (no CD/DVD slot). It uses a 1-DIN chassis for installation but the screen hovers in front of the vehicle’s dash, allowing the oversize screen to be added to a variety of vehicles without the need for custom installation. The iLX-F309’s “HALO9” nickname is descriptive for the screen’s unique hovering position and its 9-inch size.

Up until now, Alpine’s 9 and 10-inch models were vehicle-specific and required special dash bezels to not disrupt the layout or electronics of the vehicle’s dashboard. The introduction of the iLX-F309 HALO9 and its hovering screen now brings the 9-inch form factor into many more vehicles.

Installation Fitment

The 9-inch screen is attached to an adjustable mount connected to a 1-DIN chassis. Once installed, the screen and mount are fixed to the chassis for a sturdy installation. The screen hovers over or in front of the dash while its rear housing tapers off cleanly at the edges for a thin and modern silhouette.

At its default position, the screen’s sliding mount is pushed out, sitting at a 90-degree angle and the bottom of the screen is centered with the 1-DIN chassis. At this point, the screen can be angled at select positions to assist during installation, help with visibility, or move it away from other items on the dashboard. The screen can be positioned 20 millimeters (mm) back from its default position, to move it closer to the dashboard. It can be moved up or down 30mm from its default position and can be tilted up or down at a maximum of 45-degrees, depending on the position of the up/down location.

Entertainment Features

The iLX-F309 has a suite of entertainment features. Its mech-less design is suited for smartphone compatibility through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with the Google Assistant. Maps, music, messages and phone calls from the iPhone or Android phone are controlled from and displayed on the iLX-F309’s touch screen.

The iLX-F309 also has Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming, a built-in HD Radio tuner, and is SiriusXM ready.

There is a USB port for video or audio playback, an AUX input, and an HDMI input. A second HDMI input can be added via the KCX-630HD HDMI Selector (sold separately). A CD/DVD player can also be added via the DVE-5300 CD/DVD player (sold separately).

Select factory features are retained and vehicle information is displayed when used with the iDatalink Maestro module.

System Expansion

The iLX-F309 has a rear camera input and overlays guidelines onto the camera image on the 9-inch screen to aid with distance judging. Multiple cameras (for the rear and side) can be added when used through the KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Switcher (sold separately). Electrical accessories like a light bar or motorized tonneau cover can be controlled by the iLX-F309’s touch screen when connected to the KAC-001 External Accessory Controller.