Alpine Head Unit

[Abacus]

So, just when I had the brass together to put the extractors on my car, the 6-stacker premium sound head unit goes and craps itself.

Not worth fixing of course, but I kind of like the stock look, so I devise a scheme to keep the original head unit installed. This involves buying a 30GB iPod and an FM transmitter, This way, thinks I, I'lll just keep my music on the iPod and pick it up through the FM tuner.

Only one problem. The head unit has crapped itself in such a manner that it keeps switching between radio and CD about every 20 seconds, all on its own. It can't actually play a CD, of course, it just switches to CD, has a look, decides it can't do anything and switches to radio again, then repeats this about 20 seconds later. I can't eject the CDs either.

Its obvious I've got to get the CDs out of the head unit somehow. So I get some coat hangers, make the special tools to remove the head unit, and set to it. 20 minutes later I'm holding the facia of the head unit in my hand, but the guts are still sitting in the dashboard, stubbornly refusing to move. And now I don't have a radio either.

So I go shopping. My preference at this stage is to look for a double DIN unit to fill in the whole left by the stock unit. But the problem is that the curvature of the AU Fairmont dash means that a straight-faced double DIN unit is going to look awkward. Reluctantly, I start looking at single DIN units.

After a few hours of shopping, I have a box containing one of these:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/product...model=CDA-9857

an Alpine CDA-9857 head unit.

I also have a brand new shiny black 30GB iPod, a rubber case to put it in, and an Alpine cable which will connect the iPod to the back of the head unit.

The grand plan is that the cable will run from the head unit to the glove box, where the iPod will live. The iPod will get its power from the head unit. This seems to solve a couple of problems, removing the need for a stacker and unsightly wires powering an iPod. All iPod song selection functions can be controlled by the head unit.

It will be installed tomorrow morning. First I have to buy a Ford pouch to fill the second DIN cavity. And I hope that the Ryda contracted installer can get it sorted without losing the rear sub.

And after having spent a grand or so on this little unforeseen exercise, the extractors are just going of have to wait a bit longer.

[JeffAU1]

Originally Posted by Abacus

And after having spent a grand or so on this little unforeseen exercise, the extractors are just going of have to wait a bit longer.

Damn thats... hmmm.... OUCH !!

On that note - Does the stock head unit that came in a futura have the ability to plug this cable in ???

Currently im having to use one of these to work with my MP3 player
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/IN-CAR-CASSET...QQcmdZViewItem

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by JeffAU1

Damn thats... hmmm.... OUCH !!

On that note - Does the stock head unit that came in a futura have the ability to plug this cable in ???

Currently im having to use one of these to work with my MP3 player
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/IN-CAR-CASSET...QQcmdZViewItem

No. It's a fairly recent development. Compatible head units are marked "iPod Ready". Every manufacturer making compatible head units manufacture their own cables.

[AUIII XR8 MAN]

Very nice. I read that it can connet to the steering wheel control?

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by AUIII XR8 MAN

Very nice. I read that it can connet to the steering wheel control?

Yes, if you buy an external module.

FWIW the installer reckons he can connect it to the steering wheel controls without the accessory. He wants $80 to do it. I'm tossing up whether its worthwhile because the head unit comes with a remote.

[AUIII XR8 MAN]

Originally Posted by Abacus

Yes, if you buy an external module.

FWIW the installer reckons he can connect it to the steering wheel controls without the accessory. He wants $80 to do it. I'm tossing up whether its worthwhile because the head unit comes with a remote.

Thanks for that. I have had remote in the pass but found that can be hard to use or find, plus i ready like my steering wheel control now.

[Smoked]

Get some pics done when you get it finished. Im thinking of doing the same HU and hooking up my IPOD.

[FordACE]

my girlfriend recently bought this unit at JB HiFi. I installed it in her Mirage just last week. The ipod cable came free from JB, even though this model isn't supposed to have it. I have noticed, that the quality through the ipod is actually better then the CD player, strangely enough, since CD's are digital, I am not 100% certain why this is so, unless of course quality is lost in the D/A converters from the CD drive to the internal amps. My gf already had the 60gig ipod video, so it has worked out well.

P.S, I reckon whatever it costs, get the steering wheel buttons to work. It would be terrible having buttons on steering that dont' do anything.

[Abacus]

OK,

I took this pic with my phone. Picture quality is crap, but then again so is the installation, so I guess they match.



Note the following:

- The Ford pouch used to fill the 2nd DIN slot is curved but the head unit is flat, so the pouch protrudes forward as it goes across the base of the head unit. Looks shite. Can't think of a better way to do it.

- Gormless installer ground too much off the top corners of the facia surround, so you can see the steel backing plate. Not happy Jan.

I've had several other issues including:

- Diminished FM radio reception

and

- The installer couldn't wire the head unit up to the OEM Premium Sound amp and sub

I have addressed these issues, and others, in the audio tech forum:

Alpine Head Unit - AU Premium Sound

Alpine Head Unit- FM Radio Reception

Head Unit Install - The Saga Continues

On the plus side, the sound is crisp and clear and the iPod integration works very well.

Operations wise, my own experience is very much is line with this review at C-net, so here's the link:

C=net review Alpine CDA-9857

Most of my negative issues are installer related. I have been told by a few different people now that most after-market radio receivers don't perform as well as the OEM stuff, for whatever reason. And if you are replacing a premium sound system, be prepared to dick around to get your bass back.

Apart from that, it's all good.

[rayner22]

^^^ You can get a different pocket from REPCO and its made especially for the AU, has a border around the top to fill in the gaps around the HU. And the best part is its front is FLAT!!

[TE50 027]

Originally Posted by rayner22

You can get a different pocket from REPCO and its made especially for the AU, has a border around the top to fill in the gaps around the HU. And the best part is its front is FLAT!!

Don't suppose you know the part number for that part.

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by rayner22

^^^ You can get a different pocket from REPCO and its made especially for the AU, has a border around the top to fill in the gaps around the HU. And the best part is its front is FLAT!!

I think I will be giving Repco a cal ltomorrow.

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by TE50 027

Don't suppose you know the part number for that part.

They are made by Aerpro. P/N FP995200

www.aerpro.com.au



"Ford AU Falc/Focus 2000-2004/Ford Cougar Facia Kit Facia Kit
Suits Models:
- Ford Falcon AU Ser 1
- Ford Focus 2000-2004
- Ford Focus ZX3 2 dr. 2000-2002
- Ford Focus ZX5 4 dr. 2002
- Ford Cougar 1999-2002
Comprises moulded facia plate with pocket and rear mounting bracket. To suit DIN mount aftermarket radio.
Packed in poly bag with full colour header card.

Barcode: 086429077458 "

They only come in black, so no good to me.

Repco at Artarmon say they have some other models available, including one that has fold-out drink holders and another that has a fold-out CD tray. I will stop by and look at their catalogue if I can find the time.

[FordACE]

Originally Posted by Abacus

They are made by Aerpro. P/N FP995200

www.aerpro.com.au




Barcode: 086429077458 "

They only come in black, so no good to me.

Couldnt' you spray paint it to match it to your car?

[JC]

Abacus - when I initially installed my single DIN JVC DVD, I had the same issue with the protruding pocket. I put up with it for a while, but even for me, where close enough is good enough, I had to do something about it.

So I pulled the H/U back out and instead of just using the metal pins on the single DIN metal bracket to hold the H/U in position, I pulled the bracket/frame about 5/10mm forward and screwed it into the side of the facia (from the inside so you can't see the screws). Now the H/U covers the pocket and it looks 1,000,000 times better. I suggest you do the same. The top of the H/U surround is now flush with the AU surround.

BTW - that's a crappy trimming job they did - I would go back to the installer and insist a new surround.

Your other option is to paint the Repco surround - maybe body colour; you won't match the light grey exactly, so you need to make it look like it's supposed to be custom/different. Maybe do the door handle surrounds the same colour so it "blends" into the interior.

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by JC

So I pulled the H/U back out and instead of just using the metal pins on the single DIN metal bracket to hold the H/U in position, I pulled the bracket/frame about 5/10mm forward and screwed it into the side of the facia (from the inside so you can't see the screws). Now the H/U covers the pocket and it looks 1,000,000 times better. I suggest you do the same. The top of the H/U surround is now flush with the AU surround.

Yes, doing something like that was the first thing I thought after I saw the appalling installation. Then the mongrel s.o.b. didn't give me the head unit keys, even though I asked for them, so I couldn't pull the unit out and have a look. I'd like to find out where he lives so I can steal his beer, shoot his dog, and burn his house down. As I said above, not happy.

Originally Posted by JC

BTW - that's a crappy trimming job they did - I would go back to the installer and insist a new surround.

See above.

Originally Posted by JC

Your other option is to paint the Repco surround - maybe body colour; you won't match the light grey exactly, so you need to make it look like it's supposed to be custom/different. Maybe do the door handle surrounds the same colour so it "blends" into the interior.

I'm really not much of a handyman or painter. There is no way I could get it looking decent.

Plastic chrome would be a possibility. Any idea who actually does this stuff?

[janek]

Originally Posted by FordACE

Couldnt' you spray paint it to match it to your car?

The aepro ones are for AU1 only.

If you have a double DIN player, its no good... Trust me, i know frem experience. same with the loom adapters, au1 only

[foxtrot]

my install looks just like yours abucus only i done it myself

the little gap in between the pocket and headunit you can't get rid of it.. unless you put a screw through the top of the pocket into the headunit lol

oh and the pocket i got is grey like yours but my cars a series II so the surrounds black.

looks ok though

[superroo]

Look here for how to close the gap up, i just detailed what i did. All it is, is making up a surround to go round the stereo and the pocket

Cheers

[AUIII XR8 MAN]

Shame about the gap bewteen HU & pocket.

[Smoked]

Originally Posted by janek

The aepro ones are for AU1 only.

If you have a double DIN player, its no good... Trust me, i know frem experience. same with the loom adapters, au1 only

So what options are available for AU2 onwards?

[foxtrot]

I disagree, grabbed an AU falcon (Aerpro) ISO connector thinking it would go straight into headunit (lol)

found out the colours matched up perfectly with the loom that came with my Pioneer Headunit.

The Aerpro if you look closely had each wire marked for what it was, Left speaker neg, left speaker pos, +12v, Ignition, etc etc.

Ended up chopping the ISO bits off and just soldering each colour to the same colour on the Pioneer one and made up a perfect adapter. worked perfect.

[kryzak260]

I have no idea why they trimmed the surround like that. It fits in there perfectly without triming if you do it properly. I also cant believe he took your money while leaving it in such a condition. That is the reason that i do all of this stuff myself.

Here is my Alpine CDA-9815 (older model) install in my Fairlane. Far better, though it does still have the HU-pocket gap which shits me to hell out:



I know it is a little far away, but as you can see, no metal frame (because it doesnt need trimming) and it is a job you can do at home better than an install can!

Cheers,
Michael

[foxtrot]

Originally Posted by foxtrot

I disagree, grabbed an AU falcon (Aerpro) ISO connector thinking it would go straight into headunit (lol)

found out the colours matched up perfectly with the loom that came with my Pioneer Headunit.

The Aerpro if you look closely had each wire marked for what it was, Left speaker neg, left speaker pos, +12v, Ignition, etc etc.

Ended up chopping the ISO bits off and just soldering each colour to the same colour on the Pioneer one and made up a perfect adapter. worked perfect.

I missed the main point here which is i own a series II

[janek]

the onlyother option for s2 is the pocket from ford. $16 I THINK..

wiring harnes,just use the one that comes with the h/u, cut and solder the oem ones. cant get better. its a bit more work, but worth it, and it all fits much cleaner.

if anyone has installed a fantom face xl unit in their au without chopping anything off the fascia, i salute you... i had to get the ange grinderto mine, as it sat up about 1cm too high. i think its the best head unit tho.

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by kryzak260

I have no idea why they trimmed the surround like that. It fits in there perfectly without triming if you do it properly. I also cant believe he took your money while leaving it in such a condition. That is the reason that i do all of this stuff myself.

Here is my Alpine CDA-9815 (older model) install in my Fairlane. Far better, though it does still have the HU-pocket gap which shits me to hell out:

I know it is a little far away, but as you can see, no metal frame (because it doesnt need trimming) and it is a job you can do at home better than an install can!

Cheers,
Michael

Michael,

When you installed the Alpine head unit did you hook it up to the dash illumination so that it dims when the headlights are on? The installer did not do it in mine, and I find the lights are way too bright for night driving.

Also, what did you do about your sub?

[foxtrot]

Originally Posted by janek

the onlyother option for s2 is the pocket from ford. $16 I THINK..

wiring harnes,just use the one that comes with the h/u, cut and solder the oem ones. cant get better. its a bit more work, but worth it, and it all fits much cleaner.

if anyone has installed a fantom face xl unit in their au without chopping anything off the fascia, i salute you... i had to get the ange grinderto mine, as it sat up about 1cm too high. i think its the best head unit tho.

Why do that and chop into your original ford harness when you can do what i done with a little bit of soldering and a $20 item.

Oh and abacus not all headunits have a dim wire out, mine didn't but the car did... with my headunit you can manually adjust the brightness in it's settings (check your manual).

May be able to do it with your alpine as well.

Mine used to be soooo bright and blue it was distracting i turned the brightness from 12 to 8.

[Abacus]

Originally Posted by foxtrot

Oh and abacus not all headunits have a dim wire out, mine didn't but the car did... with my headunit you can manually adjust the brightness in it's settings (check your manual).

May be able to do it with your alpine as well.

Mine used to be soooo bright and blue it was distracting i turned the brightness from 12 to 8.

I checked the manual - the h/u has the dim wire. The installer just didn't connect it.

Around Sydney, the light is OK. But when I drove through the night from Sydney to Qld last week it was annoying and distracting, bordering on dangerous.

[FordACE]

Originally Posted by Abacus

I checked the manual - the h/u has the dim wire. The installer just didn't connect it.

Around Sydney, the light is OK. But when I drove through the night from Sydney to Qld last week it was annoying and distracting, bordering on dangerous.

you can manually dim it. I have installed my gfs without the dimming wire attached, (due to laziness).

[foxtrot]

Originally Posted by Abacus

I checked the manual - the h/u has the dim wire. The installer just didn't connect it.

Around Sydney, the light is OK. But when I drove through the night from Sydney to Qld last week it was annoying and distracting, bordering on dangerous.

I can pull my headunit out and tell you what colour wire to hook it to if you like...?