Replacing the Radio in AUII

REEDS · 26-08-2007, 11:14 PM

Hi guys

I wish to replace the Head unit in my AUII and I wish to be able to keep my Steering Wheel controls.

Money is not a huge issue however like most I dont want to take out a bank loan just to fund it

I have read how to remove the old unit and all that is good now its just to find the new headunit.

Anyone who can help / tell me what they did I woul love to hear from you all

REEDS

FGII-XR6 · 27-08-2007, 12:15 AM

there is a device called the cat http://www.thecat.net.au/home.htm i have one in my car and i'm happy with it

5tumpy · 27-08-2007, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by au3xr6

there is a device called the cat http://www.thecat.net.au/home.htm i have one in my car and i'm happy with it

How does it work on the steering wheel?

au2sw · 27-08-2007, 05:58 AM

if you take the time to read the info on the cat device, it actually tells you how it works. basically it uses infrared to send the signal from the steering wheel controls to the aftermarket headunit. but it would need an up to date headunit that is infrared compatible...which most leading brads are these days. in other words, if your head unit is 5 yrs old, its likely that it wont be infrared compatible, but if you have last years model, it should be.
id believe there is a way you can wire the systems up to be able to use the steering wheel controls, but i think its a lot of mucking around. dont most systems these days come with remotes anyway? strap that to your steering wheel...itd still work, and youd have steering wheel controls

:

duaned · 27-08-2007, 07:59 AM

If you purchase an Alpine headunit from the current line up you dont need to go the infra-red route. The head units have a jack on the rear, and when coupled with a CAT-09 and adaptor (adaptor sold seperatley) the CAT-09 will control the head unit from the steering wheel controls directly.

REEDS · 29-08-2007, 10:59 PM

Ok I am going to dump the idea of keeping my steering wheel controls.

What do people think do I get a Double Din unit (pioneer or Kenwood) or do I purchase a single din and a Din cover to fill the hole.

Also does the wire plug in the AU have a special wire pinout or will it just unplug from factory unit and plug into my 3rd party unit or is there a converter available

REEDS

ronwest · 30-08-2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REEDS

Ok I am going to dump the idea of keeping my steering wheel controls.

Yeah, I tried to hold on to my steering wheel controls but at the end of the day I preferred the high end Sony that's not Cat09 compatible to a head unit with less features that was Cat09 compatible.
I used the remote at first but that's a pita so I got myself a 4GB ipod-type mp3 player filled it with half a dozen folders of favourite types of music and connected that up to the AUX input of the head unit. I used MP3Gain (freebie) to normalise the sound on all the mp3s. That way I don't have to keep adjusting the volume.

Quote:

Originally Posted by REEDS

What do people think do I get a Double Din unit (pioneer or Kenwood) or do I purchase a single din and a Din cover to fill the hole.

Well, whatever floats your boat. I had intended to get a double din dvd unit but that was mainly because I wanted the gps module for navigating.
I got a Navman before my last trip and I can confidently say that for me, a nav screen stuck below dash level would be too distracting.
As I don't wish to watch dvd's in the car I'll do away with the double din idea and keep my single din unit with a storage pocket underneath (get the AU pockets from Supercheap/Autobarn etc for around $20).

Quote:

Originally Posted by REEDS

Also does the wire plug in the AU have a special wire pinout or will it just unplug from factory unit and plug into my 3rd party unit or is there a converter available

Yes there is an Aerpro AU adapter loom available from the aforesaid Supercheap/Autobarn etc for around $15.

FGII-XR6 · 30-08-2007, 12:05 PM

most IR capable HUs are now compatible with the cat it's worth the effort

REEDS · 04-09-2007, 07:07 AM

Hey Modders

I got myself a Kenwood Headunit and when I go to place it in the gap of the Factory unit there is a ugly gap and no real way of attaching it. anyone know if you can get a faceplace to neated up the dash at all.

The unit is a Double Din

The other thing that ****es me is cause the dash curls down and the new unit is a flat face

Any ideas guys

REEDS

Damien · 04-09-2007, 10:28 PM

No faceplate for Double DIN as far as I am aware. You might need to fashion something out of hobby aliminium or something to cover the gap (I'm sure there was a tutorial on how to do this floating around somewhere).

As for mounting, your best bet is to use those metal sleeve things most new headunits come with, seat that in the gap in the dash and find a nice sturdy place to screw it on to. Personally I've used Araldite Super Strength glue, a couple of cable ties and I've also pulled out the tabs on the sleeve that kind of hold it in place. Seems to do the trick. Actually, do double DINs come with the metal sleeve things?

Ah yes, the dreaded curved dash, well there's not much you can do about it unfortunately, except buy a single DIN unit and the Ford or Aerpro dash pocket to go underneath it. I'm sure other Double DINners will offer some more useful advice for you!

Best of luck with it all,

Damien.