FINALLY! New Revisions for the GM PAL (Personal Audio Link)! For ALL C6 Vette owners
11-14-2010, 09:02 PM
#901
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
11-17-2010, 02:02 PM
#902
Drifting
just installed and played with my PAL for like 2 minutes... so far i LOVE IT! took about 4 minutes to install... I'll make the cables a bit more hidden this weekend but I even dig the corvette logo on the ipod !
11-18-2010, 08:15 PM
#904
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Hey all,
I just purchased a new 2009 Z06 with navigation and I am looking for the best option for an iPod interface. I have seen three options in the forums:
1. PAL (version 2.0)
2. GM LockPick
3. Replacement of stock navigation unit with aftermarket unit
Just curious what everyone here recommends. Thanks for the help.
I just purchased a new 2009 Z06 with navigation and I am looking for the best option for an iPod interface. I have seen three options in the forums:
1. PAL (version 2.0)
2. GM LockPick
3. Replacement of stock navigation unit with aftermarket unit
Just curious what everyone here recommends. Thanks for the help.
11-19-2010, 02:09 AM
#905
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
Hey all,
I just purchased a new 2009 Z06 with navigation and I am looking for the best option for an iPod interface. I have seen three options in the forums:
1. PAL (version 2.0)
2. GM LockPick
3. Replacement of stock navigation unit with aftermarket unit
Just curious what everyone here recommends. Thanks for the help.
I just purchased a new 2009 Z06 with navigation and I am looking for the best option for an iPod interface. I have seen three options in the forums:
1. PAL (version 2.0)
2. GM LockPick
3. Replacement of stock navigation unit with aftermarket unit
Just curious what everyone here recommends. Thanks for the help.
http://www.kawal.net/ipod.htm
Ray
11-19-2010, 04:02 PM
#907
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
This weekend, however, my wife and I leave for Oregon to spend Thanksgiving down there with our kids and grandkids. We'll be back around Dec. 1st.
Enjoy your PAL, John,
Ray
11-27-2010, 12:42 AM
#908
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Justin,
To my knowledge, GM never was looking for updates on the Nav version PALs. They have used the same software from the beginning. Mediatronics will continue to update the software on the Nav PALs if I request them to and they can fit it into their schedule. Just the other day, I asked them to look at a revised Playing Menu to incorporate a PAUSE button, maybe in place of or in addition to the FF and RW buttons that many people don't use.
You have software version C450A214, which does have the "title bug". I agree it's probably not worth upgrading right now to C450A232 just for that. Maybe if some new features are added, then update.
Regarding Bluetooth, Mediatronics advised that they are sending me some information on the Bluetooth module, but I haven't yet received it. Once I receive it and I have some good information it, I'll post on the forum. I also don't have an ETA or cost on it yet, so there isn't much to report.
Ray
To my knowledge, GM never was looking for updates on the Nav version PALs. They have used the same software from the beginning. Mediatronics will continue to update the software on the Nav PALs if I request them to and they can fit it into their schedule. Just the other day, I asked them to look at a revised Playing Menu to incorporate a PAUSE button, maybe in place of or in addition to the FF and RW buttons that many people don't use.
You have software version C450A214, which does have the "title bug". I agree it's probably not worth upgrading right now to C450A232 just for that. Maybe if some new features are added, then update.
Regarding Bluetooth, Mediatronics advised that they are sending me some information on the Bluetooth module, but I haven't yet received it. Once I receive it and I have some good information it, I'll post on the forum. I also don't have an ETA or cost on it yet, so there isn't much to report.
Ray
Another thing WRT to Direct Mode: I understand that song playback is controlled by the iPod/iPhone. However, there are still soft "PREV" and "NEXT" buttons on the NAV which work. With that said, I don't see why the song titles couldn't be displayed on the HUD since there is still some information being sent to and from the iPod/iPhone.
I completely understand why this wouldn't work in AUX mode.
Here's to hoping the new Bluetooth PAL unit uses the USB protocol instead of serial Rx/Tx.
11-28-2010, 08:44 PM
#909
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
They could get rid of the "PREV" and "NEXT" buttons as they already exist as hard buttons on the NAV and on the steering wheel. I actually use "RWD" and "FWD" more than the soft "PREV" and "NEXT" buttons.
Another thing WRT to Direct Mode: I understand that song playback is controlled by the iPod/iPhone. However, there are still soft "PREV" and "NEXT" buttons on the NAV which work. With that said, I don't see why the song titles couldn't be displayed on the HUD since there is still some information being sent to and from the iPod/iPhone.
I completely understand why this wouldn't work in AUX mode.
Here's to hoping the new Bluetooth PAL unit uses the USB protocol instead of serial Rx/Tx.
Another thing WRT to Direct Mode: I understand that song playback is controlled by the iPod/iPhone. However, there are still soft "PREV" and "NEXT" buttons on the NAV which work. With that said, I don't see why the song titles couldn't be displayed on the HUD since there is still some information being sent to and from the iPod/iPhone.
I completely understand why this wouldn't work in AUX mode.
Here's to hoping the new Bluetooth PAL unit uses the USB protocol instead of serial Rx/Tx.
When I get back home this week, I'll be checking in with them as they owe me a lot of answers to a lot of questions.
I have about eight PAL kit orders to ship out as soon as I get home as well.
Ray
Last edited by kawal; 11-28-2010 at 08:47 PM.
12-05-2010, 04:16 PM
#912
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
Yes, but I'm waiting on news for the latest Nav and non-Nav software updates, which I hope to get this week. Then I can cover everything in one longer thread.
It sounds like the Bluetooth will be nice, and compatible with all PALs. But although it is working on the bench, there are a number of physical issues to resolve, especially with microphones and their installation and location. I was promised some microphones very soon so I would have input into how they are installed in the Corvette and how they will be wired into the Bluetooth module, which will plug into the PAL module and create additional ports. The emphasis will be on performance, to separate it from the mediocre aftermarket Bluetooth components.
I hope to have the microphone information resolved before my wife and I leave for Hawaii in early January. We'll be gone until February 10th, so we hope this preliminary work can be complete in December.
Ray
It sounds like the Bluetooth will be nice, and compatible with all PALs. But although it is working on the bench, there are a number of physical issues to resolve, especially with microphones and their installation and location. I was promised some microphones very soon so I would have input into how they are installed in the Corvette and how they will be wired into the Bluetooth module, which will plug into the PAL module and create additional ports. The emphasis will be on performance, to separate it from the mediocre aftermarket Bluetooth components.
I hope to have the microphone information resolved before my wife and I leave for Hawaii in early January. We'll be gone until February 10th, so we hope this preliminary work can be complete in December.
Ray
12-06-2010, 07:58 PM
#914
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Yes, but I'm waiting on news for the latest Nav and non-Nav software updates, which I hope to get this week. Then I can cover everything in one longer thread.
It sounds like the Bluetooth will be nice, and compatible with all PALs. But although it is working on the bench, there are a number of physical issues to resolve, especially with microphones and their installation and location. I was promised some microphones very soon so I would have input into how they are installed in the Corvette and how they will be wired into the Bluetooth module, which will plug into the PAL module and create additional ports. The emphasis will be on performance, to separate it from the mediocre aftermarket Bluetooth components.
I hope to have the microphone information resolved before my wife and I leave for Hawaii in early January. We'll be gone until February 10th, so we hope this preliminary work can be complete in December.
Ray
It sounds like the Bluetooth will be nice, and compatible with all PALs. But although it is working on the bench, there are a number of physical issues to resolve, especially with microphones and their installation and location. I was promised some microphones very soon so I would have input into how they are installed in the Corvette and how they will be wired into the Bluetooth module, which will plug into the PAL module and create additional ports. The emphasis will be on performance, to separate it from the mediocre aftermarket Bluetooth components.
I hope to have the microphone information resolved before my wife and I leave for Hawaii in early January. We'll be gone until February 10th, so we hope this preliminary work can be complete in December.
Ray
12-06-2010, 09:40 PM
#915
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Anyone else experience 'tape hiss'? Remember back in the day of cassette tapes when there was a hiss/kiss sound in the background all of the time, but was especially noticable during quiet parts and between songs? Well, my PAL playback has that characteristic. I know it isn't the iPod since it a) sounds fine directly listened to and b) sounded fine using the aftermarket iPod adapter the previous owner had put in my car.
Any ideas how to eliminate this seriously annoying sound? In my case it sounds more like a kissy sound kids would make.
I've checked for loose cables, but none seem loose.
Any ideas how to eliminate this seriously annoying sound? In my case it sounds more like a kissy sound kids would make.
I've checked for loose cables, but none seem loose.
12-07-2010, 02:10 PM
#916
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
Anyone else experience 'tape hiss'? Remember back in the day of cassette tapes when there was a hiss/kiss sound in the background all of the time, but was especially noticable during quiet parts and between songs? Well, my PAL playback has that characteristic. I know it isn't the iPod since it a) sounds fine directly listened to and b) sounded fine using the aftermarket iPod adapter the previous owner had put in my car.
Any ideas how to eliminate this seriously annoying sound? In my case it sounds more like a kissy sound kids would make.
I've checked for loose cables, but none seem loose.
Any ideas how to eliminate this seriously annoying sound? In my case it sounds more like a kissy sound kids would make.
I've checked for loose cables, but none seem loose.
Ray
12-09-2010, 06:25 PM
#917
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Hi Ray,
Nope, no extension cable. Could it have something to do with XM? I don't know whether it was ever active, but could it be stuck on a weird channel that isn't completely masked by the PAL? Or should the PAL completely override the output of the XM radio? The noise changes in pitch between high and very high frequencies but doesn't seem to be just one pure frequency. When listening to pop or rock, it isn't as noticeable due to the overall louder average sound, but classical and jazz just sound terrible. The noise is, of course, most pronounced between songs. If I can find some way to record it, I'll post it here or email it to you. I wonder if the manufacturer came across this at all in their testing.
Ryan
Nope, no extension cable. Could it have something to do with XM? I don't know whether it was ever active, but could it be stuck on a weird channel that isn't completely masked by the PAL? Or should the PAL completely override the output of the XM radio? The noise changes in pitch between high and very high frequencies but doesn't seem to be just one pure frequency. When listening to pop or rock, it isn't as noticeable due to the overall louder average sound, but classical and jazz just sound terrible. The noise is, of course, most pronounced between songs. If I can find some way to record it, I'll post it here or email it to you. I wonder if the manufacturer came across this at all in their testing.
Ryan
12-09-2010, 09:51 PM
#918
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
Hi Ray,
Nope, no extension cable. Could it have something to do with XM? I don't know whether it was ever active, but could it be stuck on a weird channel that isn't completely masked by the PAL? Or should the PAL completely override the output of the XM radio? The noise changes in pitch between high and very high frequencies but doesn't seem to be just one pure frequency. When listening to pop or rock, it isn't as noticeable due to the overall louder average sound, but classical and jazz just sound terrible. The noise is, of course, most pronounced between songs. If I can find some way to record it, I'll post it here or email it to you. I wonder if the manufacturer came across this at all in their testing.
Ryan
Nope, no extension cable. Could it have something to do with XM? I don't know whether it was ever active, but could it be stuck on a weird channel that isn't completely masked by the PAL? Or should the PAL completely override the output of the XM radio? The noise changes in pitch between high and very high frequencies but doesn't seem to be just one pure frequency. When listening to pop or rock, it isn't as noticeable due to the overall louder average sound, but classical and jazz just sound terrible. The noise is, of course, most pronounced between songs. If I can find some way to record it, I'll post it here or email it to you. I wonder if the manufacturer came across this at all in their testing.
Ryan
I have not heard of this issue before, nor have I experienced it myself. You should not hear any background noise with the PAL.
Do you have any buddies with a PAL? You could swap modules and see if that makes a difference. If it gets worse, email me and we can see about replacing the PAL module and/or the iPod cable. Once in a great while, I'll find a defective iPod cable will cause strange problems.
Ray
12-09-2010, 10:22 PM
#919
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I have two 1.0 PALs that exhibit background hiss when I turn up the volume to hear the songs. One is installed in and '06 and the other in an '08. They were installed before Ray fully developed his cables.
I attributed the noise I hear to the low output level from the PAL in comparison to the XM module. I have tried adjusting the settings on the iPods to try and maximize their output levels but did not detect any noticeable improvement.
I'm not happy but living with it until I get updated modules.
I attributed the noise I hear to the low output level from the PAL in comparison to the XM module. I have tried adjusting the settings on the iPods to try and maximize their output levels but did not detect any noticeable improvement.
I'm not happy but living with it until I get updated modules.
12-09-2010, 11:26 PM
#920
Emerging Vendor
Thread Starter
I have two 1.0 PALs that exhibit background hiss when I turn up the volume to hear the songs. One is installed in and '06 and the other in an '08. They were installed before Ray fully developed his cables.
I attributed the noise I hear to the low output level from the PAL in comparison to the XM module. I have tried adjusting the settings on the iPods to try and maximize their output levels but did not detect any noticeable improvement.
I'm not happy but living with it until I get updated modules.
I attributed the noise I hear to the low output level from the PAL in comparison to the XM module. I have tried adjusting the settings on the iPods to try and maximize their output levels but did not detect any noticeable improvement.
I'm not happy but living with it until I get updated modules.
http://www.kawal.net/PALFAQs.htm
On some Nav radios, the internal balance of the XM input is lower than that of the CD, FM, and AM sound levels. When listening to XM (or PAL) you therefore have to compensate for the low input level by turning up the volume. On most Nav radios, this is often 1 click, but sometimes as much as 3 clicks on the volume control.
But this should be the same problem for XM as it is for the PAL - that is, lower relative volume. The PAL module outputs full volume in the PAL mode (and Direct Mode in the Version 2 PALs - Aux In Mode in the Version 2 PALs have a variable input), so it should not be noticeably different from XM. But if XM is also low, you may have to turn up the volume enough to introduce background noise. Perhaps this is what you are hearing?
Ray