Having recently purchased my XDA II I am very keen to get some form of sat nav system installed and a car kit.
I basically would like to know:
Which is the best software?
Which is the best Blue tooth reciever?
Which is the best car kit?
Ideally I would like to be able to have the ability to use the sat nav both in the car and on foot.
On the reciever side battery life is important to me as is its size and convenience of using both in and out the car.
On the car kit side I would like the phone to auto mute the stereo when a call is incoming and to also auto mute the stereo when I need to hear an instruction from the sat nav.
On the software side I need to be able to set my own 'way points' and would like to do postcode searches. Also places of interest, restaurants, shops etc. would be nice.
Any info you could post on the above would be really appreciated.
Sat Nav - XDA II
I did a lot of research into Sat Nav and had the same requirements as you.
I finally decided to buy the Navman 4410 system, which gave me everything I wanted. A small receiver that fits into my pocket which comes with the straps to use whilst on foot. It features postcode search and shows places of interest etc. Navman quote 30 hours on a set of batteries, but it does come with a cable to plug into the cigarette supply.
All in all I am very happy with it.
With regards to a car kit, I am still working on that. Looking on the web, I think it will not be long until there is a suitable available for the XDA II.
Hope this helps.
I have the navman 4410 as well, this is a bluetooth device
But if you would go hardwired in the car, wait for the carkit from t-mobile (now available in germany) which is only199 euros and comes included with satnav
I don't know about the Bluetool GPS or the Car Kit, but the Sat Nav software I'd recommend is Tom Tom - especially if you wait a few weeks to get Version 3 due to be released end of March to Mid April.
Why?
1) The system is incredibly easy to use whilst driving - all major functions can be got to through large soft or hard buttons meaning you can use your fingers and not have to worry about using a stylus (or Key :wink: )
2) Version 3 will have a system for automatic traffic info with redirection around the problem that works though a GPRS connection - ideal for us XDA users who don't need to have a seperate phone unfortunately it does cost extra (49 Euros a year, or 9.95 Euros a month) to activate this option.
3) There are loads of free tools to highlight POI (points of interest) as you approach. Some are free such as CheckPOInt
4) Hundreds (may even be thousands) of FREE POI databases to tell you where almost anything is e.g. Mc Donalds, Little Chef, KFC, Speed Cameras :!: (remember the POI Tools in point 3 :wink: )
5) Tom Tom didn't used to beable to do postcode based searches although I believe this is fixed in version 3 and there are third party tools for version 2 available (probably free)
Tom Tom meets my needs exactly - mind you I don't use the GPS outside the car, so I can't tell you how good it would be for navigation on foot.
www.pocketgps.co.uk is great source of info on GPS navigation for pocket PC's, and has a Free POI database of UK Speed Cameras 8).
So what has this to do with unlocking?
Please try and look for a suitable sub forum before you post questions. They are there with a reason.
Thanks for all your feedback.
I cant believe how many systems and options are available!
Does anyone know of a shop or similar where it is possible to view all these products?
Also does anyone know if Tom Tom & Navman software allow you to record a snail trail and do they both have voice instructions?
Tom Tom certainly does have voice and allows you to record your route, I can't comment on NavMan as I don't own it (I've seen it on at mates Ipaq though).
There are plenty of online shops where you can view the systems and the prices.
I bought mine through www.routeplanners.co.uk - orderd on a Friday at 2:30 had it in my hand on the Saturday morning at about 10:00 (Royal Mail Special Delivery )
As I said in a previous reply www.pocketgps.co.uk is a great source of information - has reviews on all the main Sat Nav software and also has reviews / comparison tables for Wired and Bluetooth GPS Receivers.
Cheers Simon.
I'll keep the forum posted on how I get on...............................................
Related
I'm currently looking for a BT GPS which one do you advise I cant seem to make up my mind although I'm close to buying a TomTom BT one
What have you and why does it work well ?????
I can recommend either a TomTom BT GPS (ebay for around £80-90) or..... I have a wired version of the TomTom which is cheaper and fits my arkon car xda2 pwered and speakered cradle, and really does work well, and it hides really well into the corner of the windsceen with minimal wires, in fact i have managed to bury mine in the dash.....plus the wired are cheaper too, about £60 on ebay.....any help??
In fact having thought about this, I have a powered xda2 car kit, with GPS and hands free talking for under £100, which aint bad going. Just make sure you get TomTom as the nav software, it really is the best.
Therer are many thread on this, also look at www.pocketgps.co.uk
My advise: buy a cheap BT GPS on ebay. Bought my D-Connex DC-230 (rebadged Holux GR-230) for approx 104 euros (in fact: a BT GPS for the price of a wired one)
When buying, keep in midn you need more than a gps to navigate:
Software
Carkit or Cradle and powerlead (Y-cable)
Dashmount or Windscreen-suction mount
Also verify you wotn have any issue with a heat-resistant windscreen. These type of windscreens have a metal layer that prevents any radio signals coming thru, except for about two spots, mostly next to the mirror behind which you will have to put your gps.
bryson said:
I can recommend either a TomTom BT GPS (ebay for around £80-90) or..... I have a wired version of the TomTom which is cheaper and fits my arkon car xda2 pwered and speakered cradle, and really does work well, and it hides really well into the corner of the windsceen with minimal wires, in fact i have managed to bury mine in the dash.....plus the wired are cheaper too, about £60 on ebay.....any help??
In fact having thought about this, I have a powered xda2 car kit, with GPS and hands free talking for under £100, which aint bad going. Just make sure you get TomTom as the nav software, it really is the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll have that if it fits a MDA III pm me and I'll send my telephone number and personal email
I dont sell any of these, I am just a Joe Soap with an XDA2 whom made the plunge!
This link looks interetsing for the sirf GPS with the Arkon kit all in one. I aint seen this one before......However, NO Idea if the MDAIII has the same bottom connector as the XDA2 I guess this is relevant whatever cradle you may jump for.....maybe the seller could advise, or the forum?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=69929&item=5138639767&rd=1
This is the kit I have, and i then bought the tomtom GPS wired with a RJ11 cable that plugs into this cradle and gets its power from the cradle also, to avoid the recharging issues from the BT versions.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3730&item=5138957143&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Any the wiser now?
Tomtom Navigator Bluetooth
Had the Bluetooth running very well with the XDA 2, had occasisional issues where I would have to switch Bluetooth off and then on in order to establish a connection between the GPS reciever and the phone.
I am having no luck with the XDA 2s and the Bluetooth reciever - or rather some luck but most of the time the phone tells me that the Bluetooth device4 has no useable services, upgrading to the lates GPS driver seems to drop the option of using the tomtom BT reciever and I end up having to use the BT outbound serial port 6 in order to get a connection, this will then work fine, if I leave both the XDA2s and the BT reciever running. Switch either one off and I have to re-create all of the BT connections from scratch. Anyone got any suggestions, I love the WiFi in the 2s but Sat Nav is far far more important to me.
GPS BT
Guys,
I have a Leadtek 9537
http://www.leadtek.com/gps/gps_9537_1.html
wich is the same has the FAC BT-30, but way cheaper (obviously, Leadtek makes them)
works find with Tomtom, precise enough
you just need to get the car charger, wich doesn t need to be the Leadtek one.
hope that helps
Ciao
Guzz
Lyon
France
NavMan won't work with WM2003 SE
You may be interested to know that the Navman Smart ST 2 GPS software won't work with WM 2003 SE. The unit bonds, but apparently the software won't work with the VGA capable display driver, even though we are stuck with 1/4 VGA on our XDA's.
After all the work put in by people in this forum to get the XDA II working with a serial port, I finally had the XDA II Navman 4400 working very well, spent 6 weeks cruising round Europe with hardly a drama, apart from some very out of date maps (Cruising through paddocks instead of new motorways). Using external aerial I had no problems getting signals in Paris, and the unit picked up within seconds of leaving a tunnel.
Version 3 is available in Oz, but even this needs a patch apparently. Navman working on it, possibly February 05 I hear.
Re: NavMan won't work with WM2003 SE
Camstech said:
You may be interested to know that the Navman Smart ST 2 GPS software won't work with WM 2003 SE. The unit bonds, but apparently the software won't work with the VGA capable display driver, even though we are stuck with 1/4 VGA on our XDA's.
After all the work put in by people in this forum to get the XDA II working with a serial port, I finally had the XDA II Navman 4400 working very well, spent 6 weeks cruising round Europe with hardly a drama, apart from some very out of date maps (Cruising through paddocks instead of new motorways). Using external aerial I had no problems getting signals in Paris, and the unit picked up within seconds of leaving a tunnel.
Version 3 is available in Oz, but even this needs a patch apparently. Navman working on it, possibly February 05 I hear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually after recently installing the Merged 2.02.t1WWE & 2.06.00WWE ROMs, Navman is working better than ever before! I'm using Navman 4410 SmartST Version 2 and the great thing about WM2003SE is that I don't have to check the GPS box everytime I want to use GPS!
Sorry for my ignorance but im a novice as far as pda's are concerned. I have looked through many posts but can't come up with an answer. I have just received my spv m2000 and need to know what I need to use it for sat nav in my car. Could anyone please advice? sorry if their is already a thread on this subject but im in a bit of a hurry as I am heading off for Southampton on a few days and need to get some gear ordered.
i am in the same situation as you. from research tomtom navigator with version3 software is the best option with either the gps reciever of bluetooth or wired
p1tse said:
i am in the same situation as you. from research tomtom navigator with version3 software is the best option with either the gps reciever of bluetooth or wired
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i believe that tom tom 3 is the best but which bluetooth reciever and how much? There are a few on ebay but i dont want to get ripped offwith some cheap inferior one
I have heard good reports of emtac, particularly this model : http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=EMTAC_GPS_TRINE
I just got a Altina GBT-708 BT GPS off eBay, and have been testing it with MS Pocket Streets 2004 (free as part of my MSDN subscription) -- it works quite well, given the limits of the Pocket Streets software. I'll probably try the DeLorme software next -- it's only $35 as opposed to $150 for TomTom, and I'm a cheap bastard
The Altina can be had for $75-$100, and supports WAAS/EGNOS for extra accuracy -- it uses the same GPS chipset as the TomTom unit, at roughly half the price. One caveat about the Altina -- it's advertised as being able to work over USB, but it doesn't since it shows up as an different device than its driver expects. Not an issue for me, as both the systems I'll use it with are BT-enabled.
The tomtom bluetooth is good, the latest version has a removable battery also. Personally I use a cabled gps because I was having to power the xda in the car so I saw no reason to have a wireless setup when the same plug powers the gps also.
All you will ever need!!! for GPS info
Here it is.. again
www.pocketgps.co.uk
The best site around!
I got a cheap one off ebay, it works fine, paid £50ish, have to manually establish a bluetooth connection with it each time I want to use it but other than that its fine.
I use TomTom on my M2000 and Destinator on the carPC, TomTom wins hands down.
I use an M2000 on Orange with NavMan Smart ST V3. Works superbly and I love the 3D orientation.
Use it with a Holux cradle. You can read a review and my comments there. Mixed opinions on the product from me but the concept is good. Since I posted I have doctored my old nokia dash mount to fix it permanently without the wobble-arm
Still getting lockups if I start SmartST in the cradle. NavMan say they don't support this phone!!!
I did try the tom tom cradle with an external gps reciever but it wouldn't hold on to the port and fell over all the time. Would prefer a similar solution to the Holux but if you want a portable GPS solution the Holux is OK albeit with some issues ....... that speaker!!!!! AAAAGHHH. Fine now though. Read the review for more.
A couple of things worth noting...
Just to add a little info to this thread.
I have an SPV M2000. The information I found on the internet at www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk and www.gpsforless.co.uk says that the TomTom GPS units are some of the best available. Mine works perfectly but I'm sure others are as good if not better.
One argument for wired and as opposed to Bluetooth GPS is as follows.
Wired means that you can use your Bluetooth headset if you get a call during your journey. Also no headset cable to get tangled in your flailing arms as you spin the steering wheel. Minus point unsightly wires across dashboard.
Bluetooth GPS means that you can use your GPS system away from the car as the Bluetooth unit is battery powered. You cannot use Bluetooth headset with it so problems as described above.
Just a couple of points but worth considering.
Re: A couple of things worth noting...
gazobee said:
Just to add a little info to this thread.
Bluetooth GPS means that you can use your GPS system away from the car as the Bluetooth unit is battery powered. You cannot use Bluetooth headset with it so problems as described above.
Just a couple of points but worth considering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I dont belive this to be correct, I have the M1000 and I can/do use the bluetooth GPS and Headset at the same time..
dogo
I have an M2000 and i can use sat nav and a bluetooth headset, the M2000 disconnects from the GPS and connects to the headset (this process takes about half a second) during the duration of the call, and then it reconnects back to the GPS once the call is over
its true that you cannot use sat nav and make calls with bluetooth at the sametime, but you cannot see the screen or hear the sat nav program during a call, so what does it matter?
but it does switch seamlessly over, so do not be put off using a bluetooth GPS and a BT headset with your M2000
Oh, and by the way. the reason i chose a bluetooth GPS is because it is a self contained unit, so when it is powered in the car even when he car is switched off, it has always aquired a signal so no waiting when i get in the car for my position to be picked up
I've a Parrot BT CK3000 car kit and BT GPS and both work together fine, although I have less hassle if the GPS and my M2000 are connected first.
Just to clarify things here...
Previously I was running TomTom Navigator 3 on SPV M1000 and now have upgraded to TomTom Navigator 5 on SPV M2000.
On both Pocket PCs and with both versions of TTN, I was able to use bluetooth GPS AND use bluetooth headset to make calls etc without TTN packing up.
F
Thanks guys, I stand corrected.
Using gps away from the car would probably be useful for walkers and cyclists. I was unaware of the auto switchover. Lets just hope you don't get a call at a particularly complicated intersection.
I suppose that fact that i can sometimes spend 20 minutes on a call in the car would make BT gps useless for me. I'm glad I chose wired.
K
I have both wired and BT. Got the wired one way back with Destinator 2 on my original XDA (Bluetooth not an option at the time). Got BT GPS last year for XDAII and found that as I use SatNav mainly in the car I tend to use the wired one - no conflict with headset and charges the phone at the same time, so I don't have to remember to charge 2 devices. The original Xda connector has worked fine in XDA, XDAII and MDAIII.
By the way, three of my friends have bought the following cheap BT GPS from Expansys
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=119717
And all say it works fine.
HELP
I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SPV M2000 IT ALREADY COMES WITH MEMORY CARD WHICH HAS TOM TOM INSTALLED ON IT EVERYTIME I PUT MEMORY CARD IN TOMTOM SCREEN COMES UP THEN I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO HOW DO I USE THIS THING DO I NEED ANY ADDITIONAL STUFF
IM REALLY NEW AT THIS AND WOULD APPRECIATE ANY KIND OF HELP
PLS PLS EMAIL ME ON [email protected]
PLS EMAIL ME DIRECTLY ITS URGENT!
tomtom sat nav full package
Hi
I have a 1 GB memory card that has the latest tomtom installed(tomtom navigator 5). I use it for my XDA Exec. It also has alerts for speed cameras.
I am selling the memory card with tomtom software and also i have a brand new bluetooth GPS reciever.
Any one interested please make me an offer.
Thanks
I am exploring Hands free options other than a bluetooth headset for when I am driving.
I am contemplating between a a pioneer Audio Head unit CD player and can pair with 4 phones. Feed back from a few owners of this headset s very positive with excellent sound quality when using the phone.
( I have not a chance to test my qtek 9100 with this head unit)
The alternative would be a Tom Tom 500/700 - It offer bluetooth handsfree mode with phones and would give Navigation aswell. Does anyone have any experience of the call/sound quality an user experience with the wizard?
What other suggestions are there?
regards
Jass
I have no experience with either of these. I use a Parrot, and it works flawlessly. It can pair with 4 devices at once. Prolly the best $199 I've spent on gadgets.
I have no experience with either of these. I use a Parrot, and it works flawlessly. It can pair with 4 devices at once. Prolly the best $199 I've spent on gadgets.
I can highly recommend the Parrot Rhythmn n' Blue MP3 CD Head unit.
I treated myself to one which arrived last Saturday and I fitted inside of an hour on Sunday. It is supplied with an external microphone which connects to the rear of the unit and has a long cord for routing behind fascia and carpets. It paired quickly with my iMate KJam running iMate's latest ROM, synchonised the phonebook (160 contacts) inside of 2 minutes
Note that it doesn't seem to like synchonising multiple numbers for contacts with very long names.
Callers report clear conversations and I'm thrilled with it - the MP3 CD unit works well and has no issue with folder depth (tested with Artist - Album folder structure), the radio supports RDS and Traffic Announcements, and the Bluetooth Firmware update facility is smooth.
Colleagues who've used the TomTom GPS units with Bluetooth as handsfree suggest that an external microphone is necessary for clear conversation.
HTH[/i]
Thanks for that Info - I ordered one over Easter and it should be with me any day this week.
Jass
I have a xda mini s and this does not work with the Pioneer Blue Tooth Head Unit.
If anyone else actually got this to work, please let me know.
Thanks
Hi,
I tried my Audi navigator plus with both the Blue Angel and now with my new Wizard. It connects and can talk .... BUT ..... after some time the unit get into sleep mode and bluetooth is lost.
My solution ... car charger. I can set up the telephone to be up when connected. It does not go into sleep mode and the connection remains for ever.
This solution is anyhow a pain in the back side ... with my small and simple siemens I got in the car, got connected ... now I have to find the cable connect the MDA.
There is lot of information (and for the time being no solution) in the blue angel forum.
Regards.
Íñigo
Ive been using the Globalsat BT 359 w/ my wizard and it's great so far.
But, Im wondering if Im wasting money.
Ive got the Data Unlimited Plan w/ Telenav GPS service coming in at around $50 monthly.
Ive seen some ppl using the Navizon P2P Wireless Positioning with the Local option for free.
So my question for all the GPS users is,"what's the best setup?" And/or the cheapest?
I got an iBlue BT GPS receiver off eBay for $80 including the car vent mount for my Tmo MDA. The software can be pricey if you can't find a free copy, but once you have that, you don't have to pay anything monthly. You don't even need to have data on your account.
Anybody know what would be the best BT GPS receiver for being wired into my car for power??
I basically want to leave the receiver in the car at all times and be able to connect to it when needed and not have to worry about it being charged and such.
Thanx!
Try then Rikaline GPS-6033 which can be found on eBay for 50-70. I had never heard of this brand or even know how reputable it is, but their reciever has an auto function, which, when attached to the car via the included charger, and set on "auto" mode, it will turn on and off automatically with your car so you never have to worry about battery.
I also wanted this feature so I took a chance on the reciever and have been quite happy with is so far.
It also comes with magenteic mounts so you can keep the reciever secure in your car.
Running with Holux236 and TomTom 6 with my Wizard. Works like a charm. No problems.
/d
Thameth said:
Anybody know what would be the best BT GPS receiver for being wired into my car for power??
I basically want to leave the receiver in the car at all times and be able to connect to it when needed and not have to worry about it being charged and such.
Thanx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any of them will do just get a hardwire kit from Best Buy or something and tap into your fuse box or a hot wire in the steering column, I have mine hook up to my wiper fuse so it'll be on only when the car is on.
garmin gps10
I have the Garmin GPS 10. It is bluetooth and works with my laptop as well. Not real fond of the included software, wish I had TomTom.
http://www.garmin.com/products/gps10/
It seems to slow my processor to a crawl, so I currently use it in my car with an old HP ipaq 5450 and no longer have it installed on my Cingular 8125.
-Go0se
"God bless Bob Stoops and God bless America."
dodgy said:
Running with Holux236 and TomTom 6 with my Wizard. Works like a charm. No problems.
/d
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the Holux GPSlim 236 as well. I think i read that it can be hard wired and has the logic built in. I recommend it. No problems with mine whatsoever.
I picked it up on ebay for about $75 and it included the asskorn vent mount that I use on my desk as a stand...it works perfect.
GPSSlim 236
it is simply flawless.
GPS
I couldn't get my GPS Garmin 10 to work with my MDA (TMO) but after the upgrade to 2.26 I was able to turn on the GPS control icon in settings/system. You need to edit the registry (I got a copy of Kilmist) and in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ControlPanel\GPS Settings
delete the "redirect" key (I have no keys in GPS Settings).
This turns on the GPS icon.
I do find it a bit of a pain to connect, but that's because the MDA doesn't have the "Connect?" choice for devices. My older IPAQ 6315 and my cell phone allow you pick a device, then say connect. I find a lot of devices are tougher to connect via B/T than they should be..I don't know how to get around it. Why they couldn't just have a "Connect This Device?" option is beyond me.
I have had 2 Holux236 units that the bluetooth just stoped working on, The light wouldn't even come on. I am thinking about trying an i-blue.
im using the i-blue 737 and very happy with it.
i had some problems with the wm5 gps multi-plexer .. and trying to use telenav + windows live at the same time. so i havent been doing that lately... now that i have a fresh install with a molski rom (my old tmobile rom install was a bit buggy for some reason.... i think it was the chinese ebay sd card i had in there before i got this sandisk ultra II mobile when i did my molski reload)
but , so far so good .. the 737 seems to be very nice
cheap..32 channel (supposedly)...good power...it seems that the 737 (MTK chipset) or any SIRF III chipset module is the way to go.... with the SIRF III being the more standard choice.
i like the telenav..its ok.. its cool that there is no real local install... i do hate the way that the UI seems to 'take over' since i cant use my software kbd if i want to put something in quickly without sliding it open to landscape... other than that its just fine.. but the monthly rate seems a bit annoying.
also they did not offer a t-mobile version..so i signed up saying i had cingular.. downloaded the wm5 install they had for cingular.... installed that client.. and went to the telenav website and changed my profile to say i had a blackberry on t-mobile...works fine.
i think im going to be giving tomtom and iguidance a shot... when i was doing some research they seemed to be the 2 leaders...telenav is ok...but again..$10/mo gets old.
so far i have tried tomtom and iguidance and i like iguidance v3.0 the best. I have a HoluxGPSlim SiRF III bluetooth GPS receiver and its the best combo i can find so far. The only problem is that it can be buggy at times. The gps is fine, but the iguidance is kind of buggy. If you don't enter a destination right after opening the program and then try to press Menu, it pulls up a bar at the bottom for "file, tools, view, etc" and the map freezes. BUT, that is the only grip i have with iGuidance. When i hit a traffic jam i just close out iGuidance and pull up Map4PDA and connect my gps and zoom out to see where it picks back up and then jump off the freeway and take city streets till I'm back in the green and then jump back on.( Map4PDA isn't voice promted, but it does have up-to-date traffic and that is the perfect combo for me.) Wish there was a program that did both and didn't have any bugs. (Bugs have been the same since I owned a stock 8125 and gone through EVERY ROM on this site.) But so far, the new 3.3 V2 rom is the best working, and fastest to boot!
GPS
I use tomtom 6 navigator software with north america maps on a 2gb and Pharos gps reciever w/ the bluetooth adaptor. tomtom seems to be the best navi progi for me
The Holux Gpslim 236 has a proper on/off switch which allows you to hide the unit in your car somewhere and leave it powered from the car battery or wire it in via the ignition sytem. Most other GPS units have a "soft" on/off button and will need to be switched on manually, apart from the rickaline one which senses the car being started and stopped. Tomtom6 works flawlessly on my xda mini-s and cleans up after being unloaded (no memory leaks).
Regards
Riptos
Is there any freeware for Telenav on the Tilt
than paying $10 per month
like we did on the Mobi Tv & Xm Radio
SPECTEC GPS anyone?
Has enyone tried using the SPECTEC BlueTooth GPS RECEIVER 813 (Mini SD ). Seems to be a pretty good GPS device.
I am interested in buying it. thought I will ask of any experiences.
Upinder
US TMO G3 with
ROM Version 10.1.0.811 WWE
Radio Version 2.25.11
Protocol Versio 4.1.13.12
SINGH Mobile 6 ROM
bt gps
I just got a globalsat bt gps recr for Christmas and it has been great. mine is g33 for around $50 w/ a vent or sticky mount from buygpsnow.com
It has worked pretty well with Delorme Street Atlas plus 2008.
I've installed a Parrot Asteroid (digital media head unit with hands free calling) in my wife's VW Passat and think it might be one of the best purchases I've made this year. Install on the Passat (2001.5) was almost plug and play. The only change I had to make was switching Battery and ACC on harness. The antenna adapter (unpowered) is a standard item and was available from a local source.
With CM9 (nightly 0508 currently) USB and Bluetooth tethering work.
Contacts are shared with the Asteroid and voice dialing is accurate (the Parrot seems to grok what I am saying).
Music selection (media on SDHC card in Parrot) via voice is failrly accurate but I have noticed a few inaccurate responses.
Hands-free calling is crystal clear and the music quality is awesome.
Some have reported buggy or defective units, but I have had no trouble with it over the last week with my I777. We'll see what happens with my wife's iPhone...
I am considering same setup into my 2004 Passat. Thanks for posting the picture, that certainly clears my concerns about how does it look in the car as the console is same as yours.
How is sound compared to original VW radio you had before?
Do you mind if I ask you to share with us what components went into your install beside of course the Asteroid? Especially what adapter for the wiring harness you used.
I am using (primarily) Galaxy Nexus on CM9, so I'm pretty confident hooking the Asteroid to the phone shouldn't be a problem. Thanks in advance!
Edit: forgot to ask about button backlight - from what I see on the Internet it seems to be white, is it adjustable so it can be made to match the OEM backlight on the Passat (red)?
leobg said:
I am considering same setup into my 2004 Passat. Thanks for posting the picture, that certainly clears my concerns about how does it look in the car as the console is same as yours.
How is sound compared to original VW radio you had before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion (these things being subjective), the sound is excellent. Like most Android devices, the Asteroid has a built in equalizer and other sound tweaks. Much better than stock.
Do you mind if I ask you to share with us what components went into your install beside of course the Asteroid? Especially what adapter for the wiring harness you used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe all B5.5 Passats use a ISO connector for the stock stereo. The included Parrot wiring harness adapter works out of the box. I only had to flip Battery and Switched Power (ACC). The Parrot adapter is designed to allow quick changes to these leads and this is documented in the included instructions. The only thing I had to buy was the antenna adapter. I picked that up for about $15 US. I used the unpowered version.
I am using (primarily) Galaxy Nexus on CM9, so I'm pretty confident hooking the Asteroid to the phone shouldn't be a problem. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM9 works quite nicely with the Parrot with one caveat. Bluetooth audio was great (both music and hands free calling). No problems with pairing so far. I tried connecting my SGS2 USB storage to the Parrot but it is not recognizing the SGS2 mass storage (micro SD card). This is not a show stopper for me as I have a 32GB SDHC card installed in the Asteroid.
Edit: forgot to ask about button backlight - from what I see on the Internet it seems to be white, is it adjustable so it can be made to match the OEM backlight on the Passat (red)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such luck from what I have seen. You have have a choice of white, white, or white. You can adjust the intensity of control backlight and LCD backlight for 'Day' and 'Night' modes. 'Day' and 'Night' modes are toggled by a long press on the 'Parrot' button.
The Asteroid is not perfect but it seems to be the only device of its kind at the moment. I am surprised that more car stereo companies are not leveraging Android into their equipment lineup. Both OEM and aftermarket vendors seem to be utterly clueless when it comes to emerging technologies. Who uses CD (or for that matter DVD's) anymore?
When we bought our Passat I was shocked and appalled that the head unit had a CASSETTE deck! There was a CD changer in the trunk but that meant pulling over to change CD's. Clueless, utterly clueless...
In any case, good luck. The install is pretty easy. Do some research on some of the issues some seem to experience with the Asteroid. I have not seen any major problems on firmware 1.5 as yet but your mileage may vary.
*Edit: One other thing -- the Asteroid does not fit flush with the dash like the stock head unit. It sticks out approximately 1/4 inch. Aside from doing major work to modify the dash, I could not think of any way to make the Parrot fit flush. It does not bother me, but it may pose aesthetic issues for you. I actually have grown to like it. It makes finding controls easy without taking my eyes off the road.
Oh -- and one last thing. This 38 second video is priceless for removing the stock head unit.
http://youtu.be/KNSYBSGzUuQ
One last edit -- here is the antenna adapter. $7 through Amazon.
http://goo.gl/39rIO
Thanks a bunch!! So your 2001.5 came with the singe DIN unit. B5.5's 2002 onward ship with double DIN unit, so I would need to find a tray to place in (and fill up the gap) which will be very handy as I could keep the phone (or other junk in there. I've heard Parrot is coming up with a double din unit with slightly extended functionality: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/08/parrot-asteroid-ck-asteroid-nav-asteroid-2din-infotainment-sys/. They mention late 2012 availability, wondering if I want to hold my horses for that one. Since it doesn't have physical buttons to require backlight, there won't be an issue with the look, but I like the buttons and especially the rotary ones, so this (for me) is as disadvantage as much as advantage. And probably the cost will double. Though integrated Google maps navigation would be terrific! Decisions, decisions...!
Yeah. The stock unit was single DIN. I believe you can buy the pocket if you have a double DIN OEM head unit and want to install a single DIN.
I like having physical controls -- perhaps I am getting old. The lack of apps does not particularly distress me.
I'd like to use the Parrot UNIKA steering controls interface but it does not look like B5.5 Passat is supported yet.
By the way, I'm listening to one of your (Canadian) exports today -- a band by the name of Elliott Brood from Toronto. Not bad for Canadian hacks. ;-)
http://www.elliottbrood.ca/
All the best,
Edward