Fix-it stories
Odd projects around the house
正文
I recently upgraded the audio system in our family minivan by adding a 6-disc CD changer. The additional entertainment will soon come in handy as we get ready for the annual ski trip to the mountains in New Hampshire. I took the plunge and ordered the CD player when I discovered that an online store was selling OME units at half the original price.
Background:
I wanted to have a CD player in the van when I went vehicle-shopping a few years ago, but models with factory installed CD players also came with 10 other options that we didn't really need, not to mention the big price tag. Truthfully, I was briefly tempted, and the temptation was quickly diminished as soon as I made eye contact with my interior finance minister (a.k.a. wife). The idea of asking the dealer for a custom installation also dissipated as quickly as it appeared — I couldn't believe the price they were charging. We would have been better off buying a model with more luxurious configurations. As a result, we drove off in our new vehicle that came with the standard AM/FM radio and cassette.
Installation:
The actual installation was so uneventful that it took less than an hour including coffee and picture-taking time.
The Process: I unpacked and made sure that the package included all the parts described on the installation sheet. The content included the CD unit and installation hardware (see image 1). A front view of the unit (image 2)
After I disconnected the negative cable from the battery, following the enclosed instructions, I inserted a putty knife between the storage bin and the center panel on the left side (see image 3), then pried outward until a clip holding the panel made a popping sound and released.
While the instructions recommended using a small screw driver, I thought a putty knife would spread the force to a larger contact area to minimize risk of pry marks. I covered the edge of the putty knife with some electrical tape to protect the panel.
Repeating the same procedure on the right side, more clips released and the panel came off (image 4: wiring connectors). With the panel loose, I unplugged a few wiring connectors in the back of the panel. Those wiring control things like emergency lights, the defrost switch, etc. With the radio assembly in plain view, I unscrewed 4 holding bolts (image 5: holding bolt), unplugged a connector and the antenna lead, and took out the radio. (image 6)
I brought the radio into the comfort of home and rewarded myself with a cup of hot coffee. Next, I removed the radio brackets — (one on each side) held by two washer-screws, separated the radio and the storage bin (image 7), assembled the CD and the radio together with the brackets, and plugged the CD into the back of the radio (image 9). I reinstalled the radio using the 4 bolts just removed, plugged in the wiring connector and antenna lead (from vehicle), reconnected the wiring connectors to the panel, and finally reconnected the negative cable to the battery.
That was it! Knowing that removing the panel was the toughest part, I bench-tested the job by inserting a CD with the panel still loose. It was music to my ears when the first sound track started playing (image 10). The album happened to be " The Joshua Tree" by U2, one that I hadn't listened to in a while. I am ready for the ski trip — only if I can decide which 6 albums to bring along for the ride.
Random thoughts...
Example of a well-designed web site: Why did I purchase the CD from this particular e-merchant? Well, I first saw a link to their web site when visiting an online discussion forum that was dedicated to the minivan which I was interested in purchasing. One click to the site, and I was immediately hooked. It is one of the best-designed sites among its peers. Remarkably clutter-free and items are logically organized, which made finding what I was looking for refreshingly easy. It helped that the items on this site were competitively priced and online users give rave reviews on their purchasing experiences. As if that's not enough, installation instructions were listed beside each item. This is probably the killer app — not only do they sell products; they educate do-it-yourself customers to make the best of it with their purchases.
Factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions
Need: The consumer must want what you are trying to market. Better yet, he/she has wanted it for some time.
Strong offer (such as a ½ price reduction). Offers help overcome buyer inertia.
Concise message and easily accessible how-to guides for complex products (as the web site exemplifies).
Background:
I wanted to have a CD player in the van when I went vehicle-shopping a few years ago, but models with factory installed CD players also came with 10 other options that we didn't really need, not to mention the big price tag. Truthfully, I was briefly tempted, and the temptation was quickly diminished as soon as I made eye contact with my interior finance minister (a.k.a. wife). The idea of asking the dealer for a custom installation also dissipated as quickly as it appeared — I couldn't believe the price they were charging. We would have been better off buying a model with more luxurious configurations. As a result, we drove off in our new vehicle that came with the standard AM/FM radio and cassette.
Installation:
The actual installation was so uneventful that it took less than an hour including coffee and picture-taking time.
The Process: I unpacked and made sure that the package included all the parts described on the installation sheet. The content included the CD unit and installation hardware (see image 1). A front view of the unit (image 2)
After I disconnected the negative cable from the battery, following the enclosed instructions, I inserted a putty knife between the storage bin and the center panel on the left side (see image 3), then pried outward until a clip holding the panel made a popping sound and released.
While the instructions recommended using a small screw driver, I thought a putty knife would spread the force to a larger contact area to minimize risk of pry marks. I covered the edge of the putty knife with some electrical tape to protect the panel.
Repeating the same procedure on the right side, more clips released and the panel came off (image 4: wiring connectors). With the panel loose, I unplugged a few wiring connectors in the back of the panel. Those wiring control things like emergency lights, the defrost switch, etc. With the radio assembly in plain view, I unscrewed 4 holding bolts (image 5: holding bolt), unplugged a connector and the antenna lead, and took out the radio. (image 6)
I brought the radio into the comfort of home and rewarded myself with a cup of hot coffee. Next, I removed the radio brackets — (one on each side) held by two washer-screws, separated the radio and the storage bin (image 7), assembled the CD and the radio together with the brackets, and plugged the CD into the back of the radio (image 9). I reinstalled the radio using the 4 bolts just removed, plugged in the wiring connector and antenna lead (from vehicle), reconnected the wiring connectors to the panel, and finally reconnected the negative cable to the battery.
That was it! Knowing that removing the panel was the toughest part, I bench-tested the job by inserting a CD with the panel still loose. It was music to my ears when the first sound track started playing (image 10). The album happened to be " The Joshua Tree" by U2, one that I hadn't listened to in a while. I am ready for the ski trip — only if I can decide which 6 albums to bring along for the ride.
Random thoughts...
Example of a well-designed web site: Why did I purchase the CD from this particular e-merchant? Well, I first saw a link to their web site when visiting an online discussion forum that was dedicated to the minivan which I was interested in purchasing. One click to the site, and I was immediately hooked. It is one of the best-designed sites among its peers. Remarkably clutter-free and items are logically organized, which made finding what I was looking for refreshingly easy. It helped that the items on this site were competitively priced and online users give rave reviews on their purchasing experiences. As if that's not enough, installation instructions were listed beside each item. This is probably the killer app — not only do they sell products; they educate do-it-yourself customers to make the best of it with their purchases.
Factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions
Need: The consumer must want what you are trying to market. Better yet, he/she has wanted it for some time.
Strong offer (such as a ½ price reduction). Offers help overcome buyer inertia.
Concise message and easily accessible how-to guides for complex products (as the web site exemplifies).
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