Radios (2017 version)

[skizo]

So, what's everybody doing for radios nowadays?

Started out looking to add a backup camera to the beast, and you can pretty much replace the radio head for the same price, and get a bigger monitor to boot. Lots easier to make everything fit as well seeing as it would be replacing the existing head. Got a couple recommendations for a Boss Audio double din head that will plug right in (with the proper adapter), add a wireless bluetooth camera, and yer good to go. Less than $300 out the door at Best Buy, including a good camera and installation.



www.bossaudio.com/product/car-video-sound-system-auto-stereo-in-dash-double-din-boss-audio-bv9386nv/

Got GPS too. Only thing missing for me would be HD Radio, and I should be able to plug my Connect adapter into the RCA audio input on the back. Plan is to use the existing speaker system which already has a sub running off the rear channels.

Suggestions?

[tigger]

Nov 3, 2017 21:24:44 GMT -6 skizo said:

Suggestions?

Android tablet.

[skizo]

?

I take it there's an app for that ... <G>

Looking for something I don't have to ... like ... look for. Slip the lever into reverse and good to go kinda thang. The GPS isn't all that important to me, but hey, I'll use it if I got it. Only complaint I've seen about the Boss head is the GPS is a TomTom and map updates can be kind of expensive. Also not a biggie - my current TomTom hasn't been updated for a couple years now and still gets me where I'm going, and there's always google as an option.

[sall]

Nov 3, 2017 22:15:09 GMT -6 tigger said:

Nov 3, 2017 21:24:44 GMT -6 skizo said:

Suggestions?

Android tablet.

Yeah!

[skizo]

That's an android tablet?

[sall]

Nov 5, 2017 17:21:42 GMT -6 skizo said:

That's an android tablet?

Nexus android tablet and Kenwood single din headunit in a custom bezel. Wireless charging, wifi backup camera, etc...

[skizo]

Ah ... already got my HD Radio head in the ashtray compartment and gotta have that. I should be able to plug that into the RCA aux on any head that has em.

(Amazing how expensive a head with built in HD Radio can get!)

What radio app are you using on that android?

[skizo]

Went ahead and ordered the Boss. Along with the good wired backup camera, steering controls, and remote GPS antenna, looking at around $500, using the current AudioBahn speaker systems.

(So much for free installation, right? Small print says that's only for installing a SiriusXM tuner as an addon (mumble mutter).

I figure if the Boss head turns out to be a large dose of crap, that would be an easy enough swap somewhere down the way. Wish me luck!

** I'll report back with the results after the Geeks have done their thing.

[RCA1186]

Let me know how the double din fits in with the radio trim bezel. I had to do some modifying and I'm still not 100% happy with the fit
m

[skizo]

The Geeks did mention having to do some minor tweaks for fitment - I told them all bets were off if it didn't look "factory" when done ... part of the order is for a "GMC Topkick" dash kit which is supposed to trim the hole properly when done. Only part of the kit used for the Aurora is the trim ring.



Fingers crossed and all that ...

[RCA1186]

Yep that looks like what I used too. Something with the way it mounts, it doesn't allow the bottom of the radio trim to sit flush

[skizo]

If it's just tthe bottom, I suppose I could overlap that a bit with the Connect HD Radio head. That's just velcro'd on to the dash tray door.



Wondering if the extra "wood" trim I used will get in the way or help? One way to find out, eh.

************

Kinda sorta on topic - usual complaint about backup cameras is night vision. I hear some backup lights work better than others? These are a projector type and listed as compatible with the classic Aurora's stock backup lights.



Alla Lighting Genuine CREE XB-D 3157 3156 T20 Xtremely Super Bright 6000K White LED Lights Bulbs

Anybody got a better idea? I've tried a couple of the IR license plate frames and they both sucked big time.

[skizo]

Well then ... got er done.

Quite happy with the results. As mentioned, there are some slight gaps at the corners of the double DIN trim, but not so's you'd notice. I'm thinking the extra wood helps hide it. Also pleasantly surprised with the backup camera. I'd heard most of them had "issues" at at night, but this one does the job. A big grainy as you might expect, but easy enough to see what's going on - even got some color to it. The Cree LED backup lamps probably help - those are a whole lot brighter than the original bulbs.



Haven't really had a chance to play with the GPS navigator yet other than to make sure it gets a signal and can find a destination. Radio sounds good and the HD Radio tuner works using one of the AUX inputs. MP3s off either the optical or a thumb drive will give me all the music I want - I don't plan on doing any streaming.

Oh ... and it DOES have bluetooth, so I can do the phone thing if I want - not that I ever expect to.

PS - that's a day shot of the backup screen - my camera sucks for night shots.

[skizo]

PS - anybody make an anti-glare screen that will still allow touch screen?

[RCA1186]

Not too shabby. Where is the camera mounted? Rear license plate holder? My unit allows for backup cam, but I haven't bought one yet. Thinking maybe that should be my next endeavor.

[skizo]

Yup - Metra camera - uses the top license plate mounting bolts.




Hides nicely - only thing you see is the little bullet sticking out over the top of the plate.

PS - might have to read the book. There's an on/off software switch for enabling the camera trigger on most heads.