RB1 Install Photos

[67guzzler]

Hi All --



I dumped my standard RBK CD for a brand new (manufactured 3/2005) RB1 that I got in kit form off of eBay. I paid $1k -- not the best deal but I wanted the complete kit.



I took a bunch of pictures of the install. Not a fancy website or anything. I forgot to snap any of me placing the antenna up under the dash. That was the hardest part -- getting my fat fingers under there to push down on the antenna so the sticky tape will hold.



I didn't have to unplug a single thing down by the HVAC, power plug, etc... areas. There was enough slack to work with no problem. I did open the ash tray before starting as someone suggested. Made it easier to pull the plastic trim off.



Overall the project was a 1 on the scale of 1 to 5 in difficulty. It's really a snap. I hope these pics inspire those of you who might want to upgrade that RBK you have. Enjoy!



Navigation Install Pictorial



As for the unit itself -- it's my first nav so I have nothing to compare it to. I'm a techno-freak so I really like the gizmos so this is nirvana for me. I highly recommend it -- I just have to remember to keep my eyes on the road.



Next: Gauges!



Thanks for the inspiration guys!



P. S. Oh! I almost forgot -- the unit comes up with the Jeep logo by default. After you drive around it reads from the onboard electronics that it's a Dodge and you get the Dodge Ram logo in short order. I'd read about this so I figured I'd mention it in case someone thinks they'll have to see "Jeep" forever -- they won't.

 

[mberry]

Looks good! How do you like the NAV features? Impressions? Opinions? Thanks for posting the pictures too.



Mark.

 

[WDP]

Looks great, let us know how well the nav works.

 

[67guzzler]

Thanks Guys.



Umm... I just installed it tonight and it's my first nav system so I'm no authority.



I knew that these current gen radios (1999 - 2005) didn't allow much room for the LCD screen so I knew it would be small. (The 06's get the new gen NAV). But I didn't realize how beautiful the graphics would be or how clear they would be. I quickly forgot how small the screen was.



I also learned that the Nav is as good (or bad) as the Navtech Maps. My house is 1/4 mile from where it thinks it is. This is the same thing as Mapquest and Mapblast on the internet. But they corrected the error about 2 years ago. Navtech still has that error. I'm looking forward to them releasing a new set of maps.



Also the system is very well integrated -- what I mean by that is that it's just the radio and the GPS antenna -- slap them in and your done. My buddy's 2001 740i Sport w/Nav has wiring going through the roof, trunk, rear pillars and dash to integrate his system. Granted it's got voice recognition, etc... but this was amazingly simple to install. Trying to upgrade a 740i w/o Nav is a nightmare.



These are just preliminary thoughts. I really like it so far. I ordered my truck basically as a stripped SLT (click the link on my sig for the window sticker). I saved a ton by not getting the premium seats, electronic 4x4 ($1100 right there), etc... . This Nav for that savings alone was waaaaay worth it for me.



I highly recommend it! :-laf :-laf :-laf :-laf

 

[PGiannetto]

great pics! could we get a pic of the GPS antenna mounted? Thanks!

 

[67guzzler]

great pics! could we get a pic of the GPS antenna mounted? Thanks!

Sorry but I'd have to take the unit back out again & don't think I'd like to do that.



I scanned the instructions and posted the two pages below. Note section 3 on the 2nd page where the A is pointing. What you have to do is actually reach your hand back and up under the dash ontop of that ledge (think it's a duct) to the left of that ridge and then push down on the antenna to get it to stick. It's pretty easy. You should try it first with the plastic still on the tape to be sure you can get it where you want it. Then peel back the tape and stick it!



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I hope this helps!

 

[Po' Riggity]

very cool! I SOOO want one of those, I just wish my CFO would let me buy one :LOL...

Scott

 

[PGiannetto]

thanks! that helps alot!

 

[LesStallings]

I believe the GPS antenna goes behind the round louvered hole in the center of the most forward section of the dash. Some people think the opening is for a speaker.



If you pop off that long section of the dash, the dash has a spot beneath it that perfectly accepts the GPS reciever and even the two holes line up should you want to screw it in place.



You do have to snake the wire throught the ventilation like it shows.



I am currently using this location for my yellow Earthmate GPS, connected to my laptop. It works perfectly, acquiring all the satilites needed. It keeps the dashboard clear of clutter.

 

[Scrappy]

I believe the GPS antenna goes behind the round louvered hole in the center of the most forward section of the dash. Some people think the opening is for a speaker.



It IS for a speaker if you got the Infinity radio!

 

[67guzzler]

I believe the GPS antenna goes behind the round louvered hole in the center of the most forward section of the dash. Some people think the opening is for a speaker.

Les -- I may be wrong but the pictures with the instructions are very clear. You reach in the radio opening to the back left corner, up over the duct (not in the duct) just to the left of the edge of the lip as displayed in the picture. The surface is flat (but to the right of the lip it's not) and solid there and the foam tape of the antenna sticks right there. It's not as far forward as you suggest. I'm not sure about any other mounting points.

 

[LDobie]

Looks great man, how is the sound quality compared to the crappy factory CD only stereo?? Now you need to upgrade to some kickin speakers and a new steering wheel with the Audio Controls!!

 

[67guzzler]

Looks great man, how is the sound quality compared to the crappy factory CD only stereo?? Now you need to upgrade to some kickin speakers and a new steering wheel with the Audio Controls!!

Thanks man! The sound quality is very good. I only have the standard 4 speaker radio on this 2005 model with the standard CD only radio. The sound on this package was surprisingly good. Prior to this truck I had a 2004. 5 model year RAM and the sound wasn't as good as the 2005 truck even though they both had the RBK CD only radio! The radios were different even tho they had the same model number so that may explain the difference.



I'd have to say this unit has more bass and treble range and sounds better overall than either of the two RBK radios I had before. But I could just be imagining it... .

 

[Bagger]

Connectivity with Sirius

I've seen these RB1 radios on eBay, and am seriously considering a purchase to replace my RBK, BUT, I'd like to know if they are compatible with the dealer installed Sirius Satellite radio. I ordered the Sirius package the day I picked up my truck. It came in 3 days later and was installed the same day. Does anyone know if it is compatible with RB1, and if so, how does the install differ from that which JGann illustrates?

 

[67guzzler]

Some Helpful Links

I've seen these RB1 radios on eBay, and am seriously considering a purchase to replace my RBK, BUT, I'd like to know if they are compatible with the dealer installed Sirius Satellite radio. I ordered the Sirius package the day I picked up my truck. It came in 3 days later and was installed the same day. Does anyone know if it is compatible with RB1, and if so, how does the install differ from that which JGann illustrates?

Hi Bagger! What's up? I believe the first answer is yes, the RB1 fully supports the OEM Sirius equipment. But to be sure, check out this Mopar & Jeep Navigation Systems link at WJ Jeeps. The specifications state the RB1 supports Sirius. For how, check out This link on the same page. Additionally, the site (it's fantastic, by the way and has a lot of crossover information from Jeep to all of mopar -- a must bookmark for everyone, IMHO) has this Sirius Satellite Page with even more information. I hope this helps! Take care, man!



UPDATE:



After looking at the following diagram, it appears the Sirius equipment just plugs into the unused C2 slot on the back of the RB1 just as it does with regular radios. See below:



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Also -- I've updated one of the pictures (click to make larger) with arrows for my understanding of the location of the GPS antenna per the instructions:



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[LesStallings]

Location-location-location!



Seems like you are right. In another discussion, the concensus was for the small round opening. Whatever. It works...



It is nice to know that no opening is required. I guess that as long as there is no metal to interfeer with the signal, everything is OK.



Mine is easier to get to... And I still bet the holes line up!

 

[67guzzler]

-- Honestly -- that consensus in that "other thread" may be a better mounting point than the instructions that came with the kit. I think that the upgrade package suggests what's easiest for the installer and still functional.



I can tell you that my GPS signal strength is stellar putting the antenna where they told me to. But I think any surface that's flat and at least as far forward as the instructions will do. The more farther forward the better -- so on that point what you suggest is meaningful. If it's farther forward, then there is a larger area available to the sky before the roofline blocks it.



Cheers!