RonS

Assuming you mean your current coordinant (latitude and longitude), it appears that you can't. Is that a problem?

The only place where they are used appears to be as one way to enter a destination. Also, they are used in AVIC Feeds to identify a waypoint or Favorite. I suppose you could always save your current location as a Favorite, export Favorites to AVIC Feeds (on the SD card) and load it into AVICFeeds on your PC. Then you could see it. Note: I have never tried this, but seems like it would work.

But why?

I've attached a print screen pic of my AVIC Manual page 160. I don't see anything about adjusting the antenna settings? I also tried to use the find word function in Adobe Reader, and all of the antenna refernces were with respect to the GPS antenna. Any help? Thanks.

Sorry, my mistake. That was in the Z110 manual - pg 160. I see that the Z120 manual does not mention this feature. In fact, the AV System Settings screen on the Z120 appears to be missing two soft-buttons. I'm not sure if the problem is with the manual, or that they dropped that feature in the Z120. When I get back to my car I'll verify.

Here is what it said in the Z110 manual:

*****************************************************************

update: I checked my HU (a Z110 updated to Z120). The Z110 manual is correct for the Z120 also:

Since I don't have a powered/retractable antenna, I still don't know whether this fixes the OP issue. That is, if this setting is "Radio", and the audio source is AM or FM, does the antenna retract when OFF is selected? It should work if the source is not AM or FM.

"two hands on the wheel"

Well, I drive a manual transmission(370z) and my hand rest perfectly with where the screen is.

 

Before the update I could press the screens buttons without moving my hand off the shift knob, but now, it's not so easy.

Yeah, I have a 6 speed too (Porsche 987), but I don't regularly drive with one hand on the shifter. I'm steering more than I'm shifting, and my hands are faster than my feet, so there's no reason to rest my hand on the shifter when it should be where it would be needed in a sudden hard turn/manuver.

My biggest beef with the new UI (Z120) is it distracts the driver too much. Too much bling. Too much scrolling. The source wheel on the left is a disaster - it even shows things that aren't available - in my case Pandora, but doesn't have the BT and iPod icons available at the same time without scrolling.

i still got the z110bt on my unit, i played with the new software on a z120bt at a store, and i hated the ipod interface, and i didnt really see anything in that would of made it worth updating, i wish there was an option to use the old ipod interface on the newer software or units, the z110bt ipod interface was the reason i bought the radio

Eventually, you'll want to update the maps. There's no way (until someone figures how to hack the unit), to do that without updating everything. As many have said, they should of separated the map update from the system update. Let the users decide.

I hope (but doubt) that the Z130 update fixes a few of the major annoyances of the Z120. I haven't seen a good demo yet, and you can't tell just looking at the specs.

Hi...im new...Just got my Avic 120bt yesterday. LOVE IT so far except the shop that installed it cant figue out how to wire in my backup camera to work with the unit.

 

So, my question. I usually take my ipod (16g touch) with me when i get out of my truck but when i go to replug it in when i get back in, it goes through this whole process of "directory updating...please wait" i can listen to my ipod although cant change playlist. I rode around for about an hour before it "updaed" and i can use it like normal. Will it do this every time i uplug my ipod? I hate to keep it plugged in all the time. I like to bring it in the house to play music. Thanks for any help.

I have a 64GB iTouch. I had a similar problem when I first installed the Z110. Seemed to take 15-20 minutes to catalog about 2500 songs. Even after the initial catalog, it took several minutes each time I started up. Like Jason said, I turned off VR cataloging and that made it tolerable. For some reason, my unit sometimes resets/looses the VR catalog. The unit acts stupid and cant locate any song/artist/album. So when that happened, I had to turn VR back on - so it would rebuild the catalog (15-20 min).

Somewhere around the time that I upgraded the software to Z120, I also updated the iPod OS through iTunes. After that, I noticed that the VR cataloging went much faster - a couple minutes for a full rebuild, and just a few seconds after a restart. I'm not sure which fixed it. Or maybe it was just the rebuild of the ipod after the flash update. But Inow I can leave VR cataloging turned ON without worry.

So, you might want to check that your ipod software and OS is up-to-date. BTW, I leave my ipod connected. Only remove when I need to update the songs - not that often since my favs are decades old. So I'm not sure what it would do if I was always unpluging it.

Oh, another thing that helps - I don't put my entire MP3 collection on the ipod. It makes no sense to load it up and have to search through 100's of albums thru the scroll wheel. Now I have several playlists with 500 or so songs. That, and maybe a dozen complete albums, is all I ever need. So, I'm, only using about 10GB out of the 64. I'll probably put a bunch of videos on it some day.

it isnt a mirrored image it shows up opposite of what the rear mirror image looks like...........the install peeps are lookin into it too.....supposidly anyway. Thnx for all your help!!

What camera make/model did they install? I used to work for a company long ago that made rear view camera/monitors for RVs (way back when that was a novelty). I think the reversed image was done in the camera, not in the video monitor. So standard video cameras might fit and work, but not produce the same image. Just a guess.

First check all your connections carefully. If you have doubt take professional help. If unit is bad get your money back while you can.

You might want to pull the HU and bench-test it. All you really need to connect are the red (+), yellow (+), and black (-) wires. If that works, it's your installation wiring. If not, its your HU.

You can do this yourself if you know how to remove it from the dash. Seeing it is a BMW, there is probably a trick to it. So your next option is to let your installer check it.

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?