Replacing factory head unit - retain factory link system mic?

[TC.Barky]

They sure do!

Bugger. I thought that might be the case but couldn't find anything concrete. Aerpro said it wouldn't work at all without it. Apparently the steering wheel harness they sell has got some kind of microchip that does some processing on the signals (which is why it's more expensive than the basic harness adaptor).

[Keithyv]

Bugger. I thought that might be the case but couldn't find anything concrete. Aerpro said it wouldn't work at all without it. Apparently the steering wheel harness they sell has got some kind of microchip that does some processing on the signals (which is why it's more expensive than the basic harness adaptor).

Nope, you 100% don’t need it, not with a headunit that can learn the key presses (like the Pioneer and others can)
There’s no processing needed, the steering wheel buttons are just a resistor array across 2 wires.
I’m sure it will work just fine with an adapter, just choose ‘with adapter’ when setting up the unit SWC controls.

[TC.Barky]

Nope, you 100% don’t need it, not with a headunit that can learn the key presses (like the Pioneer and others can)

Yeah I asked them that and they said the phone buttons wouldn't work

[TC.Barky]

So got all the bits, impressed so far. Will start the install of the unit proper tonight.

I've done the start of setting up the harnesses, just a couple quick questions though:

1. Not sure what the red/white RCA plugs are for on the aeorpo harness? Will this be the audio output to the speakers? If so do I plug it into FL/FR or RL/RR? Would've thought there'd be channels for the rear as well given you can fade/balance. (I'm sure it will become clear when I pull the dash off and have a look at everything but just in case thought I'd ask.

2. I assume given I'm not installing a reversing cam to the unit I can just leave the purple (rev wire) as-is not connected to anything. Any tips for the green (handbrake) wire? Can I just connect that to positive power so I don't have to worry about handbrake needing to be on to do stuff? Thought they usually connected to earth but pretty sure the instructions wanted connection to the positive side of the switch.




Also, thought I'd show some progress on the mic (given that's what this thread was started for).

Not the neatest job but should be subtle enough when up in the roof pod. Might grab another one from a wrecker and see if I can do a neater job on the holes in the blank. Mic is just gonna be held in by double sided tape initially, will revisit if need be but think it will be ok.

[OldEmmGee]

I would be interested to learn how well the micrphone works hidden away in the trim. I have always left the microphone exposed (they need all the help they can get!)

I found the best location was forward of that trim you have - just above the rear view mirror; discrete enough.

[Keithyv]

So got all the bits, impressed so far. Will start the install of the unit proper tonight.

I've done the start of setting up the harnesses, just a couple quick questions though:

1. Not sure what the red/white RCA plugs are for on the aeorpo harness? Will this be the audio output to the speakers? If so do I plug it into FL/FR or RL/RR? Would've thought there'd be channels for the rear as well given you can fade/balance. (I'm sure it will become clear when I pull the dash off and have a look at everything but just in case thought I'd ask.

2. I assume given I'm not installing a reversing cam to the unit I can just leave the purple (rev wire) as-is not connected to anything. Any tips for the green (handbrake) wire? Can I just connect that to positive power so I don't have to worry about handbrake needing to be on to do stuff? Thought they usually connected to earth but pretty sure the instructions wanted connection to the positive side of the switch.



Also, thought I'd show some progress on the mic (given that's what this thread was started for).

Not the neatest job but should be subtle enough when up in the roof pod. Might grab another one from a wrecker and see if I can do a neater job on the holes in the blank. Mic is just gonna be held in by double sided tape initially, will revisit if need be but think it will be ok.

1. My guess is those RCAs should go unused unless you have an external amp.

The 4 speakers (8 wires) will be taken care of in the main wiring loom

2. Yes leave the reverse trigger wire not connected.
For the handbrake wire, I'd recommend connecting it up. It's really easy. Just tap it into the wire going to the handbrake, which is -ve when pulled up not a +ve trigger. The other alternative is just to ground it but some headunits will know if you've done this - not sure if the Pioneer will care.

[TC.Barky]

I would be interested to learn how well the micrphone works hidden away in the trim. I have always left the microphone exposed (they need all the help they can get!)

I found the best location was forward of that trim you have - just above the rear view mirror; discrete enough.

We'll see how we go You can buy aftermarket versions of the factory mic I'm pretty sure I've seen (which I find absolutely fine) that work with aftermarket head units so I could try that also. Hoping to avoid an exposed mic if I can avoid it.

1. My guess is those RCAs should go unused unless you have an external amp.

The 4 speakers (8 wires) will be taken care of in the main wiring loom

2. Yes leave the reverse trigger wire not connected.
For the handbrake wire, I'd recommend connecting it up. It's really easy. Just tap it into the wire going to the handbrake, which is -ve when pulled up not a +ve trigger. The other alternative is just to ground it but some headunits will know if you've done this - not sure if the Pioneer will care.

Ahh yeah you're probably right RE the RCAs, been ages since I've changed a head unit and I've never used a predone loom so it threw me for six a bit

Thanks for the notes, I'll just hook it up as intended. If it pisses me off I'll revisit.

[TC.Barky]

Update: Just realised what the RCA plugs are for. They are to retain the factory aux inputs. Rang aerpro and they confirmed. Plug into the audio in ports on the back of the head unit.