RonS

Anyone know how to reverse the image on the cam so that is flipped. How do u flip it ? Everything looks backwards or anatomically correct llz.....

It is supposed to be a mirror image, like you were looking in your rear-view mirrors. Are you saying it isn't or it is?

Is there any way to make the antenna go down? Even with the AVIC AV off and the screen off, the antenna is still up. Any way to make it go back down?

See pg 160 in the Z120 user manual. You can set it so the antenna is up only when the audio source is AM or FM. Not sure it that applies when you use the OFF button, but it might. Or just change the source 1st.

Not if the phone is the limitation as I stated above.

JMTorres, I think your second question is a good one. I'd like to know the answer too. Maybe start a new thread, as this one seems stuck on the 1st part of your original post.

Have none of you heard of a carputer? Seriously, this is old news. Clarion tried developing this idea about 15 years ago, however, they couldn't get the technology to work consistently.

 

You can piece one together now. However, the results have not been very positive.

 

Try googling "carputer"

Oh, you mean like this?

Damn, that's not a carp. And it needs an Equalizer, too much bass.

This was help to me also. I highlighted the section in the manual for future reference.

 

Thanks.

Glad to help. For everyone, I recommend downloading and saving the Z120 manual as a searchable PDF file. Makes like much easier .

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Navigation/AVIC-Z120BT_OperationManual0129.pdf

Thanks! I went back to them. They didn't do the wiring right. They also put something which makes me play DVD while driving. But how come if I drive on freeways there is no video only sound.

Unless the bypass is correctly installed (a simple modification to the wiring harness to fool the parking-brake sensor), you can not play video while driving. I think something got lost in translation - "They also put something which makes me play DVD while driving.". It sounds like they made a botched attempt to do the bypass. See the Hacks and Mods sub-forum for help. There are also videos on You-tube on how to do it. Seach for Pioneer Z110.

I've started to notice that when I switch between sources (CD/iPod/XM/FM) it seems that the baseline volume changes from source to source. For example, if I'm listening to my iPod at a set volume (12), I have to turn it up to 14-15 when I switch to XM. Conversely, I need to turn down the volume before switching back to the iPod or it's uber loud. I've tried searching the forum and fiddling with the HU settings but can't find a fix. Any thoughts? Thanks!

See Audio Settings SLA (sound level adjustment) pg 175 of Z120-bt manual.

They dont have what im looking for.

I believe you want the Pioneer cable that plugs into the back of tthe HU, right? Rectangular plug on one end, USB and mini plug on the other. Yeah, I see one on ebay for $55. I doubt you will find a Z1x0-BT owner who will part with theirs, even if they aren't using it at this time.

Your best hope, other than ebay or Pioneer, is to find someone who toasted their HU, and are parting it out.

Does anyone know if this testmode is the same as the test mode on the U310BT? I have both an F700BT and a U310BT and I would really like to hack the U310BT in the same way as the F700BT has been hacked, but that forum is dead and there is absolutely no development on it. From my understanding, the U310 is basically a crippled version of the Z110/20. The underlying software is similar in that the navigation is pioneer's own design instead of iGO like the F700 uses.

 

I would like to try and either get the software from the Z110 onto the U310 and see if it will even work, or at least find a way to upgrade the maps. If that doesn't work maybe find a way to get igo running instead.

 

Basically the U310BT is worthless as a GPS unless I want to fork over $130 to get their map update which actually has POIs. The unit comes with no resturants or gas station POIs.

So your real question is - "can I load the Z120 software run on a U310". Simple - no.

The AVIC does it fine, but Install the remote to make quick fine-tuning adjustments to the bass level. I''ve found that my MP3s are not consistant. Some sound fine, others are distorted, some need more boost than others. So I adjust the AVIC in the miiddle of the range I like, and use the remote to fine tune to what I like for each song.,

Has anyone figured out why it does this from time to time, it seems to be getting worse. Thanks

Do you mean why the unit restarts/reboots when cranking the starter? Don't know what else you could mean. That is because of the voltage drop due to the current draw of the starter. It is anoying, especially since the reset somehow blows away my iPod VR catalog - it takes much longer to rebuild than after a normal scenario (off, on, start before HU has initialized only takes a few seconds to update the VR catalog).

I had thought about wiring in a diode and capacitor in the +12v feed to the HU to see it this copuld be avoided. But don't know how big the cap would need to be. I also wondered if it is the constant +12v or the switched +12 circuit that trips the reset. The key switch may turn off ACC while in the starter position - so all the battery current can be applied to the starter.

Anybody conquered this issue?

great, this is gonna waste a lot of my timee.

this is the last piece of hardware i ever buy from pioneer.

 

i'm just going to sell it and build a car pc for cheaper.

I think that's a little over-the-top. Yah, I think Pioneer overdid the bling, and the new UI does distract the driver. I'm a "two hands on the wheel" and "eyes-on-the-road" kind of driver. Cause I drive like a bat-outta-hell!!!!

The new UI adds nothing, and even detracts, from the way I use my audio, which is mostly switching between BT audio and ipod (a huge random shuffle playlist). The scrolling A/V sources wheel on the left is a complete waste and distraction from driving. It should at least keep your most recently used source icons visible (or allow you to lock the positions). OK, I could go on with a list of bitches about the "upgrade".

My point is, it isn't that bad. Give it some time and you will adjust. BTW, do you really think a Media PC will be better? Sounds like a head-ache to me. The only advantage I can see is the ability to customize everything, but I want simplicity, not more complexity. And talk about waste a lot of time.....

well thats great because i ordered this discs from ebay. i tried putting them on different sd cards but they had the same results.

here are pictures of what i am getting.

u can see in the second picture where it fails.

OK, sounds like you bought (or thought you did) a legit copy of the Pioneer update. If so, why are you posting in a "Crack" thread in the Hacks sub-forum? Should be "Troubleshooting".

From your post, I thought you were having trouble with the hack. If you bought the update, call Pioneer or your ebay seller. So far, these errors (not completing the update) all seem to be media or corrupt image related. But that was with bootlegged images. If your's is legit, you should have recourse.

i did the update but when i stick in my sd card for the part 2 i got it updated all the way to 28% then failed. now when i try it i keep getting update failed retry.

 

I have since then booted to test mode and tried to force the update and on the first sd card it goes all the way through then says error failed and tells me to reboot.

 

is there a fix or am i just sol

What exactly do you mean "part 2". I don't have a checklist handy. Assuming you mean the SD1 update, sounds like you are having SD reading errors. Try another 4GB SD, freshly formatted as FAT32.

I just installed a Z110BT in my 04 Avalanche, everything is good except that the navigation is showing that my truck is facing the other direction.

 

The arrow is spot on as far as location goes, but its just reversed. Anyone have this problem before? Any help is appreciated.

 

Thanks.

I guess you just need to drive backwards

Sorry, couldn't resist....

Do you have the Violet/White (REVERSE GEAR SIGNAL INPUT) wire connected? From the installation manual, " Unless connected, the sensor may not detect your vehicle traveling forward/backward properly". Although mine is not connected, I am not having this problem.

If yours is connected, it is possible you don't have it connected to the right circuit (always on or high when going forward).

Next check the polarity. Go to Home/Navi Settings/Connection Status. Make sure that when the gear is shifted into "Forward", the 'Back Signal" value is "Low".

To correct it, I think you go to Home/System Settings/System Settings/Back Camera/Camera and change the polarity.

It must have to do with the unit incorrectly thinking you are going in reverse. These are the things that come to mind.

Then I think we are making the same point, in a roundabout way

 

I like to think that since the Android OS is much more junior to Apple's platform, Google is still getting caught up with the basics. I do hope that, in the future, interfacing with other devices proves not to be a pipe dream but rather, a reality.

I don't think you will ever see the tight integration such as the ipod A/V interface, but for generic support over BT I believe the interoperability you are expecting from Pioneer and Google (Android) is found in Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP). From Wikipedia :

AVRCP has several versions with significantly increasing functionality:

• 1.0—Basic remote control commands (play/pause/stop, etc.)
• 1.3—all of 1.0 plus metadata and media-player state support
  • The status of the music source (playing, stopped, etc.)
  • Metadata information on the track itself (artist, track name, etc.).

  [*]1.4—all of 1.0, 1.3, plus media browsing capabilities for multiple media players

  • Browsing and manipulation of multiple players
  • Browsing of media metadata per media player, including a "Now Playing" list
  • Basic search capabilities

AVIC Z120-BT supports AVRCP 1.3, as evidenced by the support I found using WM 6.5 Media Player. The last time I tried under Android, it didn't work. However I haven't tried it with the latest kernel. I'm not sure if it is an OS (kernel/driver) issue or an application issue. Maybe a check of various media players found in Android Market will turn up something. I haven't done any research since it isn't a priority for me, but I just did a quick google of "Android AVRCP" and found lots of discussion and complaints in developer forums about lack of AVRCP support by Android. So I would say the ball is in Googles court as far as interoperability goes.

BTW, would love to see AVRCP 1.4 support. That would be in the ballpark of Pioneer's ipod support.

But the XM & GPS issues I'm having could just be a result of the antenna's being too close together or could this g-sensor be causing some of this? As I understand it, the G-sensor just picks-up the slope the car is on

As VBlue said, they should be separated by at least 6". That could solve some or all of your problems. If you bought this unit from this "reputable" shop, then take it back - it's their problem.

If you bought it on ebay - or grey-market, I guess its your problem, but I would first go back to the installer. First try moving the antenna apart. Should just be magnetically attached to the dash. If it is glued or something else, you paid way too much for the installation. I would guess there is enough slack in the wire to move them apart without much trouble. See if that fixes or improves your GPS issue.

I don't have XM, but if I understand the other posts, you are not using the Pioneer tuner? That could be a problem.

The G-sensor and gyro are used to approximate your position. They are all inputs to the GPS chip. So your final position will not be as reliable if you have sensor issues. Did they install VSS? If not, you didn't receive a professional installation.

You can see GPS, VSS readings. Press Home/Settings/Navi Settings/Connection Status. Speed Pulse is the VSS signal.

G sensor (incline) and gyro data can be seen on the 3D Calibration Status screen.

BTW, it takes some time for the AVIC NAV system to calibrate itself. You may want to recalibrate it by clearing the statuses for Distance, Speed Pulse, and Learning Status. See P149 in the Z120 manual. If you bough it used, you probably should do this. The sensors calibrate based on the environment in which they are installed.

I just got an update installed on my Fascinate, ...and...Bayum!!

It now works!

 

Crisp Pandora from my Android. Also tested some files on my Phone's SD card and it streams perfectly.

NICE.

Good news. Glad you have it working.

I wanted to clarify. You are streaming via BT? There was some discussion here about unsuccessfully using the phone as a USB drive, which is a totally different interface to the AVIC.

So, if BT, are MP3 tags displayed on the AVIC screen when playing songs? How about FF,RW, Pause, etc. controls on the AVIC?

Does having them on the dash work or should they be run to the outside of the car? Also, does the direction the sensor is facing effect the function of the GPS? Right now, it's turned sideways & I keep getting the aforementioned error message.

The GPS antenna, if mounted on the dash, should be set on the included metal sheet. It needs a metal backplane to receive the satellite signals.

The G sensor error sounds like a different problem. The only mention of "G Sensor" in the Z120 manual is on p.199:

Oh, the orientation of the antenna (direction it is facing) doesn't matter.

I only see "Pause" and "Restart". (Z120 manual p 171). So I guess I was wrong. If you update your ipod, I'm pretty sure it starts from scratch (takes much longer).

 

As far as the reboot, I wonder if there is some wierd/corrupted MP3 tags in your iPod songs.

One more thing I thought of..... It would be interesting if you took your ipod into a Pioneer dealer's store and asked if you could test their Z120 with your ipod. You don't even have to explain the full story, just say you want to try it out. I bet it blows that one up too. If so, its something with your songs. Likely the tags.

thanks!

i actually called up pioneer on the reboot issue and told them the problem went away once i deactivated the VR cataloging.

i asked if the amout of songs i had (10,000+) was too much. he said no and that the units should be capable to VR catalog 160g ipod classics.

where can i find more info on the force cataloging abilities u brought up?

I only see "Pause" and "Restart". (Z120 manual p 171). So I guess I was wrong. If you update your ipod, I'm pretty sure it starts from scratch (takes much longer).

As far as the reboot, I wonder if there is some wierd/corrupted MP3 tags in your iPod songs. That may cause the AVIC to barf when it hits that sing. I still think you should:

1. update the ipod firmware if possible

2. refresh (initialize) the ipod

3. and try loading more selectively

I used to have an MP3 utility that fixed-up the tags, but I can't remember what it was.

ok maybe i can find some information on that.

if not im pretty sure i wont miss the songs either. i usually only use my playlists anyway.

hey, u know anything of this firmware update 2.003, can find it on pioneer website but i hear its supposed to take care of the BT 'OK' button connection issue.

Ya, it fixed a few bugs, but nothing major that I could see. The "OK" annoyance is still there. Here is the update. Mods, sorry if this breaks any rules. If so, feel free to delete the files. I figured since it was freely available from their site, it was fair use.

BTW, I had to re-zip the files cause I deleted the original archive after unpacking. Also, they (Pioneer) named it AVICZ110 even though it is only for Z120s, which seemed odd.

AVICZ110.zip

Instructions for AVIC-Z120BT 2.003000.pdf

it doesn't look like Pioneer will be supporting Android anytime soon

I assume you mean Pandora? Cause I have no problem with my Android HTC phone for stereo audio and hands-free calling. I also have a separate ipod which I use for MP3s. I only use the Android BT for streaming internet audio.

The torrent in the stickied forum post for the Z120BT firmware has the 2.0003 update. Click on the rar file, extract it, double click on the torrent, and only check off the "SD2" Folder, so you are just downloading that extra update. Then upload that folder labeled "Firmware" to the root drive of your SD card. Then go to your bluetooth settings on the nav screen and click on the 'update firmware' button. Afterwards, make sure you run the steps above (Posted by RonS) to get check the REAL firmware version. Going to settings and checking it in there will only show the 2.00000 (EVEN if you have the 2.0003 update).

I think that is the BT 3.11 update on torrent SD2. 2.003 was only available from Pioneer support via download or requesting an SD from support.

to ronS & VBLUE:

 

 

to this point i have taken ronS's advice and deactivated the VR cataloging & i have not yet experienced the unit shutting off and rebooting itself as normal during that process (thanks ronS). both the ipod and nav are running simultaneously and i have not had an issue. everyone seems to post a ruff estimate of how many songs thay have on their ipod, mine is past the 10,000 mark, might this be too many for the unit to catalog, is there a limit? p.s. to ron S...i have not yet reset/restarted the ipod as i am having my computer which has itunes installed repaired.

I was wondering what happens if it runs out of memory while indexing. There has to be some physical limit. 10,000 is a lot of songs. When I first got my 64GB ipod Touch, I loaded it up with all my songs. But I soon realized that so many albums and artists made the user interface difficult to use. So I cut it down a lot. I don't think I every loaded 10000, more like 5000.

So, when you get your computer back, you can try a smaller number and gradually increase. Believe me, you won't miss those 5000 songs.

BTW, I was looking at mine on the way to work the AM. I thought there was a way to force a catalog rebuild from scratch, but I couldn't figure out. The VR Catalog off and on buttons worked, but it didn't seem to reset and rebuild from scratch. The manual is a little fuzzy on how this works.