AZFlyingDiver

its a 2005 btw not sure if it makes a difference.....and im going to sound like a total NEWB but whats the best way to test to make sure? thanks madsonp

You'll need a digital multimeter (can be had fairly cheap at an auto parts store or radio shack, $20 $30 or so) - set it on AC voltage and seeing if it fluctuates when the car is moving (VSS wire sends pulses as the speed indicator)...

Actually, I've never tested it - just made sure I located the right color-coded wire from the right location - seems to work 99.999% of the time from everyone I've ever talked to.

This is cool - nicely done.

If anyone wants to play around with a digital tuner to connect to their AVIC, the price and voltage are right on this one:

 

https://secure.freetvsignal.com/viewBox ... roductNo=2

 

Just don't expect to be able to get a stable signal while moving, but it should work okay for watching TV during your lunch break.

 

I don't need one in the house, but you can get 2 gov't coupons free so I figure I might as well use them on a toy like this to play with. If it doesn't work out, no huge loss.

Thanks - this'll be great for tailgating, too!

If anyone wants to play around with a digital tuner to connect to their AVIC, the price and voltage are right on this one:

 

https://secure.freetvsignal.com/viewBox ... roductNo=2

 

Just don't expect to be able to get a stable signal while moving, but it should work okay for watching TV during your lunch break.

 

I don't need one in the house, but you can get 2 gov't coupons free so I figure I might as well use them on a toy like this to play with. If it doesn't work out, no huge loss.

Thanks - this'll be great for tailgating, too!

Holy COW!! There is some serious rubber on that knob. Nice to see a knob wearing armor. Probably works great though!!!

 

Thanks for posting.

Tom

"serious rubber on that knob" - a classic "that's what she said"!

sorry, couldn't resist

Here's one for you. I was on I10 last week. Approached a long tunnel we have. The 90BT went to night mode just as I approached. The headlights on the truck were 20 seconds or so behind the head unit. Wife commented that thing is really smart.

 

I of course sat there scratching my head wondering how the hell did that happen. Upon leaving the tunnel, the head unit switched to day and again the truck was behind it a few seconds.

 

Almost makes me think the map is tied to the illumination sensor. I was impressed to say the least but still wondering how it knew.

I've seen that effect too - night mode going in to that tunnel and back to day coming out. After a few times, I'm beginning to suspect that the GPS "knows" when you're in a tunnel...

Edit: LOL - wrote this before I saw BorisM's post.. 'splains it!

Can someone confirm this as correct?

 

DKP Blue/White at pin 13?

Yep, blue/white at driver's kick panel...

It is either unplugged or broken. There is no on/off or volume control that I know of.

+1 on the unplugged. But, it can look plugged in even if it's not fully. This is what happened to me. Make sure that sucker is pushed ALL the way in!

yeh i bought my f90 that had 2.0 firmware pre-installed. i modded it and changed the value to 128.0 and everything worked fine for the most part. but for some reason i sometimes get the bad grounding error msg, but after hitting ok i can still access everything while driving.

 

and ifthe value does reflect kph and not mph that could be my issue cuz 128 kph is about 80 mph i believe, b/c i got the error msg while driving on the freeway so i might have exceeded that value (according to a quick google search) so im going to try changing it to 256.0 and see if that helps or maybe i just have a bad/loose ground.

Yep, 128 kph = 79.5 mph and 256 kph = 159.1 mph (If you're going this fast, you probably don't have time to watch vids anyway )

I have the SWI-PS and it works fine for me .... now.

The "key beep delete" (search for it) mod made a HUGE difference in button responsiveness. Now the steering wheel controls respond much like OEM.

A couple of notes after the mod, though:

Holding down Vol Up or Vol Down buttons still sometimes makes the volume "run". But this only happens when I hold the button down for a long time (more than a couple of seconds). If I tap the button or just hold it down briefly, it responds right away and as expected (increment/decrement volume by 1 unit with a tap, by a few units with a brief button hold).

Mute/unmute works fine (and yes, I do have the hardwire bypass with the mute wire moved), but it takes barely a tap. Hold it down for more than a tap and it doesn't work.

Other than that, I'm a WHOLE lot happier with responsiveness after the "key beep delete" mod.

EDIT: Here's a brief rundown on "key beep delete" (thanks to Stephanie and the ohter posters on this)...

There are 8 files in the folder (DATA\Sound). The 40KB files to be deleted are:

PSG1Hi

PSG2Hi

PSG1Low

PSG2Low

The other files (PSG3, PSG4, PSG5, VR) can be left alone.

My experience: when I deleted these files, besides getting rid of the annoying key beeps, no adverse effects were noted and my steering wheel controls responded MUCH better (as noted previously by others)...

Just wishing the community a very Happy New Year! This place has been great and I hope everyone has a safe, fantastic holiday.

Tony (AZFlyingDiver)

Hey Tom,

 

I got the new knob today - installed flawlessly in about a minute. I also appreciate your professionalism in how you packaged and provided instructions.

 

So I go to pick up a lady friend. She reaches over to adjust the volume down (probably so she can say something that I won't pay attention to):

 

She (puzzled): "Oh, your knob feels different..."

Me (bemused): "Really?"

She: "Yeah, it seems bigger - did you do something to it? It feels better..."

Me (distracted by traffic)

She (smiling demurely): "Can I play with it?"

Me (trying not to laugh): "Sure, go ahead..."

 

Needless to say, your knob is a hit. Thanks!

 

Did you miss a step in the instructions? The knob goes on the head unit that's in the dash not the one sitting behind the dash. LOL

 

 

sorry couldn't help myself is should be punished.

ROFL! Either way, I'm VERY happy with my knob!

As for many that I know that have early model e46's, no problems as long as you are following your vehicle specific schematics. E90's, forget it. There is no custom bezel for E90/92's. The E90's are a great step up than the factory stereo in e46's. I would keep an e92 factory throughout. Especially if you want to retain resale value.

 

Wrong there is a kit, has to be bought from japan and comes with all the necessary wiring and brackets. Im looking at finding a shop to bring it in for me. Expensive Around $550 for the kit.

 

here is the link:

 

http://www.naviokun.com/text/techniq...mw_e90_01.html

Link didn't work, this one should:

http://www.naviokun.com/text/technique.text/bmw_e90_01.html

Sounds like the iPod cable is faulty or somehow has a really loose RCA connector. Try re-seating all your connections.

Werd on the cable. Try switching the RCA's (flip left/right) - if you have the same problem, but reversed, it's definitely the cable.

I am running firmware 2.0 on an F90BT with the software bypass and no problems. (just did it last night)

I have not yet grounded my e-brake wire, but it works fine if I pull the e-brake up a little.

Same here: 2.0 on F90BT with software bypass (although I did set the value at 256.0, since it's been shown to reflect kph not mph). No problems at all.

Ok i'm new to this, and have a question about the f900bt.

 

Is possible to put a on and off switch on the p-brake cable?

 

because in europe it's forbidden to drive and watch video or dvd.

 

So i was thinking to install a switch. if the Cops stop me i can turn dvd off.

 

i would like to do this too. anybody know? i would think after u take the black/yellow mute wire and green wire and connect them like the photo except instead of then running to the ground u run it to the "accessory on" on a switch and then run the ground on the switch to a ground? then what about the power for the switch?

All I do is hit the "MAP" button and turn the volume down. Vid switches right over to map view and no one's the wiser...

Can this be done with the Avic F90bt. I dont want to fry the unit. Also i have a 2006 jeep commander where can i find the VSS wire to tab into.

Yes on the F90BT.

VSS:

"Speed Sense dk. green/brown ac PCM, black/green plug, pin 32

The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is under the hood on the passenger side fender."

This was posted for a 2006 Jeep Commander back in Feb here:

http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13164

Search is your friend.

does this knob interfere with functionality? can I still move the knob in all directions for stuff like track skipping?

 

My 2 cents:

Knob works perfectly for all functions - better, even...

 

I just noticed your list of equipment and mods includes the "Hohl knob"

(LAUGHING...) You think I could use that one?????

Use away! "Get yourself a Hohl new knob!"

sorry theres so much stuff on this website but i finally found everything i need. i saw that page you are talkin about

No problem.

The fun is just beginning - good luck!

Hint #1: BACK UP your original files before modding anything

Search? Really?

It's right in front of you as the second sticky in this forum, titled:

"FAQ: Hacks & Modification :: READ BEFORE POSTING!"

Read and be enlightened.

does this knob interfere with functionality? can I still move the knob in all directions for stuff like track skipping?

My 2 cents:

Knob works perfectly for all functions - better, even...

Hey Tom,

I got the new knob today - installed flawlessly in about a minute. I also appreciate your professionalism in how you packaged and provided instructions.

So I go to pick up a lady friend. She reaches over to adjust the volume down (probably so she can say something that I won't pay attention to):

She (puzzled): "Oh, your knob feels different..."

Me (bemused): "Really?"

She: "Yeah, it seems bigger - did you do something to it? It feels better..."

Me (distracted by traffic)

She (smiling demurely): "Can I play with it?"

Me (trying not to laugh): "Sure, go ahead..."

Needless to say, your knob is a hit. Thanks!

pink and blue striped wire behind the instrument cluster (middle plug)

VSS hookup not absolutely required (but does help speed/GPS accuracy if you do)...

good luck!

White/red/yellow dots wire is the correct one for a BMW (I had a heck of a time finding mine and had to cut away a lot of wrap to be able to dig through the wire bundle - make sure the description matches EXACTLY).

And the location (under steering column) sounds right as well.

All I can think of is to make sure you actually cut the wire and tap into the correct end (you need to tap into the end that goes IN to the steering wheel). Then make sure the other end is insulated.

Oh, and make sure you tapped into the correct power source (switched vs. constant power)...

Good luck!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

-proud to be amongst F'ers