Downgrading from (8" MFT with Nav) to (4.2" non-MFT)

[Ark =D]

That's a pretty nice-looking setup. Literally the only part of this I don't have figured out is that Sync bracket part, so I don't really have any technical questions for you. Here's a few others though:

1) Where did you mount the mic (or did you not have to)?
2) I assume, with CarPlay, I'd be able to forego the Nav unit and just use Apple's Maps app instead? I'm not sure how CarPlay works.
3) What's the model # of that head unit?
4) Did you replace any speakers and/or add a subwoofer?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[Cusefan78]

That's a pretty nice-looking setup. Literally the only part of this I don't have figured out is that Sync bracket part, so I don't really have any technical questions for you. Here's a few others though:

1) Where did you mount the mic (or did you not have to)?
2) I assume, with CarPlay, I'd be able to forego the Nav unit and just use Apple's Maps app instead? I'm not sure how CarPlay works.
3) What's the model # of that head unit?
4) Did you replace any speakers and/or add a subwoofer?

Thanks for any feedback!

I mounted the mic in the upper left corner of the headliner and windshield.
CarPlay uses your phones gps and apple maps
Nex4100
I haven't done the speakers yet. I did add a 6 channel amp. I'll be doing the speaker swap when I have more time this winter.

 

[Ark =D]

Very nice, thanks for your answers ... I'd also be curious, how did you get the power wire for your amp through the firewall? I've had no luck finding the grommet that is supposedly behind the glovebox, or any other grommet for that matter.

And I guess another question would be, what made you go with a Maestro RR setup, if you didn't need it for Sync?

 

[Cusefan78]

Very nice, thanks for your answers ... I'd also be curious, how did you get the power wire for your amp through the firewall? I've had no luck finding the grommet that is supposedly behind the glovebox, or any other grommet for that matter.

And I guess another question would be, what made you go with a Maestro RR setup, if you didn't need it for Sync?

The grommet is right next to the top of the shock tower. Brings you out near the fusepanel. I went with rr over PAC because I had the same setup in my escape. I originally planned on using sync in my last vehicle. After a month of yelling at the sync voice I reflashed the maestro to delete sync. When I turned my escape in I removed all the aftermarket gear. Decided to keep maestro cause I was familiar with it and it worked flawlessly. I also used idatalink for the drone remote start I installed in my explorer. Idatalink is a great company with very good tech support. If I were you I would look into the newer car play setups. They offer wireless CarPlay through Bluetooth.

 

[Ark =D]

Thanks for the tip on the location of the grommet. I've been going nuts trying to find a way through the firewall without drilling. I'll give that a go this weekend.

After looking at CarPlay, that may be my best possible route. I didn't want to install any external mics, nor did I want to bind myself to a single phone manufacturer, but CarPlay looks pretty damn appealing.

 

[Cusefan78]

Thanks for the tip on the location of the grommet. I've been going nuts trying to find a way through the firewall without drilling. I'll give that a go this weekend.

After looking at CarPlay, that may be my best possible route. I didn't want to install any external mics, nor did I want to bind myself to a single phone manufacturer, but CarPlay looks pretty damn appealing.

I'm very happy with the setup

 

[Ark =D]

Just an update...

Unfortunately, I don't believe this is going to turn into a project thread. At least, not at this moment. I ordered and installed the GPS module from earlier in this thread and now the Nav is working fine. The backup camera hasn't had an "outage" in a couple weeks now. It's tough to justify spending a ton of dough on this when what I've got could be fixed for less than $50.

If the backup camera acts up again, I may do something as I have no intention of paying $400 for an OEM backup camera. I'm still not happy with the sound of the stereo system so that may spur something in the future too. If that happens, I'll update this thread.

Thanks everyone for everything!

 

[thefranchise713]

Honestly, even just some new speakers without any other upgrades will make a world of difference.

Good luck, and I'm glad the fixes were cheap so far.

 

[blwnsmoke]

New speakers make a HUGE difference!!

 

[Cusefan78]

New speakers make a HUGE difference!!

Yes but a headunit and amp would make the biggest difference. Oem headunits control bass and treble output so we aren't blowing the paper speakers they use.

 

[blwnsmoke]

Yes but a headunit and amp would make the biggest difference. Oem headunits control bass and treble output so we aren't blowing the paper speakers they use.

If you have the 9speaker Sony system, the amp is fine with the factory head unit. where it falls short is the sub. I've replaced all my speakers in my F350 with the Sony 9 speaker and it sounds fantastic. The way the system is wired, the rear speakers share the line output with the sub which is a ****ty design.

Replace the speakers, add a sub and amp for that sub and you are golden.

Now if you do not have the Sony system with amp, then it is a different story.