ohlarikd

unfortunately, this is how it is with just about all of the brands, something has to be seriously wrong or broken for them to go back through and release a fix for it.

 

This is true, in that I made a proclamation to abandon Pioneer, but really, there are no brands that do any better.  I am not sure why that is.  My Onkyo home receiver gets updates, my TV, my Samsung Blu-Ray player, the WiiU, PS3,  my DirecTV box... every other consumer device nowadays gets regular attention.  But not car audio...

 

Anyway, back on topic - has PIONEER officially posted a statement on iPhone5 support?  Seems like they could make an adapter box.  My AVIC-D1 needed an iPod adapter box that then plugged into that BUS system they still use, for CD changers and such.  I would be ok with an HW adapter to overcome this new Lightning cable.  

Chlarikd they are not timely, but pioneer does have "updates" that bring your unit up to same as latest model. They are the yearly map updates. They are expensive but you can make an x920 run the same software as 940 or z110 run same software as z140. Now this may all change with new 50 series because of new ui and nav, which would be a major needed update - currently pioneers ui is tired and just unpolished and the nav is worst-in-class. Because of new hardware this might be changing this upgrade ability for older units. But then again If that were the case and we are talking about a new generation of medels, i would expext a new line of model numbers - say z210, etc. but anybody who knows anything about pioneer model numbering at least with avic series knows that somebody let a monkey on crack go nuts with a bag of alphabet tiles.

 

Right - so why do I need a whole new expensive map update to fix basic things that are wrong with bluetooth, app radio, Pandora, etc.?  That should be free - you know, to make the unit perform as advertised.  They should have some responsibility there, but in my experience over the last 20 years with Pioneer has been that they abandon support after 1 year or less.

 

So I am not looking to upgrade my 2012 unit to the latest 2013 functions.  I just want the 2012 functions to WORK properly.  Half the time Pandora images do not appear, Bluetooth Audio will not turn on until I first switch to another source and then back again, the Bluetooth Connect button on the screen never works, the App Radio UI needs a major overhaul, etc. etc.  They should fix these items for free with a firmware update.  I mean, has Pioneer actually tried to use this 940 unit?  Not difficult fixes.  But they will never come.  Especially for free.

timely firmware updates with android? yeah right, unless you have a nexus device, you will always be behind on updates. if your lucky, its only a few months, a lot of the time its a year or more if ever...

 

 

unfortunately, this is how it is with just about all of the brands, something has to be seriously wrong or broken for them to go back through and release a fix for it.

 

Ok - you got me there on Android.  But I blame that mostly on the fact that someone like Motorola and Samsung have 30 or so phones worldwide to maintain at a time - they just can't see to handle it.  Apple only has 5 of so iOS iPhones since 2007 to maintain, and they do a much better job at keeping them up to date.  If someone had an Android-based car stereo line, they *should* be able to keep up with maintenance since it is only a handful of units.  It just takes the RIGHT company that cares - a stereo has a much longer lifespan than the average phone.

As a long time Pioneer user, I really have officially given up on them.  The lack of information from Pioneer on this iPhone 5 issue with 2012 AVIC units is sad.  Perhaps they can't fix certain things, but they really should provide explanations for what works and what doesn't, and why.  They should try the offical Apple adapter and post findings.  Seems like its up to the great forum members here to do all the testing.

 

But the main reason is, firmware updates.  Let's face it, they are never provided.  I went through this on my D1 - although updates were perfectly possible, Pioneer expects you to buy the next year model to fix your problems.  I have the AVIC940, and it is riddled with issues with App Radio, Bluetooth, connection issues, etc. etc.  They all could be fixed, but I will NEVER see a firmware update.  Pioneer has the power through USB, but they never do it.  Buy the new 2013!

 

Some company needs to make an Android radio that you can download whatever d@mn app you want, like Slacker, Rhapsody, etc. etc.  Pandora blows, Slacker is in aHa, but my iPhone 5 is screwed with this unit.

 

Sorry to complain - I have had Pioneers since 1993.  In this day and age when everyone provided TIMELY firmware updates, Pioneer does squat.  

Got the knob Thomas. I must say, it is awesome. I never knew a knob could be such an incredible accessory.

 

Highly Recommended! Looks great too!

Just installed the WRI-P on my X940BT - yes it works. Using that flat rectangular remote, not sure what the model number is.

 

I wish these remotes had a pause button...

I just performed the same upgrade.

 

Thanks a ton for the tip on the GPS Connector. I was able to do the same thing, just needed a small flat head screwdriver to get it out easy.

 

The bypass for the x940bt was easy too, just followed that youtube video of the guy using a resistor to unlock the mute wire pin.

 

That GPS thing was making me mad - why change the connector? Guess new supplier, but thankfully it was easy to swap. And I used a staple from that other video to get the mute wire out - the bypass seems to work well. Glad they made it easy.

 

I am adding the PAC remote control sensor to this unit. Not sure why they think a remote is not necessary anymore. For volume and track skipping, the remote is way easier then trying to hit those buttons while my truck is bouncing around the road.

Also sent money for Black Knob, X940BT. Can't wait! That little knob is ridiculous.

I just upgraded from my old D1 to a X940BT. I was kinda hoping that the harnesses were the same, but alas, they were not. Both the RCA harness and the power harness have different plugs for no apparent reason, so you will need to swap all the wires. The GPS plug is also inexplicably different. Thankfully, you can pull the pin out from the old GPS connector and use the new connector, it slips directly in. I was almost about to tear it all apart to swap the whole cable/antenna. Lastly, the subwoofer plugs directly into the unit now instead of the pigtails.

 

The X940BT bypass is different from the old one I think - can't remember. But I thought on the D1 you needed to unfuse something on the board.

 

The dimensions of the bezel were the same thankfully, since I have the D1 bezel grafted into the dash board and it cannot be removed.

 

Anyway, relatively easy swap. It just didn't seem necessary - I guess they ran out of the old connectors, who knows.

 

Ordered the WRI-P adapter to use my D1 remote, and also the LARGER black knob that is sold here by Thomas.

 

 

 

Derek

Jailbreak and install AppRadio Extensions. Details are in the thread below.

 

http://avic411.com/i...__fromsearch__1

 

Wow - ok, let me give that a read - so I am not crazy that it doesn't work. Seems like an obvious thing that should have been done from the start. Going back and forth between the two seems distracting.

 

Thanks!

Ok, I have had the 940BT for 2 days, so maybe I need more time. I am thrilled that I can get Slacker on my iPod Touch to work on the Pioneer touchscreen, and the album art shows up too. I can also stream Sirius Online, although no artwork. Probably the app does not support that.

 

Anyway - the way I have to do it now is that I need to launch the App from the iPod, then it appears on the 940 screen. Is there anyway to add SHORTCUTS to the X940BT so that I do not have to keep fiddling with the iPod?? I want to launch Slacker, Sirius Apps from the 940, and I THOUGHT I could somehow add them to AppRadio, even though they are not 'supported'. Let's face it, AppRadio supports nothing.

 

So is it possible to add these shortcuts?

 

Thanks!

 

Derek

Just picked up this 940. I thankfully do not have this issue, but I am using a iPod Touch 4. Pandora plays and does not switch. But Pandora sucks and I use Slacker. For Slacker - USUALLY I get the album art. Occasionally its missing but most of the time its there.

 

Bought 940 from Amazon. I also have the Pioneer iPod cable with factory packaging, also from Amazon. No issues.

 

AppRadio is another story, but I will make another thread...

 

Derek

Former D1 User, now X940BT

Well, looks like Slacker will be in Aha for Pioneer, but not the current Aha radios... might have to wait till the 2012 models are announced:

 

http://satelliteradioplayground.com/2011/09/12/aha-radio-adds-slacker-to-car-radio/

Guess I will found out soon, my D1 is completely dead now after 6 good years. I really wish the new units supported Slacker Radio though in the UI, as I think its superior to Pandora. It is keeping me from pulling the trigger.

both double din radios are the same physical size, so you shouldn't have a problem as long as you mount it the same way, however the harness will be different you you will have to rewire it, but the real wiring has not changed other than the bypass.

 

Sorry, didn't mean to ignore this response - I didn't get an email notification for some reason? Sounds good, as long as it physically fits the same as the D1, since the snap on bezel is molded into my dash at this point...

 

Derek

Let me say I have not been here in years. Glad to see the site is flourishing Jason!

 

I have the ancient AVIC D1 installed in my Dodge Ram. The center dash had to be custom made to fit the D1 since it came with a 1.5 DIN opening back then. The main AVIC bezel (the snap on trim piece) was actually molded into the dash center stack cover. You install the D1, then snap the whole center console on top of it.

 

So what I am looking at here then is, if I install the X930, will the molded-in D1 bezel fit right over it? I don't have much of a choice here. I don't know if things have changed such as size of the unit, or the way the bezel attaches or fits.

 

Hopefully much of the wiring also carries over, but that can be fixed if needed. Main issue is the bezel cover.

 

Let me know if anyone has any experience in this! Thanks!

 

Derek

Go here for calibration instructions:

 

http://avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1283&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=calibration

 

(not sure if this link works, so cut and paste)

 

It improved, but I need to try it a few more times to get it better. There is definitely a need to try it over and over again till it works - the first time it didn't work great, the second time I got part of the screen working again. Need to experiement and figure out the magic.

 

Derek

Also followed instructions for D1, got into menu - thanks!

Calibration had varying degrees of success - I noticed if you do it several times, you get different results, especially on the right side. But it did improve, and I think with some more effort, I can get it close to working again (I have issues on the right side of the screen being way off).

Hopefully I can get it close enough to adjust my EQ settings again!

Derek

Yep, I have the same issue recently - mine is about 1.5 years old. The right side is off, some buttons are so off that I can't press them (the EQ adjustment screen is the worst with the + buttons). I adjusted some EQ settings down, then discovered that I can't put them back, and now it sounds like crap and I can't fix it

 

Let me try this calibration thing, but from the other posts on this thread, sounds like its dead.

 

Derek

Here is mine

Before you just give up, really, read the many many posts about how to make a DVD. You buy a Dual Layer recorder, maybe $50. You get some free ISO software (UltraISO). The XM logos and TABLE.DAT files have been posted so you don't need to edit them yourself. Backgrounds have been posted (others will help you make one).

You have to put a little effort in - we are not here to just make you DVDs. Besides, logos and backgrounds change - do you want someone to keep making new ones for you? Its not hard - give it a try and feel proud of your accomplishment!

Derek

I know almost nothing about navigation systems, but my employer is willing to pay for one for my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD. It currently has the existing factory AM/FM/CD head unit.

 

I'd sure appreciate some help with these questions.

 

1. Which is better, the factory in-dash navigation system or an aftermarket? I want it to look clean and like it belongs.

2. Are there 2 kinds of factory systems? RB1 and RB4? Which is better?

3. I saw a Pioneer AVIC-Z1. Would that fit in my truck?

4. What is "double DIN"? I don't think I have that.

 

Any help would be welcome. Thanks for your time.

 

I like the aftermarket because you can change it, modufy it, connect amps to it, ipods, video, etc... the stock nav is limited. Also, it only plays Sirius, I wanted XM.

 

To get it in a 05 RAM, much cutting is required behind the center bezel. The bezel itself needs to be custom trimmed and fiberglassed, then painted. Its a lot of work. I paid a local place to do it - over my head. But the results are great - clean factory look. I painted the bezel silver to match the exterior, so it looks cool, in my opinion.

 

So ask around some local shops about pricing to get the custom work done.

 

Derek

Haven't logged in to this site in months... sorry! I see the whole forum has changed, and participation levels are very high now- good goin' Jason!

So lately I've noticed a lot of channels have changed so logos are disappearing again on my D1. 202 changed to the Virus, so that's gone. I wouldn't mind having a universal 'Christmas' logo for the seasonal channels. There are some new channels as well.

Also, I never got 'The Heat' to work. There must be some hidden character or spaces being transmitted that I can't match up. If someone who wrote one of those XM PCR applications could tell me what the heck is being transmitted for The Heat, I could make it work.

Anyway - Jason, can you make up some new logos for the new channels? I'll make a new table file and PIM list.

Again - this is for the D1, I have no idea if this works for any other systems.

Derek

[quote name="ohlarikd"] [quote name="charliex"] [quote name="ohlarikd"]I don't think this PIM color issue is going to be easy to fix.

In a PIM file, white is 39 67. In PIM Manager, white is naturally assumed to be FF FF.

Derek[/quote]

hope you don't me butting in, i've just found this forum and only read a couple of messages, so i might be repeating stuff already known, but white is not 3967, you're looking at it in the wrong format.
example

take the 3967 in hex 0xF7F, well its obvious the ordering (probably just little endian) is in the wrong order (and from the screen shots i've seen people post with the odd coloured greyscales, it would match) , its really 0x7FF which is a normally bit white RGB.

so if you treated the 0xF7F as RGB at 555 or 556 it'd appear strangely.

seems like its more 443 or something, making a test image should be easy enough

also i noticed you talking about translucency problems, well its really ARGB or some combination thereof, and you're building the RGB triplets in the wrong order, or you're using the wrong endian, you'd end up writing into the alpha values, i dont know if its a single mask bit for on off transparent alpha or a few bits for translucent alpha. (this is easily check my making an image with 0xF7F + 0x10 * level of translucency or such., so a band of 0xF8F 0xF9F 0xFAF etc, this should should either on off transparency or blended translucency



again sorry if this is all old news, or i missed something else.

cheers,
charlie[/quote][/quote]


Oh... I see what you are saying now. Interesting. They are using decimal notation in the file, potentially. Strangely, if you interpret it as hex using Irfanview, it comes up ok.

Either way, I will try to find some time to see if I can correlate some other non-white colors to figure out the bit order. If the last bits are levels of translucency, that would be interesting as well.

Jason, we would need the unknown contact to make a new version of PIM converter, could you ask?

Thanks for the new angle!

Derek

[quote name="charliex"] [quote name="ohlarikd"]I don't think this PIM color issue is going to be easy to fix.

In a PIM file, white is 39 67. In PIM Manager, white is naturally assumed to be FF FF.

Derek[/quote]

hope you don't me butting in, i've just found this forum and only read a couple of messages, so i might be repeating stuff already known, but white is not 3967, you're looking at it in the wrong format.
example

take the 3967 in hex 0xF7F, well its obvious the ordering (probably just little endian) is in the wrong order (and from the screen shots i've seen people post with the odd coloured greyscales, it would match) , its really 0x7FF which is a normally bit white RGB.

so if you treated the 0xF7F as RGB at 555 or 556 it'd appear strangely.

seems like its more 443 or something, making a test image should be easy enough

also i noticed you talking about translucency problems, well its really ARGB or some combination thereof, and you're building the RGB triplets in the wrong order, or you're using the wrong endian, you'd end up writing into the alpha values, i dont know if its a single mask bit for on off transparent alpha or a few bits for translucent alpha. (this is easily check my making an image with 0xF7F + 0x10 * level of translucency or such., so a band of 0xF8F 0xF9F 0xFAF etc, this should should either on off transparency or blended translucency



again sorry if this is all old news, or i missed something else.

cheers,
charlie[/quote]



Charlie,

Thanks for thinking about this. We have tried to decipher the bit scheme, and we thought we had it when we were able to read the PIM file using Irfanview. However, when you create a JPEG image in photoshop, then use the JPEG-to-PIM converter that someone wrote, it will not create the proper bit scheme to get it to appear correctly on the AVIC itself. I still haven't figured it out.

Please feel free to try out all the different suggestions you have made - it is time consuming for one person to do. I have tried many things to no avail, so I would welcome another pair of hands to decipher this.

Derek