Topic: My Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT Navigation/Head Unit Install

[Carbon Sky]

So, got the rear view camera up and running on command?  Find it a nice feature to have?

I've been helping my pops out in deciding between the top of the line Alpine, Kenwood, and Pioneer like yours.  Obvious pros and cons to each.  I kind of like how the Kenwood has AMAZING darned complete control of almost everything through voice command.  But it has more delay in its fancy slick looking interface, compared to the much smoother, but practically 80's era Nintendo quality interface.  And I don't know what it is, but I don't like the sound of the Pioneer as much as the Alpine and Kenwood.  The Alpine has the typical very analytical/clean soundstage, while the Kenwood is uber smooth/thick.  And to be honest, I feel like the Pioneer sounds a little tinny/thin.  Got a chance to try out all three back to back to back on various amps and speakers at a local car audio shop, and at least that was my take.

[spicy3480]

Cool...the camera works right now in reverse, but not with the split view navigation bc it was wired to not be on all of the time to prolong the life of the camera.

I have heard Alpine and Pioneer head units and actually prefer the Pioneer one...tighter and a bit more refined.  I found the Alpine more harsh.

[DeepBlueGXP]

Spiky, select the GND option and see if it works

[spicy3480]

I will try it at lunch today:)

[Critterman]

And??

[spicy3480]

Nada...nothing appears on either setting...only in reverse.

[Carbon Sky]

Thanks for the confirmation, good to know it's not as easy to do on the Pioneer.

Perhaps you could wire in a switch inline with the camera so you could select power as you pleased?  Too bad it's not an option on the deck.

[spicy3480]

Exactly...being an option on the deck would have been great.  I will have to mess with it at the meet if I freally feel like I need it.  Right now I don't, as it would be distracting to look at it while I am driving.  Plus, I'd rather the camera have more life to it.  The deck has more than enough features to keep me occupied LOL.

[DeepBlueGXP]

Fixing the ground also allows you to play DVD movies while driving (for passenger enjoyment of course )

[spicy3480]

I already have that feature...they did that for me when they installed it.  I tried it and it works great.

[Uranium-238]

Spicy, I've got a few questions, seeing as I'm about to order a different pioneer model.

First, do you have to use their iPod cable, or would a regular one work? The unit I'm ordering is advertised as using the dock out in order to use the head unit's better DAC. That cable looks like it's got the dock to USB part to charge the ipod, and then a 1/8 jack for the audio.

Second is any chance of a recording of the new door/warning chimes?

[DeepBlueGXP]

I use the same cable as Spiky on my Pioneer.  The USB allows for charging and interface control, the stereo jack is audio

[spicy3480]

Spicy, I've got a few questions, seeing as I'm about to order a different pioneer model.

First, do you have to use their iPod cable, or would a regular one work? The unit I'm ordering is advertised as using the dock out in order to use the head unit's better DAC. That cable looks like it's got the dock to USB part to charge the ipod, and then a 1/8 jack for the audio.

Second is any chance of a recording of the new door/warning chimes?

I would use the iPod cable that's meant for the unit or it might not charge.

Also, I have not seen a way to record a new chime...honestly I hear it so few times that it doesn't bother me.

[Uranium-238]

I meant get samples so others can hear the chimes, I was under the impression that they were different.

Back to the cable, here's crutchfield's comment on the whole iPod DAC bypass thing:

iPod/iPhone DAC Bypass: Because the Pioneer AVH-P3300BT uses its USB connection for audio & control transfer, your iPod/iPhone's stored music is loaded instantly to the headunit and sound quality is maximized through the headunit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal-to-Noise ratio up to 96dB.

Elsewhere it does say you need their cable for video, but never audio. If it really is a full-powered USB 2.0 port I'd imagine any cable should work.

[DeepBlueGXP]

The cable is cheap so get it and have it installed at the time of the radio.  It would be a "B" to have to pull it back out later to install it

[spicy3480]

Agreed...you can actually get the correct matching cable on eBay for $15 or so.