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Gentlemen, I know many of you have already replaced the old Command unit with aftermarket touch screen radios. I am planning in doing the same and I am faced with few dilemmas and questions which I appreciate if you share your experience and knowledge on the subject. After reading some old threads I could see the complications some of you had trying to install the newer radio.
My vehicle was built in March 2004 and has a Command 2 model and a Bosh fiber optic amplifier using a D2B system.
I can see that D2B fiber optic decoders cost as much as a regular analog amplifier which may cause less hassle to install since to maintain the OEM amplifier also would need fiber optic loops and who knows what else..!
I also wonder if these radios will have enough power for volume of the speakers without amplifier.
I would like to install a 9" Double din unit which would need to get rid of the cup holders and cut the trim even with the portion below the cupholders. I can possibly 3D print the surrounding trim, but would be easier to find the trim around the unit already made...any vendor suggestion??
The look below is what I would like to install...!
The 9" double din Android comes with the surrounding already installed (R230 specification) but you will still need to cut the console trim below the cup holders to fit. It is intended for the 2005 MOST cars.
From reading, most people install a new D2B cable directly from the D2B converter unit to the existing amplifier, completely bypassing and doing away with all the problems you will have with other components on the D2B ring
Thank you gOrsq, I wouldn't mind making the cut, and instead of removing all the panels as shown in the video, I think it is a better idea to connect the D2B straight into the amplifier! I already ordered a "Chinese" 9" android and will see what is necessary when I get in on my hands! This one comes with the surrounding trim..!
gOrsq, there is a S-500 2007 in a nearby junkyard......and it uses the MOST system. Do you think that the MOST amplifier has the same outputs of the D2B? That amplifier may be purchased for $20 and if it insures a better and easier fit, I may consider to replace mine with that..>!
Just finished removing the complete command system & upgrading the head unit, door speakers, added a sub in the rear cubby, amps, & rewired everything. It really wasn’t that bad. If you go with a double din or floating screen I believe metra makes the dash kit. Scosche might also.
Ok, wise audio members,
I got me an amplifier from a S500 2006, which is a MOST system. So, the real difference with the D2B system is just the Command unit and the amplifier. So, if I want to connect the aftermarket radio, all I would need is to feed the same controls into the new amplifier and done deal since from the amplifier we should have speakers and subwoofer...! And seems like connecting the fiber optic decoder is more common...!
Any comments on this????
The big electrical connectors are different on the amps and the fiber cable connectors are also different. I messed with this awhile back as there were MOST decoders available but not D2B decoders. I gave up on it trying to deal with the wake up signal business and I was very happy when the D2B decoders came out.
Is there a reason you don't want to go with the D2B decoder and the original amp?
Marko, thanks for the feedback...I am with you....the change of amplifier will create more problems..! I just used the original D2B system with the optical decoder..!
Now, if the wake up signal for the amplifier comes from the command unit, when you discard the command unit, how the amplifier is waken up???
I assume the aftermarket radio does not have this "alarm" on it..!
Marko...attached extracted sections from the SL-500 D2B system amplifier. As you could see, other than speakers the amp has the connections from the rear fuse and relays which must be power. Then the W30 ground. Now, that power would need to be switched.!
On the other picture, you have the optical cables in and out and the misterious Wake up coming from the Diagnosis distributor connector..! How did you by-passed that?
Now, if the wake up signal for the amplifier comes from the command unit, when you discard the command unit, how the amplifier is waken up???
Yes the command unit was sending the electrical wake up signal on the blu/blk wire. Now the D2B decoder is available and there is a blue wake up wire on it. I think the decoder is sending an optical signal to the amp to wake it up. If it were an electrical wake up signal, I would think you would connect the blue wire from the decoder to the Blue/Black wake up wire instead of pin 10 on the canbus connector. What is on pin 10 and where does it go? I dunno, but when it's all connected it works!!
I’m in the middle of installing a Pioneer 10.1” floating screen HU
I’m starting with just replacing the head unit and keeping the stock HK amp and speakers. Enfig out of New Jersey makes a plug and play harness (literally plug and play) that is fantastic so far!
I think the 10.1” floating display is going to fit perfect and let me keep the cup holders and won’t block the vents.
OK, wise stereo guys.....I have got my 9" android unit and it came with a bundle of cables to plug into the OEM connectors. But as many of you know, the Chinese instructions and illustrations really suck, perhaps they think we are super smart and need minimal guidance...!
The picture below illustrates the bundle that connects to the main unit. It has two styles of connectors to fit OEM plug. But also it has 5 intermediate connectors that I have no Idea where they go. I am sure some of you have decipher similar tangle of cables, and if you don't mind could you provide me with some hints...!
I have inquired to the vendor, but still have no answer!
Thanks in advance for sharing your infinite wisdom...!
