cschroed

I purchased one of these units along with the PAC RP5-GM11 interface and am planning to install it on my 2010 C6. Perhaps you could confirm wiring to the PAC interface. I'm assuming all wiring is as per the PAC instructions except:
1. Red HU ACC wire spliced to red PAC ACC wire and PAC blue/white amplifier wire so that amplifier is enabled whenever power is on.
2. 12 terminal GM connector. Cut yellow and green/white wires. On connector end, yellow PAC wire to HU KEY1 and green/white PAC wire to HU GND wire. Other ends of the PAC wires going to the PAC module taped up and not used.

A few other questions:
1. Since the PAC SWC function is not used, does it matter what the PAC rotary switch is set to?
2. Did you require the chime module or do chime sounds function normally through the car speakers?
3. What steps did you have to go through to pair the OBDLink MX Bluetooth?

bjmsam

Congrats! I hope you like it.

1. Correct. The HU does not have a dedicated amp trigger. The HU antenna trigger can be used as such, but there is a chance that it is not energized in some non-radio HU modes.

2. Correct. The PAC harness brings its power in on the yellow wire and loops it back out on pin 6 to power the car SWC (purple wire on the car side of the connector). I believe yellow is constant power rather than switched, so I didn't care for that approach anyway (why energize the car SWC resistor tree when the ignition is off?). Cut that loop and connect the outbound yellow wire on pin 6 to the KEY1 wire. The SWC circuit becomes:

HU KEY1 <--> connector side PAC yellow pin 6 <--> car SWC purple pin 6 (+)
HU GND <--> connector side PAC green/white pin 7 <--> car SWC dark blue pin 7 (-)

1. No, the PAC SWC setting becomes irrelevant. I left mine set to 0 which PAC should have implemented as an unmolested pass-through to eliminate the need for this step.

2. Yes, the chime sound is emitted by the RP5-GM11 module instead of through the speakers. The tone is pretty bad when at the default volume, so consider turning it down and mounting it in a location convenient for subsequent adjustment.

3. I merely pressed the button as per the OBDLink MX instructions. The Torque app worked immediately, the OBDLink app required a patch, and the DashCommand would benefit from a patch.

Have fun!

bjmsam

$327 for the head unit
$106 for the interface
$33 for the camera
$12 for the trim kit
That's $478, but I sold my stock head unit for $414, so my total was $64.

The OBDLink MX is a Bluetooth ELM327 device and does not interfere with phone call transfers.

Corvettinator

You are the Mod Master!

I am so doing this.

One thing is, I already have a DashTronix (radar HUD projector) and DashLogic on a 2-way OBD2 splitter. Now I'm going to have to order a 3-way ODM splitter for the OBDLink MX! Hope that works out.

bjmsam

Beware:

Corvettinator

Ha, yeah I thought I'd need to have a chat with Cody about that.

It's almost as if ODB2 ports weren't meant to have 5 things running out of them simultaneously. Weird.

Karlbarx

I'm very impressed with your install looks great!

My only question is there an android Unit you would rather have (or another brand / HU)?

I'm looking at replacing the unit in my C4 and going through the motions with Kenwood and Pioneer. To me both companies just seem like, they want their HU to be one of these systems that adapts and links to your phone. And most reviews say, it doesn't quite make it.

Where as w/ these Android stereos, I assume they would just link seamlessly with my Galaxy S5. Any cons to having this system?

Great post, it changed my mind for sure on the Kenwood DNX890HD I was about to order. Now I'm just looking for what's going to last a few years.

bjmsam

Thanks! A DNX was on my short list before I discovered pure Android alternatives. I am unencumbered by "brand loyalty" and am unwilling to pay a premium for names that offer less. I am super happy with this HU: reasonable price, fast shipping, high quality, outstanding capability / flexibility / upgradability, responsive support... what's not to like?

bjmsam

I remain completely satisfied and have absolutely no regrets about choosing this unit over mainstream alternatives. As previously mentioned, it would be even better with built-in accelerometers (like hand-held Android devices have to detect screen rotation) for use with datalogging apps, and folks who don't like blue back-lighting for the hard buttons will be disappointed that the color cannot be adjusted (I actually like how it exactly matches the blue in the adjacent climate control *****). I sent both suggestions to the seller who is working with the factory to see if the changes can be implemented for a future model.

It acquires a GPS fix quickly and the iGo software works really well (hint: the voice prompt mixing volume is set under the device's Settings -> GPS section, not in the iGo app's settings). A more recent buyer reported that the wiring harness now includes an amp remote lead, which is merely teed off of the antenna remote lead but is less confusing than being conspicuously absent. I can't think of anything else about the installation that isn't already covered in this thread other than the need for a good matte screen protector since the angle of the dash is such that the display reflects light from the rear window, at least from my preferred seating position. Good luck!

BBNJKen

So I liked what you did, and looking to basically duplicate what you did on my '96. Since I have only a rudimental understanding of Android apps, and little experience with auto audio projects, I have a bunch of questions, but will only ask the most pressing:

1. After reading what passes as the installation / operation manual, it appears I will need to install the iGO application on the radio. If this is correct, how did you accomplish this? I'm thinking I will need to power it up on a bench top that has Wi-Fi. Does the radio have a on screen keyboard for entering info?

TIA for sharing..



ken

bjmsam

This device comes with the iGo app already installed and a 4GB micro SD card in the Nav slot with worldwide (!) map data, so you need only touch the iGo icon on the screen or push the Navi hard button at top-right, which by default is mapped to the iGo app. This device also comes with a Google Play app already installed which makes it dead simple to download and install other apps when there is connectivity via WiFi or 3G (there are also ways to transfer app installers from your home computer via SD card). The on screen keyboard is responsive and easy to use, but even if you never use it to connect to the Internet and never install even a single additional app, it already does far more out of the box than a typical headunit, not to mention the stock system that came with these cars. Good luck!

Corvettinator

The only reasons I'm waiting on this mod is to see 1) if the units get upgraded to a true 1080P resolution, and 2) hearing about iPhone 6 support. Anyone in your family have a 6 yet?

bjmsam

Not yet. I don't know what can be done via the cable (compatible up to iPhone 4S) that cannot be done via Bluetooth (presumably compatible with any version) because the latter is all we use.

BBNJKen

Thanks for the quick response, feeling much better about this...
One last, I hope, question: Is there any preferred spot to mount the GPS antenna? Can / should it be mounted on the inside of the windshield, or on the top on the dash?

bjmsam

I prefer the stock location, which is not visible:

BBNJKen

Since my '96 has no stock GPS antenna, I think I'll just go with centered on top of the dash as close to the windshield as I can get it.

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this thread, most educational and helpful!!

bjmsam

There may be other options for your C4:

You're welcome, and good luck!

CitznFish

after reading this thread and being a tinkering junky I think I might need to do this on my C6...

would be a huge update to the cheap-o base factory unit.

-=Jeff=-

Easy way is on the Defrost vent panel

harder way, remove dash pad and place underneath

I have my GPS receiver for the App Radio buried.. but I had it on the vent at first:

383

Im so doing this! Thanks for the writeup
How would I hook up an external GPS(10K) dongle for better track apps like racechrono? Is that a bluetooth thing? Sorry if thats a dumb question I can do a blower,heads,cam,etc but wiring a headunit......not so much