RonS

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.

I have very little knowledge about how the various cell phone technologies work so excuse me if this is a stupid question. All I know is that the current AT&T IPhone is set up to run on GSM and the soon to be released Verizon IPhone runs on CDMA. Does anyone know if this could be a potential problem for the Verizon IPhone and the Z110/120BT interface when they are plugged in using the factory Pioneer IPhone/IPod cable?

No worries. It has nothing to do with the AVIC interface. The phone uses Bluetooth to communicate with the NAV. The phone network itself doesn't matter.

Hi, does anyone have the location of z120bt firmware update? I just bought unit, it has 2.0000 on it and I want to upgrade but it is not on Pioneer website anywhere and tech support just keeps telling me to call parts and have them send it to me...

This post is Off Topic for this thread.

So, how do you know it wasn't already installed?

Here is an excerpt from the 2.003 installation instructions.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF THE FIRMWARE UPDATE HAS ALREADY BEEN INSTALLED:

To determine if the new firmware update has already been installed on an AVIC-Z120BT,

please power on the system and do the following:

I suspect that the reason it is no longer on the Pioneer web-site is because of questions like this. This patch came out soon after the Z120-BT began shipping. I'm sure all recently shipped products are up-to-date.

if i am running just my nav...no problem

if i am running just my ipod...no problem

but if the 2 are both going the unit will never get to the point where the vr gets totally loaded

Hiya RonS

 

i actually did have an issue with the unit randomly rebooting while it was operating as a z110. i sent the unit back for repairs, when it was returned i was never told wut the issue was. honestly at that time i only noticed that the set was randomly rebooting itself, i had not put together wut was happening as far as the VR and the ipod was concerned. now the warranty is up. i am runnning an ipod classic 80g, it has to have about 10,000 songs on it.

I see. One other point of clarification: NAV is always running when the unit is on, so in your original post, did you mean that if you were on the NAV screen and not playing your ipod it was OK, AND if you were on the ipod screen you were OK, BUT if you were playing your iPod while on the NAV screen it would reboot?

OR - are you saying that it would reboot after pressing OK (the pledge screen)? That screen prevents VR cataloging.

Regardless, it sounds like VR cataloging is the culprit. Try turning it off in the Settings menu (see the manual). If it no longer reboots, it must be corrupted catalog info. Try restoring your ipod, then turn on VR in the AVIC settings and see if that fixes it.

im having an issue where if i am running just my nav...no problem

if i am running just my ipod...no problem

but if the 2 are both going the unit will never get to the point where the vr gets totally loaded and the unit continually reboots.

when the reboot is complete they both pick up where they left off

The subject line of your post is confusing. Did you mean to imply that you didn't have this problem before the Z120 upgrade?

Make sure your ipod is running the latest OS firmware. After that, do a full restore/refresh from itunes.

Six months ago I was having VR cataloging issues. I updated the ipod OS, now everything is fine. Instead of 20 min to update the VR, it only takes 20-30 seconds. That's with about 3500 songs.

BTW, which iPod do you have?

I noticed the hardware is STILL the same. I never opted for the z120bt update on my z110bt since it didn't really change much except for a prettier UI. Any chance that you can update the z110 to z130?

How do you figure it's the same hardware. Pioneer says it has built-in traffic and HD radio (not an optional module). I admit I haven't followed this much, so maybe I missed something.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/GPS-Navigation/AVIC-Z130BT

HOW DO I RESET THE BT PIN ON MY Z2. SO I CAN PAIR MY NEW PHONE

You would probably have had an answer by now if you had posted this in the Z1/Z2/Z3 sub-forum. The Z1x0-BT series has built-in BT. The hardware and software are completely different.

On this unit, BT is an optional add-on. While I found an online pdf manual for the Z2, I could not find any mention of how to use or configure the BT. So you need a Z2 experienced person in the other forum.

I am asking for help from those who did the hack for the upgrade

 

I bought it mainly for its functions and not gps but if gps works, its a bonus

My point was that no one hacked the upgrade. The hack was to v1.001 patch, which allowed the defeat of unique key validation for the upgrade. The update SD image was never touched. You already have a Z120, so you are done. You already have all the functionality. You just don't have local maps.

To this date, no one has reported any progress in changing/modding the operation of the system software, maps, or applications stored in the HU. Some have attempted to purchase the US Z110 and update it with the EU version of the v2.0 software (effectively converting it to an F20BT). Still no hack involved to the update.

If/when someone actually cracks the system enough to make functional changes and customizations, then you might be able to load maps for other countries. That, however, is more difficult than it sounds, since the maps would need to be in the same format as the Pioneer application expects.

I'm using the Parrot mic on my Z120bt, and the sound quality is JUST FINE

What is the model?

So i got my Z110 in the mail today. I tried to start to update it. I replace the necessary files and do the following....

 

Now Copy the folder

c:updateAVICZ110

to the root of an SD card.

Lets say your sd card is j: drive.

You will now have one folder on the j: drive.

 

j:AVICZ110 (Plus all the contents of the folder.)

 

Now insert the SD to your Z110BT and it should start updating automatically.

 

It does NOTHING.... Acts like i didn't even insert an SD card into it. So i get to looking and under my service Information Screen it says....

 

Version: 02.0000

 

And under the BT firmware it says...

 

Version: 3.11

 

I would assume this means mine is already updated. Please correct me if im wrong.

Yes, it sure does sound like it's already been updated or you've got a Z120-BT. Did you buy it used? What does it say on the bottom of the face, to the left of the hard buttons? It will say either Z110-BT or Z120-BT.

The biggest difference is in the Audio/Video sections. The NAV stuff is pretty much the same. On your ipod screen, on the top, does it say "MusicSphere"? If so, it is updated.

Here is the Z120 User's Guide. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Navigation/AVIC-Z120BT_OperationManual110910.pdf

Look on page 120 or so, is your iPod screen layout like that?

BTW, you just got it in the mail today and it's already installed?

Nobody out there who can help?

 

I am sure there is a number of members who live outside USA and using this unit. It will be very useful to them if they can use the GPS function at their country.

 

Hope someone can help

There are no hacks to the maps or Z120-BT software. The only hack is to defeat the key validation to allow the v2.xxx upgrade to install. So, at this time, it is not possible to change the Z120-BT maps. Not even sure if anyone is even working on it.

Enjoy your fancy radio and ipod controller. Should of checked before you bought.

Hi,

I'm not a car stereo guy, but I do have an eye for detail and some technical savvy, so go easy on me. I have a Avic D3 in a 1995 Mercury villager(Nissan Quest). Spliced, soldered and heat shrinked all cables. Did the mute/ebrake hack correctly and everything works fine except I have no volume in DVD mode and Ipod mode(radio/ navi fine), plays fine, but no volume.

 

First off I did not use the AMP bypass as I was told it was not necessary. I put the amp on the metra harness in the position to match up with the amp in my ford factory harness(looked it up in factory manual). Guys at Best buy told me they usually wire both blue wires in the metra harness to the amp wire. That would correspond to "amp" and "radio on" on my factory harness, is this correct because I still have no volume in those modes after doing that? Should I move the "radio on wire" from that spot so that it is in the power antenna slot instead? Those are my only two options beside just going amp to amp(which I did first). Everything else was pretty straight forward but this and my other functions work perfectly.

 

I have 8 pins in my factory harness that is in the car, they are 1. Power Amplifier Enable 2. Radio On Signal 3. not used(ground on metra harness, radio grounds to carrier)4. To automatic power antenna Module 5. ILLumination Lamp POwer (+) 6. Radio Power supply 7. Illumination Lamp Return(-) 8. Memory Power supply. That is my ford factory sound system plug in the car. Any ideas pointing to what I did wrong?

Thanks,

Michael

You'll get better responses in the D Series forum. Maybe th Mod can move it there for you.

It was installed a couple months ago and last night was the first time it happened that's the only reason I suspected the update as the problem. I didn't install it myself so I'll have to check the ACC wire or atleast bring it to the installers for them to check it out. I'm pretty sure it powered off last night but I'm not 100% sure because it always turns off when I take out the key so I never really think about it.

 

And I don't have external amp or sub-woofer.

So you aren't sure the Z110 didn't shut off? The dead battery might of been caused by something else. A door ajar or a light left on - or just a failing battery. Had you driven the car much after the upgrade installation? The installation might of drained the battery somewhat, maybe just enough to prevent it from starting.

If it isn't a new install, I doubt the installers will find anything.

I finally got it to work. Thanks for your help. I had tried different SD cards and that still didn't work but it finally worked after downloading the SD1 file the third time. Still not sure why it kept stalling the first few times. The problem now is my z110bt won't power off when I turn my car off so my battery died last night. Anyone else experience this?

Is this a new install? Because the only way that can happen is if the ACC (red) wire is always hot. It should be connected to a circuit switched with the ignition. I'd verify this with a multi-meter or voltage meter. I power mine with a dedicated fuse, so it is easy to verify there is no power by removing the fuse.

I don't see how the software update could be the cause of this.

Edit: Just had another idea. Do you have an external power amp or powered sub-woofer? Maybe the problem is not the AVIC, but something else not powering down. The HU should shut off immediately when you switch off the key. Was it still operating when you left the car last night? If so, you should of checked it out then before you discharged your battery. Oh yeah, if was New year's eve, probably not exactly clear headed. I remember a few times not even making it home.

I have the exact same issue with the same phone. I also had an HTC Desire with the same issue. I thought it was a problem with HTC phones Bluetooth connection with this unit?? I called T-Mobile and they never gave me the option of returning the phone. Extremely annoying to have this type of head unit and not be able to have it work through the bluetooth connection??

Have you tried playing audio (mp3s or streamng) over BT after pairing? The reason I ask is I see the "disconnecting headset" message on the AVIC after pairing my HTC HD2 (running Android 2.2). But when I switch the AVIC to BT audio source, it connects and re-directs whatever is playing on the phone to the HU. It takes a few seconds to negotiate. So, I thing the disconnection headset message might be becasue the audio source is not BT.

My phone also works fine for incoming and outgoing calls over BT. BTW, my phone is running the OS off a Desire HD.

It won't even let me go back to the old software.

Not sure what you mean. So what happens if you power up the unit? Do you get the splash screen? Can you eject and remove the SD?

Try re-downloading the SD1 image and try again. That has worked for others. Make sure you start with a cleanly formated SD. Probably should use a different SD. Maybe a different brand.

Did the 1.002 update work?

Can someone give me a step-by-step to fix it?

We knew you were coming, so we already did it. See post #1. Then continue reading until you get it.

I think it's absolutely stupid you can not, from what I am told, play a video or enter in an address while the car is in motion. Have these people never heard of a passenger? I know I'm preaching to the choir, but, it's just dumb.

Then change it so you can. You posted this in the hack/mods sub-forum, so I assume you know how to do the bypass. Why the venting? Fix it!!

I can't download the manual- thats the URL that seems to not exist. When I click on AVIC Z110BT Owners Manual thats the error message I get.

I'll keep trying to find a way to download the manual.

yeah, Pioneer's web site appears to be down. I googled "Z110-bt manual" and found this link to Crutchfield's web-site. You can download it here.

http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/manuals/130/130avic110.pdf

Be sure to save the pdf file to your local computer, so you'll have it for future reference. It is much easier to search the file than try to find something in the paper version.