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02-10-2006, 04:02 PM | #1 | ||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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So, just when I had the brass together to put the extractors on my car, the 6-stacker premium sound head unit goes and craps itself.
Not worth fixing of course, but I kind of like the stock look, so I devise a scheme to keep the original head unit installed. This involves buying a 30GB iPod and an FM transmitter, This way, thinks I, I'lll just keep my music on the iPod and pick it up through the FM tuner. Only one problem. The head unit has crapped itself in such a manner that it keeps switching between radio and CD about every 20 seconds, all on its own. It can't actually play a CD, of course, it just switches to CD, has a look, decides it can't do anything and switches to radio again, then repeats this about 20 seconds later. I can't eject the CDs either. Its obvious I've got to get the CDs out of the head unit somehow. So I get some coat hangers, make the special tools to remove the head unit, and set to it. 20 minutes later I'm holding the facia of the head unit in my hand, but the guts are still sitting in the dashboard, stubbornly refusing to move. And now I don't have a radio either. So I go shopping. My preference at this stage is to look for a double DIN unit to fill in the whole left by the stock unit. But the problem is that the curvature of the AU Fairmont dash means that a straight-faced double DIN unit is going to look awkward. Reluctantly, I start looking at single DIN units. After a few hours of shopping, I have a box containing one of these: http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/product...model=CDA-9857 an Alpine CDA-9857 head unit. I also have a brand new shiny black 30GB iPod, a rubber case to put it in, and an Alpine cable which will connect the iPod to the back of the head unit. The grand plan is that the cable will run from the head unit to the glove box, where the iPod will live. The iPod will get its power from the head unit. This seems to solve a couple of problems, removing the need for a stacker and unsightly wires powering an iPod. All iPod song selection functions can be controlled by the head unit. It will be installed tomorrow morning. First I have to buy a Ford pouch to fill the second DIN cavity. And I hope that the Ryda contracted installer can get it sorted without losing the rear sub. And after having spent a grand or so on this little unforeseen exercise, the extractors are just going of have to wait a bit longer. |
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02-10-2006, 04:43 PM | #2 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Glenmore Park, Sydney
Posts: 648
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On that note - Does the stock head unit that came in a futura have the ability to plug this cable in ??? Currently im having to use one of these to work with my MP3 player http://cgi.ebay.com.au/IN-CAR-CASSET...QQcmdZViewItem
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:eclipsee_ MY CAR :eclipsee_
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02-10-2006, 06:37 PM | #3 | |||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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02-10-2006, 07:12 PM | #4 | ||
DJR TM#54
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: on my p.c now with internet! ok i'll still use works internet too.
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Very nice. I read that it can connet to the steering wheel control?
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When traveling to V8 Supercar rounds, i book through KYLEE MOLE Travel agents, She Goes, She Goes, She Goes & I just went. Now Zetec Powered. 1.6lt of madness. But the XR8 still remains |
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02-10-2006, 07:15 PM | #5 | |||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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FWIW the installer reckons he can connect it to the steering wheel controls without the accessory. He wants $80 to do it. I'm tossing up whether its worthwhile because the head unit comes with a remote. |
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02-10-2006, 07:49 PM | #6 | |||
DJR TM#54
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: on my p.c now with internet! ok i'll still use works internet too.
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Quote:
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When traveling to V8 Supercar rounds, i book through KYLEE MOLE Travel agents, She Goes, She Goes, She Goes & I just went. Now Zetec Powered. 1.6lt of madness. But the XR8 still remains |
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02-10-2006, 10:32 PM | #7 | |||
Burnin Rubber
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 1,824
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Get some pics done when you get it finished. Im thinking of doing the same HU and hooking up my IPOD.
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2001 AUII Forte (LPG) K&N Air Filter Tickford Air Intake ***Coming Soon: Clear Side Repeaters*** Quote:
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02-10-2006, 10:40 PM | #8 | ||
Fast Ford to the Future
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 2,493
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my girlfriend recently bought this unit at JB HiFi. I installed it in her Mirage just last week. The ipod cable came free from JB, even though this model isn't supposed to have it. I have noticed, that the quality through the ipod is actually better then the CD player, strangely enough, since CD's are digital, I am not 100% certain why this is so, unless of course quality is lost in the D/A converters from the CD drive to the internal amps. My gf already had the 60gig ipod video, so it has worked out well.
P.S, I reckon whatever it costs, get the steering wheel buttons to work. It would be terrible having buttons on steering that dont' do anything. |
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05-10-2006, 03:45 PM | #9 | ||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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OK,
I took this pic with my phone. Picture quality is crap, but then again so is the installation, so I guess they match. Note the following: - The Ford pouch used to fill the 2nd DIN slot is curved but the head unit is flat, so the pouch protrudes forward as it goes across the base of the head unit. Looks shite. Can't think of a better way to do it. - Gormless installer ground too much off the top corners of the facia surround, so you can see the steel backing plate. Not happy Jan. I've had several other issues including: - Diminished FM radio reception and - The installer couldn't wire the head unit up to the OEM Premium Sound amp and sub I have addressed these issues, and others, in the audio tech forum: Alpine Head Unit - AU Premium Sound Alpine Head Unit- FM Radio Reception Head Unit Install - The Saga Continues On the plus side, the sound is crisp and clear and the iPod integration works very well. Operations wise, my own experience is very much is line with this review at C-net, so here's the link: C=net review Alpine CDA-9857 Most of my negative issues are installer related. I have been told by a few different people now that most after-market radio receivers don't perform as well as the OEM stuff, for whatever reason. And if you are replacing a premium sound system, be prepared to dick around to get your bass back. Apart from that, it's all good. |
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05-10-2006, 04:22 PM | #10 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Dubbo, NSW
Posts: 805
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^^^ You can get a different pocket from REPCO and its made especially for the AU, has a border around the top to fill in the gaps around the HU. And the best part is its front is FLAT!!
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05-10-2006, 04:39 PM | #11 | |||
Tickford Tough
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 425
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06-10-2006, 05:35 PM | #12 | |||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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www.aerpro.com.au "Ford AU Falc/Focus 2000-2004/Ford Cougar Facia Kit Facia Kit Suits Models: - Ford Falcon AU Ser 1 - Ford Focus 2000-2004 - Ford Focus ZX3 2 dr. 2000-2002 - Ford Focus ZX5 4 dr. 2002 - Ford Cougar 1999-2002 Comprises moulded facia plate with pocket and rear mounting bracket. To suit DIN mount aftermarket radio. Packed in poly bag with full colour header card. Barcode: 086429077458 " They only come in black, so no good to me. Repco at Artarmon say they have some other models available, including one that has fold-out drink holders and another that has a fold-out CD tray. I will stop by and look at their catalogue if I can find the time. |
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07-10-2006, 12:06 AM | #13 | |||
Fast Ford to the Future
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 2,493
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08-10-2006, 08:36 AM | #14 | |||
Ripping it up
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 664
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If you have a double DIN player, its no good... Trust me, i know frem experience. same with the loom adapters, au1 only |
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05-10-2006, 06:16 PM | #15 | |||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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07-10-2006, 12:41 AM | #16 | ||
Miami Pilot
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ACT
Posts: 21,704
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Abacus - when I initially installed my single DIN JVC DVD, I had the same issue with the protruding pocket. I put up with it for a while, but even for me, where close enough is good enough, I had to do something about it.
So I pulled the H/U back out and instead of just using the metal pins on the single DIN metal bracket to hold the H/U in position, I pulled the bracket/frame about 5/10mm forward and screwed it into the side of the facia (from the inside so you can't see the screws). Now the H/U covers the pocket and it looks 1,000,000 times better. I suggest you do the same. The top of the H/U surround is now flush with the AU surround. BTW - that's a crappy trimming job they did - I would go back to the installer and insist a new surround. Your other option is to paint the Repco surround - maybe body colour; you won't match the light grey exactly, so you need to make it look like it's supposed to be custom/different. Maybe do the door handle surrounds the same colour so it "blends" into the interior.
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The Hammer: FG GTE | 376rwkw | 1/4 mile 11.793 @ 119.75mph 1.733 60' (4408lb) 1 of 60 FG MK1 335 GTEs (1 of 118 FG Mk 1 & 2 335 GTEs). Mods: Tune, HSD/ShockWorks, black GT335 19” staggered replicas with 245 & 275/35/19 Michelin Pilot sport 5s Daily: BF2 Fairmont Ghia I6 ZF, machine face GT335 19” staggered Replicas with 245s and 275s, Bilsteins & Kings FPV 335 build stats: <click here> Ford Performance Club ACT |
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08-10-2006, 12:40 AM | #17 | |||||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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Plastic chrome would be a possibility. Any idea who actually does this stuff? |
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13-10-2006, 10:36 AM | #18 | ||
Blood, sweat & tears
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD
Posts: 463
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my install looks just like yours abucus only i done it myself
the little gap in between the pocket and headunit you can't get rid of it.. unless you put a screw through the top of the pocket into the headunit lol oh and the pocket i got is grey like yours but my cars a series II so the surrounds black. looks ok though
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2001 AUII SR 5 Speed Liquid Silver Inside:Momo Gear Knob Schmick Pioneer Headunit w/ Dolphinvision : 4 Channel Kicker Amp to decent speakers; Alpine Monoblock to Pioneer Subwoofer; Tuned to perfect clarity- Outside: Pure Sexy Falcon w/18" BA XR8 Factory Option Mags Clear Side Indicators Coming soon: Pedders lowered Sports Ryders all 'round Extractors/Exhaust/Hi-Flo Cat |
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13-10-2006, 01:57 PM | #19 | |||
You can't stop the signal
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Behind a computer at work
Posts: 1,624
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Look here for how to close the gap up, i just detailed what i did. All it is, is making up a surround to go round the stereo and the pocket
Cheers
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13-10-2006, 09:16 PM | #20 | ||
DJR TM#54
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: on my p.c now with internet! ok i'll still use works internet too.
Posts: 2,248
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Shame about the gap bewteen HU & pocket.
__________________
When traveling to V8 Supercar rounds, i book through KYLEE MOLE Travel agents, She Goes, She Goes, She Goes & I just went. Now Zetec Powered. 1.6lt of madness. But the XR8 still remains |
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16-10-2006, 09:33 AM | #21 | ||
Blood, sweat & tears
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD
Posts: 463
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I disagree, grabbed an AU falcon (Aerpro) ISO connector thinking it would go straight into headunit (lol)
found out the colours matched up perfectly with the loom that came with my Pioneer Headunit. The Aerpro if you look closely had each wire marked for what it was, Left speaker neg, left speaker pos, +12v, Ignition, etc etc. Ended up chopping the ISO bits off and just soldering each colour to the same colour on the Pioneer one and made up a perfect adapter. worked perfect.
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2001 AUII SR 5 Speed Liquid Silver Inside:Momo Gear Knob Schmick Pioneer Headunit w/ Dolphinvision : 4 Channel Kicker Amp to decent speakers; Alpine Monoblock to Pioneer Subwoofer; Tuned to perfect clarity- Outside: Pure Sexy Falcon w/18" BA XR8 Factory Option Mags Clear Side Indicators Coming soon: Pedders lowered Sports Ryders all 'round Extractors/Exhaust/Hi-Flo Cat |
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16-10-2006, 02:58 PM | #22 | ||
Brembo Lover
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Perth
Posts: 325
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I have no idea why they trimmed the surround like that. It fits in there perfectly without triming if you do it properly. I also cant believe he took your money while leaving it in such a condition. That is the reason that i do all of this stuff myself.
Here is my Alpine CDA-9815 (older model) install in my Fairlane. Far better, though it does still have the HU-pocket gap which shits me to hell out: I know it is a little far away, but as you can see, no metal frame (because it doesnt need trimming) and it is a job you can do at home better than an install can! Cheers, Michael
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16-10-2006, 10:04 PM | #23 | |||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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Quote:
When you installed the Alpine head unit did you hook it up to the dash illumination so that it dims when the headlights are on? The installer did not do it in mine, and I find the lights are way too bright for night driving. Also, what did you do about your sub? |
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16-10-2006, 04:09 PM | #24 | |||
Blood, sweat & tears
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD
Posts: 463
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Quote:
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2001 AUII SR 5 Speed Liquid Silver Inside:Momo Gear Knob Schmick Pioneer Headunit w/ Dolphinvision : 4 Channel Kicker Amp to decent speakers; Alpine Monoblock to Pioneer Subwoofer; Tuned to perfect clarity- Outside: Pure Sexy Falcon w/18" BA XR8 Factory Option Mags Clear Side Indicators Coming soon: Pedders lowered Sports Ryders all 'round Extractors/Exhaust/Hi-Flo Cat |
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16-10-2006, 07:01 PM | #25 | ||
Ripping it up
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 664
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the onlyother option for s2 is the pocket from ford. $16 I THINK..
wiring harnes,just use the one that comes with the h/u, cut and solder the oem ones. cant get better. its a bit more work, but worth it, and it all fits much cleaner. if anyone has installed a fantom face xl unit in their au without chopping anything off the fascia, i salute you... i had to get the ange grinderto mine, as it sat up about 1cm too high. i think its the best head unit tho. |
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17-10-2006, 03:08 PM | #26 | |||
Blood, sweat & tears
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD
Posts: 463
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Quote:
Oh and abacus not all headunits have a dim wire out, mine didn't but the car did... with my headunit you can manually adjust the brightness in it's settings (check your manual). May be able to do it with your alpine as well. Mine used to be soooo bright and blue it was distracting i turned the brightness from 12 to 8.
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2001 AUII SR 5 Speed Liquid Silver Inside:Momo Gear Knob Schmick Pioneer Headunit w/ Dolphinvision : 4 Channel Kicker Amp to decent speakers; Alpine Monoblock to Pioneer Subwoofer; Tuned to perfect clarity- Outside: Pure Sexy Falcon w/18" BA XR8 Factory Option Mags Clear Side Indicators Coming soon: Pedders lowered Sports Ryders all 'round Extractors/Exhaust/Hi-Flo Cat |
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17-10-2006, 04:12 PM | #27 | |||
Life's a Gas
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,029
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Around Sydney, the light is OK. But when I drove through the night from Sydney to Qld last week it was annoying and distracting, bordering on dangerous. |
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17-10-2006, 06:42 PM | #28 | |||
Fast Ford to the Future
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Brisbane
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18-10-2006, 09:00 AM | #29 | |||
Blood, sweat & tears
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD
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Quote:
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2001 AUII SR 5 Speed Liquid Silver Inside:Momo Gear Knob Schmick Pioneer Headunit w/ Dolphinvision : 4 Channel Kicker Amp to decent speakers; Alpine Monoblock to Pioneer Subwoofer; Tuned to perfect clarity- Outside: Pure Sexy Falcon w/18" BA XR8 Factory Option Mags Clear Side Indicators Coming soon: Pedders lowered Sports Ryders all 'round Extractors/Exhaust/Hi-Flo Cat |
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15-11-2006, 11:39 AM | #30 | ||
Ford Focus RS & FG F6
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sydney's West
Posts: 167
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For the AUII what pocket do I get? I had a look at the aerpro ones and they look pretty good (comes in black as well), however the mention of ford ones has made me think which one should I get?
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