HU Inputs - trying to select a replacement
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Finally got the Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS installed, and I have to say it is everything I expected and more. Probably one of the best mods in a long time. The Bluetooth for streaming Pandora from my Android phone is a really nice feature. I ended up having to use a 12V-5V step down for the amp turn on (Audiophile), and added a microbypass (to allow video to play without parking brake on). Everything about the install went smoothly with all the accessories from Crutchfield. Didn't end up having to use the antenna adapter they sent though?
Anyway, heres what I ended up doing with the Bluetooth mic as far as location. Instead of running the wire up the A pillar and clipping to the sun visor or clipping to the steering column as suggested in the manual, I opted to mount it between the radio bezel and the dash try. Theres a lip on the tray with anti rattle felt running along it that you can see with the bezel off. I took a cut off wheel and carefully notched the lip so the clip for the mic would fit between the tray and radio bezel. Heres a pic of the outcome..
For the USB and AUX cables, I decided to run them through the center console. The supplied USB cable is about 4.5' long, and I bought an AUX cable that measures 4' long. They ended up being just about right as far as length. Used a step bit and drilled a 5/8 hole in console and added a rubber grommet to prevent cables from going back through.
Anyway, heres what I ended up doing with the Bluetooth mic as far as location. Instead of running the wire up the A pillar and clipping to the sun visor or clipping to the steering column as suggested in the manual, I opted to mount it between the radio bezel and the dash try. Theres a lip on the tray with anti rattle felt running along it that you can see with the bezel off. I took a cut off wheel and carefully notched the lip so the clip for the mic would fit between the tray and radio bezel. Heres a pic of the outcome..
For the USB and AUX cables, I decided to run them through the center console. The supplied USB cable is about 4.5' long, and I bought an AUX cable that measures 4' long. They ended up being just about right as far as length. Used a step bit and drilled a 5/8 hole in console and added a rubber grommet to prevent cables from going back through.
Last edited by Highhorse78; Oct 10, 2013 at 09:06 PM.
Thread Starter
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Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 2
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Have you considered an Alpine INE W927HD or even better INE Z928HD,
The 927 is a 7" screen and the 928 is an 8" screen Both have Bluetooth, Serius/XM
Pandora, Nav. Stereo AM & FM and HD on both. There are a host of other goodie you
may like as well. Of course they are High end products but allow FM tagging, well just look
at them and see if it doesn't fit what you are looking for. I have used Alpine products for
years and never been disappointed. Good Luck.
Rusty
The 927 is a 7" screen and the 928 is an 8" screen Both have Bluetooth, Serius/XM
Pandora, Nav. Stereo AM & FM and HD on both. There are a host of other goodie you
may like as well. Of course they are High end products but allow FM tagging, well just look
at them and see if it doesn't fit what you are looking for. I have used Alpine products for
years and never been disappointed. Good Luck.
Rusty
I am familiar with Alpine .... the ICS-X7HD is more comparible to the AVH-X3500BHS but costs about $300 more. Not sure if it's worth it but it has me thinking. I wouldn't mind spending alot more if it were going in a newer vehicle. I have 120,000 miles and just figure a little updating is in order if I'm going to keep it another 2-4 years.
The main things I need/want are:
--Bluetooth
--Bluetooth audio streaming
--Rear view camera (and a decent screen to view it on)
Navigation is nice but I've read where to many complain about the cost for out-of-date updates. I don't think I have much use for nav since my F150 usually knows where it's going
.Maybe I'll find a Christmas special in the next few weeks and go for an Alpine.... but I still like the features and price point of the Pioneer and it has a lot of good reviews.
I just got a new windshield, weathertechs, and some minor front end painting finished. I'm about to replace some ball joints................. then ...... the HU, camera and programmer.
Last edited by duckduke; Oct 14, 2013 at 08:22 PM.