Entertainment unit

[Grant052]

Greetings, l have a 2007 HSE without the entertainment screen/GPS. I've been told a factory unit (say from a wreck) can't be fitted as the wiring looms are different. Any suggestions from those who may have fitted an aftermarket unit as to price, performance and features?

[Torero22]

I am also looking for a unit, lets keep each other posted.
Here is one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMC0waLw0Sw

What features are you after ?

[Torero22]

So here is the sort of thing that I will be wanting in the centre console,

AVIC-F950DAB (Archived) - Pioneer Australia (http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/products/archive/AVIC-F950DAB/page.html) $1120.00
or
AVIC-F50BT (Archived) - Pioneer Australia (http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/products/archive/AVIC-F50BT/page.html) $1323.00

I prefer the first unit as it has anti theft Protection.

By the way I am an Engineer so I am happy to commence a new project with videos and how too's and design adaptive wiring harnesses if they are needed. But first lets see what we can get off the shelf.

Since I have not picked up my car yet & can't check.

1) Can someone please tell me what is the size of the centre console slot and can the border around the current standard screen be removed to fit the unit linked in this thread ?
2) Anyone have a link on how-to dismantle the centre console that contains the default screen ?
3) Can someone advise as to which electronic maps are best for 4WD, is Hema the best ?

I will make sure that the unit uses the Harmon Kardon speaker system properly.

Anyway let the project begin.
Project details soon to come But I am thinking:
- Rear view parking camera
- Auxiliary Multimedia inputs to support a portable Multimedia Video pump. (300 Movies on demand for playing on the unit and other screens for the kids)
- Multiple Music tracking, so that you can take your full music library with you. CD's are out - digital music is the new thing !
- Android and IPhone integrated Support (as per the unit linked)
- GPS guidance with easy map updating - I am hoping to go towards 4WD track mapping, not just road mapping.
- Application support - like the unit I have linked. http://pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadioMode
- Full Bluetooth support, for calls & Bluetooth streaming.

Anyone interested ?
As buying in quantities = savings

Tor

[101RRS]

Just remember that if you have a car with the mid level or high level systems you will loose the clock in the dash and the ability to scroll through the menu on the dash command centre and change settings - both of these are normally if you are happy with your settings and do not need to change them.

This is because the radio controls on the steering wheel also control the command centre settings. Like the clock the command centre settings go from the steering wheel through the radio to the command centre and if the original radio is not there the signals for the command centre are not generated.

Garry

[Torero22]

Thanks Garry,
Interesting you should say that though, because the land rover dealer I bought the car from offered the same unit that I am interested in fully installed and I would not loose any of the functionality.

I have asked them to call the supplier and verify their claim - see what they say.

But, I do love a challenge, but thanks for the heads up.
I certainly do not wish to loose all that functionality.


Tor

[101RRS]

Where there is a will, there will certainly be a way !!!!

Tor

There is not really a way to get around this as the radio is part of the canbus and as such is part of the car's systems.

The only way it can be done is to move the original radio to the rear with its associated wiring connected so it is still part of the canbus. With a switching system a new radio can be used but when you want to make changes to your command center setup you switch over to the old radio make the changes and then switch back.

Many, many, many people with the higher level systems have gone before you and tried to do what you are after and not succeeded in maintaining the same level of functionality- as said the only way is to still have the old radio connected to the system. Of course if you don't want to retain this functionality then it is not an issue.

Likewise if you have the basic radio and no steering wheel controls it also is not an issue - just depends what level radio you have.

Garry

[Torero22]

The only way it can be done is to move the original radio to the rear with its associated wiring connected so it is still part of the canbus.
Garry

Hahaha you read my mind.

The way to get the original screen onto the new entertainment screen is by using a Cheap camera.
The new pioneer has video inputs and one could use a simple cheap camera looking at the original radio installed in the back and one can select this video stream and display it on the pioneer.

This will give you both units working, so you just select the other camera to view the original radio and everything would still work.

Would you know if one can buy a canbus loom to extend it ? have a link ?


Here is a similar unit that may not need any of the stuffing around.
Found this at the 4WD and camping show today.
ATD All Terrain Device (http://mypolaris.com.au/atd/)

[Torero22]

So here is the plan:
1) move old radio to the rear using canbus loom.
2) Use Pioneer reversing camera input for a camera in the rear door.
3) Use AV1 on the pioneer to connect to camera looking at old radio screen, so that the original menu is still selectable & visible.
4) Use AV2 on the pioneer to connect to the video pump.
4) Use external monitor outputs on the pioneer to drive two headrest monitors for the kids in the back.

Found the canbus extension looms on eBay

See it is all possible ...



Tor

[Meken]

Thanks Garry,
Interesting you should say that though, because the land rover dealer I bought the car from offered the same unit that I am interested in fully installed and I would not loose any of the functionality.

I have asked them to call the supplier and verify their claim - see what they say.

But, I do love a challenge, but thanks for the heads up.
I certainly do not wish to loose all that functionality.


Tor


They put a tee connector in the loom and extend to somewhere where they hide the original radio so all that functionality still works - that's how the bloke at north field car sound told me they do it with the landys

[Torero22]

They put a tee connector in the loom and extend to somewhere where they hide the original radio so all that functionality still works - that's how the bloke at north field car sound told me they do it with the landys

Thanks, that gave me more information. It is a bus system that needs to be terminated with 120 ohm impedence terminators and they sell looms.

I think this is coming together.

Anyone know the whole size on the Discovery 4 where you get the status screen ?

[Torero22]

Checkout what these units can do - it basically becomes a tablet in the car, can run any application in your smart phone, hence Hema 4WD navigation and anything else on your smartphone can be displayed and controlled.

Also there are many other things which I may run as separate projects.

I run a Samsung Note II android and these things are very powerfull, combine it with this toy and you have an amazing solution for the Discovery - far superior to what the HSE has.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI3o3g4kCaI

Tor

[Torero22]

So here is the plan:
1) move old radio to the rear using canbus loom.
2) Use Pioneer reversing camera input for a camera in the rear door.
3) Use AV1 on the pioneer to connect to camera looking at old radio screen, so that the original menu is still selectable & visible.
4) Use AV2 on the pioneer to connect to the video pump.
4) Use external monitor outputs on the pioneer to drive two headrest monitors for the kids in the back.

Found the canbus extension looms on eBay

See it is all possible ...

Tor

I have confirmed that the market has no aftermarket solutions for replacing the standard radio with after market solutions. I have run my plan above with a very reputable Car Audio Specialist and they agree my plan is sound. They have confirmed that I can get Canbus extensions to re-position the old radio.
They also confirmed that the many of the harnesses available for other cars on the after-market will loose some of the factory functionality. And I wont accept this.

I guess I am going to trail-blaze on this one, engage traction control and off I go !!!

I will keep progress posted on this thread, I only need to confirm that the new unit will fit in the console before I commit to buy the pioneer unit. Since no one seems to have hole space figures I will have to pull my new car apart when it arrives. All good. Unless one of the more experienced D4 console puller apart experts on this forum can help verify the size of the whole and weather there is a face plate that can easily be removed to fit the larger screen?

Anyone willing to help ?

Is there anyone with experience in pulling apart the D4 console, willing to exchange private details so that I can pick their brains over the phone ?
Please PM me if so.

Tor

[Grant052]

Has anyone had a look at the Polaris units?




So here is the sort of thing that I will be wanting in the centre console,

AVIC-F950DAB (Archived) - Pioneer Australia (http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/products/archive/AVIC-F950DAB/page.html) $1120.00
or
AVIC-F50BT (Archived) - Pioneer Australia (http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/products/archive/AVIC-F50BT/page.html) $1323.00

I prefer the first unit as it has anti theft Protection.

By the way I am an Engineer so I am happy to commence a new project with videos and how too's and design adaptive wiring harnesses if they are needed. But first lets see what we can get off the shelf.

Since I have not picked up my car yet & can't check.

1) Can someone please tell me what is the size of the centre console slot and can the border around the current standard screen be removed to fit the unit linked in this thread ?
2) Anyone have a link on how-to dismantle the centre console that contains the default screen ?
3) Can someone advise as to which electronic maps are best for 4WD, is Hema the best ?

I will make sure that the unit uses the Harmon Kardon speaker system properly.

Anyway let the project begin.
Project details soon to come But I am thinking:
- Rear view parking camera
- Auxiliary Multimedia inputs to support a portable Multimedia Video pump. (300 Movies on demand for playing on the unit and other screens for the kids)
- Multiple Music tracking, so that you can take your full music library with you. CD's are out - digital music is the new thing !
- Android and IPhone integrated Support (as per the unit linked)
- GPS guidance with easy map updating - I am hoping to go towards 4WD track mapping, not just road mapping.
- Application support - like the unit I have linked. Products | Pioneer Electronics USA (http://pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadioMode)
- Full Bluetooth support, for calls & Bluetooth streaming.

Anyone interested ?
As buying in quantities = savings

Tor

[Torero22]

Has anyone had a look at the Polaris units?

Yes I had a quick look at the Polaris stand, at the 4WD show.

I Bought an awesome camera system which I will demo and post here from Polaris. I intend to put cameras on my Disc 4 & on my 4WD trailer so that I can see what is happening around the vehicle as I 4WD.

On the Polaris system, it already has Hema maps installed and at $1,300 it is a unit that you get a lot less features than that from Pioneer unit.
Wait till you see what I have planned for the pioneer unit. The top 7" model comes in at $1299 (from a new supplier), with lots more features than the Polaris. So I gave the Polaris the flick.

Talking to several audio specialists the Pioneer seems to be the market leader right now in features.

Tor

[Torero22]

Can anyone answer the questions on the attached picture ?
Pretty please ?

[eddomak]

Can anyone answer the questions on the attached picture ?
Pretty please ?

Search is your friend: ;)

Check out this thread with the pictures to prove it: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/133980-d4-removing-centre-console.html

Cheers!

[Torero22]

Search is your friend: ;)

Check out this thread with the pictures to prove it: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/133980-d4-removing-centre-console.html

Cheers!

Thank you Dear Sir !

To get to the top area, do you need to pull apart the lower centre console ?

[Torero22]

Anyone know a wreckers with D4 SE or HSE parts ? I need a spare faceplate frome either the SE to hack into, or HSE, to fit the new Pioneer unit radio.

Tor

[jonesy63]

Tor,
I'm pretty sure the issue with your plan will be the depth behind that screen. I suggest you get a tape measure and check before butchering anything. I seem to recall someone had a fibreglass fascia made up - which allowed a double DIN head unit to be fitted there... but it does stick out like proverbials. :angel:

[Torero22]

Thanks Jonesy - I do intend to pull that beast apart before I buy anything major. I want to make sure my plans come together b4 any major investment.

But if the HSE has a sat nav system, it must have the space, the SE should not be that much different. I have asked the dealer to give me a price for the face plate that comes with the HSE in my dash colour & that is what I wish to modify. Not my original gear. Will see how much that costs.

Alternatively, I want to go to a wrecker and find either an SE or HSE face plate for me to hack into. Not the original, just in case I have to chuck it in reverse !

Thanks for your concern, but I am very careful and a bit of a perfectionist - if it doesn't look good, I have to action plan B.

I am even going to build the system temporarily in bits on the front seats to make sure it all hangs together, before I modify anything. As I can always sell the bits on eBay, although I am sure this will not be necessary.

I am even thinking about designing a Micro controller to interface to the Canbus, so that the old radio can be completely removed.

CAN'T is not in my vocabulary. I have several action plans in the ready should obticles rise in front of me.

Tor

[Kevo]

Hi Tor,
I am very interested in the Pioneer unit you have chosen. I looked at this unit today but was quoted $1990. Are you able to tell me where you sourced the unit from? ( is that allowed on the forum?)
Regards Kevin

[Torero22]

Sure can, But please wait until I confirm a successful plan that will 100% work for us.
You wont have to wait long, but I guarantee - you will be the envy of your group with all the things I want to do with it and share on this forum.

Please give me some time, to resolve all the issues first and then I can arrange a deal with the supplier.

Tor

[Torero22]

Hi Tor,
I am very interested in the Pioneer unit you have chosen. I looked at this unit today but was quoted $1990. Are you able to tell me where you sourced the unit from? ( is that allowed on the forum?)
Regards Kevin

Hey Kevo, do you have some spare time on the weekend ?
I could use some help, just need you to do some checking for me and take some pictures or video. If your willing, please PM me so that we can get this project rolling.

I am getting some volume pricing from the supplier, will post the details soon for those interested. If anyone else is interested, I just need indicative figures to get the best deal possible. Please post and let me know, so that I can negotiate further. I don't expect anyone to buy anything until the full solution has been proven, and I will arrange it that you call the supplier to pay and get the discount and the unit is shipped to you directly. So you know this is not a scam - lol

PS: I have been quoted $70 for a new HSE faceplate from LandRover dealer to fit around the new radio, this will replace the HE one that is around the old radio. So - no hacking required so far.
Have ordered this.

Tor

[Torero22]

I have identified a universal CanBus adapter that can be used on the Disc 4 for models up to model 2011 though. It will cost approx $200.00 to find out how much functionality you would loose, and they can't promise anything ! Great service !

Also available is a 4 channel amplifier interface, not sure of the price yet, to reuse the existing amp in the car.

Anyone have any technical details about this Canbus interface for Discoveries ?
Please share or point me in the right direction.

Tor

[101RRS]

PS: I have been quoted $70 for a new HSE faceplate from LandRover dealer to fit around the new radio, this will replace the HE one that is around the old radio. So - no hacking required so far.
Have ordered this.

Tor

There are radio places in the UK that sell replacement facias, looms and other bits for use when radios are changed in Discos. Do search of ebay UK plus a general google of UK sites.

Garry

[Torero22]

There are radio places in the UK that sell replacement facias, looms and other bits for use when radios are changed in Discos. Do search of ebay UK plus a general google of UK sites.

Garry

Yes I have been searching like crazy, on ebay.uk & Google.uk, but can't find anything. perhaps I am blind ! or ****ed !! not sure - too drunk to tell.

Would you have some links to share, that you use ?

Would be most appreciated.

Tor

[Marmoset]

I used an ebay seller called:


liquidice-2008 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e11051.m66.l1181/7?euid=0bc1f4560af941d09cb9f132662d9c63&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fmyworld.ebay.com.au%2Fliquidice-2008%3FssPageName%3DADME%3AX%3ARTQ%3AAU%3A1181)


That was for parts for my D3 though, are you doing this on a D4 though? I'm not sure I saw any facia plates for them when I was looking.

[Torero22]

I used an ebay seller called:


liquidice-2008 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e11051.m66.l1181/7?euid=0bc1f4560af941d09cb9f132662d9c63&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fmyworld.ebay.com.au%2Fliquidice-2008%3FssPageName%3DADME%3AX%3ARTQ%3AAU%3A1181)


That was for parts for my D3 though, are you doing this on a D4 though? I'm not sure I saw any facia plates for them when I was looking.

Yeah - I am doing this on the D4 - I already have a HSE face plate. But I want to get other things for other little projects I have lined up. thanks for the link though.

[Torero22]

The units selected are:

AVIC-F950DAB (Archived) - Pioneer Australia $1100.00
or
AVIC-F50BT (Archived) - Pioneer Australia $1289.00


The difference between the two models is (appart from the price):
1) they both have security (950 via removable front face, 50BT via pin code)
2) the F50BT has a larger and mechanical screen
3) the 950 has digital radio, which is the next big thing coming to car audio systems.
4) both units have two zones, so the front can watch one thing while the rear watch another.

not sure if the F50Bt will have the ability to be expanded for digital radio.

the bad news, they currently do not support Hema maps. But the RadioApp Mode is a new thing that no one else brings to the market, only pioneer do and they lead on the rest. So chances are that new apps will be released on this platform. So currently there is a limited set of apps able to run on the device from the smart phone.

I am now more inclined towards the larger screen, since it also has security.

Let me know if you need other details.

Tor

[Torero22]

The units selected are:

the bad news, they currently do not support Hema maps. But the RadioApp Mode is a new thing that no one else brings to the market, only pioneer do and they lead on the rest. So chances are that new apps will be released on this platform. So currently there is a limited set of apps able to run on the device from the smart phone.
Tor

Stop the Press, further research has allowed me to identify a hack ability on this unit that will allow us to expose the complete android phone onto the device, turning it into a tablet. So I correct my previous post - we will have Hema maps and many more apps available on the pioneer device.

Again these will be future projects.

Regards
Tor

[Torero22]

Jam the Press, just spoke to technical support. New units (3 new models) are about to be release in the next 2 to 3 months.

This means:
1) The current units will drop in price even more
2) The new units will have a bunch of new features - And more Pimping out the ride which is what we want !!!

Also verified the following:
3) Multimedia streaming is possible, but not via ethernet.
4) The AV output will drive two rear monitors (one in each head rest)
5) Dual zones will allow one movie to be played in the front, while a different movie is played in the back. (by movie I mean any multimedia stream).

The unit size dimensions are: (W-width, H-height, D-depth)
AVIC-F950DAB
chasis - W178mm, H100mm, D67mm
nose - W170mm, H100mm, D11mm

AVIC-F50BT
chasis - W178mm, H100mm, D167mm
nose - W170mm, H96mm, D20mm

Now we just need to see if the larger unit fits as it would be nice to have the larger screen ! - Backup plan use the smaller unit.

Cheers
Tor

[Torero22]

This thing is coming together by Hook or by Crook. :spudnikbeanie: Geek alert !

I have several contingency plans in place in-order that there is not enough room behind the current display unit on the SE model.

We may need to purchase the the Left & Right console panels that contain the Aircon outlets, price from LR is $155.00 Each.

Meeting another keen Disc 4 owner and we are going to discuss in detail the options, as he has had more experience behind the console.

Will keep you posted on the progress being made.

Regards
Tor

[Cleasc]

I'm looking at purchasing a D4 in the coming months and the archaic audio system is the only thing causing me hesitation, I sure do love my tech toys.
So I am very interested in your project and hope to see some more updates soon!!!