Hi everyone,

 

I just had installed an 8000 with a PAC interface. Unfortunately, I didn't know that the PAC doesn't seem to support the front voice and phone buttons with the Pioneer. The Chrysler has rear buttons that work fine with it.

 

So, first question, is that correct? Can I get the voice and phone buttons to work with the Pioneer unit?

 

If not, then, the next question is do the other options work better? I read a lot of complaints about the iDatalink, mostly related to the pre-1.08 firmware update. Does it work well now? 

 

Thanks!

 

Here is where the PAC SWI states that the VR button won't work:

 

http://pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=1016&CategoryID=29

What complaints about the iDataLink? What model?

 

AFAIK, the main issue is NEX owners thinking the Maestro RR is going to provide some OEM-feature integration the HU simply does not and likely will not support.  From what I surmise, buying the Maestro RR is just a waste of money.

 

On the other hand, the iDataLink Maestro SW could arguably be the best SWC interface on the market... but I have no experience with it connected to a NEX unit.  My 8000 is installed in an older vehicle that doesn't have SWC.  But I do have one installed in a 2013 Honda CR-Z... to a Kenwood DNN990HD.  Couldn't be happier with the SWC integration.

 

I originally bought a PAC SWI-JACK unit for my CR-Z, DNN application but somewhere in the process I decided it would not do what I wanted before I even installed it (still have it if anyone is interested in a good deal ).  I ordered and installed an Axxess/Metra ASWC-1.  My CR-Z has two resistor networks for SWC (shuttle and hands-free control).  With only one input, I had to combine networks into one, then custom program the unit for operation.  Programming is such a kludge, too.  Press this or that button, watch and count LED flashes, etc. over and over.  Such a PITA.  Managed to get through it, but functionality less than what I desired.  Then in operation, it would randomly increase volume.  Finally got fed up with that and bought the Maestro SW...

 

The SW has two inputs, so I separated my resistor networks back to original OEM configuration.  Custom programming is comparatively a breeze.  Configured via internet and flash while connected to computer via USB.  You do have to know the values of your resistor network(s).  AFAIK includes all possible functionality of the HU.  Buttons can be programmed for dual function (Press and Press-Hold).  According to iDataLink Maestro SW flash program, the following commands are available for the AVIC-8000NEX:

I have a jeep 2015 and Maestro RR and with the new firmware 1.08 it does allow digital controls and UCONNECT so your steering wheel controls will work BUT it breaks other Bluetooth functionality on the head unit itself and almost all the features that the Maestro support Pioneer does NOT support yet they plaster all over their documentation that its the recommended setup..

 

Plus if you have an upgraded audio system with a digital amp you cant adjust anything with the radio like fader, base to sub etc. Boils down to PIONEER released a beta head unit. Alpine, Kenwood etc all support full integration. But their headunits are a bit behind in power.

So the upgraded sound system has an Infinity amplifier that requires digital control of the fader function.

 

I just ran wires from the head unit to the rear speakers and use the AVIC amp. Not ideal, but it works.

 

 

I have a jeep 2015 and Maestro RR and with the new firmware 1.08 it does allow digital controls and UCONNECT so your steering wheel controls will work BUT it breaks other Bluetooth functionality on the head unit itself and almost all the features that the Maestro support Pioneer does NOT support yet they plaster all over their documentation that its the recommended setup..

 

Plus if you have an upgraded audio system with a digital amp you cant adjust anything with the radio like fader, base to sub etc. Boils down to PIONEER released a beta head unit. Alpine, Kenwood etc all support full integration. But their headunits are a bit behind in power.

Have a look at the new PAC SWI-CP5: http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=1200

 

PAC demonstrates it on YouTube: http://youtu.be/yMR1NKKqZGA

 

It is updatable through USB and easily programmable with a PC or a smartphone (iOS & Android), like the Maestro and Axxess SWC interfaces.