Another type of Chinese double din

[CDTi]

Some of you may be aware that I recently sold the double din that I purchased from Sean (Radioguy) because I intended to build a carputer.

A few days after I sold my headunit, I came across this (http://en.hualingan.com/html-en/product-iEQnDlfVmJcv-MG+7-Rover75+car+dvd+player.html) system by Hualingan. This has been mentioned on here before and the general feeling was that it was not worth a punt due to its single din size (at the rear), no USB mod possible (probably) and the fact that its an unknown quantity with almost no back up, unlike the excellent support that Sean gives on his stuff.

The Hualingan unit is actually a BMW unit and I discovered that there is a lot of info out there on BMW forums about it. The general feeling is that its as good as any other Chinese DD at the same price, if not better. So my terminal curiosity got the better of me and I purchased one. Price was £330 plus shipping from the UK.

I have it for a few days now and have tested it extensively on the bench and its now installed in my car. I have to say that I am extremely impressed by its quality and appearance. It is obviously very different to Sean's unit on here. Here are some of the things I've found so far:

- much nicer GUI IMHO and it can be customised
- much better radio screen with the RDS name as part of the screen - not an add on
- iPod improvements - better iPod screen, remembers the last song and iPod switches off
- different coloured button lights (red, blue and purple)
- Tomtom audio clipping is fixed!!
- excellent radio reception
- phonebook, but its very fiddly


There is also a possibility of firmware updates from Hualingan to address little problems. There has been at least one update since the unit came out and I understand there is another in the pipeline.

Complaints so far - nothing big but...

- I had to give the top mounting lugs a shave as it wouldn't fit the dash
- Hualingan haven't made a proprietary front trim for the Rover version of the headunit. They just (literally!) hacked off the mounting lugs. Its not really a problem and can't be seen when fitted.
- iPod cable is very short
- there is an annoying button-press beep that can't be turned off. If I was keeping this system, I would have to disable this.
- cannot change the boot logo (yet!!) but the stock one isn't too bad with the Rover and MG signs
.
There is analogue TV and no TMC on mine.

I have tried iGo, Primo and TT on this and they all work fine.

I have taken some pics this evening to show the system installed. Please note that I have left the protective plastic on the screen as I will probably sell this headunit on again. I have already purchased the basis of my carputer and it was never my intention to keep the Hualingan.

I hope to do a vid tomorrow to show it in action but have a look on youtube for "E46 Hualingan" and you will find lots of stuff.

Of course, the biggest concern with this system is the fact that we have no "Radioguy" supplying them. Sean may look into this, but at the moment most of these come from China and we all know the difficulties that can arise when dealing with a Chinese Seller.

As previously mentioned, I will probably sell this next in a few weeks once I have played with it. But I have to say I am very impressed with this Hualingan.

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7031.jpg


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7015.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7026.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7023.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7016.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7017.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7020.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7021.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7018.jpg


http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7019.jpg



Edit: I have added an external mic to this unit - see here (http://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=653917&postcount=175).

[vindaloo]

Is it compatible with steering wheel controls & is it easy to fit? In your opinion is it as good as Sean's unit or better?

If you're are selling in the near future I could well be interested as I am contemplating Sean's unit but could be swayed to this. Perhaps you can PM me with an idea when you may be selling & a price.

Thanks
Jim

[STUBIE]

Just a little bit of useless information but I actaully told them that this unit would fit the Rover 75 if they modified the fittings. Must ahve been 6 months ago.

Stubs

[CDTi]

Is it compatible with steering wheel controls & is it easy to fit? In your opinion is it as good as Sean's unit or better?

If you're are selling in the near future I could well be interested as I am contemplating Sean's unit but could be swayed to this. Perhaps you can PM me with an idea when you may be selling & a price.

Thanks
JimYes, its fully compatible with the steering wheel controls and was very easy to fit, once I had shaved the lugs.

So far, I would say this unit is as good as Seans but obviously it looks quite different. Some people may prefer the GUI on Seans over this, but its probably down to personal choice.

I will send a PM.

[CDTi]

Just a little bit of useless information but I actaully told them that this unit would fit the Rover 75 if they modified the fittings. Must ahve been 6 months ago.

StubsYes, they just removed the side lugs and supplied a different loom.

The guy I bought it off said the BMW unit was £100 dearer.

[Mr Edd]

I quite like the GUI on this unit compared to the Chinese one, which looks a bit like windows 3.11 to me. :getmecoat:

Edd

[CDTi]

Some pics of the adaption I made to the top mounting lugs:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/IMAG0017.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/IMAG0016.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/IMAG0015.jpg


It wasn't difficult. A tin snips made quick work of it.


I'll try and get more pics tomorrow in the daylight of the unit fitted.

[sturmovik]

What is the sound quality like (in comparison to say, a Symphony, and Sean's DD) ?
Thanks,
Kevin

[matt1301]

I like the look of that unit, however there is a 3rd unit for the E46 made by a company called 'dynavin' and it seems to be the closest to the oem bmw 16:9.

LINK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-16-9-MK4-Style-Navigation-Bluetooth-CD-DVD-iPod-/260684278638?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_GPSSystems_G PSSystems&hash=item3cb1fe6b6e#ht_8603wt_1173). However it is considerably more expensive, although does appear to have top notch GUI and finish.

I cant see why this would not work in our cars as it has the ISO plugs on the back.

[CDTi]

What is the sound quality like (in comparison to say, a Symphony, and Sean's DD) ?
Thanks,
KevinI never had a symphony, but the sound on this is as good as any of the (6 :D) headunits I have had.


I like the look of that unit, however there is a 3rd unit for the E46 made by a company called 'dynavin' and it seems to be the closest to the oem bmw 16:9.

LINK (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-16-9-MK4-Style-Navigation-Bluetooth-CD-DVD-iPod-/260684278638?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_GPSSystems_G PSSystems&hash=item3cb1fe6b6e#ht_8603wt_1173). However it is considerably more expensive, although does appear to have top notch GUI and finish.

I cant see why this would not work in our cars as it has the ISO plugs on the back.The Dynavin is, again, a Chinese unit but almost twice the price.

If I was spending that kind of cash, I would buy a Pioneer/Kenwood/etc unit.

[Radioguy]

HI Guys

Thanks CDTi

I CAN Get this unit Price is $US 576.00 (£370) Delivered
My Warranty applies as always as that is something I offer special to the forum. Delivery is about 1 Week to 10 days

I Won't get it from Haulingan, I refuse to deal with them and not for personal reasons but rather they really have very very poor after customer service but remember this unit is NOT made by Haulingan. They are a seller, the same as me.

A few other things I want to make clear about the unit if you are checking sites on websites.

The bad
1/. There is No TMC and None available
2/. DVB-T is not Included and is Built Out (Same as the Other MG Head Unit
3/. It does not have the tire pressure Monitoring system
4/. AS far as I understand the CDC is not compatible with MG Rover CD Changers but rather with BMW ones (I could be wrong on this)
5/. Cannot Change the startup and background Logos Yourselves


The Good
1/. It has a Phonebook (Though Still being fiddled with to see how well it works)
2/. It has Rear Ipod Connection
3/. OSD Menus are English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Hungarian, Czech, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Portuguese, Italian, Finland, Romanian, Greek, Russian,Polish

I have Put it on my website Here: http://www.autogpsdvds.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=48&product_id=102

Remember we have the warranty Depot in the UK

My warranty again

Our Warranty Policy is this:

Within the first 7 days after receipt (When most defects show up) we will pay shipping costs in BOTH Directions. to replace or repair. As you can see here we are responsive and will support any and all problems and questions as best we can. So it is important that you install and test and fiddle with it fast ! We bench test every units functionality prior to sending. This can take us 2-3 days depending on the order load. From 8-30 days You pay return shipping and we pay shipping costs to return it to you after warranty is determined and it is repaired. I cover parts and labour.

My email is [email protected]

Sean (AKA RadioGuy)

[Jakg]

TomTom 7 is *VERY* interesting.

[Mr Edd]

As for Sean's unit the sound I think it is fantastic with all the functions except the radio at the moment. And I believe we maybe getting a solution to that soon.

The sound from the SD card is amazing and also CD's and DVD's. Stereo separation is phenomenal. The voices from the SatNav are loud and clear. And I am over the moon with the quality for my Blue Tooth phone. Makes hands free exceptionally clear IMHO :bowdown:


Edd

[CDTi]

This is great news Sean.

With you and your excellent after sales service now on board, I really recommend this headunit as an alternative to the original.

However I would suggest members holding off for a week or so until I give it a really good test. If I can't break it in 7 days then its probably as robust as the original :)

Its a bit late for me now, Sean, but will you sort my unit out if I have a problem? :D



HI Guys

Thanks CDTi

I CAN Get this unit Price is $US 576.00 (£370) Delivered
My Warranty applies as always as that is something I offer special to the forum. Delivery is about 1 Week to 10 days

I Won't get it from Haulingan, I refuse to deal with them and not for personal reasons but rather they really have very very poor after customer service but remember this unit is NOT made by Haulingan. They are a seller, the same as me.

A few other things I want to make clear about the unit if you are checking sites on websites.

The bad
1/. There is No TMC and None available
2/. DVB-T is not Included and is Built Out (Same as the Other MG Head Unit
3/. It does not have the tire pressure Monitoring system
4/. AS far as I understand the CDC is not compatible with MG Rover CD Changers but rather with BMW ones (I could be wrong on this)
5/. Cannot Change the startup and background Logos Yourselves


The Good
1/. It has a Phonebook
2/. It has Rear Ipod Connection
3/. OSD Menus are English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Hungarian, Czech, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Portuguese, Italian, Finland, Romanian, Greek, Russian,Polish

I Will put it on my website tomorrow if you guys want to

Remember we have the warranty Depot in the UK

My warranty again

Our Warranty Policy is this:

Within the first 7 days after receipt (When most defects show up) we will pay shipping costs in BOTH Directions. to replace or repair. As you can see here we are responsive and will support any and all problems and questions as best we can. So it is important that you install and test and fiddle with it fast ! We bench test every units functionality prior to sending. This can take us 2-3 days depending on the order load. From 8-30 days You pay return shipping and we pay shipping costs to return it to you after warranty is determined and it is repaired. I cover parts and labour.

My email is [email protected]

Sean (AKA RadioGuy)

[Radioguy]

Its a bit late for me now, Sean, but will you sort my unit out if I have a problem? :D

My warranty depot is at your disposal !

[phenonix]

Does this unit have internet capability already built in?
I see something about a 3g modem.

[Radioguy]

Does this unit have internet capability already built in?
I see something about a 3g modem.

3G Modem ?
Nope. Not this Unit,Unless you are Looking at the Dynavin ?

[phenonix]

Ah yes, i was , :getmecoat:

[Radioguy]

This is on my Website Now :http://www.autogpsdvds.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=48&product_id=102

[phenonix]

Have the steering wheel controls been fixed in these latest models?
I.e no more cutting wires ?

[Radioguy]

Have the steering wheel controls been fixed in these latest models?
I.e no more cutting wires ?

I think you mean about the Infrared Steering? I Don't know if that can be answered without trying. The Other Unit was Plug Play and teach on the steering wheel controls unless was IR

[phenonix]

No not only IR, there were two wires that needing to be cut


http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=66117
3/4 the way down, bit about the steering controls.



As you say, will only know after testing, I think CDTI will know what i mean when he's back on.

[CDTi]

No not only IR, there were two wires that needing to be cut


http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=66117
3/4 the way down, bit about the steering controls.



As you say, will only know after testing, I think CDTI will know what i mean when he's back on.This new unit came with a mini-din connector for the steering controls. So obviously for any of the later cars its just plug'n play.

In the earlier cars with BMW or IR adaptors, then the 2 wires from the steering controls will need to be traced and spliced to the 2 wires on the mini-din on the headunit.

[chrissyboy]

i would stick with seans unit myself .one thing that other units dont have is the excellent back up service sean provides is second to none ..

[tony_fry]

Sean seems to have everything covered again!!!

[CDTi]

Some daytime pics and a vid:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7032.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7033.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7043.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7037.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7039.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7041.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7044.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7046.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7047.jpg


UuPSRIpIY88


Hopefully you can see me changing the icons around in the vid.

[madone]

Looks canny plus radio sounded good :shrug:

[vindaloo]

I do like the stepped front design.

[lowey]

I was really tempted by one of these units only a few weeks ago. I contacted Sean for his opinion but he wasn't very encouraging about this particular unit so I decided against purchasing. I spent several days contacting a seller in London through Ebay who was selling this exact same unit but eventually after along time deliberating decided not to purchase. I particularly like the look of the unit, I personally think it looks alot better. Im in the unfortunate position of just purchasing a new single din unit with all the goodies after deciding against this particular unit. Now you have got me thinking again and cant wait for you to give your opinions after thoroughly testing this unit:bowdown:

[vindaloo]

The real differentiator between the 2 Chinese DD's may well be the radio quality via the standard aerial.

[VVC-Geeza]

No plans to introduce TMC though according to Sean.

[NikTheGeek]

How low down does the AM go? Will it pick up the LW band? I can't live without TMS on R4 LW....

Nick

[CDTi]

How low down does the AM go? Will it pick up the LW band? I can't live without TMS on R4 LW....

NickAM is 522 to 1620 KHz. No LW.

Haven't tried AM reception but the FM is excellent.

[CDTi]

Some more pics.

These show the interface for playing music and movies from the RHS (WinCE) SD slot:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7050.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7054.jpg

The LHS slot has the same 1980's looking interface as the original unit has.

Another thing I learned today is that the button lights dim with the LSM dimmer. Did the original do that? The screen doesn't dim automatically, though.

[tony_fry]

Some more pics.

These show the interface for playing music and movies from the RHS (WinCE) SD slot:

The LHS slot has the same 1980's looking interface as the original unit has.

Another thing I learned today is that the button lights dim with the LSM dimmer. Did the original do that? The screen doesn't dim automatically, though.

I must say the GUI look so much more professional than on the "other" unit.

Its a great shame it does not currently have TMC, I could be swayed in changing my unit!!!.

[CDTi]

I must say the GUI look so much more professional than on the "other" unit.

Its a great shame it does not currently have TMC, I could be swayed in changing my unit!!!.Yes, the GUI really is much more modern and European looking.

I suppose there really is no reason why the original unit couldn't have a similar GUI with a firmware update. Getting the factory to do this is the problem, of course.

[Jezzer 1]

Forgive me if I chuck another pebble into the pond here :o.

If you study the photo that appears on Radioguys website:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/GHtrading/01%20Car%20products%20Not%20Radios/Steering%20Wheels%20MG%20ROVER/InteriorShowingSteeringwheelMGWM.jpg

The double din unit shown in the dash must be yet another variant. It appears to have two banks of keys down the right hand side of the display,
and maybe a larger screen?

Has anyone any idea what this unit is?

I perosnally like the appearance of the unit mentioned in this thread over the original Raidoguy offering. It looks more OEM I think.

[vindaloo]

Forgive me if I chuck another pebble into the pond here :o.

If you study the photo that appears on Radioguys website:


The double din unit shown in the dash must be yet another variant. It appears to have two banks of keys down the right hand side of the display,
and maybe a larger screen?

Has anyone any idea what this unit is?

I perosnally like the appearance of the unit mentioned in this thread over the original Raidoguy offering. It looks more OEM I think.

Maybe it's the Dynavin?
Looks like too many small buttons on the RHS for me. I really like the style of the one on this thread & I'm not interested in TMC, so could be the one for me;)

Added later
Not the Dynavin, just checked on their website

[CDTi]

Forgive me if I chuck another pebble into the pond here :o.

If you study the photo that appears on Radioguys website:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/GHtrading/01%20Car%20products%20Not%20Radios/Steering%20Wheels%20MG%20ROVER/InteriorShowingSteeringwheelMGWM.jpg

The double din unit shown in the dash must be yet another variant. It appears to have two banks of keys down the right hand side of the display,
and maybe a larger screen?

Has anyone any idea what this unit is?

I perosnally like the appearance of the unit mentioned in this thread over the original Raidoguy offering. It looks more OEM I think.I believe this is the MG OEM unit.

Don't know much about it - could just be a "dumb terminal" like the MGR OEM display, with lots of other boxes required like radio, TV, GPS etc.

[CDTi]

Some more Youtube vids:

This one shops WolfNCU with a BMW skin running on WinCE. This is a similar idea to Petruts patch - doesn't do as much though:
dCiOyH6ApaQ


This shows in more detail than I showed in my vid of how to change the main icons:
rNtBi0UyeLM


Lots more on there if you have a search.

[tony_fry]

I knew if anyone could find how to change the logo, you would be able to Eamonn.

Does it show the BMW logo apart from starting the GPS?

[CDTi]

I knew if anyone could find how to change the logo, you would be able to Eamonn.

Does it show the BMW logo apart from starting the GPS?The logo is only on that WolfNCU skin, Tony. All that is needed to change that is to edit the background pic.

[Radioguy]

Hi Folks

You can See it all Here !

CLICK HERE (http://www.autogpsdvds.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=48&product_id=102)To SEE And READ All of the Details on Our Website !

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/GHtrading/01%20Car%20Audio%20WITH%20GPS/MG%20Rover%20BMW%20Unit/1.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/GHtrading/01%20Car%20Audio%20WITH%20GPS/MG%20Rover%20BMW%20Unit/4.jpg

[e668ecp]

Shame it doesn't come with TMC. Any plans to?

[vindaloo]

As I'm not bothered about TMC, I've decided to go with this unit & ordered from Sean.

[CDTi]

Hi Folks

You can See it all Here !

CLICK HERE (http://www.autogpsdvds.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=48&product_id=102)To SEE And READ All of the Details on Our Website !

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/GHtrading/01%20Car%20Audio%20WITH%20GPS/MG%20Rover%20BMW%20Unit/1.jpg
http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/GHtrading/01%20Car%20Audio%20WITH%20GPS/MG%20Rover%20BMW%20Unit/4.jpg

Good job, Sean.

[handyjackdaniels]

As I'm not bothered about TMC, I've decided to go with this unit & ordered from Sean.

Me too! My original unit,( had no rds or tmc) was knackered, sent it too Sean to take a look. Needs new boards! :(

Originally was going to get one of the new double dins, then cdti bought these alternate units back to life, so have gone for one of them.
Dont really need the tmc, plus the screens look better.

Cant wait, have had to put old symphony unit back in while units with Sean, plus i sold cd changer when i got the double din, so its radio only :(:(

[Teflon]

Just needs some of Simons Bulgarian walnut to finish it off :D

Cliff

[vindaloo]

Just needs some of Simons Bulgarian walnut to finish it off :D

Cliff

I hope he can supply one in the near future as I'm waiting for his kit to be delivered and now the radio bit will be no use when this arrives.

[VVC-Geeza]

How important is TMC?

I know it sends a live feed to update the navigation but it also seems to create other reception issues.

[vindaloo]

How important is TMC?



Not important at all if you don't need/want traffic information.

[VVC-Geeza]

Not important at all if you don't need/want traffic information.

Dosen't it automatically update the navigation along your route and steer you around problems?

If so, i would consider that fairly useful.

[vindaloo]

Dosen't it automatically update the navigation along your route and steer you around problems?

If so, i would consider that fairly useful.

It highlights traffic problems & gives you the option of selecting a diversion. I've used traffic info on other Nav's but often find the information is out of date.

If you do a lot of travelling where timing is important then it's useful. I'm retired, I have lot's of spare time;)

[VVC-Geeza]

I think (working) TMC could be the deciding factor between these two head units for me personally.Nothing worse than an avoidable jam :(

[CDTi]

Right lads - I was hoping at this stage to have a full report and a few long journeys done with this new headunit, but the arctic conditions here in Ireland have conspired against me so this is more of an interim report. The weather is supposed to improve a bit next week so I hope to get a few long journeys in then.

First off, I have not found any serious defect so far that would put me off buying the unit. Some more niggles have come to light but that will happen with all headunits. Here is what I have found so far:

1. Slowish boot time - not a big issue but takes a few seconds before even the radio works.

2. Tomtom audio is a bit low. This can be improved by changing the audio levels in settings but not as loud as with other HUs.

3. While the iPod GUI is much better IMHO, the menus are slow and the menu titles are in Chinese i.e. "albums", "artists", "songs" are in Chinese. Not really a problem a you get to know which one is which after a while. The song information etc is in English and I usually leave my iPod in shuffle mode so its not a problem at all for me.

4. WinCE is in Chinese/English, unlike the original unit.

5. BT audio is not great, but I found the same thing on the original. IMHO, BT audio quality is more to do with the users phone than the HU. On the BMW forums, many report good audio and just as many have poor quality. I'm looking at doing a remote mic mod to see if it improves.

6. Following on from number 5 above, there is a problem with the LSM dimmer causing a hum on A2DP, and to a lesser degree on BT. This has been well documented on the BMW forums. Basically, the more you dim the dash lights, the louder the hum. If this is a potential issue for some users, 3 obvious solutions are (i) leave the dash lights turned up full (ii) disconnect the illumination light (iii) find another illumination feed (a simple 12V/0V), as the one in the radio plug is probably pulsed or varies in some way and causes this interference.

7. All audio switches off when reverse is engaged.

8. iPod lead is too short to put iPod in centre cubby.

9. USB mod on GPS board not really possible - not as easy as with the original.

10. The GPS board is not readily replaceable. The weakest link in the original unit seems to be the GPS board, but this is very easily changed in the original. It would be a pig of a job on this new system. In fact, all repairs would be much more difficult on this system due to its compact 1 DIN size. The originals are a joy to work on.

11. No loud button, but the audio is excellent.

12. The phone hard buttons do not seem to work - you need to use the touchscreen.

13. The button beep cannot be turned off. Its most annoying but I think a drop of superglue into the sounder may fix that ;)

Some of the above issues may be cured with a firmware update.

I'm not trying to put people off this system, I would just like to point out all the little niggles and flaws that I have found :}. I should also point out that I'm probably very particular and picky about electronics and I often concentrate on what wrong with something rather than whats right with it. Or so the wife tells me anyway........:D

I still prefer this to the original unit, but I'm probably going to continue with my carputer project anyway.

[tony_fry]

Great report Eamonn,

It seem like the is pluses and minuses on both units, the deciding factor for me is TMC, I would like the "newer" unit, but without TMC these is no comparison, its gotta be the "older" unit

[CDTi]

It seem like the is pluses and minuses on both unitsIndeed, Tony.

Most of the issues I pointed out are minor irritations at worst - except for the damn beeper, now that is ANNOYING :D.

Have you asked Sean about TMC?

[MARKUK]

Great report Eamonn,

It seem like the is pluses and minuses on both units, the deciding factor for me is TMC, I would like the "newer" unit, but without TMC these is no comparison, its gotta be the "older" unit


LOL...

We have had our units a few weeks and all ready they are the "older" units !

[CDTi]

LOL...

We have had our units a few weeks and all ready they are the "older" units !Maybe "original" and "alternative" are better descriptions ;).

[tony_fry]

Indeed, Tony.

Most of the issues I pointed out are minor irritations at worst - except for the damn beeper, now that is ANNOYING :D.

Have you asked Sean about TMC?

Sorry I will now call them the "original 2nd generation" and "alternative", I believe Sean is "looking" into the TMC on the alternative unit.

[e668ecp]

This advert says TMC is optional... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HD-7Car-DVD-Player-GPS-Nav-iPOD-TV-BMW-E39-E53-X5-/170566099455?pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Ent ertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item27b68821ff

is this the case?

[CDTi]

This advert says TMC is optional... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HD-7Car-DVD-Player-GPS-Nav-iPOD-TV-BMW-E39-E53-X5-/170566099455?pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Ent ertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item27b68821ff
is this the case?There is an old saying - "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts". I think there should be a modern interpretation - "Beware of Chinese eBay Sellers making promises".

Sean has someone on the ground in China and there is no TMC apparrently. I'm sure Sean will clarify.

[e668ecp]

Not worth buying then for me if no TMC :(

[Radioguy]

This advert says TMC is optional... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HD-7Car-DVD-Player-GPS-Nav-iPOD-TV-BMW-E39-E53-X5-/170566099455?pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Ent ertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item27b68821ff

is this the case?

Look at their feedback, They were selling Clothing From China
So Far TMC is NOT optional.
Unless the factory, With whow we are inquiring can make it so.

[vindaloo]

Hi all!

I bought Eamonn's double din, and have now fitted it in my 75.
Well happy with that. :D
Don't know if i should make a new thread about this, but i have a couple of questions.
Is it possible to have Norwegian language on the Igo?
Eamonn have fitted the maps, which are working fine, but i would prefer Norwegian as an option, have just found English in the settings.
Another thing is that this 2.din had fitted a nice wooden look to it, and now my heatercontrols doesn't fit very well anymore;)
Where can i get "wood" for the heatercontrols?

I'm assuming you have bought Eamonn's 'Original' DD unit not the latest one that is discussed in this thread, in which case I think this should be put into a new thread, otherwise it will be a little confusing.

[tony_fry]

Hi all!

I bought Eamonn's double din, and have now fitted it in my 75.
Well happy with that. :D
Don't know if i should make a new thread about this, but i have a couple of questions.
Is it possible to have Norwegian language on the Igo?
Eamonn have fitted the maps, which are working fine, but i would prefer Norwegian as an option, have just found English in the settings.
Another thing is that this 2.din had fitted a nice wooden look to it, and now my heatercontrols doesn't fit very well anymore;)
Where can i get "wood" for the heatercontrols?

Robert if you PM me with your direct email address, I will see if I can find the voices for you.

[norwayrover]

I'm assuming you have bought Eamonn's 'Original' DD unit not the latest one that is discussed in this thread, in which case I think this should be put into a new thread, otherwise it will be a little confusing.

You are correct.
It was the "original" one.

Edit: New topic made.

[e668ecp]

Look at their feedback, They were selling Clothing From China
So Far TMC is NOT optional.
Unless the factory, With whow we are inquiring can make it so.

Cool if they get tmc i'll have one

[Windslore]

This new unit came with a mini-din connector for the steering controls. So obviously for any of the later cars its just plug'n play.

In the earlier cars with BMW or IR adaptors, then the 2 wires from the steering controls will need to be traced and spliced to the 2 wires on the mini-din on the headunit.

Can you tell me from what year of manfacture are the cars fitted with mini din connectors? I have a 2003 CDTi, would this be considered a later model?
Regards
John

[CDTi]

Can you tell me from what year of manfacture are the cars fitted with mini din connectors? I have a 2003 CDTi, would this be considered a later model?
Regards
JohnI'm not really sure TBH.

Possibly a facelift change?

[CDTi]

I'm FINALLY going on a long drive tomorrow now that the ice and snow has gone.

I'll report back tomorrow evening.

[tony_fry]

I'm FINALLY going on a long drive tomorrow now that the ice and snow has gone.

I'll report back tomorrow evening.

Have a safe journey Eamonn:xmas-smiley-041:

[baconbuttyman]

I'm FINALLY going on a long drive tomorrow now that the ice and snow has gone.

I'll report back tomorrow evening.


how can you report with the ICE gone......sorry poor joke but i couldnt resist it :laugh:

[vindaloo]

how can you report with the ICE gone......sorry poor joke but i couldnt resist it :laugh:

Mick, you really are far too clever for this forum:xmas-smiley-041:
Jim

[CDTi]

Update from yesterday......

I drove around 175 Kms round trip yesterday and was in the main impressed with the unit, although a few more niggles became apparent.

First off, iGo8 worked flawlessy - no problems at all.

Primo also worked OK but the "Navi" button would not get back to the main screen. I had to press "band" to get to the radio screen and then "home".

Tomtom caused some problems, the map didn't "update" properly as I drove along. It had worked OK at slow speeds around my local area but couldn't cope with motorway speeds. I think it could be the baud setting for the GPS receiver, so I'll have another go at that. Or I might try another version.

Something which I had noticed before is that the "prev/next" buttons do not work while in sat nav mode. "Volume" does work but you can't skip iPod tracks while the map is displayed. This could possibly be fixed with a firmware update.

My iPod has been playing up over the past 2 weeks but I don't think its anything to do with the headunit. It doesn't seem to like the sub-zero temperature at night time! It was fine this morning.

So thats about it. Overall my impressions of this system are still very high, niggles aside. My last few jobs with it are to remote the BT mic and get Tomtom working.

I'm still undecided if I'll keep it or not. I have had an offer on the Pioneer Avic (which I was going to use as the basis for a carputer) so I don't know what I'll do.

[vindaloo]

Thanks for the update Eamonn, I'm obviously very interested in your findings as I'm awaiting my delivery from Sean

[CDTi]

Seems like I had the wrong TT version i.e. 7.910.

I am now using 7.450 and will hopefully have more feedback tomorrow after my short spin to work.

[Windslore]

Have you tried the bluetooth facility with your mobile. I'd be interested to hear how you find it. I gather it has a telephone book, does it display this from numbers on the phone?
John

[VVC-Geeza]

Any further news on this unit getting TMC?

[CDTi]

Have you tried the bluetooth facility with your mobile. I'd be interested to hear how you find it. I gather it has a telephone book, does it display this from numbers on the phone?
JohnThe quality of the BT connection with my phone is only OK. Its as good as the original unit but the audio quality on all BT devices seems to vary a lot from phone to phone. I'm hoping a remote mic will improve things for me.

There is a phone book on the unit but it doesn't work very well.

[Windslore]

Seems like I had the wrong TT version i.e. 7.910.

I am now using 7.450 and will hopefully have more feedback tomorrow after my short spin to work.

Still toying with the idea of buying one of these head units. Did the 7.450 version of TT work? Do you know if this unit is compatible with the CDC unit fitted in the Rover/MG. Sean mentions it on his site but awaits clarification.
Rgds
John

[CDTi]

Still toying with the idea of buying one of these head units. Did the 7.450 version of TT work? Do you know if this unit is compatible with the CDC unit fitted in the Rover/MG. Sean mentions it on his site but awaits clarification.
Rgds
JohnI have now tried all the combinations of TT 7.45 and 7.910 with both 8.25 and 8.6 maps and I have the same problem. I also tried all the baud rate settings.

Tomtom doesn't actually crash, just the screen stops updating the maps. If left for long enough, it starts updating again for a minute or so before it stops again.

I haven't given up yet, though :icon_razz:.

[Windslore]

Thanks for the update. I think I'll probably go ahead and order one from Sean. The unit seems to fit the bill, TMC would have been nice but not essential, I can play with the unit when I'm stuck in traffic!

[e668ecp]

Any update on the TMC issue?

Also can any explain the difference between IGO 8 and IGO Primo

[CDTi]

Any update on the TMC issue?

Also can any explain the difference between IGO 8 and IGO PrimoCan't help with the TMC issue, but Primo has a simpler user interface than 8. Uses the same maps etc.

[CDTi]

Looks like the Tomtom problem has been sorted.

I found out on another Forum that it was caused by the fact that the headunit has embedded in the OS to enter power save mode after 1 minute.
Thus behaving as though the system is running on battery, which causes TomTom to freeze intermittently.

A member on that Forum has kindly give me a mortscript and other files to overcome this. I just took the car for a quick spin and it looks to be all sorted.

I can supply the files to anyone who needs them.

[vindaloo]

Yes please, would love these files as I've ordered one with TomTom from Sean

[CDTi]

Just went for another short spin and am happy to say that I am now running TT7.910 with 8.60 maps :icon_razz:

It'll be after Christmas before I go for a long run but I am satisfied that this problem is now solved.


Yes please, would love these files as I've ordered one with TomTom from SeanI might stick the files on a file-sharing site and put the URL here.

[CDTi]

Tomtom files: http://www.mediafire.com/?sei3p68446s4b42

And for the terminally curious like myself, this is what the mortscript does:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Power\Timeouts]
"ACSystemIdle"=dword:00000000
"ACUserIdle"=dword:00000000
"BattSystemIdle"=dword:00000000
"BattUserIdle"=dword:00000000
"ACSuspend"=dword:00000000
"BattSuspend"=dword:00000000
"BatteryPoll"=dword:00001388



[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Power]
"ShowIcon"=hex:00
"ShowWarnings"=hex:00

[vindaloo]

Tomtom files: http://www.mediafire.com/?sei3p68446s4b42



Thanks Eamonn, got that.........just waiting for my unit now!

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

Do either of the new or old head units hook up to a subwoofer? And how many speakers can you get working with either of them?
Thanks

[CDTi]

Do either of the new or old head units hook up to a subwoofer? And how many speakers can you get working with either of them?
ThanksSean could probably give you the specs but there is a sub-woofer plus speaker output on the new unit.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

Thanks Mr CDTi, I wondered as with the HK system you get 8 speakers, and usually you only get provision for 4. I may PM Radioguy later.
Thanks
Sean:biggrinsanta:

[Jakg]

All 75's / ZT's have a minimum of 6 speakers (4x midbass, 2x front tweeters) and some cars (and all whotse with the HK system) have an extra 2x tweeters.

All tweets are wired in parallel with the midbass speakers so the HU "sees" 4 speakers, even when you have the HK sub involved.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

Ah, I see, but do you think you could get an extra pair on top of that?
You see, what I was thinking was to plonk a pair of HK speakers from a Range Rover in the trims around the rear most windows in an estate model, as I've been thinking that may come in handy. Extra speakers is always a good thing. Now, the wiring may make this difficult, I am aware, but just a thought. I'm also not really convinced about the HK system. May other stuff would do the job, and I'd still get away with using this HU? We shall have to see. If Radioguy is here, you have a PM:biggrinsanta:

[Jakg]

Extra speakers wont help, and no HU will support more than 4 channels.

What do you need? More bass, mid-range or highs?

You'll get a lot better results upgrading from the HK system rather than adding speakers - the HK speakers are actually suprisingly good, get a decent source (i.e. the Chinese unit) and some proper amplification behind them, and crossover them and you should fine it a lot better.

[vindaloo]

:iagree:

More speakers will almost certainly make the sound worse, go for quality not quantity.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

I know! My parents have had HK systems in the Range Rovers for years, the current one is a 19 speaker system (Yes, Nineteen!) Having listend to a few ZT stereos, I would prefer more mid range in the system, but that said, I haven't listened to the HK system in a ZT yet, and have noticed that they are rather pricey! I prefer Alpine audio equipment as that gives a great sound through all ranges. We shall have to see, but thanks for your help chaps:biggrinsanta:

[Radioguy]

Ummmmmmmmm is their a Question here for me ?

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

There is in your PM box:biggrinsanta: I'm still not convinced with this alternative head unit, but we shall see!

[Jake]

There is in your PM box:biggrinsanta: I'm still not convinced with this alternative head unit, but we shall see!

If I were you I would strive to get the Hi-line system in the tourer, ideally with HK and add the BM54 Tuner.

At the Midlands meet last weekend, we had two contemporary SE tourers parked next to each other.

Both cars were HK, however one was hi-line, the other, using the M3-100 Head Unit - the Hi-line Sound quality was superb and so much clearer than the M3-100 Unit. You can also get Ipod onto the hi-line system using the Intravee.

Diesel Hi-line tourers do appear, having been there and done that, I would hold out for one with it in.

Jake

[CDTi]

I've been playing around with WolfNCU on this new unit.

Wolf is a bit like the Petrut patch except that its free, very customisable and doesn't alter the firmware so there is little chance of bricking your headunit.

Here are a few pics:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7107.jpg?t=1293502331

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7108.jpg?t=1293502541

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7110.jpg?t=1293504644

The skins shown above is just one of a huge number of available but most are for 480X272. There are still quite a few suitable for this unit (800X480) and I think I might make an MGR version.

WolfNCU would also work on the original unit if anyone wants to try it.

[.Roverman]

That is awesome.

[phenonix]

Eamonn
Would you have a link to download WolfNCU?
All sites i go to come up with a phishing warning

[CDTi]

Eamonn
Would you have a link to download WolfNCU?
All sites i go to come up with a phishing warningI can't remember where exactly I downloaded it from - I got several versions.

I'll put it up on a filesharing website later and post a link.

[CDTi]

I found some links with the app itself and lots of great skins:

http://wolfncu.clan.su/blog

http://www.kolomnashop.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=420

Don't forget that the paths may need to be modified in settings for the programs to work.

[phenonix]

Thanks Eamonn

[phenonix]

Which did you use?
On one of those websites 3 downloads

ARM
MIPS
or
PC?(i'm sure not that)

[CDTi]

Which did you use?
On one of those websites 3 downloads

ARM
MIPS
or
PC?(i'm sure not that)IIRC, it was ARM.

[phenonix]

Seems like ARM and MIPS are different processors, i don't know what they are, do you?

[CDTi]

Seems like ARM and MIPS are different processors, i don't know what they are, do you?The processor is a Samsung S3C2440A-40.

The S3C2440X feature an ARM920T core so you should use the ARM version.

[phenonix]

Smart man Eamonn

One more question
i cannot the exact instructions but do i just start it like Petruts?
i.e. a path to NCU.exe?
the reason i ask is i found this...

1. Unzip the file and copy the folder and its contents to the root of your Storage Card. 2. Make a new folder in the root directory and name it Startup. (\Storage Card\Startup) 3. Locate the file WolfPlayer.exe. It is in the WolfNCU folder and create a shortcut to this file. Rename the shortcut to Autorun.lnk and copy it your unit. 4. Reboot your unit and the new WolfNCU desktop will appear after the restart. Congratulations you now have a ‘Windows” interface from which your programs can be launched.

would i do it this way?

[phenonix]

just to clarify i have the earliest model.

[CDTi]

Smart man Eamonn

One more question
i cannot the exact instructions but do i just start it like Petruts?
i.e. a path to NCU.exe?
the reason i ask is i found this...

1. Unzip the file and copy the folder and its contents to the root of your Storage Card. 2. Make a new folder in the root directory and name it Startup. (\Storage Card\Startup) 3. Locate the file WolfPlayer.exe. It is in the WolfNCU folder and create a shortcut to this file. Rename the shortcut to Autorun.lnk and copy it your unit. 4. Reboot your unit and the new WolfNCU desktop will appear after the restart. Congratulations you now have a ‘Windows” interface from which your programs can be launched.

would i do it this way?That sounds very convoluted and complicated.

The file structure on my TF card is like this:

storagecard>Wolfncu>

All the other folders and files are in the WolfNCU folder. Just set the GPS path to the Wolfncu.exe file.

Don't forget that you may have to change the path settings in Wolf once its installed. Its really easy, although I still haven't changed all mine as I'm messing about with the graphics.

If you have any trouble, I'll zip up mine and put it on Mediafire.


just to clarify i have the earliest model.The processor may be different but its still an ARM AFAIK. Other than that, it shouldn't really matter.

[phenonix]

Thanks,
i should now move my questions to the other thread but i dont get this bit which is on the webpage translated

Find the line SkinName = and after the equals sign to write the name of the skin, it matches the name of the skin's folder.

what skin do i choose to startup?

i did not change anything in the .ini file in regards to skinname, just put the card in and it asked me to choose a skin but there were none there to choose from, so i'm guessing i need to put something after the "=" sign in skinname, but i dont know what

[CDTi]

Thanks,
i should now move my questions to the other thread but i dont get this bit which is on the webpage translated

Find the line SkinName = and after the equals sign to write the name of the skin, it matches the name of the skin's folder.

what skin do i choose to startup?

i did not change anything in the .ini file in regards to skinname, just put the card in and it asked me to choose a skin but there were none there to choose from, so i'm guessing i need to put something after the "=" sign in skinname, but i dont know whatThis is a common problem with WolfNCU.

You need to check the .ini file and make sure the storage medium is changed to "storagecard" i.e. this is what the headunit calls the TF card and that is what WinCE will be looking for.

It probably called MMC or something else straight from the download.

Once you sort that out, then you should see all the skins in the "skin" folder.

[phenonix]

I had already done that,
still got that at the beginning
could i ask you to upload you card to Mediafire before you go to bed?
Its the beginning of my day here and cannot wait till your morning :xmas-smiley-031:
this time difference is annoying!

[CDTi]

I had already done that,
still got that at the beginning
could i ask you to upload you card to Mediafire before you go to bed?
Its the beginning of my day here and cannot wait till your morning :xmas-smiley-031:
this time difference is annoying!You just me before I hit the scratcher, Joe :icon_razz:. Its way past my bedtime - I was just watching "Planet Of The Apes" on blu-ray.

Anyhoo, my most "evolved" copy of Wolf is out in the car but I think this version is fairly functional. The paths to the individual apps may not be set - I can't remember when I copied this from the TF card.

Let me know how you get on - I'll be back in the morning when the kids wake me up.

http://www.mediafire.com/?hck8x1a41i2gv

[CDTi]

Just went for another short spin and am happy to say that I am now running TT7.910 with 8.60 maps :icon_razz:

It'll be after Christmas before I go for a long run but I am satisfied that this problem is now solved.I was a bit premature with saying that TT is sorted, I'm afraid.

While the video issue has been sorted, there is now an audio problem i.e. TT voice directions are not given if another audio source is playing. Its fine if no other source is active.

If I bypass the mortscript (i.e. run TT as before) then the audio is fine but obviously the screen will stop updating.

I don't really use TT but I'll see if I can get this sorted out.

[tony_fry]

I was a bit premature with saying that TT is sorted, I'm afraid.

While the video issue has been sorted, there is now an audio problem i.e. TT voice directions are not given if another audio source is playing. Its fine if no other source is active.

If I bypass the mortscript (i.e. run TT as before) then the audio is fine but obviously the screen will stop updating.

I don't really use TT but I'll see if I can get this sorted out.

I have now tried several version of TT on the Wince 6 (newer Units) and just can not get it to run at all

[CDTi]

I have now tried several version of TT on the Wince 6 (newer Units) and just can not get it to run at allI was quite surprised to find that TT worked on this alternative unit, Tony. I thought all Chinese WinCE units had the audio clipping problem.

But it does definitely does work on this unit, with the obvious problems that I have outlined. It should be fixable, hopefully.

[vindaloo]

Thanks for all your hard work, Eamonn. I'm still anxiously awaiting my unit:xcry:

[HarryM1BYT]

If I were you I would strive to get the Hi-line system in the tourer, ideally with HK and add the BM54 Tuner.

At the Midlands meet last weekend, we had two contemporary SE tourers parked next to each other.

Both cars were HK, however one was hi-line, the other, using the M3-100 Head Unit - the Hi-line Sound quality was superb and so much clearer than the M3-100 Unit. You can also get Ipod onto the hi-line system using the Intravee.

Diesel Hi-line tourers do appear, having been there and done that, I would hold out for one with it in.

Jake

Mine had Hi-Line plus the full HK setup and I was not that impressed with it.

[kevineds]

Ok Folks, getting a bit of cash together and wondering which is the best of the two chinese units? leaning towards the older one but not sure..
Sorry if this has been asked before..

[handyjackdaniels]

Thanks for all your hard work, Eamonn. I'm still anxiously awaiting my unit:xcry:

Me too, nearly a month now since Sean ordered these new units:icon_cry:

Now Eamonn has bought this woflncu patch to light, getting impatient!!:xcry:

Steve.

[vindaloo]

4 weeks for me so far

[CDTi]

Ok Folks, getting a bit of cash together and wondering which is the best of the two chinese units? leaning towards the older one but not sure..
Sorry if this has been asked before..Down to personal choice, really. I prefer the UI on this to the original unit and there are other advantages (and some dis-advantages) also.

Maybe wait until a few more members on here get this alternative unit. Some more feedback would be helpful for you.

[CDTi]

Me too, nearly a month now since Sean ordered these new units:icon_cry:

Now Eamonn has bought this woflncu patch to light, getting impatient!!:xcry:

Steve.

4 weeks for me so farVery slow time of the year for deliveries, lads.

I'm sure Sean is on top of things.

[Thomson]

Hello and excuse me mine English. Is here somebody who can help me with wire connection on this new DD unit. I need know more details about this wires.

http://s1.postimage.org/1u6hcam84/DSC02413.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1u6hcam84/)

Blue POWER ANT-I think 12V positive for radio amplifier
Brown BACK-?
Orange ILUMI-?
Pink BRAKE WARNING-I think ground to disable hand brake warning

http://s1.postimage.org/1u8i3xvyc/DSC02414.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/1u8i3xvyc/)

Orange, brown, blue/white but I absolutly don't know what is this wires for.
Thank you for any help.

[CDTi]

Brown BACK-?For use with a rear view camera. Automatically changes the headunit to rear camera when reverse is selected. Grounded when reversing so take a feed from the auto interior mirror, rear cluster etc
Orange ILUMI-?Dims the button lights (not screen illumination) with dash lights. Connect to illumination wire on cars radio loom.
Pink BRAKE WARNING-I think ground to disable hand brake warningYou can ignore this


Hope this helps.

[Thomson]

Today tried instaling but steering wheel control menu is not in setting menu. May be software defekt? Any ideas?

http://s1.postimage.org/22bo03htw/Obraz009.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/22bo03htw/)

[Radioguy]

They sent Without the Steering wheel Module Installed
Have received and Sent an Update

Sigh............

[Thomson]

Problem is now solved. Update work. I will continue instaling tomorrow. Thank you again Sean.

[handyjackdaniels]

They sent Without the Steering wheel Module Installed
Have received and Sent an Update

Sigh............

Ooohh dear! will the batch of units on there way over now need the same update?

[CDTi]

Ooohh dear! will the batch of units on there way over now need the same update?The update is really simple to do if required. Don't worry about it.

[handyjackdaniels]

:party:

Yes,finally my new " alternate" unit is on its way as we speak!
Showed up on tracking as hanging around in Hong kong for a day or two, got home from my night shift this morning and checked again.........its been loaded and put out for delivery at my local parcelforce depot!:D

On a weeks holiday now, so i can have a play.

Will give some feedback in a few days, only had Eamonns views so far.

Back soon!

[rizel23]

do these work with bus powered USB 2.0 external hard drives?

[tony_fry]

do these work with bus powered USB 2.0 external hard drives?

I don't think you will find that any of the Chinese unit would have a USB drive that would power a external drive, you can modify the GPS board to accept a external drive, but it would also have to have a separate power supply to drive the external drive

[rizel23]

I don't think you will find that any of the Chinese unit would have a USB drive that would power a external drive, you can modify the GPS board to accept a external drive, but it would also have to have a separate power supply to drive the external drive

thats a same :-(

I bought a JVC standard DIN headunit till funds allow a Double DIN one, and once the External Hardrive was formated properly in true FAT32 it allows me to have 300GB of MP3 in the car and the headunit powers it via USB, so was hopeing the DD one would do the same

[Jakg]

If you find a Y-Cable, and power that seperately it should work fine.


Early USB-powered HDD's had 2 USB connections - one for power, one for data (and a little more power). If you wired up a powered USB port behind the job, you could probably get it working this way.

[CDTi]

do these work with bus powered USB 2.0 external hard drives?

thats a same :-(

I bought a JVC standard DIN headunit till funds allow a Double DIN one, and once the External Hardrive was formated properly in true FAT32 it allows me to have 300GB of MP3 in the car and the headunit powers it via USB, so was hopeing the DD one would do the same

If you find a Y-Cable, and power that seperately it should work fine.


Early USB-powered HDD's had 2 USB connections - one for power, one for data (and a little more power). If you wired up a powered USB port behind the job, you could probably get it working this way.Doing the GPS USB mod on this particular headunit is a lot more difficult than the original version.

If you really need a USB port on WinCE then I suggest the original system is purchased.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

Just a quick question for you; how long exactly is the iPod lead, although it won't reach the cubby, do you think it you could get it to exit out of the glovebox and reach down to an iPhone in the passenger side cupholder (Where the OEM BT kit phone holder is)
Thanks

[CDTi]

Just a quick question for you; how long exactly is the iPod lead, although it won't reach the cubby, do you think it you could get it to exit out of the glovebox and reach down to an iPhone in the passenger side cupholder (Where the OEM BT kit phone holder is)
ThanksIt should be long enough to do what you describe. Its about 6 inches too short to go to the centre cubby.

I got an extension lead so I could put mine in the cubby. Here is the item on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220668704273#ht_4086wt_905.

If you do get an extension lead, please ensure that it'll transfer music. Some of these leads are just for charging.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

Excellent, Thanks you knid sir:bowdown:

[CDTi]

Thanks to Sean's hard work on the ground in China, the boot logo can now be changed :jig:

Instructions from Sean:


Unzip and copy the files to a SD card and insert to GPS slot (you can changed the logo file to what you want). Change the GPS path to the .exe file on the SD card.
Remember do not shutdown the unit or cut the power during the process, otherwise the operation will be failed and the unit will be "destroyed"


I found that you need a 16 bit BMP for it to work. Here is what I used for a test but I might change it a bit:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/2edxmw8.jpg

Please note, this changes the boot logo only. The logo you see while a CD, DVD, SD card etc is loading remains unchanged. Maybe something else for Sean to look in to once his manflu is better :D.

[ChB]

Hi guys,

my 'alternate' unit arrived shortly before x-mas. Had no time to install it yet, but there are already two questions on connecting the unit:

1. Although it comes with a GPS antenna and a DVB-T antenna I would like to connect it to the original shark fin GPS antenna and the rear window tv-antenna. Which adaptor do I need to get from the car's antenna plugs to the unit's antenna inputs? What are the connectors (unit and car) called exactly?

2. Where do I normally find the cables of the steering wheel remote control unit to connect them to the connector cables of the new head unit?

I have a HiLine-HK-setup at the moment.

Thanks.

Chris

[CDTi]

Hi guys,

my 'alternate' unit arrived shortly before x-mas. Had no time to install it yet, but there are already two questions on connecting the unit:

1. Although it comes with a GPS antenna and a DVB-T antenna I would like to connect it to the original shark fin GPS antenna and the rear window tv-antenna. Which adaptor do I need to get from the car's antenna plugs to the unit's antenna inputs? What are the connectors (unit and car) called exactly?

2. Where do I normally find the cables of the steering wheel remote control unit to connect them to the connector cables of the new head unit?

I have a HiLine-HK-setup at the moment.

Thanks.

Chris
Chris

1. If your car is like mine, then you will need something like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Adaptor-Car-Radio-ISO-Din-Car-Aerial-Antenna-CD-/180586770848?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a0bcf71a0#ht_2070wt_1029

2. Those cables should already be connected to the rear of the headunit. I can't recall the colours off the top of my head. On the later cars they were in a mini-DIN connector. This mini-DIN should fit the large red connector that came on the loom.

Another member (Harry something) has done a "how to" for HK installation.

edit: here is the HK thread: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=75572. Its for the original unit but I think it should also apply to the alternative.

[ChB]

Chris

1. If your car is like mine, then you will need something like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Adaptor-Car-Radio-ISO-Din-Car-Aerial-Antenna-CD-/180586770848?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a0bcf71a0#ht_2070wt_1029

2. Those cables should already be connected to the rear of the headunit. I can't recall the colours off the top of my head. On the later cars they were in a mini-DIN connector. This mini-DIN should fit the large red connector that came on the loom.

Another member (Harry something) has done a "how to" for HK installation.

edit: here is the HK thread: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=75572. Its for the original unit but I think it should also apply to the alternative.

Thanks for your quick reply.

1. The adaptor you were linking to, is an FM antenna adaptor which was already supplied with the unit. In fact, I am not looking for an extension of the FM antenna but for the OEM sat/nav and tv antenna. The OEM plugs are very small angled metal plugs which just plug on a kind of pin on the sat/nav unit/tv unit. On the new HU the antennas plug into a kind of coaxial screw connection. My problem is, that I don't know either of the official names of these connections.

2. I have a HiLine setup in a Mk1 ZT-T at the moment, therefore the steering wheel remote connection does not end behind the HU but somewhere else. I would like to find that 'somewhere' without taking my whole dashboard apart. Unfortunately Harry does not write anthing about the remote control.

Thanks.

Chris

[HarryM1BYT]

Quote ChB

1. Although it comes with a GPS antenna and a DVB-T antenna I would like to connect it to the original shark fin GPS antenna and the rear window tv-antenna. Which adaptor do I need to get from the car's antenna plugs to the unit's antenna inputs? What are the connectors (unit and car) called exactly?

I suspect that due to the high frequencies involved and the cable losses, that you would get much better GPS reception mounting the supplied antenna behind the radio / on top of the steel tube.

I installed my DVB-T unit where the old TV unit was removed from, in the boot. It's the fancy version with twin TV antennas, which I fitted one each side of the rear window and it works well. I would however also like to try it with the built in pair of antennas, as used for the original system - if I could find adaptors. My DVB-T inputs are a pair of F plugs - exactly the same as are used for satellite cables. I have yet to identify what type of plugs were used on the original two TV antenna leads, where it plugged into the old TV. Like the GPS, cable lengths are best kept reasonably short - I wanted the DVB-t antennas in the rear windows, so I mounted the DVB-t in the boot.

2. Where do I normally find the cables of the steering wheel remote control unit to connect them to the connector cables of the new head unit?

That has been well documented - Search the forum on Mr Edd.

I have a HiLine-HK-setup at the moment.

As suggested by CDTI, I solved the none working HK amp problem last weekend - if you have an HK amp fitted. If you just have the HK speakers, it is just plug and play.

[handyjackdaniels]

Today tried instaling but steering wheel control menu is not in setting menu. May be software defekt? Any ideas?

http://s1.postimage.org/22bo03htw/Obraz009.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/22bo03htw/)

I have the same issue, no steering wheel control menu in settings?!

[CDTi]

I have the same issue, no steering wheel control menu in settings?!Sean has the software patch for this. Its very simple to fix.

Send him a PM/email.

[Thomson]

Here is the instruction what I got from Sean.

1. Copy the NWDSettings.exe file to a (micro)SD card and insert the card to GPS slot
2. Go to GPS file path set, choose the file NWDSettings.exe
3. Run GPS, find a screen same as photo 2, do exact per the instruction on the photo
4. Completely power off the unit and restart, you will find the steering wheel control setting now.

7289

[Radioguy]

I have the same issue, no steering wheel control menu in settings?!

Amazing

Steve (and All ) These are ALL Supposed to have steering wheel controls

I Dont know WHY the factory doesn't have it on them !
Steering wheel Controls are not an OPTION , they are Standard !

Eamonn, This is NOT Luck of the IRISH ! LOL

Sending you an Update which puts it into the firmware

Sean

[Radioguy]

Here is the instruction what I got from Sean.

1. Copy the NWDSettings.exe file to a (micro)SD card and insert the card to GPS slot
2. Go to GPS file path set, choose the file NWDSettings.exe
3. Run GPS, find a screen same as photo 2, do exact per the instruction on the photo
4. Completely power off the unit and restart, you will find the steering wheel control setting now.

7289


Thanks for that Also Ensure that the car is Idling ! To ensure a constant 14 Volts

Sean

[CDTi]

Eamonn, This is NOT Luck of the IRISH ! LOL I'm married with 2 kids. I deserve a bit of luck occasionally ;)

[Radioguy]

Guys I also have the Premium Bumpers, You know that , right ?

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/imagehosting/100404d2f8e847abe4.jpg

Price will be No where near 500$ !
Unless you WANT to give me that for them !

More in the Neighbourhood of $200-$225 DOLLARS ........

And they Can be nested to ship together in 4 or 5's

Sean

We are making progress, Still waiting feedback from Germany

[handyjackdaniels]

Amazing

Steve (and All ) These are ALL Supposed to have steering wheel controls

I Dont know WHY the factory doesn't have it on them !
Steering wheel Controls are not an OPTION , they are Standard !

Eamonn, This is NOT Luck of the IRISH ! LOL

Sending you an Update which puts it into the firmware

Sean

Got the update Sean, Many thanks.
Will sort out in morning, plus got to pair mobile up then take it for a good run test primo out etc.
Like the set up etc, very pleased.

Didnt have much luck with Petruts patch on other unit so think i will have to leave this wolfncu patch thats been talked about!!:confused:

Many thanks.Sean

[Jakg]

What about the grills?

[CDTi]

Didnt have much luck with Petruts patch on other unit so think i will have to leave this wolfncu patch thats been talked about!!:confused:The WolfNCU program is different from Petruts patch in that Wolf makes no permanent changes to WinCE so it cannot brick your unit.

As it happens, I have applied Petruts patch to this unit also and it works a treat.

[handyjackdaniels]

The WolfNCU program is different from Petruts patch in that Wolf makes no permanent changes to WinCE so it cannot brick your unit.

As it happens, I have applied Petruts patch to this unit also and it works a treat.


really would like to put petruts patch on, its good, but kept having problems with downloading, plus it bricked my old double din, dont want that again!
undecided:shrug:

[Radioguy]

What about the grills?


Sorry Jakg, I thought I was Posting that on another thread.
And Yes , the Grills too

Sean

[CDTi]

really would like to put petruts patch on, its good, but kept having problems with downloading, plus it bricked my old double din, dont want that again!
undecided:shrug:Running WolfNCU is just like running iGo - its a WinCE program and will not try and change or update WinCE. So there is no more chance of bricking the unit than there would be if running iGo.

Petruts patch does alter WinCE, so there is a chance - however small it might be - that it may cause problems.

[eliele]

Thanks to Sean's hard work on the ground in China, the boot logo can now be changed :jig:

Instructions from Sean:


Unzip and copy the files to a SD card and insert to GPS slot (you can changed the logo file to what you want). Change the GPS path to the .exe file on the SD card.
Remember do not shutdown the unit or cut the power during the process, otherwise the operation will be failed and the unit will be "destroyed"


I found that you need a 16 bit BMP for it to work. Here is what I used for a test but I might change it a bit:

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/2edxmw8.jpg

Please note, this changes the boot logo only. The logo you see while a CD, DVD, SD card etc is loading remains unchanged. Maybe something else for Sean to look in to once his manflu is better :D.

Hi, very good!
Sorry for my bad english
Is it possible to make a 16 bit bitmap file from this JPEG file?:
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/246/logorover75radica.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/logorover75radica.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

I'd really like this logo for my head unit
Thank you

[CDTi]

Is it possible to make a 16 bit bitmap file from this JPEG file?:Here you go:

http://www.picturestack.com/89/489/Yuvlogorover7E9r.bmp

[eliele]

Thank you.
I changed the logo on the head unit.
It is this, a little different from the original picture, with those strange green spots in the image:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3793/dsc0078ud.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/dsc0078ud.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

but perhaps this is the best possible image quality
thanks again

[CDTi]

Thank you.
I changed the logo on the head unit.
It is this, a little different from the original picture, with those strange green spots in the image:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3793/dsc0078ud.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/dsc0078ud.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

but perhaps this is the best possible image quality
thanks againThat doesn't look right.

Can you PM me your email address and I'll try and sent it to you direct.

[eliele]

That doesn't look right.

Can you PM me your email address and I'll try and sent it to you direct.

I sent you an email
thanks

[CDTi]

I sent you an email
thanksReplied with 2 logos sent.

[eliele]

Hi Eamonn,
I sent you an email (no attachment in your email)

[CDTi]

Hi Eamonn,
I sent you an email (no attachment in your email)I have replied again. Did you get the second email?

[eliele]

Yes, I did.
The "Black Rover" works perfectly
The "Walnut Rover" works as before (bad)

Thanks

[CDTi]

Yes, I did.
The "Black Rover" works perfectly
The "Walnut Rover" works as before (bad)

ThanksIt must be very picky about how much colour a pic can have.

Hope you like Black Rover ;).

[CDTi]

I've been trying for a while to add an external mic to this headunit to improve BT audio quality. I eventually got a connector to match the existing one inside the unit and I did a quick test today with a mic I had lying around at home.

Initial results are proving very positive with much improved audio.

Anyone should be able to do this. It will involve unplugging a small connector inside the unit and running a lead with a jack socket to the rear. Any BT mic can then be connected.

I will be doing a "how to" when I have it completed to my satisfaction.

[eliele]

It must be very picky about how much colour a pic can have.

Hope you like Black Rover ;).

Black is very nice

Thanks a lot

[CDTi]

As previously mentioned, its easy to add an external mic to these headunits.

First off, this is where the existing mic on the front panel connects to the main board:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/attachmic1.jpg

Its easily visible once the cover is removed. The idea is to remove this connector and plug in a short extension to the rear of the headunit so a standard BT mic can be connected.


The hardest part was sourcing this little connector:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7126.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7127.jpg

Its a Molex of some kind but I couldn't source it despite many emails. I eventually found one in a desktop phone. Its also common in computers for connecting an internal speaker or the reset switch, although I tried a few old PCs and couldn't get any.
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7120.jpg

I then joined it to a length of screened cable. The pin nearest the side of the headunit is ground BTW:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7121.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7123.jpg

The other end of a screened cable was soldered to a 3.5mm jack socket:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7125.jpg

And the completed cable was then installed:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7140.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7141.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7143.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7144.jpg

This is a really easy mod once the little white connector can be got. There should be no danger of damaging the headunit and the original can always be reconnected if desired.

The existing connector could of course be used but then the original mic can't be re-used.

A similar mod like this could also be done on Sean's original headunits but its a lot more complicated i.e. the front display panel must be removed.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

Very nice mod:bowdown: Out of interest, where are you putting the new mic? And have you found a way to turn off the damn beeper? Pray do tell sir!

[CDTi]

Very nice mod:bowdown: Out of interest, where are you putting the new mic? And have you found a way to turn off the damn beeper? Pray do tell sir!I'm going to put it on top of the A pillar trim.

No, I have not managed to turn off the beeper. The newer version of these in BMW guise does not have the beep so there must me a new firmware available. Or else the beeper was just left out.

I hadn't planned on keeping this headunit but now I'm thinking I will so I have to get rid of that beep :D. It could be reduced by putting a small bit of tape over it or disabled by a small squirt of superglue into the hole on top.

Or just desoldered and removed completely.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

This unit is getting more and more tempting! Me likey:D

[Jakg]

I'm going to put it on top of the A pillar trim.
I would not recommend this - the a-pillars provide a lot of buffeting at speed. Same story for the interior light cluster.

I found the best place was just to the side of the IPK, running the wire behind it.

[CoOkIeMoNsTeR]

I believe some people have put it in the interior light panel next to the sunroof switch/blank.

[CDTi]

I would not recommend this - the a-pillars provide a lot of buffeting at speed. Same story for the interior light cluster.

I found the best place was just to the side of the IPK, running the wire behind it.Thanks for the tip :).

[handyjackdaniels]

Had my alternate unit for a week now, still have bluetooth to pair up yet, but thought i would give a little feedback of the unit so far.

Install was very easy, once i had trimmed the mounting lugs( some ****** borrowed my tin snips, had to use junior hacksaw:mad:).

Layout is very good, especially the radio( rds etc).

Using primo on gps, very easy to use. Got told off for speeding first time i used it!:o

Eamonn( cdti) said he had an annoying beep when using the buttons, but seems as though they have cured that as i dont have the problem.

I did have one of the early double dins that i sent to Sean(radioguy) to try fix, we come to an agreement over him selling it on and me getting the alternate unit, as tmc was not too important to me.

Comparing the alternate unit to the double din, the touch screen doesnt seem as responsive as the d/din, not an issue, just something to get used to. Otherwise, they seem on par with each other.

The buttons dont light up with the dash lights, so i must have another wire to connect up somewhere, there is a wire marked " illumi" that seems favourite?

When the unit first powers up the clock reads 0:00, it takes a minute or two to change to the correct time?!

The volume is loud on start up, i have lowered the default volume but hasnt made a difference.Again must be something else to play with.

The steering control option was missing on the unit, Sean very kindly sent an update that took only a few minutes to carry out.

Have put Petruts patch on, plus have the Wolfncu on the sd card but havent played around with it all yet.
Many many thanks to Eamonn for helping an old senile man with that!!:bowdown:


As i said still have bluetooth to pair up, the two patchs to play with and later extend the ipod lead to the cubby box, so will feedback again when all is done, but must say i'm really pleased with the unit.

Plus there is the peace of mind to have Sean to help with any problems instead of a chinese seller. Excellent.

I want to get some walnut for the climate control panel, but Simon in Bulgaria doesnt supply the trim for these alernate units as yet, but does have the e46 trim which is similar, just needs the buttons inserted, maybe something for the future?

Very pleased with unit, recommend as an alternative.

Time to have a play!

Steve

[CDTi]

Glad to hear you like it, Steve. I'm really happy with mine.

I have a few suggestions/comments on your observations:
Eamonn( cdti) said he had an annoying beep when using the buttons, but seems as though they have cured that as i dont have the problem.The newer BMW version of this unit also has no beep so the MGR units that Sean supplied must be from the same batch

Comparing the alternate unit to the double din, the touch screen doesnt seem as responsive as the d/din, not an issue, just something to get used to. Otherwise, they seem on par with each other.You may already have done so but don't forget to remove the plastic screen guard. I really don't find any difference with sensitivity but maybe I've just gotten used to it :).

The buttons dont light up with the dash lights, so i must have another wire to connect up somewhere, there is a wire marked " illumi" that seems favourite?Thats the wire but it is documented on the BMW Forums that that connecting this wire may introduce a slight hiss on Bluetooth when the lights are on and if the dash lights are dimmed. Connection to a straight 12v when the lights are on would probably cure this - but the units buttons wouldn't dim then.

When the unit first powers up the clock reads 0:00, it takes a minute or two to change to the correct time?! My time is always correct.

The volume is loud on start up, i have lowered the default volume but hasnt made a difference.Again must be something else to play with.Again, I don't have this problem - the default volume setting does its thing. Maybe this issue together with the time issue above indicates that the permanent 12 volts isn't connected or is switched around?

Have put Petruts patch on, plus have the Wolfncu on the sd card but havent played around with it all yet.
Many many thanks to Eamonn for helping an old senile man with that!!:bowdown:No problemo


As i said still have bluetooth to pair up, the two patchs to play with and later extend the ipod lead to the cubby box, so will feedback again when all is done, but must say i'm really pleased with the unit.Have you seen this post for the iPod extender cable: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showpost.php?p=648274&postcount=143

I want to get some walnut for the climate control panel, but Simon in Bulgaria doesnt supply the trim for these alernate units as yet, but does have the e46 trim which is similar, just needs the buttons inserted, maybe something for the future? Wood trim would be nice :drool4:

Very pleased with unit, recommend as an alternative.Agreed

[handyjackdaniels]

Glad to hear you like it, Steve. I'm really happy with mine.

I have a few suggestions/comments on your observations:

Hi Eamonn,

Thanks for you suggesions/comments.

The sensitvity issue i will get used to i'm sure.

I have changed the two wires over( red and yellow), as the double din i had would not save any settings when i powerd it up, so assumed this unit would be the same, may swap them back, but would it not save any settings if he wiring was wrong??

I had a play with wolfncu, like it, very easy to use. I put the rover 75 and walnut skins into the skins folder, they came up in the skins list on the unit, but as you know when you select a skin it shows a small preview plus the file its in. For some reason, just those two skins dont preview or show a file to select.
Need to play a bit more!

I've looked at a few Ipod extender cables, think i will go for one from uk!

Enjoying this unit more each day, misses cant quite see what the fuss is about " its got a radio hasnt it?" !!!!!!!! :girly:

[CDTi]

I have changed the two wires over( red and yellow), as the double din i had would not save any settings when i powerd it up, so assumed this unit would be the same, may swap them back, but would it not save any settings if he wiring was wrong??This should be the same as the last double din so that doesn't appear to be the problem. As for none of the settings being saved if the wiring was wrong, it seems like some items are saved in more volatile media than others i.e. I have found that some settings are stored even when the HU is completely disconnected.

I think the preview for both of those skins showed on my system, but it shouldn't make a difference to the operation in any event.

Enjoying this unit more each day, misses cant quite see what the fuss is about " its got a radio hasnt it?" !!!!!!!! :girly:Do you understand the ladies fascination with shoes (amongst other things)???. My wife and I have come to a mutual agreement i.e. she keeps her nose out of my car and I try my best not to ask "are those new?" when I see her decked out in a new pair of pumps.

[ChB]

Eamonn( cdti) said he had an annoying beep when using the buttons, but seems as though they have cured that as i dont have the problem.
I do have the beep on my unit and I can tell it's reeeaally annoying. :mad:
Can anyone please point me in the right direction if turning it off is a firmware or hardware thing?
If it's only hardware, where is the sounder located and what does it look like (photos?)?

Another thing: Is it correct that the radio turns off if I go to the audio settings? So how could I adjust the sound (treble, bass, balance) if I don't hear it?

TIA
Chris

[CDTi]

I do have the beep on my unit and I can tell it's reeeaally annoying. :mad:
Can anyone please point me in the right direction if turning it off is a firmware or hardware thing?
If it's only hardware, where is the sounder located and what does it look like (photos?)?

Another thing: Is it correct that the radio turns off if I go to the audio settings? So how could I adjust the sound (treble, bass, balance) if I don't hear it?

TIA
ChrisNo firmware update as yet to cure the beep.

Take off the top cover to see the buzzer. If you look at this pic, you can see it in the lower left hand corner of the unit: http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7140.jpg

Its the black plastic component with the hole on top. You could put some insulation tape over the hole to quieten it or a drop of superglue through the hole would also help.

The headunit shouldn't turn off when you go to audio settings :confused:. Something wrong there.

[HarryM1BYT]

Its the black plastic component with the hole on top. You could put some insulation tape over the hole to quieten it or a drop of superglue through the hole would also help.

The headunit shouldn't turn off when you go to audio settings :confused:. Something wrong there.

At work, when these sounders annoy, I find a blob of bluetack is more effective at silencing than tape.

[HarryM1BYT]

This should be the same as the last double din so that doesn't appear to be the problem. As for none of the settings being saved if the wiring was wrong, it seems like some items are saved in more volatile media than others i.e. I have found that some settings are stored even when the HU is completely disconnected.

I think the preview for both of those skins showed on my system, but it shouldn't make a difference to the operation in any event.

Do you understand the ladies fascination with shoes (amongst other things)???. My wife and I have come to a mutual agreement i.e. she keeps her nose out of my car and I try my best not to ask "are those new?" when I see her decked out in a new pair of pumps.

My DD would loose the radio stations I had pre-set, before I got the permanent 12v and the switched 12v the right way around.

[ChB]

Take off the top cover to see the buzzer. If you look at this pic, you can see it in the lower left hand corner of the unit:

Its the black plastic component with the hole on top. You could put some insulation tape over the hole to quieten it or a drop of superglue through the hole would also help.

The headunit shouldn't turn off when you go to audio settings :confused:. Something wrong there.

Thanks a lot. :bowdown: That's the component I had suspected, but I wanted to make sure instead of breaking something else.

One more question on installing the unit:
Where did you connect the 'ILLUMI' cable to?
My unit has no illumination at all at the moment. :(

Chris

[Reebs]

Seeing as we have a shiny new Double Din section in the I.C.E Forum, this thread has now been relocated ;)

[CDTi]

Thanks a lot. :bowdown: That's the component I had suspected, but I wanted to make sure instead of breaking something else.

One more question on installing the unit:
Where did you connect the 'ILLUMI' cable to?
My unit has no illumination at all at the moment. :(

ChrisThere is a wire labelled "illumination" on the radio loom that should be connected to the lights wire on the car radio harness.

Don't forget that if you do this you may get some BT noise if you dim the dash lights. Its a "feature" of these headunits. I don't really notice it TBH, but its there if you listen closely.

[ChB]

There is a wire labelled "illumination" on the radio loom that should be connected to the lights wire on the car radio harness.
Well, exactly that was my question: "Where do I connect the "illumi" wire from the radio harness to?"

Anyway, meanwhile I investigated a little more. Firstly I need to add, that I used to have a HiLine/HK setup in my ZT-T. Therefore I am using a BMW-to-ISO-adaptor to connect the new head unit. This is what I found out so far:

There is an orange wire coming from the BMW plug pin no. 13 which is supposed to be "illumination". It connects to the correct pin on the radios ISO plug, BUT the wire leaving the ISO plug (also orange) is not connected anywhere.
On the other hand, the wiring diagram on the HU describing the 14-pin connector states, that there should be a brown wire for illumination but this is connected to a totally different pin on the ISO plug (pin no. 2, normally "telephone mute"), which does not connect to any of the wires of the BMW plug.

Having said that, there are two options for me now:
1. Connecting the free orange wire from the ISO plug with the orange wire from the HU labeled "illumi" (not a part of the 14 pin connector).
2. Disconnecting the brown wire from pin no. 2 and connecting it to pin no. 6 (illumination from BMW plug).

I would prefer the second one in order to have a "clean" connection via the designated plugs, but I am not sure if I could rely on the wiring diagram printed on the HU. This also states a pink wire for I-Bus, but it's a green one which should be connected to the steering wheel controls.

What are your opinions/experiences on this?

TIA.

Chris

[CDTi]

My car is a mk2 so I have ISO wiring - I don't know what way the BMW plug is wired.

On mine, the illumination wire from radio is orange and is connected to the orange wire from the car loom. Orange is the standard ISO wire colour for lights connection.

Always check with a multimeter if you are not sure.

Well, exactly that was my question: "Where do I connect the "illumi" wire from the radio harness to?"

Anyway, meanwhile I investigated a little more. Firstly I need to add, that I used to have a HiLine/HK setup in my ZT-T. Therefore I am using a BMW-to-ISO-adaptor to connect the new head unit. This is what I found out so far:

There is an orange wire coming from the BMW plug pin no. 13 which is supposed to be "illumination". It connects to the correct pin on the radios ISO plug, BUT the wire leaving the ISO plug (also orange) is not connected anywhere.
On the other hand, the wiring diagram on the HU describing the 14-pin connector states, that there should be a brown wire for illumination but this is connected to a totally different pin on the ISO plug (pin no. 2, normally "telephone mute"), which does not connect to any of the wires of the BMW plug.

Having said that, there are two options for me now:
1. Connecting the free orange wire from the ISO plug with the orange wire from the HU labeled "illumi" (not a part of the 14 pin connector).
2. Disconnecting the brown wire from pin no. 2 and connecting it to pin no. 6 (illumination from BMW plug).

I would prefer the second one in order to have a "clean" connection via the designated plugs, but I am not sure if I could rely on the wiring diagram printed on the HU. This also states a pink wire for I-Bus, but it's a green one which should be connected to the steering wheel controls.

What are your opinions/experiences on this?

TIA.

Chris

[ChB]

Did you connect the illumination wire from the hu yourself or was it part of the iso connector?

If use a multimeter to find out if the brown wire from the white 14 pin plug was illumination or telephone mute, what should the multimeter read on the wires coming from the hu?

Illumination: no voltage (?)
Telephone mute: voltage (?) (how much?)

TIA.

Chris

[CDTi]

Did you connect the illumination wire from the hu yourself or was it part of the iso connector?

If use a multimeter to find out if the brown wire from the white 14 pin plug was illumination or telephone mute, what should the multimeter read on the wires coming from the hu?

Illumination: no voltage (?)
Telephone mute: voltage (?) (how much?)

TIA.

ChrisYou will probably get no reading on the orange wire going to the radio as its an input but check the orange wire in the car loom for 12 volts when the lights are turned on.

[CDTi]

I am now selling this headunit. See here: http://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=685306#post685306

[CDTi]

It has come to my notice in the past few days that the "Petrut patch" that I have installed on the unit does not work properly. TBH, I have never really used it - I always use WolfNCU as it better suits out cars IMHO. The problem is that the GPS audio does not always work when another audio source is playing.

I have contacted Petrut (the author of the patch) and apparently his patch may not be workable on this system at all. He is working on it but it doesn't look good.


The fact the patch doesn't work is no reflcetion on the unit itself and does not affect it in any way.

[ChB]

There is an orange wire coming from the BMW plug pin no. 13 which is supposed to be "illumination". It connects to the correct pin on the radios ISO plug, BUT the wire leaving the ISO plug (also orange) is not connected anywhere.
On the other hand, the wiring diagram on the HU describing the 14-pin connector states, that there should be a brown wire for illumination but this is connected to a totally different pin on the ISO plug (pin no. 2, normally "telephone mute"), which does not connect to any of the wires of the BMW plug.

Having said that, there are two options for me now:
1. Connecting the free orange wire from the ISO plug with the orange wire from the HU labeled "illumi" (not a part of the 14 pin connector).
2. Disconnecting the brown wire from pin no. 2 and connecting it to pin no. 6 (illumination from BMW plug).


I have tried both options now. Illumination will work with either of the wires from the HU.
My solution was to connect the orange wire leaving the ISO plug on pin no. 6 to the brown wire which connects pin no. 2 of the ISO plug with the HU.

The only strange thing is, that the illumination will only work when the HU is turned on. If it is turned off, only the two LEDs left and right of the dvd slot stay on. Did anyone else experience this behaviour?

Chris

[ChB]

Okay, more news...

1. (...) In fact, I am not looking for an extension of the FM antenna but for the OEM sat/nav and tv antenna. The OEM plugs are very small angled metal plugs which just plug on a kind of pin on the sat/nav unit/tv unit. On the new HU the antennas plug into a kind of coaxial screw connection. My problem is, that I don't know either of the official names of these connections.
To connect the OEM GPS shark fin aerial with the HU you will need a high frequency coaxial cable RG174 with FAKRA (female) to SMA (male) connectors. Length should be between 5 and 6 meters. Then you can directly connect the shark fin with the HU. It works fine with no signal loss problems.
BTW, the angled connectors for the OEM units are called SMB connectors.


2. I have a HiLine setup in a Mk1 ZT-T at the moment, therefore the steering wheel remote connection does not end behind the HU but somewhere else.
I was wrong. Behind the boardmonitor unit is a white box stating that it is the remote control unit.

Chris

[tony_fry]

It has come to my notice in the past few days that the "Petrut patch" that I have installed on the unit does not work properly. TBH, I have never really used it - I always use WolfNCU as it better suits out cars IMHO. The problem is that the GPS audio does not always work when another audio source is playing.

I have contacted Petrut (the author of the patch) and apparently his patch may not be workable on this system at all. He is working on it but it doesn't look good.


The fact the patch doesn't work is no reflcetion on the unit itself and does not affect it in any way.


Eamonn

I had the same problem with the "test" unit I have, if I play bluetooth music I do not get any sound through the SAT NAV programe, and it does not have the Petruts patch installed, I thought it might have been something thing to do with the faulty bluetooth card, but maybe its not? I still had no speach working throught the head unit via bluetooth when making a phone call I can hear the other end but on one could hear me.

[CDTi]

Eamonn

I had the same problem with the "test" unit I have, if I play bluetooth music I do not get any sound through the SAT NAV programe, and it does not have the Petruts patch installed, I thought it might have been something thing to do with the faulty bluetooth card, but maybe its not? I still had no speach working throught the head unit via bluetooth when making a phone call I can hear the other end but on one could hear me.TBH, I never really use the BT music. I'll try it on the way home tonight.

[ChB]

I know this has been discussed a few times, but I don't get the steering wheel controls to work, even after reading the explanations here. :mad:

Originally there was a HiLine & HK setup in my car.

I have connected the green wire from the new HU with the orange/blue wire of the steering wheel remote control box and the black wire from the HU with the purple/blue wire of the control box.

Then I have updated the HU software with Sean's patch to get the "steering wheel" menu to appear. But, what exactly do I have to do in this menu? I tried different things, but apart from occasional green ticks (without touching the steering wheel controls) nothing happens. Did I connect the wrong wires? Do I have to put the plug back into the control box?

[CDTi]

I know this has been discussed a few times, but I don't get the steering wheel controls to work, even after reading the explanations here. :mad:

Originally there was a HiLine & HK setup in my car.

I have connected the green wire from the new HU with the orange/blue wire of the steering wheel remote control box and the black wire from the HU with the purple/blue wire of the control box.

Then I have updated the HU software with Sean's patch to get the "steering wheel" menu to appear. But, what exactly do I have to do in this menu? I tried different things, but apart from occasional green ticks (without touching the steering wheel controls) nothing happens. Did I connect the wrong wires? Do I have to put the plug back into the control box?I just had the standard wiring and the steering controls worked first time for me.

Maybe someone with a HL + HK setup can help you.

[Robson Rover Repair]

Thats mine installed!

Only seem to get classic FM on the sat nav TMC.

Any other suggestions of what stations to try or a list of them?

[CDTi]

Thats mine installed!

Only seem to get classic FM on the sat nav TMC.

Any other suggestions of what stations to try or a list of them?Do you have this "alternative" unit or the original, Colin?

[Robson Rover Repair]

Sorry mate, posted in the wrong section!

[ChB]

I know this has been discussed a few times, but I don't get the steering wheel controls to work, even after reading the explanations here. :mad:
Problem solved. I had connected the wires to the wrong part of the harness.

[Archun]

Hey, I just saw your post and looks like its the answer I've been looking for for a long time. If it actually works as it appears, I'll go to Ireland all the way from Argentina and MARRY YOU!!!

As previously mentioned, its easy to add an external mic to these headunits.

First off, this is where the existing mic on the front panel connects to the main board:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/attachmic1.jpg

Its easily visible once the cover is removed. The idea is to remove this connector and plug in a short extension to the rear of the headunit so a standard BT mic can be connected.


The hardest part was sourcing this little connector:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7126.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7127.jpg

Its a Molex of some kind but I couldn't source it despite many emails. I eventually found one in a desktop phone. Its also common in computers for connecting an internal speaker or the reset switch, although I tried a few old PCs and couldn't get any.
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7120.jpg

I then joined it to a length of screened cable. The pin nearest the side of the headunit is ground BTW:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7121.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7123.jpg

The other end of a screened cable was soldered to a 3.5mm jack socket:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7125.jpg

And the completed cable was then installed:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7140.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7141.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7143.jpg
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee7/31stplatoon/Rover%2075/DSCF7144.jpg

This is a really easy mod once the little white connector can be got. There should be no danger of damaging the headunit and the original can always be reconnected if desired.

The existing connector could of course be used but then the original mic can't be re-used.

A similar mod like this could also be done on Sean's original headunits but its a lot more complicated i.e. the front display panel must be removed.

[CDTi]

Hey, I just saw your post and looks like its the answer I've been looking for for a long time. If it actually works as it appears, I'll go to Ireland all the way from Argentina and MARRY YOU!!!If you are a lady with a big bosom and don't mind being wife number 2 then you have a deal :D

[pipekako]

Hey, great review CDTI; I bought mine from a Chinesse dealer (http://www.cnhenhao.com) and I'm quite happy with it so far. Nevertheless I've been experiencing some problems since the beguinning:
- Rds function just goes off everytime you restart the device, and it doesn't work back until you adjust the radio area section within the config. menu.
- I just can't change tracks unless the unit is screening the dvd/sd players. So that if gps screen is being displayed, the device can't operate the forward/backward functions.

Did you have any of these problems?
Could you please show the link for the firmware upgrade?
Thanks

[CDTi]

Rds function just goes off everytime you restart the device, and it doesn't work back until you adjust the radio area section within the config. menu.
- I just can't change tracks unless the unit is screening the dvd/sd players. So that if gps screen is being displayed, the device can't operate the forward/backward functions.

Did you have any of these problems?
Could you please show the link for the firmware upgrade?
ThanksI didn't experience any of these problems with my unit.

Read through this for more info and firmware: http://www.bmw-planet.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=4&sid=ed8baade09a5bc02c35fd04f28ee75cd

[pipekako]

Thanks CDTI ;-)
So, is anyone else experiencing problems with the RDS function? (it goes off when restarting the unit and doesn't come to work until radio area is adjusted in setup menu)

By the way, my unit doesn't produce the annoying beep you talk about when pressing any button or touchin the screen.

[pipekako]

It seems I'm not the only one having problems with the rds function and skipping tracks in gps function. Some members of the BMW planet are having them too:
http://www.bmw-planet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1965&sid=45557a60cba2de41f73aa9e152f8308c

[MGZTT190+]

Very interesting gents, I have tried to absorb the 20+ pages but have come up a bit confused.

I got to know about Dynavin for the BMW E46 through a friend and really liked the look of the unit. Today while working and dreaming I thought I wonder if the unit would fit my ZTT. I have the original Kenwood CD multi changer fitted with steering wheel controls, after looking at the console I thought that maybe if I omitted the top cabby hole and Kenwood the unit would fit above the climate controls.

Hey presto after a google search I found this thread (Should have looked here first, Lesson learnt) and see I Sean sells the Android which to me looks the same as the Dynavin for the BMW. The Dynavin is plug and play for the BMW so I guess the Android is more splicing into cables as no big plug is in the kit to just plug and play.

The Dynavin comes with a Microphone and USB cable, GPS antenna I wonder does the Android? They seem very simular software and display.

I will try to read through again to find the answers but the thread is quiet varied at times.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Ian.

[MGZTT190+]

I think I have answered my own question:D They are the same unit!

Ian.

[Radioguy]

I think I have answered my own question:D They are the same unit!

Ian.

Yup !
One in the same !

[MGZTT190+]

I want one, I am gona nag till I get one and I want it now!

Seriously tho with the andriod how easy is it to fit?
There is a utube clip but they seem to take more time taking bits apart than actual conection. Is the unit plug in or do I need to solder wires etc?

Thanks for the reply Sean :}

Ian