Digital Media Receivers

[tgrfan2]

I thought I had seen a thread on this but my search went nowhere.
I am considering "upgrading" the 2018 Tradesman radio to a DMR. My main reason is to add a second camera I can use at the rear of my fiver to watch my golf cart and trailer.
Am I thinking correctly that a DMR with 2 camera connections can be used for the regular truck camera and a camera hard wired at the back of the fiver?
It looks like the Alpine ILX W650 and the JVC KW M750BT from the big box store fit my needs best. Has anyone had any experience with these DMRs?
Thanks.

 

[Cissco]

Crutchfield sales and adapter to hook up your factory camera to your new radio.Cutting wires on these new vehicles can cause problems. I had a Kenwood in my 14 tradesman that had three camera inputs and Android audio it was awesome. Good luck.

 

[Ozymandias]

I second this, don't cut wires. Use the proper adapters. Your OEM radio is controlled by the BUS.

 

[tgrfan2]

Thanks. I saw several notes on Crutchfield about splicing wires. That ain't for me.
I am at my wits end really after doing a bunch of research. Big Box says the Alpine will work. Crutchfield says it won't. I think I am going to let the Big Box install whatever has 2 camera inputs. If they screw it up it is their problem.
I read on one review they have computer software that tells the tech what to order and install. I think I want the harness to bypass the parking brake for sure if they will install it. That seems to be a real pain per the reviews. It sounds like the Waze app aggravation.
I went to one Big Box and the fella I was talking to didn't know much. In fact I thought he was looking up something for me about the Alpine but my wife said he was texting someone.
I hope I can find someone at another store to talk to today.

 

[Cissco]

On my Kenwood Alli had to do was ground the Park wire to the case to get functions while driving. I know on the pioneers they sell a bypasses you have to wire in. I would recommend a maestro interface.

 

[tgrfan2]

Thanks. I read about the Maestro. I am trying to get a real Tech at BB to call me back. I talked to a nice guy about it but he was honest that he wasn't an expert. He didn't know about the PB bypass. I tried for 30 minutes to get the local store. This is crazy. It may end up Crutchfield and You Tube if BB doesn't call me back.
I read on one receiver Q&A where some problems existed with certain receivers between 2017 to 2018 and then to 2019 Rams.

 

[Ozymandias]

Check for Axxess Interfaces.

 

[tgrfan2]

Well after spending most of Saturday trying to get info out of BB, I found out that no store within 250 miles can do the advertised "free" installation. I entered in the cart the Alpine and then the JVC DMR and all the parts needed for installation came up along with the message they don't install either one! Why would I buy anything from them they can't or won't install? In fact, why will we ever again buy something there we can get somewhere else?
I would recommend anyone thinking of buying anything there they offer "free installation" on to put the item in the cart and see what pops up before wasting your time.

 

[rikbakke]

I replaced the head unit in my Tradesman ~2015 with a nice pioneer unit. The best way to do this is with a well researched and patient DIY effort. Otherwise, find an experienced and well regarded installer (not always easy) near you. My '13 was the first year of the 2500 with the 'Powerbus' (CANBus) system, I think.

I installed a PAC wiring interface onto the existing factory stereo connectors. this interface provided 12v keyed power, constant 12v, Ground, dash lights 'on' 12v signal , "transmission in reverse' 12v signal Factory Aux inputs - greatly simplifying the connections to the aftermarket head unit. it also retains the temporary retained power after the vehicle shut off. The interface provides a lot more signals out like steering wheel control inputs, factory amp?, factory backup cam etc that the tradesman does not have so these get taped off and stowed. Really, with that adapter it was much easier to install an aftermarket head unit than chasing down all the wiring and cutting and splicing and fingers crossed for said power and signals. I'm sure the other brands out there are similar.

Note: The USB port in the center armrest (at least in the 2013) is not simple USB port wired to the head unit. This unit is actually a USB hub with a single port. Most aftermarket head units will not recognize a remote hub. I disassembled that area of the arm rest and installed a PAC adapter that replaced the existing circuit board in factory USB assembly. Did the port work? Yes, sometimes... The issue is that the factory wiring from the port is not shielded/isolated/low noise/or? such that the head unit loses signal integrity with the port - this has been reported many times by others on web. or maybe a problem withe PAC port adapter design, who knows... Eventually, my solution was simple as I installed in the center dash a generic flush dash USB/Aux port that had the correct USB and aux connectors for the head unit.

In 2019, I replaced the old Pioneer with a newer Pioneer with Apple Car Play functions. I also replaced all the speakers and installed a backup camera. No easy or convenient space for a subwoofer since I like to use all the cubbies in the truck for storage. No issues there - lots of web DIYs and youtube videos on those items - and also on the head unit removal and aftermarket unit install.

 

[tgrfan2]

I don't mind fooling around with the wiring on my 98 but I am a plug and play only guy on this 18. I checked with a good local retailer and he said he found only one unit so far. I am going to check with another one today.
Crutchfield has been real good responding to me but they have only one Kenwood(out of stock) he would recommend and the harness is not available now either.
Maybe by the time I get a hitch on the fiver something will come up.

 

[Ozymandias]

I don't mind fooling around with the wiring on my 98 but I am a plug and play only guy on this 18. I checked with a good local retailer and he said he found only one unit so far. I am going to check with another one today.
Crutchfield has been real good responding to me but they have only one Kenwood(out of stock) he would recommend and the harness is not available now either.
Maybe by the time I get a hitch on the fiver something will come up.

Check Metra, http://www.metraonline.com/vfgapi/vehicle/308639?
You can also add additional cameras to your existing head unit from what I see.

 

[tgrfan2]

Thanks for the link. I got an email back from Crutchfield that the harness was available for a Kenwood with 2 camera inputs. I haven't gone back to my notes yet to check on complaints if any with that unit. They are to let me know when it is available.
I feel like a ping pong ball again but I have some time to get it ready to tow the golf cart.

 

[Ozymandias]

In general you can't go wrong with high end brand head units.