Alan

Wow Terry that thing is huge - whoa! oh OK I zoomed out...!

So another seatback Amp! - I have 2 of those (well a little different - but same idea..)

Alan

Alan

Eh... !#^*&!!? what's the story? in the business?

Alan

dprantl

Are you sure about it not being android native? Is there such a thing as a non-native android device? I was under the impression that most apps compatible with Android 1.6 will work. But that is exactly the problem; 1.6 is so old that most newer apps require at least Android 2.1 or higher. There are some useful apps that still work on it if it is rooted, such as Navigon for offline navigation.
Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

Alan

"If its rooted" is a pretty big deal for most folks. It doesn't have the typical UI mechanisms of most 1.6 android (phone like) devices so I think there will be some issues even there...

So maybe the news is better than I noted... but agree - there isn't much 1.6 development ongoing.

I think apps developed specifically for it will be best (e.g. good sized/readable text, easy Ui navigation, voice input etc) , and they probably won't suffer too much from the OS limitations - we just need many more of them.

I still like it - its a good general concept...

Alan

jpitman2

That phrase 'if it is rooted' almost threw me when I first saw it! Down here in oz, a thing is 'rooted' when its, shall we say, catastrophically past its use by date.....as in run over by a truck. A sort of euphemism for f'd , if you take my drift.
hope that doesnt offend anybody...
We call some guys wombats - an animal that eats, roots, and leaves..or should that be "eats roots and leaves".
jp 83 Euro S AT 55k.

Alan

Yes - you can get into a lot of trouble between countries that "share" a "common" language.

e.g. In England nobody called Randolph introduces himself with "Hi I'm Randy" it doesn't usually go so well - although it often amuses others.

In this case its purely a Linux thing - getting access with root (master access) privileges so you have full platform control. It also makes it rather easy to break things if you don't know what you are doing and don't have access to a good original device recovery mechanism.

Alan

Alan

Just a note that Parrot has released a new version of the Asteroid Classic platform software (beta mode for now).

Some nice modifications. The resume after stop goes right back to previous programming - there is still a short delay but it works much better. Some other UI improvements, stability is better so far.

Most importantly it adds Asteroid Market - Parrot's own Asteroid compatible (Android) app store. A few new apps have arrived already with versions suitable for each major new Asteroid platrform. The Classic has not been left out - and while it can't run all available Asteroid apps due to features - it at least has its own section. I think this is very good news for this platform.

Overall I continue to be very happy with it.

Alan

dprantl

I just recently installed a Parrot Asteroid even though it's still at Android 1.5 (even with the new beta version). I was mistaken that you required to root the device in order to install other apps such as Navigon. Navigon for offline navigation without a 3G connection is working on it very nicely.

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

davek9

I realized it was time to upgrade my old Kenwood HU after installing Han's door and "B" pillar Sub woofers. I ran my old HU (vintage '97) using the pre-amp outputs to a Rockford Fosgate Punch installed in the original amp location, and the HU would just cut out when pushed.

Looked at the Pioneer DEH-80PRS and the Kenwood KDC-x997 (w/4 volt outputs) and HD.
The HD and in my opinion the more readable display tipped the scale, ordered the Kenwood, should arrive in two days.
Great post, thanks for the suggestions!

Dave

eijun

Any recommendations on any Non-Japanese headunits?

Both Single-Din and Double-Din stuff?

I myself for Double-Din units had only been looking at the Blaupunkt New York 830 & Philadephia 835 as an potential upgrade. That and a DIY windows system.

tlebovic

Based on Hans' recommendation I purchased and installed a Pioneer DEH-80PRS. I've lived with it for a while so here goes...

Starting point:
I had a Nakamichi CD-45 running a small 4x100w/ch Soundstream amp that fit in the stock location.
Original 10 speaker system replaced with Polk Audio speaker components purchased from Crutchfield. Not audiophile but still an upgrade on the original setup (some Blau cassette head that ate a tape and 6ch amp). I was able to get the 6.5 speakers to fit inside the stock grills and the 4" in the door were shallow enough to not bother the window.

The major downside was an alternator whine I couldn't get rid of. Found out later the problem was in the AUX input and you can buy supressors for that. Who knew?

Initial impressions:
The new head unit has a much better sound quality and separation.
Things that were muddy and/or bleeding into the other channels were now clear and distinct.
No other changes besides the head unit were done and everything sounded way better.
Much stronger bass.
Things improved further when I started playing the the custom equalizer settings. I haven't tried adjusting auto-time alignment and auto-eq with the mic placed at ear level. It just seemed like overkill. I could be wrong.

The ability to set the input level of the AUX inputs is key. I was never able to get "full volume" from the Sirius portable receiver into the Nak. It was just never loud enough. The Pioneer allows you to raise the signal level so you can get the volume you need.

Complaints:
I may be old school but I would prefer to have dedicated buttons to switch between inputs instead of the "menu-scroll-push" method here.

The main problem is (for me anyways) that you can't see the display in daylight, especially if you have the sunroof open and sunglasses on. You also have to take your eyes off the road for way too long to change sources.
I tried different colors and brightness levels but it just doesn't work for me during daylight hours. YMMV.

My last gripe is about the handsfree microphone for cell phone. People on the other end tell me this is one of the worst sounding BT mics. I've tried different mounting positions (currently above the rear view mirror on the headliner) without much change. It looks like the Parrott head has a stereo mic- anyone know where to get one?

All in all this is a great head unit for a 928. It fits in well with the interior - would love to have a a/c **** custom fitted but that's for next winter. The BT is a nice piece of modern tech and makes the car that much better. Add in the other USB and SD source options and we're ready for 2013!


Thanks Hans!

Tom
89 S4 Auto Black/Linen/Black Piping
150k miles

worf928

I cannot stand the multi-function multi-axis *****. I find them impossible to use when ... actually, all the time. Below is what I just installed in my '91. It's not the greatest HU on earth, but it is quite speedy navigating 30GB of tracks on my iPhone and produces quite acceptable tunes when driving old-school MBQuarts with almost 1000 watts of external amplifiers.

ThetaTau87

I'm glad I stumbled onto this thread. I was literally just a few minutes away from ordering a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X996, but after reading Hans' recommendation I took a 2nd look at the Pioneer DEH 80PRS. After watching all the videos on the Pioneer website I was sold, but $350 was out of my budget. A quick Google search showed Amazon Prime had it for $255 shipped. WIN!

I'll have it at my door tomorrow ready to install just in time for a road trip this weekend.

CayenneS2008

I was going to buy a new head unit for my Cayenne S 2008, however it has a ipod connection. Thinking I could hook up my android phone to this 30 pin plug to play Pandora

I ordered a 3.5mm Audio Jack to iPhone 4S iPod Shuffle Dock 30-Pin Female adapter from e-bay

It works!!!!...sound is awesome, clear and the stock stereo rocks...the controls work on the steering wheel too

Randy V

Any thoughts on this Alpine CDE-HD148BT?

bluetooth enabled and satellite ready:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-1InrqfW...E-HD148BT.html