CX7andMiata
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- CX-7 AWD GT, Copper Red Mica with Tech. Package
CXRabbit said:More pics...
Is it just me or is anyone else having problems seeing CXRabbit's pics? They are not showing up in my browser only little red X's...
Here we go....
- Thread starter CXRabbit
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Is it just me or is anyone else having problems seeing CXRabbit's pics? They are not showing up in my browser only little red X's...
Nice install there Amy. I knew you cant wait for this thing. I know its fairly new so you might have not really played with it yet but I got tons of questions for you so here we go:
1. how is the navi algorithm? is it accurate?
2. do you have the bypass to be able to watch DVD while the car is in motion?
3. steering wheel control works?
4. reverse cam works?
5. voice recognition works?
You are correct. It is a big big difference than our stinking OEM navi. IT must be nice to finally integrate the iPod even though with a huge library (I have over 3000 songs on my 60gb) that finding songs is a chore.
So let us know how everything plays out before I consider it than Alpine's IVA W205
1. how is the navi algorithm? is it accurate?
2. do you have the bypass to be able to watch DVD while the car is in motion?
3. steering wheel control works?
4. reverse cam works?
5. voice recognition works?
You are correct. It is a big big difference than our stinking OEM navi. IT must be nice to finally integrate the iPod even though with a huge library (I have over 3000 songs on my 60gb) that finding songs is a chore.
So let us know how everything plays out before I consider it than Alpine's IVA W205
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Shaz said:
Tim did an awesome job... he's got some "buttoning up" to do... he's gotta adjust the dash kit just a bit, and some other things... see below...
Shaz said:
So far so good, and the live traffic is really neat (though I won't know how accurate until we hit traffic - LOL). I'll tell you this much, it much better than the Mazda OEM system... how it will play out in the long term remains to be seen, but we're off to a good start.
Shaz said:
I haven't even tried DVD yet... it's the least thing I care about.
Here's what I know about the bypass... Tim is working on it, researching, researching, researching. It's not available yet, but he's confident it will be fairly soon. Bypass isn't a deal-breaker for me because learning the voice commands gets around a lot of it, and the Mazda certainly wasn't bypassed... but trust me, I DO want it when it's available. I'll keep you posted what I find out. I stopped by the shop today to check in and reconfirm with Tim how much I do want the Bypass
Shaz said:
That's one of the "buttoning up" items. Tim is also researching it. The universal harness doesn't work because (if I remember correctly) the wiring coming out of the steering wheel is multiplexed, ie. digital... so the signal needs to be converted. Tim wants to make sure he gets it right, so he's going to research more and hopefully finish it this week.
Shaz said:
Absolutely, and Tim was able to utilize the existing reverse cam so I didn't have to spend money buying another. Works great. AND it works so that you can see behind you when you're in Drive too, not just reverse.
With the bluetooth, Tim was also able to utilize the existing microphone in the car, which seems to work decent... and of course, looks good (since it's OEM).
Shaz said:
Yes, and I'm still learning the commands
It learns your voice as you go, so it gets easier with practice. There are also a LOT more command options than with the Mazda OEM Nav. For example... I can say "call... (pause)... phone number... (pause)... 515-555-1212" and the system will confirm (by voice and visually) and dial the number. You can also, while in motion, find an address verbally -- something like "address.... (pause)... Placeville... (pause)... Happy Street... (pause)... 55" and you get the option to immediately map a route. You can do the same with POIs, but I haven't figured that out yet.
You can apparently also control the audio/AV portion of the system as well... all but the iPod... so that's not a feature I've tried. I didn't expect voice controls of the iPod (since I can't imagine the programming that would be involved) so not a biggie.
Shaz said:
Let me start off by saying how much I LOVE having my iPod in the car, and with some real integration (meaning I can SEE what I'm listening to, and search for songs, artist, playlists, etc). Love it, love it, love it.
I had to buy a new iPod because my 30 gig was maxed. We've got over 6,500 songs in our library.
The Alpine Fast iPod control IS better. Hubby and I talked about that a lot since he has the Alpine in his car (look for old posts of mine and you'll find photos)... though I will say, even with the fast iPod control that Alpine makes, my husband doesn't find himself searching around too much because it's still somewhat annoying for someone who lacks any patience (LOL). I timed myself on the Z2 and went to look for "Matt Nathanson" (being "M" was in the middle of artists) and it took me 2 minutes to get to M. Now, 2 minutes isn't some horrible amount of time, but it can feel like forever when you're scrolling and when, on the iPod itself, you'd have gotten to it in less than 10 seconds. One of the benefits the Alpine has over the Pioneer is the ability to jump by letter or groups of letters. On my husband car he can at least jump straight to K-R for example, so there's less scrolling after that. Pioneer wasn't smart enough to employ that.
Best thing you can do is try a LIVE system out, both the Alpine and Pioneer, and see which you like better. There will be trade offs with each system and you have to personally decide what is important to you.
Because I like the Z2 so much, and with all it's features, I can live with the slightly pokie iPod control. The iPod UI isn't at all clumbsy... it's just a little on the slow side. Would be nice if they upgraded the software or hardware control to speed it up... and maybe they will.
In the meantime, I've set up smart playlists for my favorites artists that fall in the middle portion of the alphabet so I can get to them quicker. I also set up a whole bunch of mixed playlists by categories like "guys", "gals" "80's" "harder" with favorites songs in each. And all the artists at the beginning and end of the alphabet are easy to get to quickly. If I'm determined to get to one in the middle i don't have a smart list for, no biggie, just have to be patient and scroll for a little while.
Shaz said:
Honestly, I don't think you'd make a mistake going either way... just don't COUNT on Alpine sticking to any timeline on the new Blackbird availability. Alpine and Pioneer both are notoriously slow and dishonest about when they are going to release a new product or product update.
Other nice stuff I've noticed about the Z2... at least so far...
The iPhone pairs up nicely with the bluetooth.
The internal hard drive allows you to rip songs to it (through audio CDs, and it converts to it's own format).... you can then search THAT library by voice commands.
There's a lot of EQ presets and customization controls... and you're able to do some fine tuning.
XM has a good selection of music, and the interface shows quite a bit of information including the logo of the channel and a description. You get song information and text pushed from the channel you're listening to. You can also choose to show a list of channels, browse by category, and direct input a channel number to jump right to it. Presets can be controlled through voice.
The navigation map has quite a few display options. Split screen with straight down on one side, partial 3D on other. Full 3D "drivers view" which looks like pole position (remember that game? LOL). Split or full screen 2D modes. Whenever it's split screen you have the ability to control the zoom level on both sides individually. Routing and rerouting seem very quick... and the whole system responds VERY fast (other than the iPod
"search" area). Live traffic is cool... you see color indications in real-time on the map, and you can get a list of events and traffic flow reports. Any other questions, feel free to ask.
(cabpatch)
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COOL BEANS. I'm glad you're having fun with your new toy. I've searched eBay and found a bypass for the Z2. Now, there are a lot of scams for the bypass but it's only like $4 so you won't lose. You'll find it HERE and HERE
Yeah, Alpine's iPod integration is much better but they're both good than not having one at all. I can still wait but the damn PMD B200 Blackbird's delay is annoying me since the W205 is already out. Otherwise, I would have done the same as far as ripping the OEM.
It is good news that you can utilize the reverse cam even if it's not on reverse. How cool it is to be able to see what's behind without turning your head.
oh, by the way, I think there is interface for the steering wheel controls. Again, I found it on eBay, it's the PAC SWI-PS. Tell Tim and I'm sure he's familiar with the PAC.
Anyway, go play and I suggest make a playlist that begins with numbers like 1 Alternative, 2 Jazz, 3 Eighties, etc
http://cgi.ebay.com/PAC-SWI-PS-Pion...ryZ60208QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Yeah, Alpine's iPod integration is much better but they're both good than not having one at all. I can still wait but the damn PMD B200 Blackbird's delay is annoying me since the W205 is already out. Otherwise, I would have done the same as far as ripping the OEM.
It is good news that you can utilize the reverse cam even if it's not on reverse. How cool it is to be able to see what's behind without turning your head.
oh, by the way, I think there is interface for the steering wheel controls. Again, I found it on eBay, it's the PAC SWI-PS. Tell Tim and I'm sure he's familiar with the PAC.
Anyway, go play and I suggest make a playlist that begins with numbers like 1 Alternative, 2 Jazz, 3 Eighties, etc
http://cgi.ebay.com/PAC-SWI-PS-Pion...ryZ60208QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Shaz said:
I found one for $1.99 so I'm going to send that one to Tim and see what he things. The link I mean...
Shaz said:
Ya know, I wouldn't Say Alpines is "much" better... but it's faster, no doubt about it. Both systems are miles ahead of not having it at all... just accepting "better than not having it" is accepting Mazda's ridiculous iPod connector, or FM Modulation.
I don't understand why Alpine even released the W205 withOUT the new blackbird being available. It's actually pretty ridiculous. I'm sure there are lot of people like me who would have taken a more serious look at it if it were infact complete!
The scarier thing is that because it's not out, there's a lot of unknowns.
Shaz said:
It's very cool... though I probably won't use it that way too much, it's nice to have the option.
Shaz said:
I'll send him the link, but are you sure that's not just the universal? If it is, it won't work... but I will send him the link.
Shaz said:
Why with the numbers?
I've got a few plans to make searching a bit easier... but ultimately, it's not to big a problem.
Thanks for the info!
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CXRabbit
Hey men,
I looked for the pictures - looks GREAT!
I have one question?
WHERE did you get the frame with hazard light and buttons on top of the Z2??? Is it something custom build or you can buy it??
I trying to install after market stereo unit, but I can not find this damn frame...
Please advice.
Hey men,
I looked for the pictures - looks GREAT!
I have one question?
WHERE did you get the frame with hazard light and buttons on top of the Z2??? Is it something custom build or you can buy it??
I trying to install after market stereo unit, but I can not find this damn frame...
Please advice.
6yp said:
There is no dash kit available. This was custom.
I had the OEM Mazda Nav radio in my car previously... so the installer, Tim, took that radio apart to make the custom face plate.
He took it apart in such a way that only the face plate got "hurt"... so in the future if I want to put the OEM back in (to trade the car in or sell it or whatever) I'll just have to buy the front part of the radio. No idea where to buy it because I haven't looked. Not sure if it's something you can buy from Mazda or what.
You might look for an OEM Nav "from Tech Package" kit on ebay and see if you can get one cheap enough.
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6yp said:
The frame in the photo is not available to buy from aftermarket companies... it's Mazda OEM, part of the Mazda Navigation Radio. It was made custom to work as a frame for the Pioneer unit. If you can find who sells the part, the front face plate/button set for the Mazda OEM Nav radio, you could buy just that part and any good installer can custom cut it to work as part of a dash kit.
The one available, supposedly, end of august will be different. Just want to be clear on that.
CX-7's=LOVE said:
Yeah... that
The kit from scocshe will look different.
What you're seeing in the photo below shows which part is from my OEM radio, and which part is custom plastic that was cut to fit... it's really only a small area that was custom plastic. The OEM radio piece makes up the majority of the framing. It was removed from the OEM Mazda radio and used to make what you see.
Understand that EVERYTHING started with the red outlined stuff is removed, no matter what radio you have... so you end up with a big hole to fill... to give you an idea:
ChillinChileno (another member here) had a D3 installed and his dash kit probably represents closer to what the scosche kit might look like (though they'll have a cut-out/button for the hazards)...
His photo is here:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c338/chillinchileno/IMG_0645.jpg
His post is here:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123675096
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Hi Krek...
I'd actually prefer not to say the exact amount... if anyone decides to go to the same shop, I don't want to lock them into having to do the work for a specific price. Everyone might want something a little different, and other models might work differently. It was a LOT of work for them... 1 1/2 days so far, and they'll still be more time for buttoning up the little items left. They are really great guys and Tim knows what he's doing.
I will say, you can find the cost of the unit and it's accessories widely available online... and you could probably figure out from there what installation might be.
I'd actually prefer not to say the exact amount... if anyone decides to go to the same shop, I don't want to lock them into having to do the work for a specific price. Everyone might want something a little different, and other models might work differently. It was a LOT of work for them... 1 1/2 days so far, and they'll still be more time for buttoning up the little items left. They are really great guys and Tim knows what he's doing.
I will say, you can find the cost of the unit and it's accessories widely available online... and you could probably figure out from there what installation might be.
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- 07 CX7 GT AWD W/Tech Pkg; 03.5 Mazdaspeed Protege
Tim did a very good job on this for you, and yes I will agree that they are a good shop and have a history of doing good work there. One thing he definitely needs to do in order to clean it up a little bit with that custom trim plate is at least from the pictures is just tighten the fit up a tad. Seems to be a little loose around the Z2. In terms of the bypass, he probably wanted to get the thing installed and working before spending time to make that work, although generally it's a very easy thing to do. Just let him know and it'll get done. I was going to put one of these in my MSP before I decided to take it off the road, I actually like the Nav and video aspects of the Z2 way better than anything Alpine is offering but I do agree on the ipod integration... In any case looks good and enjoy it
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